Component or system failure: The vehicle experienced failures involving the engine/ignition system, emissions system, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), and power steering. On July 14, 2025, warning messages appeared for “Check Emissions System,” “Check VSA System,” and “Check Power Steering System.” Diagnostics identified engine misfire code P0304 (Cylinder #4). On August 11, 2025, an authorized Honda dealership confirmed a seized spark plug and cylinder head damage, indicating an internal engine defect. The vehicle is currently with the selling dealership and available for inspection. Safety risk: Simultaneous failure warnings for emissions, VSA, and power steering created an unsafe driving condition. Impaired stability control and power steering increase the risk of loss of vehicle control during turning or emergency maneuvers. Confirmation of problem: Yes. Independent diagnostics confirmed the misfire. The selling dealer attempted repairs between July 22–25, 2025, but the same warnings returned. On August 8, 2025, the dealer admitted it lacked tools and software to diagnose or repair CNG vehicles. Honda later confirmed internal engine damage. Inspections: The vehicle was inspected by the selling dealer and an authorized Honda dealership. A third-party warranty administrator authorized a tear-down inspection. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by Honda Motor Co. or the federal safety agency. Prior warnings and recall concern: Warnings first appeared on July 14, 2025, about two weeks after purchase, and recurred despite repairs. The 2012 Honda Civic CNG has multiple recalls involving engine, fuel, and emissions systems, and these failures are consistent with known defect patterns, warranting further investigation.
2012 Honda Civic steering problems
74 complaints (16% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 60,000. 3 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 74
- of this car's complaints
- 16%
- typical mileage
- 60,000
- crashes
- 3
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Steering wheel/handle bar1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Honda Civic steering problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2012 Honda Civic steering
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Steering: column
- What is wrong
- Honda is recalling certain model year 2012 Civic passenger vehicles, manufactured from October 26, 2012, through October 30, 2012. These vehicles were assembled with the incorrect steering column assembly.
- Risk
- The steering column may not have proper energy absorbing characteristics, which could increase the risk of injury during a vehicle crash.
- Remedy
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the steering column, as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on December 10, 2012. Owners may contact Honda at 1‑800‑999‑1009.
Recall number 12V548000 · Recall details
What 2012 Honda Civic owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Esp code1.33-06 while driving car I suddenly lose of power steering making it difficult to control vehicle
This is a serious matter that needs to be evaluated as it is a potentially fatal safety issue for human drivers of 2012 Honda Civic. This email needs to be sent please to the Department of Transportation and the National Transportation Safety Board for evaluation of extension of recall: meaning other 2012 Honda Civic vehicles that have the same type or similar area of issues as the two above stated recalls and from the same manufacturer as the 2012 Honda Civic vehicles but whose VIN were not included in the group of VIN numbers in the original recalls) a. 2019 - control arm bushings cracked - cause: leaking - front lower arm compliance bushings, both replaced by Honda( documention available upon request) b. 2019- right front tire shred and upon inspection by Goodyear no nail or issue could be found for the one right front tire shredding. (documentation and images available upon request) c. 2022- right front tire shreds while driving and upon inspection by Goodyear no nail or issue could be found for the right front tire behavior. (documentation and images available upon request) d. 2024-right front control arm mount and right control arm failure while driving causing the vehicle to be a total loss including from collateral damage. It happened at a low speed but if it happened at a higher speed it would have been potentially fatal. Corporate American Honda made aware and Corporate American Honda made aware this is to be reported to the Department of Transportation and Corporate American Honda response was that they were taking no action to the situation of the request for evaluation of extension of recall, besides just collecting the information I was reporting to them due per Corporate American Honda to it potentially costing Corporate Honda money and that they American Corporate Honda were willing to wait the couple of months that it could potentially take for the Department of Transportation to evaluate. Police report was taken, but I do not have a copy.
When my car reaches speeds above 60mph the steering is difficult to control (a lot of Play in the steering wheel). I took my vehicle in to a Monrovia, CA Honda Dealer in May 2024 to fix the issue. The dealer replaced the bushings but did not fix the steering issue. This vehicle feels dangerous. I noticed on the internet there are a lot of mechanics talking about steering issues in the model years that my car is under. I am frustrated that the Honda dealers don’t seem to want to fix this issue. I’ve already paid a great deal of money in up keep and the problem has not been corrected. I have had no warning lamps or signs of leaks just a lot of play in the steering wheel and lack of control.I don’t feel safe on the highway in this vehicle.
The contact owns a 2012 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.
Power Steering suddenly failed after I stopped for a stop sign. The EPS light was not on prior to stopping but came on after the steering failed. Managed to get to the nearest Honda Dealer and was told they wouldn't touch it. Managed to get to a local repair shop who looked up the issue and reset some code(s). They told me it could happen again at any time. This is an extremely dangerous problem that could cause serious damage or death if it occurred while driving. I can't understand why Honda hasn't figured out a solution and issued a recall.
The power steering light will come on and the cars power steering no longer works. I was driving down the road approximately 60 mph and the power steering light came on and I could barely turn the steering wheel. I was able to stop and shut the care off and restart and the power steering worked again. On future drives the power steering intermittently will go out forcing me to stop and shut the car off and restart. I took vehicle to Honda dealer and the dealership and I was informed I needed to replace the EPS control unit, which I did. The vehicle was clear of any problems a a while but the same issue is now happening again. Went back to dealer and they reset code 51-04 and said they could not find any problem. Less than an hour after leaving the dealer, the same problem was there again: loss of power steering. This is so dangerous. I've noticed tons of other people have this same complaint and it should be a recall issue and fixed.
EPS warning light came on while I was pulling into a local gas station. When I came out and started vehicle, wheel would not turn. Realized with EPS assist off it reverts to manual steering and, with great difficulty, made it to garage. Rack and pinion replaced ($1514.77). Now EPS warning light still continues to come on randomly with sudden loss of steering, once at 70 mph on interstate and another at 35 mph on secondary road. This is EXTREMELY dangerous. If you turn car off and wait 10-15 minutes the system resets and steering works perfectly (until it doesn’t).I refuse to drive it now and, since it is an older car with high mileage, it would be cost prohibitive. Even if I could find a buyer, I can’t in good conscience sell it to someone and worry about their safety. Other potential repairs could be EPS motor, steering sensors, bad wiring, computer issues, etc.
Intermittent power steering loss. Vehicle would lose power steering sometimes while driving and other times at startup. Very random. For months nothing would happen until all of a sudden eps warning light would come on and power steering wouldn’t engage right away. Now it is permanently on and the power steering does not work at all. This issue started around 65k and complete power steering loss happened at 80k. Definitely scary to think you might lose power steering all of a sudden.
The contact owns a 2012 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH, the emergency steering warning light illuminated, and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, then to the dealer. Initially, the dealer could not replicate the failure but later diagnosed the vehicle with steering column failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,500.
Questions about the 2012 Honda Civic steering
Does the 2012 Honda Civic have steering problems?
Owners have filed 74 complaints about the steering of the 2012 Honda Civic, 16% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2012 Honda Civic steering problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 60,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2012 Honda Civic steering?
Yes, 1 recall: 12V548000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Honda Civic have bad steering?
The Honda Civic model years with the most steering complaints are 2022 (734 complaints), 2016 (446 complaints) and 2018 (316 complaints).
Is there a class action lawsuit over the Honda Civic?
Yes. Class action says Honda and Acura keyless entry makes cars easy to steal and asks for theft protection (November 12, 2026).
Other 2012 Honda Civic problems
Airbags 149Electrical 60Transmission 49Brakes 40Acceleration 38Engine 36Body 35Fuel system 25Seat belts 14Seats 12Driver assistance 10Lights 10Visibility 10Wheels 10Suspension 5Tires 3Locks 1
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2012 Honda Civic?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history