The light on the dash indicates an airbag warning. When looking up the warning, it says the air bag could deploy at any time and cause an unsafe or dangerous situation. I researched that there have been airbag issues with some of these cars and would like this fixed. This is my daughter's car, and I am concerned for her safety.
The worst 2012 Honda Accord problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Seats64
- Airbags57
- Engine52
- Steering51
- Brakes39
- Electrical32
- Transmission27
- Acceleration26
- Suspension23
- Body22
- Wheels17
- Fuel system16
- Visibility15
- Tires12
- Driver assistance10
- Seat belts7
- Lights5
- Locks1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2012 Honda Accord
No deployment 17Airbag light 12ABS 11Sudden acceleration 11Check engine light 7Hesitation 6Stalling 6Door locks 5Jerking 5Oil consumption 5
Recalls 8
Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2014 TSX Sport Wagon, 2010-2013 ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic and Civic Hybrid, 2008-2010 Civic GX NGV, 2012-2015 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2014 Fit EV, 2010-2014 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- Risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are F5F and Q5E.
Recall number 19V502000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2013 TSX Sport Wagon, and 2010-2012 ZDX and 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV, 2012-2014 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2013 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot vehicles. The front passenger air bag inflator may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.
- Risk
- An incorrectly installed air bag inflator may not properly deploy the passenger frontal air bag in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the inflator installation and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 5, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are M4O, P4R, T4Q, and W4P.
Recall number 19V378000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014 Honda Insight and Acura TSX and TSX Wagon, 2014-2015 Honda Crosstour and Pilot vehicles nationwide, as well as certain 2014 Honda FCX Clarity and Fit EV vehicles in Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, California, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan) and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Honda is also recalling certain 2011-2013 Acura TSX, TSX Wagon and ZDX, Honda Crosstour, Insight, Fit and Pilot vehicles, 2011-2012 Honda Accord and 2011 Honda Civic NGV, Civic, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Lastly, Honda is recalling certain 2010-2013 Acura TSX and ZDX, Honda Crosstour, Fit, Insight and Pilot, 2011-2013 TSX Wagon, 2010-2012 Honda Accord and 2010-2011 Honda Civic NGV, Civic, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag air bag inflators assembled as part of the frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- Risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are M2J and S2K.
Recall number 18V661000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2012 Honda Accord and Pilot, 2010 Accord Crosstour, 2001-2011 Civic, 2002-2011 CR-V, 2003-2004, 2006-2008 and 2011 Element, 2007 and 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2012 Insight, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2012 Ridgeline vehicles. The front passenger air bag may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.
- Risk
- An incorrectly installed air bag may deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began June 22, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are K1P, and M1O.
Recall number 18V268000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Acura TSX, ZDX, Honda Accord Crosstour, Fit, Insight and Pilot vehicles, 2011-13 Acura TSX Sportswagon, 2010-2012 Honda Accord,, 2010-2011 Honda Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles and 2013 Honda FCX Clarity and Fit EV vehicles ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Honda is recalling certain 2010-2012 Acura TSX, Honda Accord, Accord Crosstour, Fit and Pilot, 2010-2011 Honda Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid and CR-V, and 2010 Acura ZDX and Honda Insight vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Unless included in Zones A or B above, Honda is recalling certain 2009 Acura TSX, Honda Accord, Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid, CR-V, Fit, and Pilot vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- Risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 16, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are B0K and L0J.
Recall number 18V042000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2008-2012 Accord, 2010-2012 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2012 Fit and Pilot, 2010-2012 Insight, and 2009-2012 Acura TSX vehicles that received replacement passenger frontal air bag inflators. One dealership may have incorrectly installed the replacement air bag inflators.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash, an incorrectly installed passenger frontal air bag inflator may deploy the air bag improperly, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are O07, Y0A, N06, G05, M04, Y01, and O09.
Recall number 17V545000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Acura TSX, 2011-2012 Acura TSX Wagon, 2010-2012 Acura ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2012 Honda Accord Crosstour and Honda Insight, 2009-2012 Honda Fit, 2009-2012 Pilot, 2007-2011 Honda CR-V, 2012 Honda FCX Clarity and 2006-2011 Honda Civic, Civic Hybrid, Civic NGV vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain 2009 Acura TSX, Honda Fit and Pilot, 2008-2009 Honda Accord, 2006-2009 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV, and 2007-2009 Honda CR-V vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, if not included in "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling certain 2008 Honda Accord, 2006-2008 Honda Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV and 2007-2008 Honda CR-V vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- Risk
- An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger side air bag inflator, free of charge. The manufacturer has mailed an interim notification, and will send a second notification when parts are available. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KE1 and KE2.
Recall number 17V030000 · Recall details
Air bags: side/window
- What is wrong
- Honda is recalling certain model year 2012 accord and crosstour vehicles. The driver-side or passenger-side side curtain airbag inflator may not have been manufactured according to correct specifications.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash, the side curtain airbag may fail to deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Honda will replace the driver's side or passenger's side side curtain airbag as needed free of charge. The safety recall began on february 24, 2012. Owners may contact honda customer service at 1‑800‑999‑1009.
Recall number 12V030000 · Recall details
See all 8 recalls for the 2012 Honda Accord
Defect investigations
Autoliv Air Bag Propellant Mixture
The summary for this investigation, labeled EQ12-002 Autoliv Closing Resume, can be found attached separately to this resume.This EQ is closed.
EQ12002
Technical service bulletins for the 2012 Honda Accord 50
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Service News
- ServiceNews Article
- Dealer Message
- This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators
- The front rocker arm oil control valve is leaking.
- Customer Support Program For Front Passenger's Airbag Inflator for 2010-12 Accord and Other Listed Years...
- This SKU is a Front Upper Ball Joint
- Air bags
- This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators
- Engine
2012 Honda Accord fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4‑cyl | FWD | 22-23 | 31-33 | 26-27 |
| 3.5L 6‑cyl | FWD | 18-20 | 26-30 | 21-23 |
What 2012 Honda Accord owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Honda Accord. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 124,414, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 170,762.
The contact owns a 2012 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH and turning left onto a secondary road, the vehicle abruptly stopped in the middle of the road. The vehicle was pushed off to the shoulder of the road with help from other motorists who had stopped to aid. The vehicle was later towed to the local mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the front passenger’s side CV axle was fractured from corrosion. The CV axle and the rear brakes and rotors were replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V769000 (POWER TRAIN). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 100,000.
The suspected failed component is on 3-4 General Altimax GT45 tires. After approximately 15,000 miles of use and regular tire rotations every 5,000 miles, a steering wheel vibration developed immediately following a tire rotation. Multiple tire balances and a road-force balance did not identify a problem or correct the condition. Multiple, independent mechanics advised that the vibration may be caused by an internal tire belt defect, such as a shifted belt or belt separation. After the tires were rotated again, the vibration changed in character and became worse, further suggesting that the condition is related to a tire rather than the vehicle's suspension or alignment. The tires are still available for inspection upon request. The vehicle develops a noticeable steering wheel vibration at highway speeds between approximately 60 and 70 mph. The vibration affects steering feel and driver confidence while operating the vehicle at normal highway speeds. If caused by an internal tire defect, there is concern that the condition could worsen and potentially affect vehicle control or lead to tire failure. Yes, the problem has been reproduced. The vibration has been repeatedly reproduced during normal driving and has been evaluated by multiple independent service centers. The tires were rebalanced multiple times, including road-force balancing, without resolving the vibration. Multiple mechanics advised that the condition appears consistent with a possible internal tire belt defect. After an additional tire rotation, the vibration changed and became more severe, which mechanics indicated is consistent with a tire-related problem moving to a different position on the vehicle. The tires have been inspected by 4 independent service centers and tire technicians. The manufacturer, Continental/General Tire, has not physically inspected the tires. No inspection was performed by police or insurance representatives. No warning lamps or vehicle messages were displayed.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Honda Accord. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase the vehicle mileage wa47,000,p=and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 238, 629. A Carfax report was obtained with the same mileage. The contact sent a message and left a voice mail message but there was no response. The contact received an unusual high quote from the insurance company. The contact's son sent a text to the seller but they did not respond. There was no other agency contacted.
This car needs CV AXLE ASSEMBLY REPLACED as published under 'honda news' attached as i am in one one the 22 states that uses road salt. Honda dealer claims to have no knowledge of this , I need you to escalate please. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I have bought three Hondas and leased one, I still have a 2012 Sedan and 18 months ago the car stopped in the middle of the road, thankfully no one hit us. The axle was broken and had to be repaired. Today [XXX] the car just stopped driving in a horrible round about [XXX] . The police and fire men, thank God helped to push the car out of the way into a parking lot. Talk about stress, the round abouts are a horror show, with more accidents than ever and a car just STOPS driving. Well now we are being told the axle is broken. What in [XXX] is wrong, I looked on-line and many people have made complaints about broken axels on their Honda's. You have to do something, someone could have gotten killed and I would like a call back. [XXX] [XXX] . [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Purchased a car from JKJ Auto on 01/17/2026 for $5000 + tax. Car was sold "as-is" with no dealer warranty. Vehile was only driven for 12 days before the car caught fire while my son was driving to school. He was trapped inside until a person ran over to help him out of the car. Police came to the scene and towed the vehicle. It was later examined by DSM Auto Repair who deduced that the battery was defective and overheated. This caused all other electrical cables to ignite along with the rest of the car. There were no warning lamps, messages or audio alerts. My son first noticed when there was white smoke coming from the hood as the car shut off, followed shortly by flames.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Honda Accord. The contact stated that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 64,163. It was later discovered, upon checking the Carfax report that the mileage was 200,000.
I just saw the new Honda Civic recall for wheels falling off and it reminded me to report this. On January 6, 2022 I was driving down I-29 from Grand Forks to Fargo and about 60 miles into my trip I thought I had a flat tire. I pulled over at the next exit and found I was missing 3 lug bolts and nuts, 1 lug nut with the bolt still attached, and my wheel was hanging on by just 1 lug bolt + nut. It looked like 3 or the bolts sheared off while I was driving. There was absolutely no prior warning or indication before this happened. I was doing about 75 mph and, from what I remember, it was about -20f outside. I had my car towed to a local mechanic, Tuffy Tire and Auto Servicr, and they fixed it. If my tire fell off at 75 mph I almost certainly would’ve ended up hitting another car or going into the ditch. The problem hasn’t been reproduced by a local dealer, but the Tuffy Tire and Auto Care in Fargo, ND should still have records/invoice about my service. My Honda accord has been inspected by Rydell Honda in Grand Forks, ND and they should have records of my lug nuts coming loose because I brought it in multiple times and I think they had to order a part for it. Another time, I think in late 2022 or 2023, I had my tires rotated at Rydell Honda in Grand Forks, ND and I drove about 90 miles and my lug nuts came loose on one wheel. I had to pull over and tighten them, but there was damage to the wheel. I believe Rydell Honda has records about this incident as well.
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Other model years
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Questions about the 2012 Honda Accord
Is the 2012 Honda Accord reliable?
Owners have filed 374 complaints about the 2012 Honda Accord, fewer than a typical Accord model year.
What is the 2012 Honda Accord year score?
The 2012 Honda Accord scores 74 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Honda Accord: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Honda Accord?
Seats, with 64 complaints, typically around 300 miles. Next is airbags (57).
How many recalls does the 2012 Honda Accord have?
8 recalls, covering air bags.
What year does the Honda Accord have bad seats?
The Honda Accord model years with the most seats complaints are 2012 (64 complaints), 2013 (47 complaints) and 1999 (42 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2012 Honda Accord get?
Official estimates for the 2012 Honda Accord range from 21 to 27 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.4L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 22-23 city and 31-33 highway.
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