Owner-reported complaints naming the engine system, filed with NHTSA
Data refreshed
Engine reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
52
Latest Oct 3, 2025
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
14%
of 372 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
7
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
7
What this page shows
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2012 Honda Accord submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 52 reports on file name it.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Owner reports naming engine
The 25 most recent of 52, in the owner's own words
The contact owns a 2012 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed and coming to a stop, the driver heard an abnormal sound, and the vehicle suddenly stopped in the middle of the road. The contact stated that the driveshaft had separated from the vehicle and had fallen on the road. The vehicle was towed to Ron's Automotive Center Inc, where it was diagnosed that the driveshaft had failed and damaged the oil pan. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a related recall. The failure mileage was approximately 193,000.
NHTSA ID
11691147
Incident
Apr 30, 2025
Mileage
193,000 mi
EngineSteering
Filed Mar 1, 2025
1) When starting the car ( cold ) it makes a rattling sound that goes away after a few seconds and does not make this sound again until the car cools off 2) sometimes when driving the steering wheel shakes during acceleration
NHTSA ID
11645751
Incident
Feb 1, 2021
Engine
Filed Jun 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Honda Accord. The contact stated that upon cold starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal rattling noise detected. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking oil. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the solenoid switch, VTC activator, and gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined the solenoid, VTC solenoid, and gasket needed to be replaced. The parts were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA ID
11596179
Incident
Jan 1, 2012
ElectricalEngine
Filed Oct 2, 2023
Car has frequent issues with starting and power loss inside and outside the car. This is my second time having a issue with my car not starting that did not have to do with the battery or alternator. I have 135xxx miles and keep up with maintenance so this is frustrating and expensive, happening months apart. The first time I had to have a new starter put in. The car also looses brightness on the dash board and in the headlights. The car stalls while starting since Ive had it.
NHTSA ID
11547645
Incident
Oct 2, 2023
Engine
Filed Feb 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Honda Accord. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact stated that the "check oil" warning light was illuminated. The contact slowed the vehicle down and drove it to the dealer. The contact stated that when she pulled into the parking lot, she heard a loud popping sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact had the vehicle towed to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine had sustained internal damage and required a major overhaul. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
NHTSA ID
11509498
Incident
May 15, 2021
Mileage
68,000 mi
AirbagsEngineFuel system
Filed Jan 2, 2023
Crash reported
2012 Accord exl - Engine Seizure! I had the air-bag recall done about 5 years ago. None of the air-bags deployed when the 2012 exl hit a telephone pole at 20 mph and broke the telephone pole in half. I finally found out about the class action lawsuit for the excessive oil consumption yesterday (1 Qt per 1,000 miles), 2 years after the engine seizure. I spoke with Honda headquarters (1919 Torrance Blvd., Torrance, ca 90501) today for an hour and a half. mostly on hold waiting for [XXX] to get her stupervisor [XXX] to come to the phone. Honda Seemed to think my 2012 v6 exl is not part of the lot of cars they were supposed to fix in the excessive oil consumption class action lawsuit. If you have any advice on how I could recover any funds spent on my engine repair or if there is any recourse I could take with the airbags not deploying when I had the recall done 5 years ago at my local Honda dealer. Thanks [XXX] PS.. Cherokee Auto in North Atlanta Georgia has the car for sale with the faulty airbags… CarMax repossessed it, sold it for more than I owed them, wrote off $6500 as bad debt, and still say I owe them 750 and staying on my credit report. Pls help! TF INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA ID
11499716
Incident
Jan 2, 2023
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Jul 8, 2022
My 2012 Honda Accord is using oil in between my 3000 mile oil changes and it should not be using that much, in between changes I put 1.5 quarts of oil in the engine. I have read that some Hondas are having this problem I only have 125000 miles on my car and take really good care of my vehicles the inside still looks new. Also the air conditioner isn’t blowing cold enough air. I purchased it in May of 2014 I love my car, my mechanic says it’s the rings in the engine, I don’t drive car erratically. Hope you can help get my car fixed correctly, My Machanic noticed this the last couple of oil changes
NHTSA ID
11472902
Incident
Jan 13, 2022
Engine
Filed May 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Honda Accord. The contact stated while in a drive-through with the vehicle in idle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the piston rings had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer also informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under an extended warranty associated to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,640.
NHTSA ID
11463641
Incident
May 6, 2022
Mileage
120,640 mi
ElectricalEngineSteering
Filed Mar 10, 2022
Twice in the past couple of months my car has turned off while in drive and I lost power steering/braking. Both times were luckily in my apartment parking lot. They occured about 10-15 seconds after backing out and putting it in drive. The second time I almost slid into a car driving by since I wasn't able to brake.
NHTSA ID
11456010
Incident
Feb 17, 2022
AirbagsBody & structureEngine
Filed Sep 11, 2021
I don't have a air bag due to someone stealing the whole air bag
NHTSA ID
11432594
Incident
Aug 11, 2021
Engine
Filed Aug 27, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Honda Accord. The contact stated that the engine was misfiring in cylinder number 1. The contact stated that the check engine and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed at a local mechanic and was repaired but continued to experience failure. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.
NHTSA ID
11430720
Incident
Aug 21, 2021
Mileage
147,000 mi
Engine
Filed May 12, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA ACCORD. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL SOUND COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PULL OVER INTO A PARKING LOT, THE VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE NUMBER 3 CYLINDER WAS MISFIRING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE REMAINED UNDRIVEABLE. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 112,000.
NHTSA ID
11416283
Incident
May 11, 2021
Mileage
112,000 mi
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Mar 25, 2021
THIS VEHICLE CONSUMES SO MUCH OIL TO THE POINT THAT THERE IS NOT HARDLY ANY OIL WHEN THE OIL CHANGE IS DUE
NHTSA ID
11404877
Incident
Jun 1, 2020
Mileage
195,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jan 11, 2021
ENGINE SEIZURE
NHTSA ID
11387439
Incident
Oct 1, 2020
Mileage
83,000 mi
Engine
Filed Dec 22, 2020
I AM EXPERIENCING THE ISSUE OUTLINED IN HONDA TSB 09-010, AT COLD START-UP, THE ENGINE RATTLES LOUDLY FOR ABOUT 2 SECONDS. NOTICE ISSUE AFTER DRIVING VEHICLE 95,000 MILES. WAS NOT ABLE TO HAVE DEALERSHIP CHECK THE ISSUE BECAUSE IT ONLY HAPPENS WHEN VEHICLE HAS BEEN SITTING IDLE IN THE COLD FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME. PLUS VEHICLE IS GARAGE KEPT. NOW THAT EXTENDED WARRENTY HAS EXPIRED, WONDERING IF THIS A RECURRING ISSUE, WOULD A RECALL FORCE HONDA TO RESOLVE ISSUE.
NHTSA ID
11384499
Incident
Nov 23, 2019
Mileage
25 mi
Driver assistanceEngine
Filed Sep 22, 2020
THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST LIGHTS CAME ON FIRST WHILE THE CAR WAS STATIONARY. THE OBD CODES WERE SCANNED AND THE CODE P0341 WAS READ. THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR WAS REPLACED AND THE LIGHTS TURNED OFF AND THE P0341 CODES WERE CLEARED. THE SECOND TIME THE LIGHTS CAME ON THE CAR WAS IN MOTION. THE OBD CODES WERE SCANNED AGAIN AND THE CODE P1009 WAS READ MEANING THE VTC ACTUATOR IS BAD AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH ALL 2008-2012 ACCORDS AND THERE HAS BEEN SERVICE BULLETINS ISSUED REGARDING THE PROBLEM. THERE HAS ALSO BEEN A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT ABOUT THE ISSUE. IF THERE IS NOT ALREADY, THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL ISSUED.
NHTSA ID
11360522
Incident
Sep 15, 2020
Mileage
76,552 mi
Engine
Filed Dec 30, 2019
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.
NHTSA ID
11292197
Incident
Dec 29, 2019
Mileage
120,000 mi
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed May 23, 2019
ENGINE/TRANSMISSION HAS STUTTERING/JERKING AT LOW SPEEDS IN 1ST OR 2ND GEAR DAILY.
NHTSA ID
11209464
Incident
May 23, 2019
Mileage
70,000 mi
EnginePowertrain (other)Steering
Filed May 6, 2019
Crash reported
THE TIMING BETWEEN SHIFTS ON THE AUTOMATIC SHIFTS ARE GOOD SOMETIMES AND WHEN AIR CONDITIONING IS ON IT MAKES NOISES AND CAUSES THE CAR TO HAVE LATENCY IN GEAR SHIFTS, THE FRONT WHEEL HUB COVERS FALL OFF CAUSING THE TIRE TO ROLL OVER THE PLASTIC AND RIP IT OFF THE BODY , THE COOLANT SYSTEM IS DEFINITELY COMPROMISED BECAUSE THE CAR OVERHEATS TOO FAST ESPECIALLY IN HOT WEATHER, THE DEBRIS FROM THE ROAD GET CAUGHT UP IN AND AROUND THE ENGINE AND AIR FILTRATION SYSTEM FROM THE WHEEL COVERS BEING FAULTY THE PARKING BREAK DOESN'T WORK WELL AND IT'S BEEN HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM SINCE THE DAY I BOUGHT IT OFF THE SHOW ROOM FLOOR ALSO THE TIE RODS WEAR OUT SO FAST CAUSING MAJOR PROBLEMS WHILE ON HIGHWAY SHAKING AND VIBRATING THE CAR AND STEERING WHEEL, ALSO THE CAR BURNS OIL SO FAST THAT YOU HAVE TO CHANGE THE OIL AND FILTER AT MAX 3000 MILES, BEING THAT THE NEWER MODELS ARE HAVING TIMING BELT RECALLS IN JUNE 2019 THIS LEADS ME TO QUESTION WHY MY MODEL WOULDN'T HAVE THE SAME ISSUES IF NOT WORSE
NHTSA ID
11205928
Incident
Jun 10, 2017
Mileage
65,000 mi
Driver assistanceEngineFuel system
Filed Mar 29, 2019
Crash reportedFire reported4 injuries reported1 death reported
DRIVING MY HONDA ON A COLD NIGHT AT 20 DEGREE, I HIT MY BRAKES AND THE CAR ACCELRATED AT A EXTREME HIGH SPEED, I WAS UNABLE TO STOP AND CRASHED TOTALLING MY VEHICLE
NHTSA ID
11192434
Incident
Nov 21, 2018
Mileage
152,000 mi
AirbagsBody & structureEngine
Filed Feb 4, 2019
Crash reported2 injuries reported
'TAKATA RECALL'. I HAVE TAKEN MEASURES FOR THE SAFETY RECALLS, ADHERING TO REQUIRED DATES PROVIDED BY NHTSA OF THIS VEHICLE, ONE BEING THE AIR BAGS RECALLS. I WAS INVOLVED IN A RECENT CAR WRECK (JANUARY 12TH, 2019)AT WHICH THE DRIVER FRONT AIR BAG DEPLOYED FROM STEERING WHEEL. THE OPPOSING PASSENGER RAN A RED LIGHT AT A STREET/INTERSECTION PERPENDICULAR TO THE STREET I WAS TRAVELING ON. I T-BONED HER 2010 HONDA ACCORD IN THE REAR PANEL, DRIVER'S SIDE. I WAS TRAVELING AT SPEED LIMIT, APPROX 42 MPH AND SHE WAS TRAVELING AT EXCESSIVE SPEED BUT I AM UNAWARE OF HER SPEED LIMIT. MY VEHICLE CONTINUED IN A STRAIGHT PATH BUT COMPLETELY TOTALED THE FRONT END AND DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT PANEL, FRAME, ETC. AS FOR MY MY INJURY, I FELT BURNT ON BOTH WRISTS AT THE TIME OF IMPACT, BUT DUE TO SHOCK OF ACCIDENT I DID NOT SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION. OVER A COURSE OF 4-5 DAYS MY LEFT WRIST SHOWED SIGNIFICANT BURNS AND ONLY NOW, 23 DAYS LATER, HAS THE LEFT WRIST BURN BEGUN TO HEAL BUT WILL MOST DEFINITELY LEAVE AN OBVIOUS SCAR.
NHTSA ID
11174322
Incident
Jan 12, 2019
Mileage
79,000 mi
Engine
Filed Dec 17, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA ACCORD. THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT CALLED BURNS HONDA (325 NJ-73, MARLTON, NJ 08053, 1-888-667-2937) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 126,000.
NHTSA ID
11161923
Incident
Feb 1, 2017
Mileage
126,000 mi
Engine
Filed Dec 14, 2018
VTC ACUATOR IS FAULTY. FOR 2 YEARS NOW I'VE HAD A GRINDING NOISE WHEN I START THE CAR AND NO CAR SHOP HAS BEEN ABLE TO TELL ME WHAT IS WRONG UP UNTIL YESTERDAY I FOUND OUT IT'S THE VTC ACTUATOR THAT'S MAKING THE GRINDING SOUND AND IT'S BEEN DRAINING MY OIL. I CALL AMERICA HONDA TO SEE IF IT HAS A RECALL FOR THIS FAULTY PART AND ALL I AM TOLD IS THAT IF I HAVE HAD THE CAR FOR LESS THAN 3 YEARS OR UNDER 35 THOUSAND MILES THEN IT WOULD BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. WHICH THE CAR IS 2012. SO THE $700 THAT ALL SHOPS WANT TO FIX THIS PART IS BEING PUT ALL ON THE OWNER WITH NO WARNING THAT THIS PROBLEM WILL HAPPEN. THIS HAS HAD A LAWSUIT BEFORE FOR THE EXCESSIVE OIL BEING LOST BUT NOT FOR THE ACTUAL PROBLEM WHICH IS THE VTC ACTUATOR. HONDA NEEDS TO RECALL ALL OF THE CARS THAT THEY HAVE SOLD WITH THE FAULTY VTC ACUATORS AND PAY FOR THIS MISTAKE THEY HAVE KNOWN ABOUT FOR YEARS. WHEN MY ENGINE DIES IT WILL BE ON HONDA FOR NOT PROPERLY MAKING AND SELLING THESE FAULTY CARS.
NHTSA ID
11161447
Incident
Aug 9, 2016
Mileage
58,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jun 5, 2018
ENGINE GRINDS DURING COLD STARTUP. ENGINE NOISE PROGRESSIVELY LOUDER DURING DRIVING AND IDLING. HONDA WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND FINALLY ISSUED A FIX BUT MY CAR IS OUT OF THE WARRANTY PERIOD THAT THEY'VE ADVERTISED. I FEEL CHEATED BECAUSE HONDA SEEMS TO HAVE WAITED UNTIL ENOUGH CARS WERE OUT OF WARRANTY BEFORE ISSUING A COSTLY FIX THAT THEY'VE KNOWN OF FOR CLOSE TO A DECADE.
NHTSA ID
11099961
Incident
May 18, 2018
Mileage
93,000 mi
AirbagsDriver assistanceEngine
Filed May 31, 2018
Crash reported
I WAS AT A STOP SIGN ON PRIVATE PROPERTY. I ATTEMPTED TO MOVE FORWARD TO MAKE A LEFT TURN AND THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. I COULDN'T STOP IT - BUT A TREE ABOUT 20 FEET AWAY DID. EVEN IF I HAD FLOORED THE GAS PEDAL, THE CAR WOULD NOT HAVE GONE THAT FAST THAT QUICKLY. I HAVE READ OF OTHERS THAT HAVE HAD THE SAME EXPERIENCE. HONDA JUST SAYS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR.
NHTSA ID
11098960
Incident
May 25, 2018
Mileage
20,000 mi
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Other components reported on this vehicle
Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own