For many years, the Honda Civic has led the compact sedan market. However, that dominance may soon come to an end because Consumer Reports has de-recommended the 2012 Honda Civic and placed the updated vehicle near the bottom of its class.
While CR hails the updated Civic for its excellent crash test results and high fuel economy, it found very little else to be particularly appealing. The new model’s handling, braking, road noise, and interior quality are all criticized. By criticizing the car’s fit and finish—long seen as a positive trait of Honda’s tiny vehicles—CR added another nail to the nameplate’s coffin.
The Senior Director of CR’s Connecticut Auto Test Center stated that “the Civic has slipped so far that it now ranks towards the bottom of its category” as a result of the Civic’s “choppy ride, long stopping distances, and severe road noise,” according to CR.
It’s fair to say that the sharks are circling as competition in the compact sedan sector heats up. According to Consumer Reports evaluations, the Hyundai Elantra, which five years ago behind the Civic in quality and reliability ratings, is currently leading the segment. The Nissan Sentra and Toyota Corolla are currently easily defeated by the Elantra.
Naturally, Honda disagrees. The fully redesigned 2012 Civic is a step ahead, according to a prepared response, which also emphasizes the new model’s excellent fuel economy, safety, and reliability—three qualities that Consumer Reports, it just so happens, really complimented.
If Honda is concerned that this review may have an influence on sales, there is some good news: in CR’s report, the Civic actually outperforms the brand-new Volkswagen Jetta, which also received low grades following a recent redesign. Interestingly, the findings haven’t had much of an impact on sales of the new, less expensive Jetta. Will the Civic experience the same thing? Time will tell, but we believe customers who liked the vehicle from the previous generation will find a lot to appreciate in the 2012.
In This Article...
What kind of year is 2012 for the Honda Civic?
The 2012 Honda Civic is a highly regarded compact car because of its plush interior, smooth ride and handling, high reliability rating, and outstanding safety ratings.
What issues are there with 2012 Honda Civics?
can lead to a number of electrical issues, such as different warning lights and a lack of steering assistance.
When determining the cause of any electrical problems, the battery should always be checked first. If it’s older than five years, replace it if it appears to be deteriorating. A battery can be changed for not too much money.
A defective thermostat could be the source of the code P0128. The gasket must be properly placed while changing the thermostat so as not to obstruct the thermostat’s jiggle valve. In a repair shop, replacing a thermostat will cost between one and three hours of labor in addition to the part. Watch these videos to learn how to replace a thermostat.
Lean code P0171 – System Too Lean and hesitant acceleration can both be brought on by a crack in the rubber intake boot (hose). Check the intake boot for cracks if you experience this symptom; the intake boot’s position is shown in the photo. It is a cheap and comparatively simple element to replace. Watch the repair videos below.
During a HandsFreeLink contact, there may be a problem with a buzz or static noise, according to Honda service notice 14-029. The notice suggests changing the microphone as a fix. Check out these videos that explain the issue.
At higher speeds, a damaged wheel bearing might make a humming sound. When changing lanes, the noise becomes more noticeable. One front wheel bearing replacement will cost between 1.5 and 2.0 hours of labor in addition to the part. Even more affordable is replacing the back wheel bearing.
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensors failing is not unusual. The cost of a diagnostic to identify the faulty sensor and an additional $120-$210 to replace one sensor may be assessed by the dealership.
An unreliable blower motor may squeal. Blower motor replacement costs between $120 and 230.
In order to prevent damage to the transmission drive pulley shaft, Honda issued a recall for the CVT transmission in the 2014–2015 Civic.
It’s encouraging that there aren’t many complaints about the 2014 Civic’s CVT as of September 2021. Also see: The benefits and drawbacks of the CVT transmission.
Comparatively speaking to other vehicles, the overall number of complaints is low. Even the Civic’s successor, the 2016-plus model, drew more criticism.
Key Points
- The Honda Civic is one of the most value-focused vehicles on the market right now, with an average cost per mile of 41 cents.
- Used Honda Civics from the model year 2012 cost roughly $10,000, while the 2013 model commands a $1,000–$2,000 premium. The price range for the 2014 and 2015 Civics is $12,000 to $18,000.
- The best years to buy a used Honda Civic are among those from 2012 to 2015. Excellent reliability ratings and a long list of equipment, including automated headlights, cruise control, and a motorized sunroof.
- The Honda Civic is by no means a bad car, despite its flaws. It’s only that a few not so stellar years have tarnished its multi-decade-long reputation.
- The seventh and eighth generation models of the Honda Civic have the worst years, particularly 2001–2004 and 2006–2008. Transmission problems, coolant leaks, and defective airbags are regular complaints.
Which Honda Civic model year is the most dependable?
Along with Civic years to avoid, we also thought we’d show you years with good performance overall. Try to acquire any of these years if you’re purchasing used.
Tenth-Generation Honda Civic
Honda discontinued the Type-R Civic back in 2017. Not only did it work well and satisfy many customers, but it also received high marks for price and safety. It is a desirable car for anyone who loves the brand because of its sleek aesthetics and comfortable ride.
Ninth-Generation Honda Civic
The Honda Civic fared well from 2012 to 2015. They were the perfect combination of technology, performance, and trimmings. The ninth generation Civic was created after all the previous kinks had been worked out.
Eighth-Generation Honda Civic
Consider purchasing a Civic if you can between these years. All of the Civics from this era operate smoothly, last a long time, and look fantastic. This was one of the best times for the brand. It also doesn’t come with a huge price tag, which will draw some notice, for a superb car that endures.
Fifth-Generation Honda Civic
This was the year the Civic was first introduced, making it one among the most well-known. As soon as the business released this brand-new, attractive, sporty economy automobile, everyone appeared to want to get their hands on a Civic.
How durable is a 2012 Honda Civic?
How durable are Honda Civics? With proper use and care, the Honda Civic is a tough vehicle that may endure for roughly 20 years. This indicates that your Honda Civic has a service life of roughly 200,000 to 300,000 miles before it totally fails.
Has a timing belt or chain been installed on a 2012 Honda Civic?
All Civic cars from 2006 and later lack a belt. They already have a timing chain, so it won’t need to be changed.
When did the Honda Civic experience transmission issues?
the Honda Civic from model years 2014 to 2015. The CVT transmission’s settings were incorrect. The pulley was put under excessive pressure as a result, which could lead to the pulley breaking. The recall, which covered 143,676 automobiles, was announced in October 2015.
The car may stop accelerating and the front wheels may lock if the pulley fails. The probability of an accident rises as a result of the loss of vehicle control.
You may find out if your Honda Civic is affected by this transmission recall by contacting your neighborhood Honda dealership or by visiting the NHTSA website. Call 1-888-234-2138 to speak with Honda customer care. To fix the issue, the Honda dealer will update the transmission software.
Is the Honda 1.8 an effective motor?
- The 1.8-liter SOHC i-VTEC in the previous Honda Civic FC produced 141 PS and 174 Nm.
- Entry-variant Civic provided features and performance that were rather good.
- The most recent 2022 Honda Civic FE is no longer available, despite being reasonably priced, low maintenance, and incredibly reliable.
One of the most dependable gasoline-powered engines ever produced is the R18 engine from Honda. The 1.8-liter naturally aspirated SOHC i-VTEC engine is low maintenance and has a straightforward mechanical design.
With 141 PS and 174 Nm, it has adequate poke. This is why, despite the fact that the 1.8-liter i-VTEC is less powerful than the 1.5-liter VTEC Turbo versions’ 173 PS / 220 Nm, we strongly recommended it for casual drivers in our buying advice for the previous generation Honda Civic FC.
Which Civic era is the ideal one?
The basic rule for buying an automobile is to steer clear of the first year of a makeover, regardless of the model. How come? There is a risk when buying a vehicle because the majority of the problems have not yet been resolved on a large scale. This is regrettably also true for the Honda Civic.
The Bluetooth connectivity and other technological difficulties with the display screen on the 2016 model are problematic. A/C problems are also frequently observed for this model year. Even if the majority of these problems have probably been resolved, it’s possible that they might occur again. Even though the Civic of this generation is a fantastic vehicle, it’s important to bear in mind. The 2017 model is the better option whether choosing between a 2016 or 2017 model.
Which Honda is the most trustworthy?
On an annual basis, the Honda Accord is frequently recognized as the most reliable used car, if not one of the most reliable. For the past 15 years or more, the Honda Accord has been one of the best-selling family-sized cars in America. It is renowned for the durability and reliability of its engine.
What issues are there with Honda Civics?
13 Typical Honda Civic Issues
- Fuel Pump Failure in a Denso.
- Honda Sensing Issues
- Oil Diluting in the 1.5L Honda Engine.
- Defective TRW Crash Sensor.
- vehicles made by Honda with recalled Takata airbags.
- TPMS Alert Light
- Civic Visor Is Constantly Falling.
- Civic Tire Wear That Is Rapid and Uneven.
Which is superior, the Civic or the Accord?
The Honda Accord beats the Civic in this comparison thanks to its available hybrid drivetrain, roomier cabin, more potent engines, and bigger trunk. Although it isn’t as advanced or as modern as the Civic, for the vast majority of buyers, the added performance and size are preferable trade-offs.
Can you trust used Honda Civics?
In fact, according to Consumer Reports, three of the top 20 most dependable automobiles of the decade are Honda’s CRV, Civic, and Accord. Numerous 2019 Kelley Blue Book Awards for Best Resale Value were won by Honda, spanning compact and mid-size car categories.
Why is the Honda Civic the best?
“The Honda Civic has a streamlined look, outstanding fuel efficiency, commendable performance, and excellent passenger capacity. The Civic is a solid choice for a little sedan despite a few minor downsides like increased road noise on the highway.”
How much does it cost to maintain a Honda Civic?
During its first ten years of use, a Honda Civic will require roughly $5,245 in maintenance and repairs.
This is $1,851 less than the industry average for popular sedan models. Additionally, there is a 15.57% likelihood that a Civic will need a significant repair at that time. Compared to similar vehicles in this sector, this is 5.93% better. The following graph shows how these expenses and the likelihood of repairs will rise over time.