2012 Honda Civic si problems
The Honda Civic Si is a sport compact trim of Honda's Civic. The Si (Sport Injected) trim was introduced for the third generation of Honda Civics in both Japan and North America. In Canada and elsewhere, the trim became known as the SiR for the sixth and seventh generations as the "Si" badge was used for the equivalent to the USDM Civic EX model.
For the Japanese and European markets, the Civic Type R was adopted as the high-performance variant of the Civic, starting with the EK9 hatch for Japan in 1996 and then with the EP3 hatch for Europe in 2001. The 2017 model year marked the first time that the Civic Type R was sold in North America, previous to this the Si trim was the highest in North America (except for Acura vehicles). While the Civic Type R has a more powerful engine, plus it being available in a more track-oriented and spartan configuration including less sound deadening and amenities, by contrast the Civic Si has been positioned as more of a full-featured sport trim, featuring luxury options such as a sunroof and a seven-speaker audio system.
1984–1987
Honda first adopted the Si badge for the Japanese domestic market (JDM) third-generation Civic in November 1984. Japanese and European Si's received a 118 hp (88 kW) DOHC engine, while US and Canadian cars were powered by a 91 hp (68 kW), 12-valve SOHC engine. The Civic Si also appeared in New Zealand and Australia in 1987, with specifications similar to those of the American-market Si.
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Common 2012 Honda Civic si problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the Honda Civic Si 2012, several common problems have been identified:
- Oil Dilution: Excess fuel vapors not being burned up in the combustion process can lead to oil dilution in the Civic Si. This issue causes the oil to become thinner, potentially causing leaks and engine damage. Regular tuning and fuel system maintenance are crucial to prevent this problem.
- Direct Injection Carbon Build-Up: The design of the direct-injection engine in the Civic Si can lead to carbon build-up on the tops of the valves over time. This build-up can result in reliability issues, decreased performance, rough idle, and poor throttle response. Solutions like walnut blasting or fuel injection cleaners are recommended to address this issue.
- High Engine Oil Consumption: Some 2012 Civic Si models with a 2.4-liter gasoline engine are prone to high engine oil consumption due to abnormal wear of the engine pistons and piston rings. This issue can lead to increased maintenance needs and potential engine damage.
- Starter Bendix Issues: In some cases, the starter bendix in the Civic Si may spin without making contact with the flywheel teeth when starting the engine. Replacing the faulty starter motor with a new part meeting quality specifications is necessary to correct this problem.
- Electronic Power Steering Module Malfunction: Malfunctions in the electronic power steering module can cause the EPS light to illuminate on the instrument panel and make the steering wheel hard to turn. Addressing this issue promptly is essential for safe driving and proper vehicle operation.
- Air Intake Hose Ripping: Over time, the air intake hose in the Civic Si can develop rips, leading to hard starting conditions, rough idle, and hesitation during acceleration. This issue can impact engine performance and should be addressed to maintain optimal vehicle operation.
- Heater Blower Motor Noise: The heater blower motor in the Civic Si is prone to becoming noisy over time, indicating a need for replacement to restore proper heating and ventilation functions.
- TPMS Sensor Malfunction: TPMS sensors in some Civic Si vehicles are prone to malfunction or premature battery discharge, causing the TPMS light to illuminate on the instrument panel. Ensuring the proper functioning of these sensors is crucial for monitoring tire pressure and vehicle safety.
- Front Wheel Bearing Noise: Front wheel bearings in certain Civic Si vehicles may become noisy between 120,000 and 150,000 miles, necessitating replacement to maintain smooth and quiet operation of the vehicle.
Is the Honda Civic Si a reliable car?
Pros: Reliability: Honda has a strong reputation for reliability, and the Civic Si is no exception. It's known to run smoothly for hundreds of thousands of miles with proper maintenance. Performance: The Civic Si has a sporty feel with more horsepower and torque than the standard Civic.
Is 2012 Civic Si reliable?
Yes, the 2012 Honda Civic is a good car based on information from 1,554 verified owner reviews, and 15 government and automotive websites. The positives include great long-term reliability ratings compared to other cars, and excellent safety scores.
How many miles can a 2012 Honda Civic Si last?
Regardless of the year model, it's one of the most dependable compact cars on the market. In many cases, Honda Civics are capable of going beyond the 200,000-mile mark, which translates to 14 to 16 years of use for the average American driver. It's not uncommon to find Civics that have traveled more than 300,000 miles.
What problems do 2012 Honda Civic have?
The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.
- Climate System. ...
- Brakes. ...
- Exhaust. ...
- Paint And Trim. ...
- Electrical Accessories. ...
- In-car Electronics. ...
- Steering And Suspension. ...
- Engine Electrical.
2012 Honda Civic si car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Honda Civic si problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Unknown or other problems
- Air bags problems
- Engine problems
- Seat belts problems
- Seats problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2012 Honda Civic si vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2012 Honda Civic si complaints
The NHTSA has received 6 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2012 Honda Civic si.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-01-02
- VIN: 2HGFB6E55CH
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: WHEN I STOP AT A STOP SIGN OR RED LIGHT AND I TAKE OFF THERE IS A GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM VEHICLE. CAR ONLY HAS 30,700 MILES
AIR BAGS,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-04-10
- VIN: 2HGFB6E55CH
- Components: AIR BAGS,ENGINE
- Summary: THE PASSENGER AIR BAG SENSOR IN THE SEAT WON'T COME ON WHEN MY WIFE SITS IN IT. SHE WEIGHS ABOUT 115 POUNDS. THE SECOND PROBLEM MY CAR IS EXPERIENCING IS ITS BURNING A HUGE AMOUNT OF OIL.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1977-05-01
- VIN: 19XFB2F51CE
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING WITH A PASSENGER RIDING IN THE FRONT SEAT OF THE CAR WITH THEIR SEAT BELT ON SECURELY LOCKED THE CAR BEEPS THEN THE INDICATOR LIGHT COMES ON WARNING "NO PASSENGER SEAT BELT IS ON" OR "CHECK SEAT BELT." IT SEEMS TO BE SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE SEAT BELT'S SAFETY AS IF THERE IS NO SEAT BELT.
AIR BAGS,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-11-01
- VIN: 2HGFG4A59CH
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEATS
- Summary: WHEN EVEN SLIGHTLY DAMP, PASSENGER SEAT INITIATES A DASH WARNING LIGHT ADVISING AIRBAG SYSTEM IS DEACTIVATED. THIS OCCURS REGARDLESS OF VEHICLE BEING STATIONARY OR IN MOTION.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-10-11
- VIN: 2HGFG4A5XCH
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: BUZZ OR STATIC HEARD AT OTHER END DURING HFL CALL
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-05-15
- VIN: 2HGFB6E50CH
- Components: POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: WHEN I AM TAKING OFF IN FIRST GEAR THE CAR MAKES A LOUD SQUEAL OR GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE, THUS KEEPING ME FROM BEING ABLE TO TAKE OFF ANYWHERE OVER 5 MILES PER HOUR MAKING IT UNSAFE WHEN TAKING OFF FROM A COMPLETE STOP IF AROUND OTHER TRAFFIC. I'VE RESEARCHED IT AND APPARENTLY THIS HAPPENS ON NEARLY ALL 2012-2015 HONDA CIVIC SI MODLES DUE TO THE FAULTY CLUTCH BEARINGS SENT FROM THE FACTORY. HERE IS A LINK SHOWING THE EXACT PROBLEM I AM HAVING (THIS IS NOT MY VIDEO! ONLY A VIDEO I HAVE FOUND WITH THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM). HTTPS://YOUTU.BE/BN3NCRRZE9O
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2012 Honda Civic si problems:
2012 Civic Si problems | 9th Gen Civic Forum
Oct 7, 2020 ... If we turn the car off and back on, it clears and that's what we have been doing for the last 4 months. I am trying to fix it now. The TPMS has ...
Why does everyone hate the 2012 Civic? : r/civic
Jun 29, 2022 ... In addition to Consumer Reviews, Edmunds reported issues with excessive wind noise, cheap interior plastics, and a small trunk." "Honda CEO ...
9th gen coupes common problems? | 9th Gen Civic Forum
Mar 2, 2015 ... No excessive oil consumption either. 2012 Civic Si Coupe CBP Freedom and Liberty For ALL! (some restrictions apply, ...
2012 civic si : r/CivicSi
Sep 23, 2022 ... Transmission grind is a big problem with these cars. Some owners even use GM transmission fluid. If the car is driver just do all the up ...
2012 Honda Civic Problems and Complaints - 13 Issues
Top 2012 Honda Civic Problems · Airbag Light Due to Failed Occupant Position Sensor · Bad Engine Mounts May Cause Vibration, Roughness, and Rattle · Power Window ...
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