What Kind of Headlights Does a 2012 Honda Civic Have?

The 2012 Honda Civic uses halogen reflector headlights across all U.S. trims, with separate bulbs for low and high beams: H11 for low beams and 9005 (HB3) for high beams. No factory HID (xenon) or LED headlamps were offered for the 2012 model year; Canadian models include daytime running lights that operate the high beams at reduced intensity.

Headlight Type and Technology

Honda equipped the 2012 Civic (sedan and coupe, including Si, HF, Hybrid, and Natural Gas variants) with conventional halogen multi-reflector headlamp assemblies. This design uses two separate, easily serviceable bulbs per side—one for low beam and one for high beam—rather than a single dual-filament bulb or a projector/HID system. The setup favors reliability, straightforward maintenance, and predictable beam patterns when properly aimed.

Bulb Specifications by Model

The following breakdown clarifies the factory bulb types fitted to major 2012 Civic variants sold in North America. This helps ensure you purchase the correct replacements and understand any trim-specific differences.

• 2012 Civic Sedan/Coupe (DX, LX, EX, EX-L, HF): Low beam H11; High beam 9005 (HB3)
• 2012 Civic Si (Sedan/Coupe): Low beam H11; High beam 9005 (HB3)
• 2012 Civic Hybrid: Low beam H11; High beam 9005 (HB3)
• 2012 Civic Natural Gas (CNG/GX): Low beam H11; High beam 9005 (HB3)
• Fog lights (where equipped/optional): H11

Across trims, Honda maintained a consistent halogen setup for ease of service and parts commonality; only the presence of fog lamps varies by package or trim.

Market Differences and Daytime Running Lights

While U.S. cars rely on manual or automatic headlight controls depending on trim, Canadian-market 2012 Civics include daytime running lights (DRLs) as standard. On these vehicles, the DRL function typically uses the high-beam bulbs at a lower voltage during daytime operation. Headlight bulb specifications remain the same; the difference is in how the lights are controlled by the vehicle’s electronics to meet regional regulations.

Fog Lights and Auxiliary Lighting

Fog lights were optional or trim-dependent for many 2012 Civic models and use H11 bulbs mounted in the lower front bumper. They are separate from the main headlamp assembly and can be added via OEM accessory kits that include proper brackets, switchgear, and wiring for safe operation and compliance.

Upgrades and Replacement Guidance

If you’re replacing a failed bulb or considering an upgrade, the following best practices will help you maintain safety, legality, and performance.

1. Use the correct bulb types (H11 low, 9005 high) from reputable brands to maintain beam focus and lifespan.
2. Avoid plug-in LED/HID retrofits in halogen reflector housings unless the kit and housing are specifically designed and approved together; many retrofits produce glare and can be illegal.
3. Handle halogen bulbs by the base, not the glass, to prevent premature failure from skin oils.
4. Replace bulbs in pairs to keep color and brightness consistent side to side.
5. After installation, check and, if needed, adjust headlight aim according to the service manual to ensure proper road illumination without glare.

Following these steps preserves the Civic’s intended lighting performance and helps you stay compliant with local vehicle lighting laws.

Sources and Verification

The bulb types and configurations above align with Honda’s 2012 Civic owner’s manual and North American parts catalog data for the ninth-generation Civic (2012–2015). Honda did not offer factory HID or LED headlamps for the 2012 Civic; Honda introduced factory LED headlights to the Civic lineup several years later on higher trims of subsequent generations.

Summary

The 2012 Honda Civic uses halogen reflector headlights with H11 low-beam and 9005 (HB3) high-beam bulbs across all trims, with optional H11 fog lamps on certain models. No OEM HID or LED headlight options were offered for this year, and Canadian cars use DRLs via the high beams at reduced intensity.

How do I know what type of headlights I have?

To identify your car’s headlights, observe the light color (yellow=halogen, white/blue=HID, instant bright white=LED) or check the owner’s manual. You can also remove the bulb to inspect it (halogens are visible with a filament, HIDs are glass tubes) or look for markings like “D2S” on the housing for HIDs. If you cannot remove the bulb, or it requires replacing the whole assembly, it is likely an LED light. 
1. Observe the Light Color and Startup 

• Halogen: Produces a dim, yellowish light that may take a moment to reach full brightness. 
• HID (High-Intensity Discharge): Lights have a distinct startup sequence, flashing on and then becoming bright white or bluish-white. 
• LED (Light-Emitting Diode): Lights are instantly bright and have a clear white color. 

2. Check the Bulb by Removing It (If Possible) 

• Halogen: The bulb will have a visible filament inside the glass. 
• HID: These are specific, glass-tube bulbs that are different from halogen bulbs. 
• LED: You typically can’t remove an individual LED bulb; instead, you have to replace the entire headlight assembly. 

3. Inspect the Headlight Housing and Markings 

• HID: Look for specific bulb size codes on the projector shroud or lens, such as D1S or D2S. 
• LED: There will be no bulb to remove, only the intact assembly. 

4. Use Your Vehicle’s Documentation or VIN 

• Owner’s Manual: This is the most reliable source for bulb type specifications, such as size and wattage. 
• VIN Lookup: You can provide your vehicle’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to the dealership to get information on your factory-installed headlights. 

What headlights for 2012 Honda Civic?

High beam bulb type: 9005; Low beam bulb type: 9006. OEM Part Number: 33100-TR0-A51, 33100-TS8-A51, 33150-TR0-A51, 33150-TS8-A51.

What type of headlights does the Honda Civic have?

light-emitting diode (LED)
Every Civic Sedan features light-emitting diode (LED) headlights.

Can you put LED headlights in a 2012 Honda Civic?

SL1 LED. If you want to improve your night visibility, consider an LED Honda Civic 2012 headlight bulb upgrade. Unlike other bulbs on the market, SL1 LEDs are designed and validated to meet OEM lighting standards.