WhichCarParts

2012–2015 9th generation (FB/FG)

2012–2015 Honda Civic Common Problems and Years to Avoid

5 documented problems with the 2012–2015 Honda Civic, with symptoms, affected years, and typical repair costs.

Last verified

Quick answer

We have 5 documented problems on record for the 2012–2015 Honda Civic, none of them rated serious. Every one below lists symptoms, the years most affected, and what the repair typically costs.

AC compressor clutch / relay failure (no cold air)

moderate

The most common 9th-gen complaint: the AC blows warm because the compressor clutch coil or its air gap fails, or the AC relay sticks. Symptoms come and go with heat. A relay is a $20 first check; a clutch/coil or complete compressor is the usual fix on higher-mileage cars.

Most affected: 2012–2015Typical cost: $20 (relay) – $600–$1,100 (compressor assembly)

Harsh or clunky shifts from the 5-speed automatic

moderate

2012–2013 cars with the 5AT can shift harshly (especially 2nd–3rd) or shudder at lock-up as the DW-1 fluid ages. A drain-and-fill with Honda DW-1 (repeat 2–3 times) resolves most cases; Honda issued software updates for shift quality. Persistent shudder can require torque converter work.

Most affected: 2012–2013Typical cost: $80–$150 (fluid service); $1,500+ if torque converter replacement is needed

Front engine mount wear (vibration in gear)

minor

The hydraulic front/side engine mounts soften with age, causing vibration at idle in Drive and a clunk on throttle tip-in. Common from ~80k miles. Straightforward replacement; aftermarket mounts cost far less than OEM.

Most affected: 2012–2015Typical cost: $150–$450 per mount installed

Master window switch and Bluetooth (HandsFreeLink) glitches

minor

Driver's master window switches fail (window won't auto-up or works intermittently), and the HandsFreeLink module can drain the battery or drop phone pairings. Both are annoyances rather than safety issues; the HFL fix is often simply unplugging or replacing the module.

Most affected: 2012–2015Typical cost: $50–$200 (switch); $0–$300 (HFL unplug/replace)

CVT judder on early CVT cars (2014–2015)

minor

Some 2014–2015 1.8L CVTs shudder on light acceleration from a stop. Honda's fix is a software update plus an HCF-2 fluid change, covered by service bulletins and goodwill in many cases. Keeping fresh HCF-2 in the transmission is the best prevention.

Most affected: 2014–2015 (CVT only)Typical cost: $0 (goodwill/software) – $200 (fluid service)

Problems listed here are compiled from NHTSA complaints, recalls, technical service bulletins, and widely documented owner reports for the 2012–2015 Honda Civic. Not every vehicle will experience these issues.

Which Honda Civic model years does this cover?

These problems and recalls specifications apply to every Honda Civic built from 2012 through 2015 — the 9th generation (FB/FG), compact sedan and coupe. Nothing in this specification changes between those model years. Pick your year for the engines it offered, what changed that year, and the problems recorded against it.

2012 Civic2013 Civic2014 Civic2015 Civic

What changed during the 2012–2015 Honda Civic

  • 2012Generation launch. A hybrid (1.5L IMA) and a natural-gas 1.8L were also sold 2012–2015 in small numbers, not covered in detail here.
  • 2013Emergency refresh after poor reviews: new fascias, upgraded interior, standard rearview camera
  • 2014CVT replaces the 5-speed automatic on 1.8L models; Touring-like EX-L Navi tops the range; Si gains 5 hp (205)

2012–2015 Honda Civic problems and recalls: common questions

What are the most common problems with the 2012–2015 Honda Civic?

The recurring ones are: ac compressor clutch / relay failure (no cold air); harsh or clunky shifts from the 5-speed automatic; front engine mount wear (vibration in gear); master window switch and bluetooth (handsfreelink) glitches; cvt judder on early cvt cars (2014–2015). Each is detailed above with symptoms, affected years, and typical cost.

How much do 2012–2015 Honda Civic repairs typically cost?

Typical figures for the issues above: ac compressor clutch / relay failure (no cold air), $20 (relay) – $600–$1,100 (compressor assembly); harsh or clunky shifts from the 5-speed automatic, $80–$150 (fluid service); $1,500+ if torque converter replacement is needed; front engine mount wear (vibration in gear), $150–$450 per mount installed; master window switch and bluetooth (handsfreelink) glitches, $50–$200 (switch); $0–$300 (HFL unplug/replace).

Sources

Other Honda Civic generations

2022–2025 problems and recalls2016–2021 problems and recallsCompare all generations

More for the 2012–2015 Honda Civic

Oil & filterBatteryTires & wheelsWiper bladesAir & cabin filtersBulbsBrakesFluidsService scheduleOil light resetKey fob batterySpecs