2012 Honda Civic Electrical Problems

The contact owns a 2012 Honda Civic. The contact stated that the alarm indicator sounded off intermittently without cause. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who informed the contact that the alarm was a factory-made system and then suggested pressing the key fob twice to stop the alarm from sounding off. The vehicle was not officially diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 167,842.

NHTSA ID

11727191

Incident

Mar 12, 2026

Mileage

167,842 mi

My passenger airbag light is on and stays on.

NHTSA ID

11722651

Incident

Mar 20, 2025

I am reporting a serious safety concern with my 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid. What component or system failed and is it available for inspection? The hybrid drive system and regenerative braking system are malfunctioning. The hybrid battery recharging system including the MPI have failed, causing the vehicle to operate solely on the gasoline engine. This results in degraded braking performance due to the loss of regenerative braking. How was safety put at risk? When the hybrid system fails, braking performance is noticeably reduced, increasing stopping distances. This creates a high risk of collision, especially in sudden-stop situations or heavy traffic. Additionally, the sudden loss of hybrid power assistance can cause unsafe changes in vehicle acceleration and handling. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. The issue has been confirmed by Pearson Honda in Midlothian, Virginia. They state the MPI needs to be replaced and state my VIN is outside their "factory warranty extension". Multiple calls to Honda America state that I am responsible for all repairs and that this is not their problem and will not clarify how they decide what VIN's are included in the extension. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by others? The vehicle has been inspected by Pearson Honda in Midlothian, VA and documentation is available. It has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives at this time. Warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to failure? Yes. Warning lights for the hybrid system and/or IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) illuminate promptly as you start the vehicle. These first appeared last week ([XXX]) and have occurred multiple times since. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11680462

Incident

Aug 5, 2025

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Honda Civic. The contact stated that before attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 116,000. Through a Carfax report, it was discovered that the mileage was 159,000.

NHTSA ID

11667200

Incident

Jun 16, 2025

Mileage

159,000 mi

So according to Honda Service Bulletin 20-030, all honda civic 2012-2015 hybrids having IMA Motor Power Inverter (MPI) have to fixed. I have the SAME CAR, SAME MODEL, SAME YEAR AND SAME ERROR CODES AS THE SERVICE BULLETIN AND THIS IS SUCH A SERIOUS ELECTRICAL POWER INVERTER ISSUE. Yet HONDA IS denying to work on it, even though there is 15 years or 150,000 miles warranty for this specific issue and MY CAR HAS 95000 miles. Yet HONDA is trying to run away from fixing it by claiming the VIN number is not associating whereby MY CAR IS EXACT SAME AS THE MODEL, year and issue for the GIVEN SERVICE BULLETIN. This is complete absurd and consumer rights are being thrown away by Honda. I am very sure that my United States NHTSA, state consumer protection, federal trade commission, all are going to help me and make Honda pay for this. I have attached the service bulletin and here my error codes on the car: P1437 Motor Drive Module (MDM) Short Circuit POA78 Tmu-L Motor Power Inverter Module Internal Circuit Malfunction P15A5 Motor Current Sensor Circuit Malfunction Clear Confirmed & Pending Trouble Codes 2 Pending Trouble Codes POA78 Tmu-L Motor Power Inverter Module Internal Circuit Malfunction P15A5 Motor Current Sensor Circuit Malfunction Clear Confirmed & Pending Trouble Codes ^ ^ 2 Permanent Trouble Codes POA78 P15A5 Motor Current Sensor Circuit Malfunction Tmu-L Motor Power Inverter Module Internal Circuit Malfunction

NHTSA ID

11664413

Incident

Jun 1, 2025

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 119,560, and the contact stated she looked at the title and took the vehicle to a mechanic to verify and noticed that the mileage was 193,099.

NHTSA ID

11659725

Incident

Apr 19, 2025

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while attempting to repair the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was an independent dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 71,00 and at the time of replacing the instrument panel, it was discovered that the mileage was 190,000.

NHTSA ID

11655244

Incident

Apr 17, 2025

Mileage

190,000 mi

ABS/VSA module faulty. Upon internet research it seems to be a very common problem among owners of this vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11640980

Incident

Jan 24, 2025

Car is stating air bag system check on and off.

NHTSA ID

11595984

Incident

Jun 23, 2024

The IMA inverter system keeps malfunctioning without any clear reasons, and the car is in drive mode, which makes the electric motor unresponsive. Additionally, the braking system also malfunctions, leading to a lack of control over the vehicle. I have tried to repair it multiple times, but to no avail. It keeps malfunctioning without any apparent reason.

NHTSA ID

11595954

Incident

Jun 14, 2024

Owns a 2012 HONDA Civic Hybrid. While driving ~30MPH, the IMA/braking/engine/charging/ABS lights illuminated. The car still driving but the hybrid system fails. Also, when starting the engine it switches to using the starter instead of the EV motor. The 12V battery will not charge and die soon, which increases the risk of a stall on the road, thus leading to a crash. The vehicle was taken to a Honda Dealer which suggests a Model Power Inverter failure. There is a Technical Service Bulletin: 20-030 (Warranty Extension: 2012-15 Civic Hybrid IMA Motor Power Inverter) related to the failing parts, however, the vehicle was not covered under the TSB. The vehicle was not prepared. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000 miles.

NHTSA ID

11586568

Incident

May 1, 2024

I purchased this vehicle 6 months ago from a dealer. In the short time I have had the car, there have been multiple issues presented. Bluetooth has been malfunctioning (connects the disconnects), window regulator has had to be replaced three times now (window kept disconnecting from the track and would cause the window to go down sideways and get stuck), more recently the AC condenser went out (it was reported as the condenser has small pieces of metal inside preventing the freon to get into the system and cool the inside of the vehicle).

NHTSA ID

11534965

Incident

Jul 15, 2023

If we don't drive my car for a couple of days, we have to keep charging the battery. We keep buying batteries. For instance, the last battery was bought in 10/2022 and we're in 6/2023 and it's doing it again. This time we know it's not the battery. And before we were told it was the battery.

NHTSA ID

11527049

Incident

Jun 14, 2023

https://electricvehicleforums.com/forums/honda-civic-hybrid-12/civic-hybrid-ima-failure-bad-power-inverter-32102/index6.html On this link, there is a form of several other individuals experiencing the same issue that I experienced with this vehicle. Randomly, while driving, ON THE HIGHWAY, all the engine dashboard lights came on at once. The car stopped working. It shut down in the most dangerous environment and it’s a miracle that we didn’t get into a car crash. Taking the car to hybrid auto repair in order have the codes read, there was a readout of P1440, B2993, and B2992. Doing research, I found the link which I included; it appears there is a consistent IGBT malfunction in the motor power inverter which is believed to happen after 100k miles but from different testimonials, can actually happen at any mileage. This electrical issue has been closely related to the air conditioner (which our car had issues with when purchased) with the summer months upon us, I can only imagine how many more of these hybrid vehicles will spontaneously lose power in the middle of traffic.

NHTSA ID

11525163

Incident

May 19, 2023

The bluetooth Microphone screeches for the people on the other end of the call. I cannot hear it. It was replaced once under warranty, however my car is no long under warranty and it is doing it again. there are bulletins about this issue, but no recalls as it's not a safety issue. just a money issue.

NHTSA ID

11521989

Incident

Jun 28, 2013

The contact owns a 2012 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was extremely hot air was throughout the vehicle. There was an abnormal burning odor detected. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the air condition compressor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.

NHTSA ID

11469777

Incident

Jun 15, 2022

Mileage

64,000 mi

The vehicle stop working because the mpi is bad, there is a service bulletin that cover the warranty

NHTSA ID

11427897

Incident

Jul 14, 2021

WE WERE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON. IT TOOK TWO OF US TO TURN THE WHEEL TO MAKE A RIGHT OR LEFT TURN. WE WERE BOTH AFRAID FOR OUR LIVES! WE DID NOT KNOW IF WE WERE GOING TO MAKE IT HOME BUT WE DID. I AM PETRIFIED TO DRIVE THIS CAR AGAIN! I HAVE TO USE THE CAR BECAUSE I LIVE SO FAR AWAY FROM STORES TO SHOP ETC. PLEASE HELP ME SOON SO I CAN USE THE CAR AGAIN!!!

NHTSA ID

11387310

Incident

Jan 8, 2021

Mileage

81,452 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA CIVIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE CHARGING SYSTEM WAS OPERATIONAL HOWEVER, THE SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE UPDATED OR REPROGRAMMED. THE CONTACT CONTACTED METRO HONDA (9399 AUTOPLEX ST, MONTCLAIR, CA 91763, (909) 542-9637) WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO MANUFACTURER COMMUNICATION NUMBER: 12/041 HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND CONFIRMED VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

NHTSA ID

11343236

Incident

Jul 1, 2020

Mileage

120,000 mi

ALL MY KNOBS ARE MELTING. RADIO, AIR, ETC. ALSO THE NAMES ARE FADING ON THE WINDOW AND AIR CONDITIONING. *TR

NHTSA ID

11327542

Incident

Mar 1, 2020

I HAVE HAD TO TAKE MY CAR IN FOR TWO REPAIRS RELATED TO RODENTS CHEWING THROUGH ELECTRICAL WIRING. ONE WAS FOR CHEWING THROUGH FUEL HARNESS AND FUEL PUMP WIRES RESULTING IN REPAIRS THAT COST $915 AND OCCURRED ON 9/5/2018. I WAS DRIVING ON A MAJOR ROAD WHEN MULTIPLE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. I MADE IT HOME THEN TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE SECOND INCIDENT WAS FROM CHEWING THROUGH GAS LINE AND IMA INVERTER THAT COST $1701 AND OCCURRED ON 3/15/19. I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET WHEN MULTIPLE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED (CHECK ENGINE, BRAKE MALFUNCTION, IMA BATTERY, CHARGING MALFUNCTION). I DROVE HOME AND DECIDED TO TAKE IT TO THE HONDA DEALERSHIP. WHEN I WENT TO TAKE IT TO HONDA, THE LIGHTS WERE NO LONGER ILLUMINATED. I DROVE ABOUT 2 MILES AND GOT ONTO A MAJOR HIGHWAY WHEN I STARTED TO SMELL A STRONG ODOR AND THE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AGAIN. I GOT OFF ON THE NEXT EXIT WHEN I LOST POWER STEERING AND THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. I BEGAN TO PULL OVER BUT THEN REGAINED THE ABILITY TO ACCELERATE AND LUCKILY MADE IT HOME. FUEL WAS POURING FROM UNDER THE CAR SO I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY DETERMINED I NEEDED A NEW FUEL LINE, NEW IMA SYSTEM AS WELL AS JUNCTION BOX. MY CAR WAS IN THE SHOP FOR ALMOST TWO MONTHS, DURING WHICH I HAD TO PAY FOR A RENTAL CAR. THE HONDA DEALERSHIP TOLD ME IT IS COMMON FOR CHEWING THROUGH WIRING OF THIS SPECIFIC YEAR AND MODEL HONDA BECAUSE THE MATERIAL WRAPPING AROUND THE WIRES WAS MADE FROM A SOYBEAN PRODUCT, WHICH RODENTS ARE ATTRACTED TO. *TR

NHTSA ID

11324711

Incident

Mar 15, 2019

Mileage

78,550 mi

WAS DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 70 IN RICHMOND INDIANA WAS TRAVELING IN THE MIDDLE LANE OF A 3 LANE HIGHWAY WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY LIGHTS ON MY DASH OFF LICKED ON AND OFF AND I LOST ALL ELECTRICAL POWER INCLUDING BRAKES STEERING AND THE ENGINE I WAS ABLE TO FORCE THE VEHICLE AND COAST TO A STOP AT AN EXIT I TURNED ON MY HAZARDS AND MY HAZARDS WERE NOT WORKING EITHER SO IT WAS A COMPLETE ELECTRICAL FAILURE. IN ADDITION IT WAS LATE IN THE EVENING SO WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND I LOST ALL LIGHTS NOBODY COULD SEE ME AND I COULD NOT SEE ANYTHING THIS COULD'VE ENDED VERY TRAGICALLY FOR ME TRYING TO MOVE OVER AS THE SPEED LIMIT POSTED IN THE AREA IS 70 MPH. IN RESEARCHING THE ISSUE I FOUND MULTIPLE FORUMS AND POSTS REGARDING THIS SAME TYPE OF FAILURE. HONDA NEEDS TO FIX THIS. NOW I NEED TO TOW TO A SERVICE CENTER AND SEE HOW MUCH MORE MONEY I WILL NEED TO COME UP WITH TO BE ABLE TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE

NHTSA ID

11286520

Incident

Dec 2, 2019

Mileage

123,000 mi

THE DISPLAY WHICH SHOWS ODOMETER, MPG, ETC FLASHES ON AND OFF. WHEN LOW ON GAS, THE DISPLAY CONTINUALLY BEEPS AND ADVISES YOU ARE LOW ON GAS, INSTEAD OF ONE TIME WHEN YOU START THE VEHICLE. REPLACED ONCE UNDER WARRANTY, NOW BROKEN AGAIN, PART # 78260-TR2-A11RM

NHTSA ID

11270248

Incident

Oct 22, 2019

CAR WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO START WITHOUT A JUMP FOR MONTHS. GOT 2 NEW BATTERIES. 3 NEW ALTERNATORS. KEPT HAPPENING. NOW I MUST KEEP HEADLIGHTS ON AT ALL TIMES, EVEN IN THE BRIGHTEST DAYLIGHT, OR ELSE BATTERY WILL BEGIN TO LOSE CHARGE AGAIN.

NHTSA ID

11265524

Incident

Oct 1, 2018

MY ELDERLY MOTHER HAS HAD MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ON HER 2012 HONDA CIVIC 4-DOOR LX SEDAN. SHE KEEPS GETTING THE 'CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM' WARNING LAMP ON DASH. IN THE PAST FEW MONTHS TWO NEW START BATTERIES HAVE HAD TO BE REPLACED, AND A CHECK OF THE ALTERNATOR CHARGING SYSTEM LAST TIME INDICATED THE ALTERNATOR WAS GOOD. HERE'S THE UNDERLYING ISSUE...THE CABLING FROM BATTERY TO MULTIPLE LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN NON-STOPPED CHEWED ON BY RODENTS! HAS HONDA PRODUCED THESE MODEL CARS WITH SOME SORT OF ELECTRICAL CABLE INSULATION MATERIAL THAT RODENTS ARE ATTRACTED TOO? HONDA SHOULD REPLACE ANY AND OR ALL DAMAGED ELECTRICAL CABLES! THIS IS TERRIBLE WHAT MY MOM IS GOING THROUGH AND THE DEALER (WALDORF MARYLAND HONDA) JUST WANTS TO STALL AND TRY TO 'PATCH' UP SOME OF THE CHEWED CABLES, ALL WHILE DOING A HORRIFIC JOB WITH SOME SORT OF ELECTRICAL TAPE!!!! COME ON NOW HONDA IS THIS HOW YOU TREAT CUSTOMERS???? ELDERLY CUSTOMERS THAT DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT CARS? SHAME ON YOU!

NHTSA ID

11258985

Incident

Sep 27, 2019

Mileage

16,000 mi