While driving, my 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid suddenly loses power and steering ability. The vehicle stalls and the steering wheel locks up, making it impossible to safely maneuver. This has happened multiple times, including in traffic, creating a serious risk of collision. When the failure occurs, warning lights illuminate on the dashboard, including the IMA light, anti-lock brake light, and others. In some cases, all dash lights flash before the car stalls. When scanned with an OBD tool, the vehicle shows power inverter-related fault codes. The symptoms are consistent with the IMA motor power inverter defect described in Honda Recall H98 (2012–2015 Civic Hybrid inverter recall). However, my VIN does not currently show as part of that recall. Despite this, the vehicle is clearly experiencing the same safety defect. This defect causes sudden loss of propulsion and steering assist, placing myself, passengers, and other drivers at serious risk. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.
2012 Honda Civic: steering wheel locks up
6 of the 456 complaints about the 2012 Honda Civic describe steering wheel locks up.
- owner complaints
- 6
- of this car's complaints
- 1%
- recalls
- 1
Steering wheel locks up by model year
What owners say
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.
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.
When leaving my parking space, my steering wheel locked and I was unable to turn the vehicle. If I had needed to maneuver my vehicle, I would not have been able to do so. The dashboard indicated that the power steering needed to be inspected.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 honda civic. While the contact's daughter was driving 50 MPH, the steering wheel seized and the power steering warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a power steering and electrical failure. The contact was informed that the power steering column needed replacement. The contact stated that the vehicle was not repaired due to cost and believed there should be a recall. The honda manufacturer and local dealer (millennium honda, 286 n franklin st, hempstead, ny 11550, (516) 481-2800) were contacted and informed the contact of no open recalls. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000. *tt
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 honda civic. While driving 35 MPH, the steering wheel seized. In order for the steering to operate, the contact had to turn the ignition switch on and off four times. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and the power steering rack was replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 35,000. Updated 12/13/16*lj the consumer stated the steering would lock up, placing him at risk. The dealer stated the power steering rack needed to be replaced. Updated 12/19/16.
Service bulletins that may apply
- ServiceNews Article
- Dealer message - american honda (AHM) is investigating certain 2012-2015 civics with a customer complaint...
- Engineering request - american honda (AHM) is investigating certain 2012-2015 civics with a customer...
- Dealer message - american honda (AHM) is investigating certain 2012-2015 civics with a customer complaint...
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
Questions about the 2012 Honda Civic steering lock-up
Is steering wheel locks up a common problem on the 2012 Honda Civic?
6 of 456 owner complaints about the 2012 Honda Civic (1%) mention steering wheel locks up. The model year with the most reports is 2022.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2012 Honda Civic?
There is 1 recall and 4 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2012 Honda Civic
Airbag light 37Power steering loss 25No deployment 24Loss of power 15Stalling 15Sudden acceleration 14ABS 10Check engine light 9Jerking 9Won't start 8Fire or smoke 7Grinding brakes 6Engine failure 5Hesitation 5Warning lights 5
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