Can a 2012 Honda Accord pull a trailer?

The 2012 Honda Accord is not rated or recommended for trailer towing. In practice, owners should not tow with this model. Below is what you need to know, why it isn’t advised, and safer alternatives for moving items.

Official guidance for the 2012 Accord

According to Honda’s official owner’s manual for the 2012 Accord, towing a trailer is not recommended. There is no published tow rating for this model year, and Honda does not offer a factory towing package for the Accord. Attempting to tow can place additional stress on the engine, transmission, cooling system, and brakes, and may affect warranty coverage.

• There is no official tow rating published by Honda for this model year.


• Towing can place extra load on the transmission, cooling system, and braking system, which is risky in hills, with heavy loads, or in adverse conditions.


• Using a hitch or towing setup that isn’t approved by Honda can impact warranty coverage and safety compliance.


• Even with an aftermarket hitch, the Accord’s chassis and drivetrain aren’t optimized for stable towing, which can compromise handling and safety.

In short, the 2012 Accord is not intended for trailer towing, and owners should avoid attempting to tow with this vehicle.

Safety and mechanical considerations

Towing introduces additional loads that can exceed what a midsize front-wheel-drive sedan was designed to handle. This section outlines key concerns that inform why towing isn’t advised for the 2012 Accord.

• Braking and stability: A trailer adds rolling resistance and requires more braking force, which the Accord’s braking system isn’t configured to manage safely with a heavy load.


• Transmission and cooling: Extra weight can strain the automatic transmission and cooling system, increasing the risk of overheating or accelerated wear.


• Suspension and steering: The added weight alters handling and steering response, potentially compromising control, especially in wind or uneven road conditions.


• Warranty and compliance: Modifications aimed at enabling towing may void portions of the warranty or conflict with local regulations.

These considerations reinforce why Honda does not endorse towing with the 2012 Accord and why alternative options are recommended for any hauling task.

Safer alternatives for towing or hauling tasks

If you need to move items that are too large for the trunk or rear seats, consider safer options that are designed for towing or hauling tasks.

• Use a vehicle with an official tow package or established towing capacity (for example, a larger sedan, SUV, or pickup).


• Rent a trailer-equipped vehicle or a moving trailer from a rental company for heavier loads, ensuring you meet weight and braking requirements.


• Contract a moving service or delivery company for bulky items that exceed what a car can safely handle.

Always consult the owner’s manual, follow local towing laws (brake requirements, lighting, safety chains), and ensure any towing equipment is properly installed and rated for the load.

Summary

The 2012 Honda Accord is not designed or rated for trailer towing. There is no official tow rating, and Honda does not provide a factory towing package for this model year. For any towing need, use a vehicle built for towing or choose rental/moving services to avoid safety risks and potential warranty issues.

Key takeaways

• Towing with a 2012 Accord is not recommended or rated by Honda.


• If you must move a trailer or heavy load, select a vehicle with proper towing capability or use a professional service.


• Always verify compliance with the manual and local laws before attempting any towing.

End of article. For specific situations, consult your owner’s manual or a certified mechanic to review the details of your exact vehicle and locale.

How much weight can a Honda Accord carry?

The Honda Accord's weight capacity depends on the model year and is generally referred to as payload capacity, not a traditional towing capacity. For recent models, the maximum load limit (payload) is typically 850 lbs (385 kg), which includes the weight of all occupants and cargo. You should always check the specific vehicle's "Tire and Loading Information" label, found on the driver's side doorjamb, for the most accurate number. 
Payload vs. towing

• Payload capacity: This is the total weight of passengers and cargo your vehicle can carry. For a 2023 Accord Hybrid, this is 850 lbs. 
• Towing capacity: Honda Accords are not designed for heavy towing. While some sources suggest they can handle lightweight trailers up to 1,000-1,500 lbs depending on the model, exceeding recommended limits can damage the transmission and suspension. 

How to calculate your specific payload

1. Find the "Maximum Load Limit" on the vehicle's doorjamb label.
2. Calculate the combined weight of all passengers who will be in the vehicle.
3. Subtract the passenger weight from the "Maximum Load Limit".
4. The result is the maximum amount of cargo you can safely load into the vehicle. 

Can I tow a trailer with a Honda Accord?

Generally, the towing capacity for most Honda Accord models ranges from 1,000 to 1,500 pounds. This means the Accord can handle towing tasks such as small trailers, lightweight campers, or small utility trailers with ease.

How much can a 2012 Honda Accord tow?

The 2012 Honda Accord has a maximum towing capacity of approximately 1,000 pounds in North America, but some models in other markets can tow up to 1,200 kg (about 2,645 pounds) with a braked trailer. Always check your vehicle's owner's manual, as the exact capacity depends on the specific model, trim, and whether the trailer is braked or unbraked. 
Towing capacity details

• North America: The maximum towing capacity is around 1,000 pounds. 
• Other markets (e.g., Australia): Models can have a braked towing capacity of up to 1,200 kg (approx. 2,645 lbs). 
• Unbraked trailers: If the trailer does not have its own brakes, the maximum load is often lower, sometimes capped at around 750 kg (approx. 1,653 lbs) even if the vehicle is rated for more with a braked trailer. 

Important considerations

• Consult your owner's manual: This is the most critical step to confirm the exact towing capacity for your specific 2012 Accord. 
• Use the lowest capacity: The vehicle's towing capacity is limited by the weakest component. If you add an aftermarket hitch, you must use the lower capacity between the vehicle and the hitch. For example, a Class I hitch is often rated at 2,000 lbs, but the vehicle's capacity will be the limiting factor. 

Can you put a hitch on a 2012 Honda Accord?

And these will be connected to the frame. And then we have one here in the middle which will be connected to the tow hook underneath the vehicle. And depending on the year depends on the holes.