2012 Honda Accord
The 2012 Honda Accord is a popular mid-size sedan known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and comfortable ride. Available engine options include a 2.4L inline-4 cylinder engine producing 177 horsepower and 161 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.5L V6 engine that delivers 271 horsepower and 254 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual and 5-speed automatic transmission for the 4-cylinder, and a 5-speed automatic transmission for the V6. Owners often appreciate the Accord’s smooth handling and spacious interior, but some find the styling somewhat bland and the technology outdated compared to newer models.
Engine
2.4L Inline-4 Cylinder
- Excessive Oil Consumption
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported excessive oil consumption, requiring frequent oil top-offs between changes. This can be indicated by the low oil pressure light illuminating, or the car stalling due to low oil.
- Solution: A possible solution may involve replacing the piston rings or the entire short block, but this might not completely resolve the issue.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
- Recalls: None Found
3.5L V6
No Issues Found
Transmission
5-Speed Automatic (Both Engine Options)
- Torque Converter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported issues with the 5-speed automatic transmission’s torque converter. Symptoms may include shuddering during acceleration, slipping between gears, and eventual transmission failure.
- Solution: Replacement of the torque converter or complete transmission replacement is the typical solution.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $4,500
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Premature Strut/Shock Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported premature failure of the struts and shocks, leading to a bouncy or unstable ride, especially over bumps.
- Solution: Replacing the struts and shocks is the recommended fix.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Battery Drain
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported issues with the car battery draining overnight or within a few days, even when the car is not in use. This can be caused by a parasitic draw from an electrical component.
- Solution: Diagnosis and repair of the parasitic draw, which could involve replacing a faulty module or wiring harness, or replacing the battery.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Bluetooth Connectivity Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Difficulty pairing phones, dropped connections, and inability to transfer contacts are common complaints.
- Solution: Updating the software, or replacing the Bluetooth module.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Headlight Condensation
- Description/Symptoms: Moisture can accumulate inside the headlight housing, reducing visibility and potentially damaging the bulbs or electrical components.
- Solution: Replacing the headlight assembly or attempting to reseal the existing housing.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Airbag Warning Light
- Description/Symptoms: The airbag warning light illuminates on the dashboard, indicating a potential issue with the airbag system.
- Solution: Diagnosis of the airbag system using a scan tool and repair or replacement of the faulty component, which could be the clock spring, seat position sensor, or airbag control module.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2012 Honda Accord, while generally reliable, does have some common issues that potential buyers should be aware of. The most concerning are the excessive oil consumption in the 2.4L engine and torque converter issues in the 5-speed automatic transmission, both of which can be expensive to repair. Other issues, such as suspension component failure, electrical problems, and headlight condensation, are less severe but still require attention. Before purchasing a 2012 Accord, it is advisable to have it inspected by a qualified mechanic to identify any potential problems and negotiate a fair price.