2012 honda civic hybrid battery problems

Adding a high degree of frugality to the already practical Civic sedan, the 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid is a revelation. With a complete redesign in the current iteration, the compact option resonates with comfort and is a delight to drive in almost all road conditions. While the trunk is small as per segment standards, the Japanese vehicle’s accessibility makes it an absolute peach. The safety scores are top-notch and even the reliability is impressive. The 2012 Civic Hybrid has a total of 406 complaints and it has been recalled 4 times. Most of the issues registered by the buyers deal with the airbag system and some other mechanical components. A 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid is available for sale at around $27,000 and in its segment, it competes with the likes of the Chevrolet Cruze Eco and the Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid.

2012 Honda Civic Hybrid User Complaints and Problems

Safety Complaints

  • Improper functioning of the airbags: In the 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid problems list, buyers of the compact sedan have reported multiple issues with the airbag system. While some buyers have recorded the failure of the airbags to deploy in case of a crash, others have complained about injuries due to improper inflation. However, the most common complaint relates to the random illumination of the airbag warning light, which can interfere with the proper deployment of the airbags, and increase the risk of a crash.

Electric System Complaints

  • Issues with the battery and alternator: The 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid’s battery problems deal with its drainage. In several cases, buyers have reported the charging system warning appearing on the dash screen, which in some cases requires a replacement for the battery.

Mechanical Complaints

  • Problems with the powertrain: In the 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid common problems list, the powertrain has two listed issues. While the first issue deals with the manual transmission registering high RPMs, the other concern is related to the automatic transmission failing to register “Park”, which results in a rollaway. Both issues can result in erratic performances.
  • Failure of the braking system: Buyers of the 2012 Civic Hybrid have reported their braking systems failing inadvertently. In a number of cases, complainants have recorded the brake pedal traveling to the floorboard, which results in an increased halting distance and time. This happens due to the excessive wear and tear of the rotors and pads and it increases the risk of a crash.
  • Malfunctioning power steering: The 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid power steering problems are a common recurrence. In several cases, complainants have recorded the power steering light illuminating on the dash screen and the steering wheel locking up. As a result, the vehicle becomes difficult to control, which can increase the risk of a crash.

Structural Complaints

  • Peeling paint: In more than one place across the body, buyers of the 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid have reported the paint peeling. While there is no reason for the problem, it does indicate a substandard build quality.

2012 Honda Civic Hybrid Recalls

S. No

Date

NHTSA ID

Issues Noticed

Additional Remarks

Remedy

1.

10th Dec 2020

20V770000

Failure of the drive shaft

Due to improper application of the protective coating, the drive shaft may get damaged from road contaminants and other salts, resulting in a possible leak.

Upon inspection, dealers will replace the left or right drive shafts, if necessary, free of cost.

2.

21st Nov 2012

12V548000

Incorrect steering column

The affected vehicles might have been installed with an incorrect steering column, which might not have the correct energy absorbing characteristics.

Upon inspection, dealers will replace the steering column, free of cost.

3.

4th June 2012

12V256000

Detachment of driveshaft

During the assembly process, the driver’s side driveshaft might not have been set with the retaining clip, which can result in the driveshaft separating.

Upon inspection, dealers will replace the driveshaft, free of cost.

4.

18th May 2011

11V288000

Possible fuel leak

Due to a misaligned O-ring in the fuel feed line, a small fuel leak might occur.

Dealers will replace the fuel feed line, free of cost.

Should you buy the 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid?

The 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid is a blistering choice in the compact sedan market. It is highly frugal and for an accessible option, even its driving dynamics and interior setup feel highly dignified. The vehicle reeks of dependability and with a cogent safety list and high-reliability ratings, there is not much that buyers might have to worry about. The ownership experience is hassle-free and though there are around 400 complaints, the problems are highly concentrated. So, for us, the Civic Hybrid makes for a sensible choice. However, if you want to keep your options open, even the Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid is an enticing alternative.

  • 0-60 and Quarter Mile Times
  • Trunk Space
  • MPG
  • Dimensions

How do I know if my Honda Civic hybrid battery is bad?

First, you'll probably see a sharp decrease in your miles per gallon (MPG). If you're having to take more frequent trips to the gas station, your battery may be reaching the end of its lifespan. Second, your battery simply may not be holding a charge as long as it once did.

What happens when Honda Civic hybrid battery dies?

When a hybrid car battery starts to die, the car can experience a decrease in fuel economy or it won't hold a charge. When the battery completely dies, the car will be inoperable.

What is the life expectancy of a Honda Civic hybrid battery?

Your Honda hybrid battery life expectancy is between 6 to 10 years or up to 100,000 miles.

How do I know if my hybrid battery is dying?

You might see that your miles per gallon (MPG) is decreasing, indicating that your hybrid battery is nearing the end of its lifespan. Alternatively, you may come to realize that your state of charge is fluctuating, meaning your battery isn't holding its charge as long as it once did.