The Honda Civic has been around for nearly 50 years and is now in its 10th generation. With its reputation for reliability, affordability, and fuel efficiency, it has remained one of the best-selling compact cars.
How Many Miles Can A 2012 Honda Civic Last? With regular maintenance and proper care, you can expect a 2012 Civic to last between 200,000 to 300,000 miles. The key is staying on top of routine maintenance like oil changes, fluid checks, tire rotation, and following the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule.
In this article, we will dive deeper into the factors that determine the longevity of a 2012 Civic, including engine, transmission, common issues, and maintenance tips. Keep reading to learn how you can maximize the lifespan of your 2012 Honda Civic.
Honda Civic Overview
Here is a quick overview of the 2012 Honda Civic before we look at what determines its mileage:
- Models – Civic Sedan, Civic Coupe, Civic Hybrid, Civic Natural Gas
- Engines – 1.8L 4-cylinder (Sedan/Coupe), 1.5L 4-cylinder hybrid, 1.8L CNG 4-cylinder
- Transmissions – 5-speed manual, 5-speed automatic
- Drivetrain – Front-wheel drive
- MPG – 28/39 mpg city/highway (Sedan), 44/44 mpg (Hybrid)
- Horsepower – 140hp (Sedan), 110hp (Hybrid)
- Warranty – 3 years/36,000 miles bumper-to-bumper, 5 years/60,000 miles powertrain
What Determines How Long A 2012 Civic Will Last?
There are several key factors that determine the lifespan of a 2012 Honda Civic. Let’s take a closer look:
Engine And Transmission
The standard 1.8L 4-cylinder engine and 5-speed transmission in the 2012 Civic Sedan and Coupe are known to be very reliable and can easily reach 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. The manual transmission tends to last longer than the automatic.
The Civic Hybrid’s engine and transmission are also durable, with many lasting up to 300,000 miles. The CNG engine has proven reliability as well. As long as you keep up with fluid changes and tune-ups, these powertrains can go the distance.
Driving Conditions
How and where you drive can significantly impact how long your Civic lasts. Most Civics are used for daily commuting and city/highway driving. This normal service will enable it to reach the 200,000 mile mark with ease.
Frequent short trips and excessive idling are harder on the engine and can shorten its lifespan. Extensive highway driving at high speeds also adds more wear. Potholes and poor road conditions can damage suspension components. Consider your individual driving habits.
Maintenance Habits
How well you maintain your Civic is key to its longevity. Closely following the maintenance schedule and not skipping or delaying oil changes, brake services, etc. will keep your Civic running smoothly for years.
Use only manufacturer recommended fluids and parts. Keep records of all maintenance and repairs. And address any issues early before they become major repairs. Good maintenance habits will maximize lifespan.
Original Owner Vs Used Civic
Buying a used 2012 Civic with over 100k miles will last shorter than buying one with 50k miles. The condition of a used Civic depends on how well the previous owner maintained it.
When buying used, have a mechanic inspect it and review maintenance records. Or opt for a certified pre-owned Civic which undergoes inspections and may include an extended warranty for added peace of mind.
Common Problems In 2012 Civics
While the 2012 Civic is generally very reliable, here are a few common issues to look out for:
Defective engine blocks – Some 2012 Civics had defective engine blocks that could crack and leak coolant. Honda extended the warranty on affected vehicles.
Faulty A/C compressors – AC compressors can fail prematurely and need replacement. Listen for odd noises from the AC system.
Sticking brake calipers – Brake calipers can stick and cause uneven pad wear. Get them serviced promptly.
Faulty door locks – Door locks can act up and either not lock fully or unlock on their own. Lubricating locks may help.
Cracked engine mounts – The engine mounts can crack and cause excessive vibration. Replace them if cracked.
Faulty power window regulators – Regulators can stop working properly and need to be replaced.
Burning oil – Some Civics burn too much oil between changes, so check level regularly.
Maintaining And Caring For Your 2012 Civic
How Many Miles Can A 2012 Honda Civic Last? With diligent maintenance and care, over 200,000 miles is very achievable for a 2012 Civic. Here are some tips:
Follow The Maintenance Schedule
Closely follow the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual. Don’t skip oil changes, brake fluid flushes, tire rotations, etc. Use Honda-approved parts and fluids. Keep detailed records.
Inspect And Replace Worn Parts
Inspect brake pads, tires, belts, hoses, etc. and replace them as needed. Look for any leaks, odd noises or vibrations that could indicate issues. Address them early.
Change Fluids Regularly
Don’t just change the oil. Get brake fluid, transmission fluid, coolant and other fluids flushed as specified. This keeps critical systems lubricated and running cleanly.
Clean And Protect Finishes
Wash and wax the paint frequently along with cleaning the interior. Apply protectants to upholstery, dash, tires and trim. This maintains appearance and prevents degradation.
Drive Carefully
Avoid potholes, curbs and other hazards that can damage wheels, suspension and bodywork. Don’t carry heavy loads which add stress. Moderate acceleration and braking are better for drivetrain longevity.
Keep It Garaged
Park your Civic in a garage when possible. This protects it from temperature extremes, UV rays, bird droppings, tree sap and other exterior hazards.
How Many Miles Can A 2012 Civic Have?
How Many Miles Can A 2012 Honda Civic Last? Here is a quick mileage expectancy guide for a well-maintained 2012 Civic:
- 100,000 miles – A Civic with proper maintenance should easily surpass this milestone while still running smoothly.
- 150,000 miles – At this range, more repairs may be looming but the overall drivetrain is still reliable. Increased oil consumption possible.
- 200,000 miles – The average mileage a properly maintained 2012 Civic can reach before requiring major repairs. Consumable parts need replacement.
- 250,000 miles – Only well-maintained Civics reach this high mileage. Significant repairs needed at this point, along with oil burning.
- 300,000+ miles – With extensive repairs and excellent care, some 2012 Civics go this distance but it is less common. Possible engine or transmission rebuild.
The condition of the specific Civic makes a big difference in mileage expectancy. But keeping up with maintenance is key to maximizing the lifespan of your 2012 Honda Civic.
Does The 2012 Civic Have Any Recalls?
Honda issued two safety recalls for certain 2012 Civics:
- Drive shaft recall – The drive shaft could break and separate from the vehicle, increasing crash risk. Dealers inspected and replaced affected drive shafts.
- ABS module recall – An error in the antilock brake system module software could cause unexpected brake activation. The ABS module was reprogrammed with new software.
Owners can check for open recalls by entering their VIN at NHTSA.gov or contacting their Honda dealer. Make sure any outstanding recalls are addressed even on older vehicles for safety.
Is The 2012 Civic A Reliable Model Year?
The 2012 Honda Civic continues the model’s reputation for reliability and durability. The standard sedan and coupe rank well for reliability according to Consumer Reports and other sources. The Hybrid and Natural Gas versions are also solid.
Common problem areas are limited and mainly include minor issues like brake calipers, door locks and oil consumption. As long as you keep up with factory maintenance, a 2012 Civic should provide many years and miles of reliable service.
How Long Will A 2012 Honda Civic Last?
With regular maintenance and proper care, a 2012 Honda Civic can easily last over 200,000 miles. The 1.8L engine and transmission are very durable and can go up to 300,000 miles with diligent upkeep. Follow the factory maintenance schedule, change fluids regularly, and address any issues promptly. Avoid excessive strain and protect the exterior to maximize longevity. Proper maintenance habits are key to high mileage.
How Reliable Is The 2012 Honda Civic?
The 2012 Honda Civic continues the model’s reputation for reliability and durability. It ranks highly for dependability according to Consumer Reports and other sources. Problems are limited to minor issues like door locks and oil consumption. As long as you keep up with scheduled maintenance, a 2012 Civic will provide many years of reliable service.
What Is High Mileage For A 2012 Honda Civic?
For a 2012 Honda Civic in good condition, 100,000 miles is considered low mileage, 150,000 is moderate, and 200,000 miles is considered high mileage. With proper maintenance, a 2012 Civic can reliably reach over 200,000 miles before needing major repairs. At 300,000 miles repairs may be extensive but durability is still impressive.
Can A Honda Civic Last 300,000 Miles?
Yes, with diligent maintenance and care, a Honda Civic can reach 300,000 miles or beyond. The engines and transmissions are very durable. Fluid changes, part replacement, and protecting the bodywork are key. Avoid excessive strain and follow the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual. With proper upkeep, high mileage is achievable.
How Does The 2012 Civic Compare To Other Model Years?
The 2012 Civic ranks high for reliability among all generations:
- 2006-2011 Civics are very comparable with similar powertrains and reliability.
- 2001-2005 Civics are also reliable but lack some newer safety and tech features.
- 2016+ Civics added more technology and turbo engines not found in 2012.
- Earlier generations like 96-00 and 92-95 are durable but quite dated compared to 2012.
While there are incremental improvements throughout the generations, the basic Civic formula of efficiency, quality and value makes most model years good used car choices. The 2012 strikes a nice balance of reliability, safety and features.
Conclusion
How Many Miles Can A 2012 Honda Civic Last? With diligent maintenance and care, you can expect to get over 200,000 miles out of your 2012 Honda Civic. Follow the factory maintenance schedule, inspect and replace worn parts, change fluids regularly, and avoid excessive wear and tear. Address any issues early before they become costly repairs.
The 2012 Civic is one of the more reliable model years thanks to its proven engine, transmission and overall solid Honda build quality. By taking care of your Civic, you’ll be able to enjoy many miles of comfortable and economical driving.
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