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ProblemsByVinFile / 2012-HONDA-ACCORDNHTSA data synced 7 hours ago
2012 · Honda
Honda Accord problems
1 critical safety recall on file — the kind NHTSA opens when crashes, fires, or injuries are documented. 377 owner complaints alongside. Read those first.
Reliability score
6.2 / 10
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
1
Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2012 Accord?
High-risk ownership
Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open.
Steering: 51 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 10,394–62,538 mi
Electrical system: 27 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 26,000–129,994 mi
Reliability score 6.2/10 — around the segment average
3 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
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What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2012 Accord· engine
Upon start of I heard a rattle and it stopped after a couple seconds. I got online and see it seems to be a common problem for my Honda the vtc actuator goes out frequently.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Honda accord. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the front suspension began vibrating abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician advised that the rotation and alignment of the tires…
Tires on Honda accords are cupping for no given reason, there was a recall on Honda civic for cupping, there needs to be a recall for cupping on hoda acconrd v6 and seddan, toooooo many complaints , even when alignments tire rotation and all done on time
Had a problem with your 2012 Honda Accord?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger side air bag inflator, free of charge. The manufacturer has mailed an interim notification, and will send a second notification when parts are available. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KE1 and KE2.
In the event of a crash, an incorrectly installed passenger frontal air bag inflator may deploy the air bag improperly, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are O07, Y0A, N06, G05, M04, Y01, and O09.
Honda is recalling certain model year 2012 accord and crosstour vehicles
In the event of a crash, the side curtain airbag may fail to deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Honda will replace the driver's side or passenger's side side curtain airbag as needed free of charge. The safety recall began on february 24, 2012. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.
Common questions
Is the 2012 Honda Accord reliable?
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.2 out of 10 based on 377 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 Honda Accord has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2012 Honda Accord?
The 2012 Honda Accord is a higher-risk ownership prospect. Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open. The record behind that call: Steering: 51 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 10,394–62,538 mi; Electrical system: 27 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 26,000–129,994 mi; Reliability score 6.2/10 — around the segment average; 3 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What's the most common problem on the 2012 Honda Accord?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is airbags, with 56 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 72,045 miles. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The cruise control is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $600 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 34,728 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Honda Accord has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2012 Honda Accord?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 377 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $600, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 7 hours ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2012/Honda/Accord.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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