The 2012 Honda Civic is a compact car that was first introduced to the market in 1972. It has consistently ranked as one of the top-selling cars in the United States and has a reputation for being reliable and fuel-efficient. However,
like any car, it is not immune to problems and issues. Some common problems that have been reported by owners of the 2012 Honda Civic include transmission issues, engine problems, and electrical issues.
In this introduction, we will briefly discuss some of the common problems that have been reported with the 2012 Honda Civic and how they may be addressed.
2012 Honda Civic Problems
1. Airbag Light Due to Failed Occupant Position Sensor
This issue is caused by a faulty sensor that is responsible for detecting the position of the driver or passenger in the front seats.
When the sensor fails, it can trigger the airbag light on the dashboard to come on. This can be a safety concern because it means that the airbags may not deploy properly in the event of a collision.
To fix this problem, the faulty sensor will need to be replaced.
2. Bad Engine Mounts May Cause Vibration, Roughness, and Rattle
The engine mounts on a car are responsible for securing the engine to the frame of the vehicle. If the engine mounts become worn or damaged, it can cause the engine to vibrate or shake excessively,
leading to roughness or rattle when driving. This can also cause other issues such as steering and suspension problems. To fix this problem, the damaged engine mounts will need to be replaced.
3. Power Window Switch May Fail
The power window switch is responsible for controlling the movement of the windows in a car. If the switch fails, it can cause the windows to stop working or to operate erratically. To fix this problem, the faulty switch will need to be replaced.
4. Possible Shift Control Solenoid Fault
The shift control solenoid is a component of the transmission system that is responsible for controlling the gears. If it fails, it can cause problems with the transmission such as difficulty shifting gears, slipping,
or the transmission getting stuck in one gear. To fix this problem, the faulty solenoid will need to be replaced.
5. Low Rumbling Sound When in Reverse = Bad Engine Mounts
As mentioned previously, the engine mounts are responsible for securing the engine to the frame of the vehicle. If the engine mounts become worn or damaged, it can cause the engine to vibrate or shake excessively,
leading to roughness or rattle when driving. In this case, the issue is specifically a low rumbling sound that occurs when the car is placed in reverse. This could be a sign that the engine mounts are damaged and in need of replacement.
6. Problem with the IMA Light on
The IMA light, or Integrated Motor Assist light, is a warning light that appears on the dashboard of some Honda Civic models. It is used to indicate a problem with the hybrid system, which combines a traditional internal combustion engine with an electric motor.
If the IMA light comes on, it could be an indication of a problem with the hybrid system such as a faulty battery or a malfunctioning electric motor. To fix this problem, the underlying cause of the IMA light being on will need to be diagnosed and addressed.
7. Front Compliance Bushings May Crack
The compliance bushings, also known as control arm bushings, are rubber or polyurethane components that are located at the connection points between the suspension and the chassis of a vehicle.
They are designed to absorb shock and reduce vibration, but over time they can become worn or damaged. If the compliance bushings on the front of the car crack, it can cause problems such as noise, vibration, and handling issues.
To fix this problem, the damaged bushings will need to be replaced.
8. Sun Visors May Not Retract After Sitting in Sun
The sun visors in a car are designed to be adjustable to block the sun from shining directly into the driver’s or passenger’s eyes.
However, if the sun visors are left in the down position for an extended period of time, particularly in hot weather, the heat can cause the visors to become stuck in the down position.
This can be frustrating for the driver, as it can block their view while driving. To fix this problem, the visors will need to be manually adjusted back into their original position.
9. Warped Front Brake Rotors May Cause Vibration When Braking
The brake rotors are an important component of the braking system. They are metal discs that are located on the wheels of a car and are responsible for converting the kinetic energy of the car into heat when the brakes are applied.
If the front brake rotors become warped, it can cause a vibration or pulsation when the brakes are applied. This can be a safety concern, as it can make it more difficult to stop the car smoothly. To fix this problem, the warped rotors will need to be replaced.
10. Front Door Glass Off Track
The door glass in a car is held in place by a track system that allows it to move up and down when the window is operated. If the glass becomes off track, it can cause problems with the window such as it not moving smoothly or getting stuck in a certain position.
To fix this problem, the door glass will need to be realigned with the track system. This may require the door panel to be removed in order to access the track and make the necessary adjustments.
11. Engine Leaking Oil
If the engine in a car is leaking oil, it can be a serious problem. Oil is essential for lubricating and cooling the moving parts of the engine, and if it starts to leak, it can cause damage to the engine over time.
Common causes of engine oil leaks include worn or damaged seals, gaskets, or other components. To fix this problem, the source of the leak will need to be identified and repaired.
12. Inactive-Merged-Power Window Switch May Fail
As mentioned previously, the power window switch is responsible for controlling the movement of the windows in a car. If the switch fails, it can cause the windows to stop working or to operate erratically.
This issue was previously mentioned as one of the common problems with the 2012 Honda Civic, but it bears repeating as it is a known issue with this model. To fix this problem, the faulty switch will need to be replaced.
13. Updated Belt For Tension Noise
It is not clear from the information provided what is meant by “updated belt for tension noise.” It is possible that this refers to a problem with the belt tensioner, which is a component that is responsible for maintaining the proper tension on the drive belts in a car.
If the belt tensioner becomes worn or damaged, it can cause problems such as noise or vibration. To fix this problem, the faulty belt tensioner will need to be replaced.
Possible Solution
| Problem | Possible Solution |
| Airbag light due to failed OPS | Replace the faulty occupant position sensor |
| Bad engine mounts | Replace the damaged engine mounts |
| Power window switch may fail | Replace the faulty power window switch |
| Shift control solenoid fault | Replace the faulty shift control solenoid |
| Low rumbling sound when in reverse | Replace the damaged engine mounts |
| IMA light on | Diagnose and address the underlying cause of the IMA light being on |
| Front compliance bushings may crack | Replace the damaged compliance bushings |
| Sun visors may not retract after sitting in sun | Manually adjust the sun visors back into their original position |
| Warped front brake rotors | Replace the warped front brake rotors |
| Front door glass off track | Realign the door glass with the track system (may require removing the door panel) |
| Engine leaking oil | Identify and repair the source of the engine oil leak |
| Power window switch may fail | Replace the faulty power window switch |
| Updated belt for tension noise | Replace the faulty belt tensioner or address any other issues causing tension noise |
2012 Honda Civic Recalls
| Recall Number | Issue | Affected Models |
| 20V770000 | Drive Shaft Fractures | 3 models |
| 12V256000 | Loss of Drive Power Due to Separated Drive Shaft | 1 model |
| 11V288000 | Potential Fuel Leak From Fuel Feed Line | 1 model |
| 12V548000 | Possible Incorrect Steering Column Installed | 1 model |
Recall 20V770000 (Drive Shaft Fractures):
This recall affects certain 2012 Honda Civic models that were equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The problem is that the drive shaft may fracture, which can cause a sudden loss of drive power.
The vehicle could also roll away if the parking brake has not been applied before the vehicle has been exited. Either condition can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Recall 12V256000 (Loss of Drive Power Due to Separated Drive Shaft):
This recall affects certain 2012 Honda Civic models that were equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The problem is that the drive shaft may become separated from the transmission, which can cause a loss of drive power.
The vehicle could also roll away if the parking brake has not been applied before the vehicle has been exited. Either condition can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Recall 11V288000 (Potential Fuel Leak From Fuel Feed Line):
This recall affects certain 2012 Honda Civic models that were equipped with a 1.8 liter engine. The problem is that the fuel feed line may develop a small crack, which can lead to a fuel leak. If fuel leakage occurs in the presence of an ignition source, it could result in a fire.
Recall 12V548000 (Possible Incorrect Steering Column Installed):
This recall affects certain 2012 Honda Civic models. The problem is that the steering column may not have the correct energy absorbing characteristics, which could increase the risk of injury during a vehicle crash.
Problems and Complaints Sources
https://repairpal.com/2012-honda-civic/problems
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Honda/Civic/2012/
All Honda Civic years we talked –
