2012 Acura MDX
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 76
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2012
None on file
30% of complaints
Complaints per year
2012: 76 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 224 |
| 2002 | 205 |
| 2003 | 206 |
| 2004 | 171 |
| 2005 | 180 |
| 2006 | 87 |
| 2007 | 99 |
| 2008 | 49 |
| 2009 | 52 |
| 2010 | 45 |
| 2011 | 70 |
| 2012 | 76 |
| 2013 | 30 |
| 2014 | 170 |
| 2015 | 71 |
| 2016 | 375 |
| 2017 | 260 |
| 2018 | 168 |
| 2019 | 189 |
| 2020 | 223 |
| 2021 | 0 |
| 2022 | 159 |
| 2023 | 44 |
| 2024 | 40 |
| 2025 | 115 |
| 2026 | 8 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
30% · 23 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owned a 2012 Acura MDX. The contact stated their spouse attempted to reverse of their driveway. The contact's wife was driving and they heard an abnormal whistling sound. After that the vehicle began to produce smoke.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-06-07
I have a 2012 MDX and it burns an extreme amount of oil. We took our MDX back to the dealership where we purchased it and had the oil issue fixed. Or so we thought.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-16
2012 ACURA MDX burns extreme amounts of oil between oil changes. Typically a warning indicator comes on about 1,000 miles before oil change is due. I continue to refill oil between oil changes.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-08
Power train
17% · 13 reportsMost commonly citing column shift.
Electrical system
17% · 13 reportsMost commonly citing speedometer/odometer.
Air bags
12% · 9 reportsShow complaint excerpts
I was in a car accident last week and totaled my MDX. I ran into a pillar in a parking structure pretty hard. The front of my car is all damaged but the air bags did not deploy.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-03-21
I was in a serious head on colision and the airbags in the vehicle failed to deploy despite major damage to the front of the car. I sustained injury requiring hospitalization in collision.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-02-14
Structure
7% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing body.
Show complaint excerpts
I was driving on a local side street at about 15 MPH when I heard a snap and suddenly my car swerved into a parked car causing minor damage to the passenger side front fender of my car and the driver side rear fender of the parked car.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-03-19
Also filed under Steering
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2012-03-13Fuel system, gasoline12V063000 Honda is recalling certain model year 2012 pilot and Acura MDX vehicles. The vent shut float (Vsf) valve case in the fuel tank assembly does not meet the design specifications.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners and dealers will inspect the vsf assembly date and, if necessary, replace the fuel tank assembly, free of charge. The safety recall began on March 13, 2012. Owners may…
Buy-smart checklist
2012 Acura MDX — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 23 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 13 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 13 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 12V063000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2012 Acura MDX reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Acura MDX is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Acura MDX?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2012 Acura MDX have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.