2012 Honda Civic — Full Specifications
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The 2012 Honda Civic is a saloon/sedan offered with 3 engines (1.5L 4-cyl, 1.8L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 37 mpg (UK) / 31 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 30–53 mpg (UK) across all configurations. A hybrid version is also listed by EPA (1.5L 4-cyl), returning around 53 mpg (UK) combined. Owners often keep a Honda Civic workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2011 Honda Civic: Fuel economy improves from 35 to 37 mpg (UK) combined on the most efficient configuration. EPA lists new engine options for 2012: 1.5L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl. No longer listed: 1.3L 4-cyl, 2L 4-cyl. The overall NHTSA rating moves from 3★ to 4★. EPA passenger volume changes from 91 to 95 cu ft.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 1.8L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 1.5L 4-cyl · 1.8L 4-cyl · 2.4L 4-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic 5-spd |
| Fuel Type | Natural Gas |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Saloon/Sedan |
| Length | 3810 mm |
| Width | 1635 mm |
| Height | 1340 mm |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 95 cu ft (2,690 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 12 cu ft (340 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 37 combined / 32 urban / 46 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 31 combined / 27 city / 38 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 141 g/km |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $1,500 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 5 configurations for the 2012 Honda Civic across 3 engines (1.5L 4-cyl, 1.8L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 25 to 44 mpg (US), or 30 to 53 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5L 4-cyl (Hybrid) | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 53 | 44 (43/44) | 126 | $1,500 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 37 | 31 (28/38) | 178 | $2,150 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 37 | 31 (27/38) | 141 | $1,500 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 37 | 31 (28/35) | 178 | $2,150 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 | 25 (22/31) | 221 | $3,300 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 95 cubic feet (about 2,690 litres) and luggage volume at 12 cubic feet (about 340 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2012 Honda Civic
Running Costs: 2012 Honda Civic
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2012 Honda Civic at 37 mpg combined, expect roughly 983 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $1,500 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2012 Honda Civic Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 4 safety recall campaigns that include the 2012 Honda Civic (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Power train (2), Steering (1), Fuel system (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Power train — campaign 20V770000, reported 10 December 2020. Risk: A broken drive shaft may cause a sudden loss of drive power. The vehicle could also roll away if the parking brake has not been applied before the vehicle has been exited. Either condition can increase the…
- Steering — campaign 12V548000, reported 21 November 2012. Risk: The steering column may not have proper energy absorbing characteristics, which could increase the risk of injury during a vehicle crash.
- Power train — campaign 12V256000, reported 4 June 2012. Risk: IF THIS OCCURS, THE VEHICLE WILL HAVE A LOSS OF DRIVE POWER AND MAY ROLL AWAY IF THE PARKING BRAKE HAS NOT BEEN SET WHEN THE GEAR SELECTOR HAS BEEN PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION, INCREASING THE RISK OF CRASH…
- Fuel system — campaign 11V288000, reported 18 May 2011. Risk: FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Owners have filed 473 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Honda Civic. The most-reported areas are Air bags (153), Steering (74), Electrical system (63). Complaints include 58 reported crashes, 5 reported fires, 47 reported injuries. That is close to the median of 332 complaints across the 17 Honda Civic model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2012 Honda Civic
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Air bags (153 owner complaints) — Confirm any air bag inflator or module recalls were completed — enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Steering (1 recall campaign · 74 owner complaints) — Check for play, noise or heavy steering, and ask whether any steering recall work was done.
- Transmission & drivetrain (2 recall campaigns · 53 owner complaints) — On the test drive, watch for hesitation, jerking or slipping between gears and ask for transmission service history.
- Electrical system (63 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
Honda models in our database average about 35 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2012 Honda Civic's 37 mpg is 2 mpg above that make average. Its 141 g/km CO₂ figure is 56 g/km lower than the 197 g/km Honda average.
Of the 17 Honda Civic model years we cover, the 2012 ranks 15th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (37 mpg UK combined, against a high of 43 mpg). See every Honda Civic year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2012 Honda Civic
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2012 Honda Civic have?
EPA lists 3 engines for the 2012 Honda Civic: 1.5L 4-cyl, 1.8L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 1.8L 4-cyl with a automatic 5-spd.
What is the fuel economy of the 2012 Honda Civic?
The most efficient configuration returns around 37 mpg (UK) combined, or 31 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 30 to 53 mpg. The hybrid version returns around 53 mpg (UK) combined.
How much does the 2012 Honda Civic cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $1,500 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2012 Honda Civic have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 4 stars, with 4 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2012 Honda Civic have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 4 safety recall campaigns that include the 2012 Honda Civic (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Power train (2), Steering (1), Fuel system (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2012 Honda Civic?
Among the 473 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Air bags (153 complaints), Steering (74 complaints), Electrical system (63 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2012 Honda Civic have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 95 cubic feet (about 2,690 litres) and luggage volume at 12 cubic feet (about 340 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.