RoadVitals

2012 Honda Civic Hybrid Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints 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.
12
Latest Mar 26, 2025
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
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Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
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What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Electrical418.2%
  • Powertrain (other)313.6%
  • Driver assistance313.6%
  • Fuel system29.1%
  • Airbags29.1%
  • Brakes29.1%
  • Engine29.1%
  • Other / unspecified14.5%
  • Body & structure14.5%
  • Seat belts14.5%
  • Suspension14.5%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the contact became aware that the braking system, ABS, and battery warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. Additionally, while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle took longer than normal to start. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 20-030 (Warranty Extension: 2012-15 Civic Hybrid IMA Motor Power Inverter); however, the vehicle was not covered under the TSB. The contact replaced the battery, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,600.

NHTSA ID 11585236 · filed Apr 25, 2024

IT SHOWS A PROBLEM ON BOOSTER CONTROL MODULE FIRST, AND THEN ABS CONTROL MODULE PROBLEM WAS FOLLOWED IN A MONTH AFTER FIXING FIRST ONE. I AM SECOND OWNER AND BOUGHT IT 2 YEARS AGO. THERE HAS NOT BEEN PROBLEM AT NORTH CAROLINA, BUT AFTER MOVING HERE PEORIA IL WHERE IS COLDER IN WINTER HERE 2 YEARS AGO, "CHECKING BRAKE SYSTEM FOLLOWED BY CHECKING ABS, POWER STEERING, IMA ETC" ABOUT 5 CHECKING SIGNS SHOWED ON THE PANEL. THE MECHANIC SAID IT WAS BOOSTER CONTROL MODULE PROBLEM. AFTER HE REPLACING IT, THERE WAS NO PROBLEM FOR A WEEK. AND THEN WHEN I DRIVE SLIPPERY GROUND SURFACE IN A RAIN, AND SLIPPED A LITTLE, THE SAME SYMPTOM WITH CONTINUOUS WORKING MOTER ON ABS ASSEMBLY SHOWED OFF. EVEN WHEN THE KEY OUT, THE MOTER WAS STILL WORKING SO THAT THERE IS NO ELECTRICAL POWER LEFT DUE TO DISCHARGING IN THE MORNING. THE MECHANIC SAID THAT IT IS ABS CONTROL MODULE PROBLEM SO THAT HE IS FIXING IT NOW.

NHTSA ID 11088945 · filed Apr 19, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH on the highway, the suspension lowered inadvertently, causing her to lose control of the vehicle, and the vehicle stopped. The vehicle was towed to the residence where it was diagnosed by an independent mechanic. The independent mechanic diagnosed that the front driver's side axle had detached and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred on the front passenger's side axle five months later. The vehicle was towed to the independent mechanic on three different occasions where the front passenger's side axle was replaced three times. However, the failure persisted. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V770000 (Power Train) however, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under the recall as the front axles were not the original parts. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID 11481276 · filed Aug 25, 2022

The contact owns a 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number 20V770000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced the failure. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID 11424342 · filed Jul 12, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

IT SHOWS A PROBLEM ON BOOSTER CONTROL MODULE FIRST, AND THEN ABS CONTROL MODULE PROBLEM WAS FOLLOWED IN A MONTH AFTER FIXING FIRST ONE. I AM SECOND OWNER AND BOUGHT IT 2 YEARS AGO. THERE HAS NOT BEEN PROBLEM AT NORTH CAROLINA, BUT AFTER MOVING HERE PEORIA IL WHERE IS COLDER IN WINTER HERE 2 YEARS AGO, "CHECKING BRAKE SYSTEM FOLLOWED BY CHECKING ABS, POWER STEERING, IMA ETC" ABOUT 5 CHECKING SIGNS SHOWED ON THE PANEL. THE MECHANIC SAID IT WAS BOOSTER CONTROL MODULE PROBLEM. AFTER HE REPLACING IT, THERE WAS NO PROBLEM FOR A WEEK. AND THEN WHEN I DRIVE SLIPPERY GROUND SURFACE IN A RAIN, AND SLIPPED A LITTLE, THE SAME SYMPTOM WITH CONTINUOUS WORKING MOTER ON ABS ASSEMBLY SHOWED OFF. EVEN WHEN THE KEY OUT, THE MOTER WAS STILL WORKING SO THAT THERE IS NO ELECTRICAL POWER LEFT DUE TO DISCHARGING IN THE MORNING. THE MECHANIC SAID THAT IT IS ABS CONTROL MODULE PROBLEM SO THAT HE IS FIXING IT NOW.

NHTSA ID 11088945 · filed Apr 19, 2018

I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AND MY CAR ACCERLERATED AND CRASHED INTO A STONE WALL AND THEN WENT BACKWARDS SEVERAL FEET BEFORE I WAS ABLE TO BRAKE THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT CAME LOOSE FROM THE WALL. I WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL SINCE MY CHEST WAS HURT FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. *TR

NHTSA ID 10513468 · filed May 24, 2013

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA CIVIC HYBRID. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF IN TRAFFIC AND WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO FOUND A FAULTY FUEL FEED LINE. THE MECHANIC ORDERED THE PART AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE REGULAR HONDA, BUT NOT THE HYBRID MODEL. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,214.

NHTSA ID 11120466 · filed Aug 16, 2018

WHEN THE CAR BECOMES LOW ON GAS YOU RECEIVE A LOW GAS NOTIFICATION VIA THE INDICATOR (ICON ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE DASH) AND A NOTIFICATION VIA THE INFORMATION SCREEN, WHICH YOU CAN ACKNOWLEDGE AND WHILE THE INDICATOR STAYS ON (NORMAL) YOU CAN CLEAR THE INFORMATION SCREEN (AND AUDIBLE BEEPS) AND HAVE THE INFORMATION SCREEN GO BACK TO SHOWING THE ODOMETER OR SOME OTHER INFORMATION. THIS WAS THE STATUS ON MY 2012 HYBRID UNTIL ~90 DAYS AGO. WHEN THE VEHICLE NOW RECEIVES A LOW GAS WARNING (VERBAL BEEP AND LOW GAS SCREEN ON THE INFORMATION SCREEN) I ACKNOWLEDGE THE ERROR AND CLEAR THE INFORMATION SCREEN SO IT GOES BACK TO SHOWING ODOMETER, ETC. BUT WHILE CONTINUING TO DRIVE THE SYSTEM WILL ACTIVATE THE LOW GAS WARNING (BEEP AND SCREEN) CONTINUOUSLY (I.E., 25 OR MORE TIMES IN 10 MILE PERIOD) SIMILAR TO A SEAT BELT WARNING. THIS HAVE NEVER HAPPENED IN 2 YEARS OF PREVIOUS OWNERSHIP. HONDA SERVICE PEOPLE BELIEVE THIS IS NORMAL AND THAT EVERY HONDA HAS THIS "FEATURE" BUT THEY WILL NOT SHOW ME IN ANY OTHER CAR. NOBODY WOULD BUY A CAR WITH THIS KNOWLEDGE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10566095 · filed Feb 26, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AND MY CAR ACCERLERATED AND CRASHED INTO A STONE WALL AND THEN WENT BACKWARDS SEVERAL FEET BEFORE I WAS ABLE TO BRAKE THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT CAME LOOSE FROM THE WALL. I WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL SINCE MY CHEST WAS HURT FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. *TR

NHTSA ID 10513468 · filed May 24, 2013

I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT MALFUNCTIONED AND THE SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN MY BODY FROM MOVING FORWARD; DUE TO THE SEAT BELT MALFUNCTION, MY CHEST AND HEAD HIT THE STEERING WHEEL LEAVING ME WITH A CONCUSSION AND SIGNIFICANT BRUISING/SORENESS ON MY CHEST. IN ADDITION, MY AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY, BUT THE LIGHT FOR THE AIRBAG ON THE DASH IS NOW LIT AND THE INFORMATION DISPLAY STATES "CHECK AIRBAG SYSTEM". *TR

NHTSA ID 10501281 · filed Mar 4, 2013

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

IT SHOWS A PROBLEM ON BOOSTER CONTROL MODULE FIRST, AND THEN ABS CONTROL MODULE PROBLEM WAS FOLLOWED IN A MONTH AFTER FIXING FIRST ONE. I AM SECOND OWNER AND BOUGHT IT 2 YEARS AGO. THERE HAS NOT BEEN PROBLEM AT NORTH CAROLINA, BUT AFTER MOVING HERE PEORIA IL WHERE IS COLDER IN WINTER HERE 2 YEARS AGO, "CHECKING BRAKE SYSTEM FOLLOWED BY CHECKING ABS, POWER STEERING, IMA ETC" ABOUT 5 CHECKING SIGNS SHOWED ON THE PANEL. THE MECHANIC SAID IT WAS BOOSTER CONTROL MODULE PROBLEM. AFTER HE REPLACING IT, THERE WAS NO PROBLEM FOR A WEEK. AND THEN WHEN I DRIVE SLIPPERY GROUND SURFACE IN A RAIN, AND SLIPPED A LITTLE, THE SAME SYMPTOM WITH CONTINUOUS WORKING MOTER ON ABS ASSEMBLY SHOWED OFF. EVEN WHEN THE KEY OUT, THE MOTER WAS STILL WORKING SO THAT THERE IS NO ELECTRICAL POWER LEFT DUE TO DISCHARGING IN THE MORNING. THE MECHANIC SAID THAT IT IS ABS CONTROL MODULE PROBLEM SO THAT HE IS FIXING IT NOW.

NHTSA ID 11088945 · filed Apr 19, 2018

WE WHERE REAR ENDED ON THE 805 SOUTH AT E ST IN SAN DIEGO CA. THE TRAFFIC CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP AND A OLDER FORD EXPEDITION PLOWED INTO US AT 55 MPH , UPON IMPACT THE HONDA ACCELERATED FULL THROTTLE WITH COMPLETE LOSS OF BRAKES , MY WIFE WAS DRIVING I WAS FRONT PASSENGER AND MY HANDICAPPED SON WAS R/R , SHE WAS ABLE TO STEER THE CAR TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER AS I SLAMMED THE CAR INTO PARK AND TURNED THE IGNITION OFF AT ABOUT 40 MPH , IT TOOK ABOUT 100 YARDS BEFORE IT CAME TO A STOP, THE CAR IS AT TIPTON HONDA IN EL CAJON AND THEY SAY THAT THERE IS NO EVIDENCE OR COMPUTER FAULT CODE OF SAID PROBLEM , HOW DO I PUT MY FAMILY BACK INTO THE CAR AND FEEL COMPLETELY SAFE KNOWING IT MIGHT HAPPEN AGAIN. *TR

NHTSA ID 10485881 · filed Nov 23, 2012

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact's stepdaughter owns a 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid. The contact stated that while his stepdaughter was driving at approximately 40 MPH, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact about Service Bulletin 20-030 Warranty Extension related to the IMA motor power inverter (MPI) and was referred to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the failure was due to the IMA Motor Power Inverter (MPI). The dealer informed him there was no recall or warranty coverage. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA ID 11650803 · filed Mar 26, 2025

2012 HONDA CIVIC. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER WHILE DRIVING. *SMD THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THEY INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THE VEHICLE NEEDED THREE SOFTWARE UPDATES, IN ORDER TO CHARGE THE BATTERY PROPERLY. *JB

NHTSA ID 10563069 · filed Feb 5, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact's stepdaughter owns a 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid. The contact stated that while his stepdaughter was driving at approximately 40 MPH, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact about Service Bulletin 20-030 Warranty Extension related to the IMA motor power inverter (MPI) and was referred to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the failure was due to the IMA Motor Power Inverter (MPI). The dealer informed him there was no recall or warranty coverage. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA ID 11650803 · filed Mar 26, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AND MY CAR ACCERLERATED AND CRASHED INTO A STONE WALL AND THEN WENT BACKWARDS SEVERAL FEET BEFORE I WAS ABLE TO BRAKE THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT CAME LOOSE FROM THE WALL. I WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL SINCE MY CHEST WAS HURT FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. *TR

NHTSA ID 10513468 · filed May 24, 2013

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT MALFUNCTIONED AND THE SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN MY BODY FROM MOVING FORWARD; DUE TO THE SEAT BELT MALFUNCTION, MY CHEST AND HEAD HIT THE STEERING WHEEL LEAVING ME WITH A CONCUSSION AND SIGNIFICANT BRUISING/SORENESS ON MY CHEST. IN ADDITION, MY AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY, BUT THE LIGHT FOR THE AIRBAG ON THE DASH IS NOW LIT AND THE INFORMATION DISPLAY STATES "CHECK AIRBAG SYSTEM". *TR

NHTSA ID 10501281 · filed Mar 4, 2013

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH on the highway, the suspension lowered inadvertently, causing her to lose control of the vehicle, and the vehicle stopped. The vehicle was towed to the residence where it was diagnosed by an independent mechanic. The independent mechanic diagnosed that the front driver's side axle had detached and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred on the front passenger's side axle five months later. The vehicle was towed to the independent mechanic on three different occasions where the front passenger's side axle was replaced three times. However, the failure persisted. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V770000 (Power Train) however, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under the recall as the front axles were not the original parts. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID 11481276 · filed Aug 25, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

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.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .