Makes›Honda›Civic›2012

2012 Honda Civic

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.

Honda Civic
Pictured: Honda Civic e-HEV Sport (XI) – f 30062024. Photo: © M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Compact Cars
Body styles
2dr Coupe FWD LX/EX (Manual), 2dr Coupe FWD LX/EX/EX-L (Automatic) /, 4dr Sedan DX/EX/LX (Manual), 4dr Sedan EX (Automatic) / SI (Manual)
Engines
1.5L 4-cyl, 1.8L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl
Horsepower
140 hp
Transmission
5-speed automatic
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Hybrid, Regular Gasoline, CNG, Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
44 combined · 43 city / 44 hwy
Length
176–177.2 in
Curb weight
2,650–2,890 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
4 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 44 MPG combined — 72% better than the average 2012 compact car (25.6 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints326 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 91 for similar models — most often about the air bags.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 29 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2012 Honda Civic is a compact car offered with 3 engines (1.5L 4-cyl, 1.8L 4-cyl and 2.4L 4-cyl), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 176 inches long and 69 inches wide on a 103-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,690 lb (2dr Coupe FWD LX/EX (Manual)).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 44 MPG combined (43 city / 44 highway), 72% better than the 2012 compact car average of 25.6 MPG, for an estimated $1,500 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 326 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.

What changed for 2012

  • New body dimensions: 1.2 in longer, wheelbase −1.2 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
  • Engines added: 1.5L 4-cyl and 2.4L 4-cyl
  • Engines dropped: 1.3L 4-cyl and 2.0L 4-cyl
  • Best combined MPG up from 41 to 44

Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Civic →

Trims, performance & features

Engine140 hp1.8L 4-cyl
Transmission5-speed automatic

Trims

LXEX

Built in: Greensburg, Indiana · Alliston, Ontario

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2012 Civic configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
2dr Coupe FWD LX/EX (Manual)176 in68.9 in55.1 in103.1 in59.1 / 59.8 in2,690 lb61/39
2dr Coupe FWD LX/EX/EX-L (Automatic) /176 in68.9 in55.1 in103.1 in59.1 / 59.8 in2,818 lb61/39
4dr Sedan DX/EX/LX (Manual)177.2 in68.9 in56.7 in105.1 in59.1 / 59.8 in2,650 lb61/39
4dr Sedan EX (Automatic) / SI (Manual)177.2 in68.9 in56.7 in105.1 in59.1 / 59.8 in2,890 lb61/39
4dr Sedan EX-L/LX (Automatic)177.2 in68.9 in56.7 in105.1 in59.1 / 59.8 in2,793 lb61/39
Hybrid 4dr Sedan FWD177.2 in68.9 in56.7 in105.1 in59.1 / 59.8 in2,877 lb59/41

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Civic Hybrid Hybrid1.5L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Front-Wheel Drive43 / 44 / 44+72%$1,500202
Civic HF1.8L 4-cylAutomatic 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive28 / 39 / 32+25%$2,100278
Civic1.8L 4-cylAutomatic 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive28 / 38 / 31+21%$2,150287
Civic1.8L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive28 / 35 / 31+21%$2,150287
Civic Natural Gas CNG1.8L 4-cylAutomatic 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive27 / 38 / 31+21%$1,500227
Civic2.4L 4-cylManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive22 / 31 / 25-2%$3,300355
Save $4,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
25.6 MPG2012 Compact Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Honda Civic.

Similar 2012 compact cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2012 Honda Civic (this car)44 MPGNot rated4
2012 Toyota Corolla29 MPGNot rated5
2012 Nissan GT-R19 MPGNot rated0
2012 Toyota Prius50 MPGNot rated7
2012 Mazda 332 MPGNot rated0
2012 Volkswagen Golf/GTI32 MPGNot rated6
2012 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport30 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (4)

Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft · Dec 10, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V770000 · 248,358 vehicles

Problem
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Acura ILX, 2013 Acura ILX Hybrid, 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid, and 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles with a manual transmission and 2009-2013 Honda Fit vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The drive shafts' protective coating may not have been applied properly during manufacturing, making it more susceptible to damage from road salt, or other contaminants, and potentially cause it to break.
Risk
A broken drive shaft may cause a sudden loss of drive power. The vehicle could also roll away if the parking brake has not been applied before the vehicle has been exited. Either condition can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the drive shafts, replacing either the left or right drive shaft, if necessary, free of charge. Owners were notified of the safety risk with an interim letter mailed February 2, 2021. A second letter will be sent once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are P9M, PAV, BAY, TAX, CA0, and MAZ.
Steering › Column · Nov 21, 2012

NHTSA campaign 12V548000 · 157 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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.
Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft · Jun 4, 2012

NHTSA campaign 12V256000 · 50,190 vehicles

Problem
HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 HONDA CIVIC VEHICLES. DURING ASSEMBLY, THE PROCESS REQUIRED TO SEAT THE DRIVER’S SIDE DRIVESHAFT AND SET THE RETAINING CLIP WAS NOT COMPLETED. AS A RESULT, THE DRIVESHAFT MAY SEPARATE.
Risk
IF THIS OCCURS, THE VEHICLE WILL HAVE A LOSS OF DRIVE POWER AND MAY ROLL AWAY IF THE PARKING BRAKE HAS NOT BEEN SET WHEN THE GEAR SELECTOR HAS BEEN PLACED IN THE “PARK” POSITION, INCREASING THE RISK OF CRASH OR PEDESTRIAN INJURY.
Fix
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver's side driveshaft and install a new driveshaft as needed, free of charge. The safety recall began on June 21. 2012. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.
Fuel System, Other › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings · May 18, 2011

NHTSA campaign 11V288000 · 1,156 vehicles

Problem
HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CIVIC 2-DOOR AND 4-DOOR VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 21, 2011, THROUGH MAY 2, 2011. THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT AN O-RING, WHICH SEALS A CONNECTION IN THE FUEL FEED LINE, IS MISALIGNED. IF THE O-RING IS MISALIGNED, A SMALL FUEL LEAK MAY OCCUR.
Risk
FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL FEED LINE ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2012 Honda Civic is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

326Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
30Involved a crash
3Involved a fire
25Injuries reported
60,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Air Bags116
Steering63
Electrical System42
Unknown Or Other31
Power Train26
Structure › Body21
Service Brakes20
Engine20
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
23/07: 123/09: 123/10: 223/11: 224/01: 324/02: 224/04: 224/05: 224/06: 324/07: 124/10: 425/02: 125/03: 125/04: 225/05: 325/06: 325/08: 325/09: 125/10: 126/01: 226/03: 326/06: 226/09: 126/10: 123/0723/1124/0424/0725/0325/0625/1026/06max 4

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2012 Honda Civic buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Air Bags — 116 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  3. Steering — 63 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  4. Electrical System — 42 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 60,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Honda Civic. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Civic years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Civic49183.9 inNot rated132
2025 Civic49183.9 inNot rated2106
2024 Civic36183.9 inNot rated3143
2023 Civic36183.9 inNot rated5337
2022 Civic36183.9 in★★★★★4961
2021 Civic36178 in★★★★★4161
2020 Civic36178 in★★★★★5239
2019 Civic36178 in★★★★★4460
2018 Civic36178 in★★★★★6757
2017 Civic36178 in★★★★★6606
2016 Civic35182.3 in★★★★★51,083
2015 Civic44178 in★★★★★1394

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Honda. How we calculate this →