2012 Honda Civic transmission problems

Filed Jan 20, 2026 · Transmission · 211,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2012 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated or stalled while depressing the accelerator pedal. The “Check Emission Systems" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact then received notification from the Manufacturer for Honda Service Bulletin: 19-106. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where a PCM update was performed. Recently, the contact stated that the "Check Emission Systems" message returned, and the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The dealer was notified of the failure and provided the cost for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was provided with a case number. The contact was also informed that dealers were independently owned and could not be forced to repair the vehicle under the service bulletin. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 211,000.

Filed Jan 2, 2026 · Engine, Steering · CA

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.

Filed Aug 20, 2025 · Transmission · GA

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.

Filed Aug 13, 2025 · Electrical, Transmission · VA

I am reporting a serious safety concern with my 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid. What component or system failed and is it available for inspection? The hybrid drive system and regenerative braking system are malfunctioning. The hybrid battery recharging system including the MPI have failed, causing the vehicle to operate solely on the gasoline engine. This results in degraded braking performance due to the loss of regenerative braking. How was safety put at risk? When the hybrid system fails, braking performance is noticeably reduced, increasing stopping distances. This creates a high risk of collision, especially in sudden-stop situations or heavy traffic. Additionally, the sudden loss of hybrid power assistance can cause unsafe changes in vehicle acceleration and handling. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. The issue has been confirmed by Pearson Honda in Midlothian, Virginia. They state the MPI needs to be replaced and state my VIN is outside their "factory warranty extension". Multiple calls to Honda America state that I am responsible for all repairs and that this is not their problem and will not clarify how they decide what VIN's are included in the extension. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by others? The vehicle has been inspected by Pearson Honda in Midlothian, VA and documentation is available. It has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives at this time. Warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to failure? Yes. Warning lights for the hybrid system and/or IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) illuminate promptly as you start the vehicle. These first appeared last week ([XXX]) and have occurred multiple times since. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 7, 2025 · Transmission · 156,000 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2012 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle, the vehicle was turned off and the vehicle started to roll away. The vehicle was stopped, and the parking brake was engaged to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the front axle had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact also stated that while at a stop light, the vehicle vibrated, and the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle unexpectedly lunged forward. There was no warning light illuminated. An independent was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 156,000.

Filed Apr 16, 2024 · Transmission · 140,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2012 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while exiting a parking structure, the vehicle failed to accelerate, the steering column started to fail, and the vehicle began to make an abnormal sound coming from the front driver’s side. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed as having a shredded C-axle and transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

Filed Feb 12, 2023 · Transmission · FL

Emissions systems

Filed Mar 4, 2021 · Engine, Steering · 81,491 miles · MA

We almost got killed trying to turn the wheel to get off the highway. The steering wheel issue was already looked at by my mechanic. He said it was the alternator and replaced that instead. I was charged for the alternator! I took it back after we were almost killed. He fixed the steering issue but now the car doesn't steer right away after the car is turned on! What should I do now? It stays locked and you can only go frontwards and back!! We have to keep going back and forth till it unlocks! What is wrong with the engine of this car? I don't drive far. It only has 81491 miles on it. On the mechanic's bill steering issue electronic steering motor- remove & replace- all applicable models. Did you receive this message? When do I get my money back from honda for their mistakes? I am 68 years old disabled woman who needs help with this bill. Honda should pay the bill for me. I have to live on 954.00 a month live in state housing. Please help me!! [xxx] cell: [xxx] thank you information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed May 17, 2020 · Transmission · 30,000 miles · PA

Manual transmission-when pulling out from a stop on an incline, the clutch makes a grinding/vibrating sound. I took to the dealer 3x prior to the warranty expiring and they 'couldn't duplicate it' it's so loud, a pedestrian standing on the sidewalk next to a road can hear it. It started prior to 30k miles, still happening at 100,000.

Filed May 15, 2020 · Engine, Fuel system · 78,550 miles · GA

On 3/15/2019 I was driving on a city street when multiple warning lights illuminated (check engine, brake malfunction, ima battery, charging malfunction). The car was towed to the dealership. Once there, they determine that the problem was related to rodents chewing from wires which damaged the fuel line and ima system. After this was repaired, the car still had failure codes due to mechanical issues with the car's system. Troubleshooting LED the technician to determine that the motor power inverter needed to be replaced. This required them to also have to replace the junction board. After they were installed, the ima light stayed on, the battery would not charge, and the car continued to recode. They had to put in a test mcm and a second mpi (since the first one malfunctioned as well). This occurred over the course of almost two months. They could not determine a specific cause that LED to the system malfunction, so it appeared to be a manufacturing issue. I was charged for the repairs as well as almost two months of rental car fees.