2012 Honda Civic Hybrid
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Honda › Civic Hybrid › 2012
These records cover every 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid. Newest first.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Acura ILX, 2013 Acura ILX Hybrid, 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid, and 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles with a manual transmission and 2009-2013 Honda Fit vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland…
Risk and remedy
Risk
A broken drive shaft may cause a sudden loss of drive power. The vehicle could also roll away if the parking brake has not been applied before the vehicle has been exited. Either condition can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the drive shafts, replacing either the left or right drive shaft, if necessary, free of charge. Owners were notified of the safety risk with an interim letter mailed February 2, 2021. A second letter will be sent once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are P9M, PAV, BAY, TAX, CA0, and MAZ.
Owner complaints
12 complaints3 involved a crash6 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine · Hybrid propulsion system › Inverter
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…
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.
- Electrical system › Propulsion system › Inverter
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…
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.
- Power train · Suspension
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 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.
- Power train
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…
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.
- Power train
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 yet available. The contact stated that…
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 yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and referred the contact back to the dealer. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
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…
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.
- Electrical system · Electronic stability control (esc) · Service brakes
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…
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.
- Electrical system · Fuel/propulsion system · Unknown or other
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…
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
- Electrical system · Engine
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
- Air bags · Structure › Body · Vehicle speed control
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
- Air bags · Seat belts
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…
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
- Service brakes · Vehicle speed control
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…
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
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for…
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant…
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10187899Owner Notification Letter - This warranty only covers vehicles that have a defective motor power inverter, also known as intelligent inverter unit. The motor power inverter may fail over time due to a defective solder joint. This failure will result in the charging system, PGM-FI system, and IMA system warning lights coming on. The decreased power supply to the 12-volt battery can lead to a series of system malfunctions.
- 10185042Dealer Message - Today, December 18, 2020, American Honda is announcing a warranty extension for certain 2012-2015 Civic Hybrid vehicles. This warranty extension covers the intelligent inverter unit (IIU) to address possible concerns of various warning lights turning on and diminishing electric motor power, braking or steering assistance control. American Honda is extending the warranty coverage of the IIU to 15 years from the original date of purchase or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first.
- 10184658"Service Bulletin - The Motor Power Inverter (MPI), also known as the Intelligent Inverter Unit (IIU), may fail over time due to a defective solder joint. This failure may result in one or more of the following DTC(s): -P1440 (MPI Module Output Circuit Malfunction) -P1437 (MPI Module Short Circuit) -P15A5 (Motor Current Sensor Circuit Malfunction) -P0A78 (MPI Module Internal Circuit Malfunction) -P0AE1 (Bypass Contractor Malfunction) -P0A3C (Motor Control Module (MCM) Overheating) -P0A3F (Motor Rotor Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction) -P0DA8 (MPI Module Voltage Malfunction) -P1634 (MPI Module Signal Circuit Malfunction) -P0AEE (MPI Internal Circuit Malfunction) -P0A27 (High Voltage Contactor Stays Activated) American Honda is extending the warranty coverage of the motor power inverter (MPI) on these vehicles to 15 years from the original date of purchase or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first."
- 10160545ServiceNews Article - When removing and installing a cable reel, you need to keep both the cable reel and the steering angle sensor in position. If you don't , the VSA indicator may come on along with one or more VSA DTCs. And when you run the Neutral Memorization Procedure in the i-HDS, it won't complete.
- 10144037Dealer message - Today, American Honda is notifying dealers of a voluntary noncompliance recall for a small number of Honda vehicles due to an error on the replacement (service part) underhood emissions labels. American Honda previously notified CARB and the EPA for this action.
- 10144032Service bulletin - Emission certification labels that were replaced on a small number of vehicles may have been replaced with a label listing incorrect information. The affected emission labels are replacement service parts, and were not installed at the factory; they were installed during postmanufacturing repairs that required replacement of the underlying part. This will cause the vehicle to be non-compliant with emissions regulations.
- 10129506Service bulletin - A buzz or rattle is heard from the dash when the heater is on low to medium fan speed. The air mix door is warped.
- 10129492Service bulletin - The customer states the vehicle did not start due to a low state of battery charge. The vehicle?s battery sensor monitors battery condition and the PCM determines charging mode. Based on the sulfation of the battery and customer driving habits, the PCM may not select the correct charge mode.
- 10128869Service bulletin - A new replacement IMA battery will require an update to the IMA battery software. If the IMA battery is being replaced on the affected models, please check and install the latest version of the IMA battery software as needed.
- 10115219Service bulletin - For any TPMS-related warranty repairs, all recorded DTCs must now be entered into the warranty claim. Make sure your repair order includes those DTCs.
- 10100421Service bulletin - navigation system information.
- 10052477Honda: the engine shuts off, power on, but in accessory; never use conventional wheel & tire assemblies on pax vehicles; mil on after throttle body cleaning or replacement; s/m fix brake system bleeding, dialogue for dvd surround sound from front speakers only. Various models and model years.
Every Honda Civic Hybrid model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.