One of the better Accord years
Owners filed about 38% fewer complaints than a typical Accord year. The area owners reported most is the seats and seat belts, which half of owners reported by about 0 miles.
Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Accord years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
Owners have filed 374 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Honda Accord. The most reported problem area is the seats and seat belts (71, 19% of complaints), followed by the air bags and the engine and cooling. That ranks 8th of 13 Accord years from 2012 to 2024 for complaints. It has 8 recalls.
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Start my car searchMost reported problems
Problem areas ranked by how many complaints mention them. One complaint can name more than one area. Open an area to see what to check on a 2012 Honda Accord before you buy.
Seats and seat belts
71 complaintsBelts that will not latch or retract, seat adjusters and passenger occupancy sensors.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 0 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Pull out and latch every seat belt, and let each one retract on its own.
- Try every seat adjuster, and watch for a passenger air bag "off" light when an adult is in the seat.
Tools that help
What owners said
The Driver's side seat belt does not latch. The problem started 3 months ago. We contacted Honda Dealer and was told it is not part of the Honda Seat Belt Recall as the recall relates to Honda models 2018-2020. However please note it is the SAME EXACT PROBLEM with the seat belt in my car. I have been using the PASSENGER SIDE LATCH to…Owner complaint, filed 2023
The driver side seatbelt of my 2012 honda accord has jammed inside the belt housing on numerous occasions. The most recent event lasted over an hour and after several attempts to free the belt from the housing, I was forced to drive without a seatbelt on, which was terrifying and an extreme safety hazard. The belt eventually released…Owner complaint, filed 2019, at 60,000 miles
Air bags
57 complaintsAir bag warning lights, air bags that did not deploy, and inflator recalls.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 60,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- The air bag (SRS) light should come on at startup and go out within a few seconds. If it stays on, the system may not work in a crash.
- Air bag recalls are some of the most serious. Check this exact VIN for open recalls and get proof any recall work was done.
Tools that help
What owners said
The light on the dash indicates an airbag warning. When looking up the warning, it says the air bag could deploy at any time and cause an unsafe or dangerous situation. I researched that there have been airbag issues with some of these cars and would like this fixed. This is my daughter's car, and I am concerned for her safety.Owner complaint, filed 2026
Air bags failed. It is available. Lukily I'm safe. I don'nt know. No one inspected the vehicle, except the police at the incident location. No warning lamps observed prior to the incident.Owner complaint, filed 2024
Engine and cooling
52 complaintsStalling, misfires, oil consumption, leaks, overheating and engine failure.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 58,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Ask the seller not to warm the car up, and start it cold. Listen for ticking, knocking or a rough idle in the first minute.
- Pull the oil dipstick and the oil cap. Low oil, a gasoline smell or a milky film on the cap are reasons to walk away or get an inspection.
- Plug in an OBD2 scanner. Stored or pending codes matter, and so do readiness monitors that show "not ready", which usually means the codes were cleared right before the sale.
- Ask for oil change records. A gap in the records on a model known for engine complaints is a negotiating point at minimum.
Tools that help
What owners said
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…Owner complaint, filed 2024
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…Owner complaint, filed 2023, at 68,000 miles
Steering
51 complaintsLoss of power steering assist, wandering, play in the wheel and noises when turning.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 22,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Turn the wheel lock to lock while parked and listen for groaning, clicking or binding.
- On a straight road the car should track straight with the wheel centered and no loose feeling.
- A power steering warning on the dash, even briefly, deserves a mechanic’s look before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
When driving on highway the car struggles to maintain a straight line and when going over bumps or uneven surface the car steering will loose controlOwner complaint, filed 2021, at 62,538 miles
Car made strange noises, when stopped, when brakes applied little hard. Honda service center suggested to replace the steering rack. And gave me an estimate of $2200. Car has mileage of 82000Owner complaint, filed 2019
Brakes and stability control
46 complaintsBrakes that feel soft or grab, grinding, ABS and stability control faults.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 24,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- The pedal should feel firm and the car should stop straight without pulling, grinding or a pulsing pedal.
- The ABS and stability control lights should go out after startup and stay out.
- Look through the wheels at the rotors. A deep lip on the edge means brakes are due soon, which is a fair thing to negotiate on.
Tools that help
What owners said
The VSA/ABS module has failed. It is available for inspection. My safety and the safety of others are being put at risk due to the fact that the brakes may lock up or give out with this faulty module. Yes the problem has been confirmed by my local Honda dealer. The vehicle had only been inspected by the Honda dealer. The lights that…Owner complaint, filed 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Honda Accord. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the ABS warning light illuminated. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road and called an independent mechanic to describe the warning message on the vehicle. The independent mechanic informed her that she could continue to drive the vehicle…Owner complaint, filed 2021, at 75,071 miles
Electrical system
32 complaintsDead batteries, warning lights, failed screens and cameras, and electrical shorts.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 50,000 miles. Parts named most: Instrument panel: speedometer / odometer (5).
What to check before you buy
- Test every switch: windows, locks, mirrors, seat heaters, the screen, the backup camera, Bluetooth and every USB port.
- Watch the dash at startup. Every warning light should come on briefly and then go out.
- Have the battery and charging system tested. A weak alternator or battery drain shows up here.
Tools that help
What owners said
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Honda Accord. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 124,414, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 170,762.Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 170,762 miles
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Honda Accord. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase the vehicle mileage wa47,000,p=and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 238, 629. A Carfax report was obtained with the same…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 238,639 miles
Transmission and drivetrain
27 complaintsHarsh or delayed shifts, slipping, shuddering, CVT whine, and drivetrain clunks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 62,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Drive it from cold if you can. Shifts should be smooth in every gear, including reverse.
- Feel for slipping (revs rise without the car speeding up), shudder at low speed and a delay when you put it in gear.
- Listen for whining, which is a common CVT complaint, and clunks when you go from drive to reverse.
- If it has 4WD or AWD, engage it on the test drive and ask when the transmission and differential fluids were last changed.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2012 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH and turning left onto a secondary road, the vehicle abruptly stopped in the middle of the road. The vehicle was pushed off to the shoulder of the road with help from other motorists who had stopped to aid. The vehicle was later towed to the…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 100,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to move or respond. The vehicle was restarted but the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was inspected by the contact’s neighbor who is a mechanic, and the contact was informed that…Owner complaint, filed 2024, at 120,000 miles
Cruise control and acceleration
26 complaintsHesitation, loss of power, sudden acceleration and cruise control problems.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 21,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- On the test drive, press the gas gently and firmly. The response should be smooth with no lag or surge.
- Set the cruise control, then use resume and cancel to make sure each one works.
Tools that help
What owners said
While stopped at a red light, I stepped on brake and without warning, the car accelerated uncontrollably, at a high speed. It crashed into a parked vehicle and was a total loss. i had my 17 mos. old granddaughter in a rear facing carseat, in the rear passenger side. Luckily, the Upa Baby carseat protected her and she was not hurt, nor…Owner complaint, filed 2022
I was at a stop sign on private property preparing to make a left turn. I stepped on the gas pedal and the car [VIN] immediately and went very fast. I could not stop it but a tree did. Even if I had floored the gas pedal the car would not have gone that fast that quickly. The distance was about 20 feet. The car is a total loss. I have…Owner complaint, filed 2018, at 21,184 miles
Wheels and tires
26 complaintsTire failures, wheels and lug nuts, and tire pressure sensor faults.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 7,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Read the four-digit DOT date on each tire. Tires older than about six years should be replaced, whatever the tread looks like.
- Check tread depth on all four. On AWD vehicles all four tires should match.
- The tire pressure light should go out after startup.
Tools that help
What owners said
The suspected failed component is on 3-4 General Altimax GT45 tires. After approximately 15,000 miles of use and regular tire rotations every 5,000 miles, a steering wheel vibration developed immediately following a tire rotation. Multiple tire balances and a road-force balance did not identify a problem or correct the condition.…Owner complaint, filed 2026
I have bought three Hondas and leased one, I still have a 2012 Sedan and 18 months ago the car stopped in the middle of the road, thankfully no one hit us. The axle was broken and had to be repaired. Today [XXX] the car just stopped driving in a horrible round about [XXX] . The police and fire men, thank God helped to push the car out of…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Suspension
23 complaintsClunks over bumps, broken springs, worn struts and uneven tire wear.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 30,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Drive over a few bumps and potholes slowly with the radio off and listen for clunks or rattles.
- Check the tires for uneven wear on the inside or outside edges, a sign of alignment or suspension trouble.
- Look behind the wheels for oily, wet shocks or struts.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2012 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at a very slow speed, there was a loud sound coming from the front passenger’s side before the vehicle abruptly stopped driving forward. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the front passenger’s side axle had fractured. The…Owner complaint, filed 2023, at 116,000 miles
Have a 2012 Accord. Dealer said axle was rusted and is attempting to replace it (dealer is not doing a good job and I'm having them redo under warranty.) There was no incident as of now. Reporting because their 2013-2015 models are presently under recall for rusting in a similar part of the vehicle (the "dynamic damper" part of the CVT /…Owner complaint, filed 2021
Body, doors and structure
23 complaintsRust, doors and liftgates that will not latch, leaks, and frame or structure concerns.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 32,000 miles. Parts named most: Body (19).
What to check before you buy
- Look underneath with a flashlight. Utah road salt is hard on frames, brake lines and the bottoms of doors.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the liftgate, and lock and unlock each one.
- Use a paint thickness gauge and compare panels. A panel that reads very differently from the rest has likely been repaired.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2012 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while attempting to use the remote key fob to unlock the trunk, the trunk failed to release. The contact then stated that she attempted to manually unlatch the trunk, but the latch failed to release from the cable. The contact stated that the vehicle was inspected by had an…Owner complaint, filed 2023, at 178,000 miles
My 2012 honda accord started having paint issues when it had 80,000 miles on it. I took it into the dealership and both the dealership and american honda acknowledged there was a problem but refused to fix it. The paint started peeling in the back window well and has now spread to the side of the car. Large paint chips come off exposing…Owner complaint, filed 2021, at 80,000 miles
Lights, wipers and visibility
20 complaintsHeadlights that dim or fail, wiper and washer failures, and windshield cracks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 20,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Check every light: headlights on low and high, fog lights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights.
- Run the wipers on every speed with washer fluid, and run the defroster front and back.
Tools that help
What owners said
My windshield is full of specks, which is causing problems with driving, if the sun hits the front window its almost impossible to see out the window. This is my 3rd honda and I never had this problem before , one car I had for 15 years no windshield problem with it . It happens when the sun hits the window, but also on a cloudy day. Its…Owner complaint, filed 2019, at 78,000 miles
In 2016 when I first purchased my 2012 honda accord, I noticed that the rear window visibility was (slightly) distorted around the defroster lines. At that time I was downsizing from a honda odyssey, so I thought maybe it was just my eyes playing tricks with me because I was used to a larger rear window where the defroster lines were not…Owner complaint, filed 2018, at 75,697 miles
Fuel system
16 complaintsHesitation, stalling, fuel smell, fuel pump and injector failures.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 14,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Smell around the engine bay and under the rear of the car for raw fuel.
- On the test drive, accelerate firmly from a stop and up a grade. Stumbling, surging or a flashing check engine light are red flags.
- Fuel pump recalls are common. Check this exact VIN for open recalls before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2012 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, the contact attempted to start the vehicle, but the vehicle would not start. The contact self-diagnosed the vehicle with a code reader which showed that the MAP sensor needed to be cleaned. The contact cleaned the MAP and mass…Owner complaint, filed 2021, at 19,377 miles
I have owned my 2012 accord lx-p model since 2013 through purchase after an expired lease. It is a dealer "certified" vehicle. The problem I have recently encountered is the strong smell of gas tank fumes after a fill and also after a long trip. The odor has become stronger in the cabin of the car while the smell still lingers at the gas…Owner complaint, filed 2018
Driver assist systems
3 complaintsPhantom braking, false collision warnings, and lane keeping or backup sensors that act up.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Where it is safe, try the adaptive cruise and lane keeping on the test drive and watch for sudden braking or warnings with nothing there.
- Check the windshield in front of the camera and the bumper sensors for cracks, chips or poor repairs.
- Ask whether the windshield has been replaced. The camera has to be recalibrated afterward, and many shops skip it.
Tools that help
What owners said
Problem: When the ABS computer system (ABS) fails, the balance between front and rear brakes becomes abnormal even for a vehicle without ABS, it becomes rear biased. Making it unsafe to stop quickly. (90% of the brake force is to the rear). The cost of this part is too expensive for most people to replace and this means that most will…Owner complaint, filed 2023
Turned vehicle on in my driveway where I live. Warming up the engine (getting ready to go to store) and I put on front and rear defroster (was cold out). And back windshield made a loud noise and just crashed inside, glass shattered inside car. I usually have someone with me so I am grateful I did not. My car was stationary. We just had…Owner complaint, filed 2021
Honda Accord complaints by year
Compare the 2012 with other years before you choose one. Tap a year to see its problems.
Compare with similar 2012 midsize cars
Each car is rated against its own other years, since popular models always get more complaints than rare ones.
| Car | Vs. its other years | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 Honda Accord | One of the better years | 8 |
| 2012 Toyota Camry | Among the worst years | 2 |
| 2012 Hyundai Sonata | Among the worst years | 8 |
| 2012 Kia Optima | Worse than most years | 5 |
2012 Honda Accord recalls
Air bags Inflator module
- Risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Fix
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2014 TSX Sport Wagon, 2010-2013 ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic and Civic Hybrid, 2008-2010 Civic GX NGV, 2012-2015 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2014 Fit EV, 2010-2014 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Air bags Inflator module
- Risk
- An incorrectly installed air bag inflator may not properly deploy the passenger frontal air bag in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the inflator installation and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2013 TSX Sport Wagon, and 2010-2012 ZDX and 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV, 2012-2014 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2013 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot vehicles. The front passenger air bag inflator may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.
Air bags Inflator module
- Risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Fix
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014 Honda Insight and Acura TSX and TSX Wagon, 2014-2015 Honda Crosstour and Pilot vehicles nationwide, as well as certain 2014 Honda FCX Clarity and Fit EV vehicles in Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, California, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan) and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Honda is also recalling certain 2011-2013 Acura TSX, TSX Wagon and ZDX, Honda Crosstour, Insight, Fit and Pilot vehicles, 2011-2012 Honda Accord and 2011 Honda Civic NGV, Civic, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Lastly, Honda is recalling certain 2010-2013 Acura TSX and ZDX, Honda Crosstour, Fit, Insight and Pilot, 2011-2013 TSX Wagon, 2010-2012 Honda Accord and 2010-2011 Honda Civic NGV, Civic, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag air bag inflators assembled as part of the frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Air bags Inflator module
- Risk
- An incorrectly installed air bag may deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2012 Honda Accord and Pilot, 2010 Accord Crosstour, 2001-2011 Civic, 2002-2011 CR-V, 2003-2004, 2006-2008 and 2011 Element, 2007 and 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2012 Insight, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2012 Ridgeline vehicles. The front passenger air bag may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.
Air bags Inflator module
- Risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Fix
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Acura TSX, ZDX, Honda Accord Crosstour, Fit, Insight and Pilot vehicles, 2011-13 Acura TSX Sportswagon, 2010-2012 Honda Accord,, 2010-2011 Honda Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles and 2013 Honda FCX Clarity and Fit EV vehicles ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Honda is recalling certain 2010-2012 Acura TSX, Honda Accord, Accord Crosstour, Fit and Pilot, 2010-2011 Honda Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid and CR-V, and 2010 Acura ZDX and Honda Insight vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Unless included in Zones A or B above, Honda is recalling certain 2009 Acura TSX, Honda Accord, Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid, CR-V, Fit, and Pilot vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Air bags Inflator module
- Risk
- In the event of a crash, an incorrectly installed passenger frontal air bag inflator may deploy the air bag improperly, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2008-2012 Accord, 2010-2012 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2012 Fit and Pilot, 2010-2012 Insight, and 2009-2012 Acura TSX vehicles that received replacement passenger frontal air bag inflators. One dealership may have incorrectly installed the replacement air bag inflators.
Air bags Inflator module
- Risk
- An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Fix
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger side air bag inflator, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Acura TSX, 2011-2012 Acura TSX Wagon, 2010-2012 Acura ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2012 Honda Accord Crosstour and Honda Insight, 2009-2012 Honda Fit, 2009-2012 Pilot, 2007-2011 Honda CR-V, 2012 Honda FCX Clarity and 2006-2011 Honda Civic, Civic Hybrid, Civic NGV vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain 2009 Acura TSX, Honda Fit and Pilot, 2008-2009 Honda Accord, 2006-2009 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV, and 2007-2009 Honda CR-V vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, if not included in "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling certain 2008 Honda Accord, 2006-2008 Honda Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV and 2007-2008 Honda CR-V vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Air bags
- Risk
- In the event of a crash, the side curtain airbag may fail to deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Honda will replace the driver's side or passenger's side side curtain airbag as needed free of charge.
Full recall summary
Honda is recalling certain model year 2012 accord and crosstour vehicles. The driver-side or passenger-side side curtain airbag inflator may not have been manufactured according to correct specifications.
2012 Honda Accord questions
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Honda Accord?
The most reported problem areas on the 2012 Honda Accord are the seats and seat belts (71 complaints), the air bags (57 complaints) and the engine and cooling (52 complaints).
Is the 2012 Honda Accord a good year to buy?
One of the better Accord years. Owners filed about 38% fewer complaints than a typical Accord year. The area owners reported most is the seats and seat belts, which half of owners reported by about 0 miles. Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Accord years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
How many recalls does the 2012 Honda Accord have?
NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 2012 Honda Accord. The most recent, from Jun 2019, covers the inflator module. Recalls cover the whole model year, so check the VIN of the car you are looking at to see which are still open.
At what mileage do 2012 Honda Accord problems start?
Half of the owners who reported a problem with the seats and seat belts gave a mileage of about 0 miles or less. Half of the owners who reported a problem with the air bags gave a mileage of about 60,000 miles or less. Plenty of cars have these problems later or never, so ask for service records.
Which Honda Accord years should I avoid?
The Accord years with the most complaints compared with the rest are 2013 and 2018. Years with clearly fewer complaints are 2012, 2020 and 2021. Years from 2022 on are too new to rate fairly yet.
Check the exact car
These problems are for the model year as a whole. Here is how to find out about the one you are looking at.
Looking at a 2012 Honda Accord?
We inspect the car with a scan tool and paint gauge, read the history report and tell you whether it is worth the asking price, before you hand over any money.
- Check a specific car for open recalls at NHTSA
- Decode a VIN to see recalls, safety ratings and complaints for that exact year, make and model