2012 Honda Accord
The Verdict
The 2012 Honda Accord has 378 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are body (185 complaints) and electrical (76 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 36/100, it earns a "Check Engine" rating. If you're shopping for a Honda Accord, consider the 2021 model year which has 43% fewer complaints.
Safe Bet
The 2021 has 43% fewer complaints
View the 2021 Honda Accord dashboard →
Klunk Score: Check Engine
More complaints than most vehicles. Known issues exist — budget for potential repairs.
How is this calculated?
The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.
Recalls 1
Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.
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 SPECIFI...
Risk
IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG MAY FAIL TO DEPLOY, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
Remedy
HONDA WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER'S SIDE OR PASSENGER'S SIDE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG AS NEEDED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 24, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1...
Reported Jan 2, 2012
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Under the Hood
Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.
| Year | Body | Brakes | Electrical | Engine | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 280 | 48 | 582 | 102 | 192 |
| 2001 | 159 | 39 | 473 | 62 | 196 |
| 2002 | 187 | 31 | 321 | 60 | 459 |
| 2003 | 362 | 161 | 459 | 158 | 871 |
| 2004 | 202 | 57 | 366 | 64 | 326 |
| 2005 | 166 | 48 | 293 | 81 | 98 |
| 2006 | 133 | 48 | 163 | 43 | 43 |
| 2007 | 161 | 46 | 201 | 65 | 50 |
| 2008 | 162 | 554 | 498 | 256 | 40 |
| 2009 | 141 | 226 | 182 | 146 | 22 |
| 2010 | 132 | 124 | 149 | 134 | 32 |
| 2011 | 104 | 13 | 125 | 34 | 15 |
| 2012 | 185 | 33 | 76 | 66 | 18 |
| 2013 | 652 | 103 | 360 | 217 | 85 |
| 2014 | 288 | 112 | 307 | 208 | 51 |
| 2015 | 193 | 34 | 205 | 133 | 28 |
| 2016 | 177 | 28 | 281 | 77 | 23 |
| 2017 | 193 | 35 | 159 | 110 | 27 |
| 2018 | 482 | 218 | 207 | 787 | 45 |
| 2019 | 199 | 77 | 67 | 285 | 18 |
| 2020 | 123 | 54 | 49 | 99 | 8 |
| 2021 | 90 | 25 | 52 | 37 | 8 |
| 2022 | 91 | 10 | 72 | 40 | 3 |
By Category
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Worst Problems
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Complaints
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. Multiple, independent mechanics advised that the vibration may be caused by an internal tire belt defect, such as a shifted belt or belt separation. After the tires were rotated again, the vibration changed in character and became worse, further suggesting that the condition is related to a tire rather than the vehicle's suspension or alignment. The tires are still available for inspection upon request. The vehicle develops a noticeable steering wheel vibration at highway speeds between approximately 60 and 70 mph. The vibration affects steering feel and driver confidence while operating the vehicle at normal highway speeds. If caused by an internal tire defect, there is concern that the condition could worsen and potentially affect vehicle control or lead to tire failure. Yes, the problem has been reproduced. The vibration has been repeatedly reproduced during normal driving and has been evaluated by multiple independent service centers. The tires were rebalanced multiple times, including road-force balancing, without resolving the vibration. Multiple mechanics advised that the condition appears consistent with a possible internal tire belt defect. After an additional tire rotation, the vibration changed and became more severe, which mechanics indicated is consistent with a tire-related problem moving to a different position on the vehicle. The tires have been inspected by 4 independent service centers and tire technicians. The manufacturer, Continental/General Tire, has not physically inspected the tires. No inspection was performed by police or insurance representatives. No warning lamps or vehicle messages were displayed.
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 mileage. The contact sent a message and left a voice mail message but there was no response. The contact received an unusual high quote from the insurance company. The contact's son sent a text to the seller but they did not respond. There was no other agency contacted.
This car needs CV AXLE ASSEMBLY REPLACED as published under 'honda news' attached as i am in one one the 22 states that uses road salt. Honda dealer claims to have no knowledge of this , I need you to escalate please. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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 the way into a parking lot. Talk about stress, the round abouts are a horror show, with more accidents than ever and a car just STOPS driving. Well now we are being told the axle is broken. What in [XXX] is wrong, I looked on-line and many people have made complaints about broken axels on their Honda's. You have to do something, someone could have gotten killed and I would like a call back. [XXX] [XXX] . [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Purchased a car from JKJ Auto on 01/17/2026 for $5000 + tax. Car was sold "as-is" with no dealer warranty. Vehile was only driven for 12 days before the car caught fire while my son was driving to school. He was trapped inside until a person ran over to help him out of the car. Police came to the scene and towed the vehicle. It was later examined by DSM Auto Repair who deduced that the battery was defective and overheated. This caused all other electrical cables to ignite along with the rest of the car. There were no warning lamps, messages or audio alerts. My son first noticed when there was white smoke coming from the hood as the car shut off, followed shortly by flames.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Honda Accord. The contact stated that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 64,163. It was later discovered, upon checking the Carfax report that the mileage was 200,000.
I just saw the new Honda Civic recall for wheels falling off and it reminded me to report this. On January 6, 2022 I was driving down I-29 from Grand Forks to Fargo and about 60 miles into my trip I thought I had a flat tire. I pulled over at the next exit and found I was missing 3 lug bolts and nuts, 1 lug nut with the bolt still attached, and my wheel was hanging on by just 1 lug bolt + nut. It looked like 3 or the bolts sheared off while I was driving. There was absolutely no prior warning or indication before this happened. I was doing about 75 mph and, from what I remember, it was about -20f outside. I had my car towed to a local mechanic, Tuffy Tire and Auto Servicr, and they fixed it. If my tire fell off at 75 mph I almost certainly would’ve ended up hitting another car or going into the ditch. The problem hasn’t been reproduced by a local dealer, but the Tuffy Tire and Auto Care in Fargo, ND should still have records/invoice about my service. My Honda accord has been inspected by Rydell Honda in Grand Forks, ND and they should have records of my lug nuts coming loose because I brought it in multiple times and I think they had to order a part for it. Another time, I think in late 2022 or 2023, I had my tires rotated at Rydell Honda in Grand Forks, ND and I drove about 90 miles and my lug nuts came loose on one wheel. I had to pull over and tighten them, but there was damage to the wheel. I believe Rydell Honda has records about this incident as well.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Honda Accord. While attempting to sell the vehicle, a potential buyer showed the contact a vehicle history report; the report showed that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was purchased by the contact through a private sale on Facebook Marketplace. Additionally, the contact discovered a crash report in the glove box. The contact was not made aware of any prior accidents on the vehicle prior to sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was approximately 135,000, and the report discovered that the mileage was 248,870.
The contact owns a 2012 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed and coming to a stop, the driver heard an abnormal sound, and the vehicle suddenly stopped in the middle of the road. The contact stated that the driveshaft had separated from the vehicle and had fallen on the road. The vehicle was towed to Ron's Automotive Center Inc, where it was diagnosed that the driveshaft had failed and damaged the oil pan. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a related recall. The failure mileage was approximately 193,000.
While driving to work and out of nowhere i began to smell a burning smell thought it was engine. I had AC on so I turned it off and that’s when I noticed that my center console was on fire. Was driving on freeway so took the first exit and immediately pulled over tried to put out fire but couldn’t. Luckily a couple from the car in front of me that was waiting for light came to help and put fire out. Have no idea what the cause of the fire was. Definitely a scary situation and safety issue.
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 appeared on the dash are, ABS, brake and traction control. There has already been a recall on this exact issue for my exact trim. I believe my car should be included in the recall due to the fact that I only hadn't 105k miles and hadn't had EVERY service done that was ever recommended. I keep my car in excellent condition. This should not be happening. Thank you
car cut off
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while attempting to trade in the vehicle at a local dealer, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was purchased through a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 127,699 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 129,994.
1) When starting the car ( cold ) it makes a rattling sound that goes away after a few seconds and does not make this sound again until the car cools off 2) sometimes when driving the steering wheel shakes during acceleration
ABS, Traction Control and Brake lights on. Diagnosed by 2 mechanics told ABS module is bad, which affects braking and is hazardous. Also told this should not be happening with so little mileage on vehicle 50K. There needs to be a recall for this issue!!!!
ABS,Traction Control, Brake Light steady stay on. Have taken vehicle to numerous mechanics. ISSUES can NEVER BE RESOLVED. Lights will stay on no matter what. I HAVE TO CHANGE THE BRAKES LIKE EVERY 4-6 months. Alignment also has to keep getting done. I don't know if that's because the issue with whatever is causing the braking issues haven't been resolved. Also the oil has to be changed like every 4,000 miles. . I also was driving down the road one day and heard this LOUD bang almost like a gunshot and out of the blue the trunk torque rods and the clips broke spontaneously.
ABS Module has failed and brake, ABS and traction control lights remain on; causing braking issue. This component has failed in many vehicles of this type per mechanic and should be recalled. There is very little mileage on the vehicle around 50K. A safety recall is apparent as if injury occurs Honda is liable, as an elderly person owns the vehicle. Vehicle does not stop as it should and will not receive an inspection sticker. This should not be on the consumer given the amount of low mileage.
Transmission is fluttering going into 2nd to 3rd gear.
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 activator, and gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined the solenoid, VTC solenoid, and gasket needed to be replaced. The parts were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.
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.
378 total