Owner Notification Letter - Our records indicate that a EMISSIONS RECALL has not been completed on this vehicle (Vehicle Identification Number XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX). Under certain circumstances, your vehicle's powertrain control module (PCM) may not properly adjust the air-fuel ratio resulting in your vehicle releasing air pollutants which exceed California and Federal standards. In addition, your vehicle is equipped with an improperly functioning on-board emission-related diagnostic system that violates California and Federal standards and regulations.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2012 Honda Civic powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2012 Honda Civic have filed 43 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 29,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
43
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 Civic | 45 |
| 2009 Civic | 18 |
| 2010 Civic | 9 |
| 2011 Civic | 3 |
| 2012 Civic (this page) | 43 |
| 2013 Civic | 18 |
| 2014 Civic | 98 |
| 2015 Civic | 168 |
| 2016 Civic | 33 |
4crashes
When does it fail?
Of the 43 powertrain complaints filed for the 2012 Honda Civic, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 43 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 11 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Owner Notification Letter - Under certain circumstances, your vehicle's powertrain control module (PCM) may not properly adjust the air-fuel ratio resulting in your vehicle releasing air pollutants which exceed California and Federal standards. In addition, your vehicle is equipped with an improperly functioning on-board emission-related diagnostic system that violates California and Federal standards and regulations.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service Bulletin - Due to an improper PCM calibration, under certain conditions after starting the engine the PCM cannot properly adjust the air-fuel ratio. As a result, vehicle emissions may exceed applicable standards.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service Bulletin - Due to an improper PCM calibration, after starting the engine the PCM cannot properly adjust the air-fuel ratio under certain conditions and the on-board emission-related diagnostic system may not appropriately detect a malfuction. As a result, vehicle emissions may exceed applicable emissions standards and the vehicle contains an improperly functioning on-board emission-related diagnostic system that violates applicable state and federal standards.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Dealer Message - Today, September 24, 2019, American Honda is announcing a stop sale and emissions recall for certain 2012 Civic vehicles that may be releasing air pollutants that exceed applicable state and federal standards.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2012 Civic's powertrain troubles span acceleration glitches, transmission lock-ups, stalling, and driveline wear. Owners report sudden acceleration without pedal input, vehicle reaching 37+ mph feet off the gas, and complete lack of response when pressing the pedal to the floor—all while turning or in traffic, creating collision hazards. Manual transmissions lock out certain gears with a burnt-clutch smell and high-pitched squeal, particularly worse on hills or in rain. Some manuals require $1,200+ clutch repairs by 30,000 miles due to impossible RPM matching.
Hybrid models experience motor power inverter failures and battery charging system collapse, leaving vehicles without regenerative braking and increased stopping distances. Standard automatics roll backward in Drive on inclines despite being in gear—dealers and Honda say it's normal; owners strongly disagree.
Engine stalls occur mid-turn or on highway ramps with complete steering lock and no warning. Transmission neutral-slip, throttle hang (3,000–4,000 RPM stuck after releasing pedal), and front driveshaft separation dumping transmission fluid all appear across the fleet. Check Engine and Check Transmission error messages flash randomly with no codes found; PCM updates don't stick. Dealerships frequently claim they cannot reproduce issues or that problems are design intent. Honda customer service reportedly offers run-around responses.
Same Honda Civic powertrain reports on nearby years: 2009 · 2013 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Unintended acceleration and loss of throttle control
Vehicle accelerates without pedal input or fails to accelerate when pedal is fully depressed. Owners report reaching 37+ mph with foot off gas, car lurching forward from park, and inability to accelerate during turns or lane changes.
When: Intermittent, occurring multiple times daily in some cases; incidents reported across various mileages
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden acceleration without driver input; Delayed or no response to accelerator pedal depression; Vehicle reaches high speeds without touching gas pedal; Lurches forward from parked position after sitting hours; Hesitation or stalling when depressing accelerator
Codes mentioned: Check Emission Systems message, Check Engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships unable to reproduce or diagnose; some offered PCM software updates (Service Bulletin 19-106); no lasting resolution reported
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships claim normal function; Honda customer service reports run-around; one case noted extended warranty offered with powertrain/cooling release clause
Transmission shift lock and clutch noise (manual transmission)
Manual transmission locks out gear shifts, preventing entry to certain gears. Accompanied by high-pitched squeal or grinding/vibrating sounds from clutch, worse in wet conditions or on inclines. Some cases report burned clutch smell.
When: Starts early in ownership; one case reported at 29,000 miles with total loss of drivetrain engagement
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission locks out shift into specific gear (e.g., 3rd gear); High-pitched squeal when engaging clutch; Grinding or vibrating sound from clutch; Burned clutch smell; Unable to shift back out of gear once locked
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership technician suspected something hitting clutch-plate; owners report multiple internal parts needing replacement; clutch premature failure requiring $1200+ in repairs reported
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership initially refused repair citing aftermarket intake/exhaust; corporate Honda rep eventually agreed to inspect; some dealers claim high-pitched noise is normal in clutches
Hybrid system and regenerative braking failure
Hybrid battery recharging system and motor power inverter (MPI) malfunction, causing vehicle to run on gasoline engine only. Loss of regenerative braking degrades stopping power. IMA warning lights illuminate; some cases show inverter-related fault codes matching recall H98.
When: One case reported warning lights appearing suddenly last week from filing date; another case at approximately 2 months of troubleshooting
Symptoms owners cite: IMA battery warning light illuminates on startup; Charging malfunction warning; Brake malfunction warning; Noticeably reduced braking performance; Increased stopping distances; Loss of hybrid power assistance
Codes mentioned: IMA light, Power inverter fault codes, Battery charging codes
Repairs/costs cited: Motor Power Inverter (MPI) replacement required; Junction Board replacement also needed; one case required multiple MPI replacements and test Motor Control Module (MCM) installation; owners charged for all repairs plus ~2 months rental car fees despite manufacturing issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership (Pearson Honda) confirmed issue and MPI replacement need; Honda America stated VIN outside factory warranty extension and refused to cover; no coverage clarity provided; some VINs excluded from recall H98 despite matching defect
Thermostat failures with engine overheating
Thermostat fails repeatedly causing engine to run hot and poor fuel economy. Check emission light illuminates. Multiple replacements within short intervals (at 10k, 14k, 17k miles) with continued overheating issues until different unreleased thermostat installed.
When: Starting at ~10,000 miles on brand-new vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Check emission light comes on; Significantly worsened gas mileage; Engine running hot; Engine revving at high RPMs
Codes mentioned: Check Emission light
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple thermostat replacements; eventually different unreleased thermostat installed; shop in-service for three weeks; issue reported in another 2012 Civic (low miles) at same dealership
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda sales manager claimed nothing wrong with vehicle; extended warranty offered with release of powertrain and cooling issue liability
Drive shaft and front axle failure
Drive shaft slips out of automatic transmission housing, dumping all transmission fluid. Front axle shreds or fails completely. Sudden loss of driving power while turning or in traffic.
When: One case at 140,000 miles; another case discovered during test drive after cleaning undercarriage
Symptoms owners cite: Slight loss of power on acceleration; Over-revving tendency; Spotting in parking space (transmission fluid leak); Complete loss of driving power; Abnormal sound from front driver-side; Shredded C-axle
Repairs/costs cited: Front left drive shaft slipped out of automatic transmission housing; shredded C-axle and transmission failure diagnosis; owner found mentions of exact problem requiring recall in same year/model/make
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer referred to NHTSA Hotline; vehicle not repaired; no explicit warranty response noted
Unexpected lurch and brake failure during low-speed maneuvers
Vehicle lunges forward uncontrollably during low-speed operations (parking, shifting into Drive), especially after sitting. Brakes become unresponsive or grinding occurs. One case involved vehicle crashing through security gate.
When: Various low-speed events: parking, at security gate, shifting gears
Symptoms owners cite: Uncontrolled forward lurch when putting vehicle in Drive; Brakes do not respond or become ineffective; Grinding noise while moving; Vehicle will not stop despite brake pressure; Requires emergency brake to stop
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle continued to run and drove 2 blocks after security gate incident; one case involved front axle failure diagnosis
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No documented manufacturer response in narratives
Transmission neutral slip and rollback in Drive
Automatic transmission slips into neutral or allows vehicle to roll backward while in Drive, especially on inclines or slopes. Owners report this does not occur in other vehicles and consider it unsafe.
When: Various driving and parking scenarios; one case on uphill driveway
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls backward while in Drive; Occurs regardless of road grade; Transmission effectively disengages on inclines
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership and Honda customer service (File # N012014-03-1702499) both stated this is normal function
Engine stalling and sudden power loss while driving
Engine stalls suddenly while turning or driving, causing loss of steering assist and dangerous loss of vehicle control. Automatic transmission shifts to neutral by itself in some cases. Multiple occurrences over short timeframe.
When: Various driving conditions including left turns, highway exit ramps, low-speed corners; one case at ~25 mph coasting
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls suddenly; Loss of power steering; Steering wheel locks up; Transmission shifts to neutral automatically; Burning smell; Dashboard lights fail to illuminate; Tires screech during stall event
Repairs/costs cited: Towed to dealership in at least one case; one certified pre-owned vehicle exhibited issue day after purchase
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No documented manufacturer response in narratives
Excessive RPM and throttle hang
Engine RPMs remain elevated after driver releases accelerator pedal, typically 3000-4000 RPM. Vehicle will not decelerate normally even when brakes applied. Occurs when descending hills or after passing vehicles. Manual transmissions experience impossible RPM matching leading to clutch wear.
When: Multiple occurrences; downhill driving particularly problematic; one case reported on highway at 50 mph
Symptoms owners cite: RPMs stay elevated (3000-4000+) after releasing gas pedal; Vehicle does not slow down when brakes applied; Takes 10+ seconds for transmission to shift down; Vehicle over-revs; Impossible to match RPMs in manual transmission; Premature clutch friction disk wear
Repairs/costs cited: Clutch premature failure requiring $1200+ repairs; failed twice in less than 80,000 miles in one case; shop set to manufacturer spec but issue persists
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No documented manufacturer response in narratives
Check Engine and Check Transmission system errors
Check Engine and Check Transmission System error messages display randomly while driving. D indicator flashes on automatic transmission display. Vehicle may not shift properly when error displays. Errors disappear after restart but recur. Mechanics find no actual engine or transmission faults.
When: Intermittent, recurring episodes; one case at 211,000 miles with PCM update not providing lasting fix
Symptoms owners cite: Check Emission System message displays; Check Transmission System error displays; D indicator on display flashes; Improper gear shifting behavior; Check Engine light illuminates; Messages clear on restart but recur
Codes mentioned: Check Engine, Check Transmission System error, Check Emission System message
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic found no engine/transmission faults; dealership offered PCM software update (Service Bulletin 19-106); PCM update did not provide permanent fix in one case; dealers stated unable to force repair under service bulletin
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in some cases; case numbers issued; Service Bulletin 19-106 offered; dealers claimed independent ownership prevented forced compliance
Transmission sensor failure
Transmission sensor requires replacement. Check Engine and air bag warning lights illuminate while driving.
When: At 151,312 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine light illuminates; Air bag warning indicator illuminates; Occurs at low speed (20 mph in reported case)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission sensor replacement needed; vehicle not repaired due to repair costs
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No documented response
Shift cable looseness
Shift cable becomes loose, making gear shifts longer and sometimes nearly impossible to shift.
When: Timing not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Longer gear shifts; Nearly impossible to shift into gear at times
Repairs/costs cited: Shift cable found loose
Drivetrain noise and metal debris
Dragging noise coming from under vehicle; chunk of metal fell off from undercarriage. Clutch-related noise on manual transmissions including high-pitched squeals and grinding.
When: Various; one manual transmission case ongoing from before 30k to 100k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Dragging noise from undercarriage; Metal chunk falls off vehicle; Loud grinding/vibrating sound from clutch; High-pitched squeal on clutch engagement; Clicking noise during acceleration/gear shifts; Sound audible to pedestrians on sidewalk
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to duplicate grinding/vibrating sound across 3 visits despite loud noise; clicking occurs only when first started and after 5-minute sit, stops after 10+ mph
Synthesized from 43 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
This has happened more than once. When descending a hill after letting up on gas pedal the vehicle will rev up for a few of seconds and hitting the brakes did not disengage throttle, also when passing another vehicle after pulling in and let up on pedal the car still revved up for a couple of seconds. Have not taken to a dealer yet as I am trying to find exactly how and when this problem occurs…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2012 Honda Civic?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2012 Honda Civic?
It's a meaningful issue. 43 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 31 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 11,500 and 74,000 miles, with the median around 29,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 11,500; a quarter make it past 74,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2012/Honda/Civic.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.