2012 Honda Civic: won't start

Filed Oct 13, 2026 · Electrical · MI

Vehicle Safety Complaint Team, I am submitting this complaint regarding a recurring and unresolved hybrid-system issue with my 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid. Vehicle Information Make/Model: 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid VIN: [XXX] Current Mileage: Approximately 144,000 miles Diagnostic Trouble Code: P1440 Reported Symptoms: IMA warning light illuminated, battery/charging warning light illuminated, and vehicle starting problems. Description of the Problem My vehicle has developed a serious issue involving its Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system. The IMA warning light is illuminated, and the vehicle has stored diagnostic trouble code P1440. The battery/charging warning light is also illuminated. I have experienced a no-start condition in which the dashboard lights illuminate, but the vehicle does not start. Attempting to jump-start the vehicle did not resolve the problem, and the vehicle also would not start when shifted into Neutral. I have contacted multiple Honda dealerships to investigate this problem. However, I have been informed that my vehicle does not qualify for Honda Service Bulletin A20-030, despite the P1440 trouble code and symptoms that appear consistent with the reported issue. This has left me without a clear resolution to the problem and concerned about the reliability and safety of the vehicle. I am particularly concerned about the potential consequences of a hybrid-system or electrical-system failure that could leave the vehicle unable to start or operate unexpectedly. Request for the federal safety agency Review I respectfully request that the federal safety agency: Review whether this condition is associated with a broader defect affecting the IMA system or related hybrid components in 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid vehicles. Investigate whether the reported symptoms and P1440 diagnostic trouble code may be associated with the defect addressed by Honda Service Bulletin A20-030. Review Honda's eligibility criteria for the service bulletin and determine whether add INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION

Filed Oct 1, 2016 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 65,434 miles · IN

Three different time, the car was parked overnight and would not start the next morning. It had to be towed. I was told that rodents had chewed through the soy based wiring insulation in multiple areas, including the fuel tank pressure sensor, the fuel hose. The mechanic could not offer me any concrete solution to prevent this from happening again and I fear a problem might occur while I am actually driving.

Filed Mar 2, 2016 · Electrical · 49,000 miles · OH

My car was working just fine. One morning I went outside to start my car, next thing I know it wouldn't turn over. My dashboard worked, but the car wouldn't start. My car was parked overnight. I called my roadside assistance and they came out and gave me a jump. As soon as the car was turned off it would not cut back on. He jumped it again and told me that my alternator and battery were both bad, and that my car would not start back up on its on. Sure enough it did not. My car has been down for almost a week now. I purchased it may 2012, and I have never had any problems with it until now. I looked online and I saw that there were several other people that were having the same problem.

Filed Feb 2, 2016 · Electrical · 70,800 miles · VA

Car randomly does not start. It will go a week or two, then when I try to start it, it needs to be jumped. Battery and alternator tested good. Car sat for several days covered in snow and then started without hesitation, but on a 70 degree day, I pull over to get gas and then have to jump it. Happens every week or two. Honda did a software update a few months ago, and now it happens more often.

Filed Jan 12, 2015 · Airbags, Electrical · 32,000 miles · CA

Ever since I bought the honda civic 2012, I've had problems. The first problem is the air bags turning on and off. Apparently, the air bags turn off if a child/someone is under 100 pounds. However, all my previous ex's were around 110 pounds, so the airbags turn off or on. I would hate to have one of my girlfriends die because of a crash where the airbag did not go off. Second problem: the car will not start multiple of times! I had my battery checked multiple times and it is not the alternator, either! Apparently the steering wheel problem or the security system drains the battery. I had to buy a rechargeable battery and jumper cables which I carry in my trunk because I am tired of calling my insurance company or security at that location to jump start my car.

Filed Oct 21, 2014 · Electrical · 96,000 miles · DC

When I go out to start my vehicle it will not turn over. I have had the battery tested, alternator, harness but have been assured that these test out positive. I went online and read that a lot of people with 2012 honda civics are having the same experience and go through the same process as I with no relief. Some describe situations that are more frightening than mine such as driving along and all the panel lights come on and then die and the car quits.

Filed Dec 13, 2013 · Electrical · 21,000 miles · IL

Three times over one year, the car battery has died and the car will not start. Often this has been after the car has not been driven for two days. Numerous complaints have appeared online of the same problem. Honda service has simply refused to do a diagnostic beyond offering a new battery.

Filed Jan 31, 2012 · Electrical · 15,000 miles · OH

Battery drains off after car sets for a few days. Will start up normally but the battery looses charge as you drive even though the alternator is putting out charge. After you stop the car and turn it off it will not start again. Car stutters at stops due to low battery. Risk that the battery can fail and the car can lose power while being driven.