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2012 Acura MDX: problems, recalls and fuel economy
The 2012 Acura MDX has 76 owner complaints on file with NHTSA and one recall[1][2]. In the complaints we read, engine oil use and transmission behavior come up most often, so those are worth checking before you buy.
Most reported problems
NHTSA lists 76 owner complaints for this model year[1]. Four mention a crash, three mention a fire, two mention injuries and none report a death[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one component. Counts are also not adjusted for how many cars were sold.
| Component group | Complaints | Fires | Median mileage at failure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine[6] | 25 | 2 | 85,000 |
| Electrical System[7] | 13 | 2 | 40,950 |
| Power Train[8] | 13 | 0 | 78,000 |
| Unknown or other[9] | 10 | 0 | not given |
| Air Bags[10] | 9 | 0 | not given |
| Structure[11] | 5 | 0 | not given |
| Fuel/Propulsion System[12] | 4 | 0 | not given |
| Exterior Lighting[13] | 2 | 0 | not given |
Engine. In a sample of 12 engine complaints we read, 8 describe oil use that owners call excessive, with top-ups needed between changes or low-oil warnings. Single reports describe an exhaust smell in the cabin, slow starting, steering vibration at speed and a vehicle fire[6]. Two engine complaints mention fires[6].
Power train. In a sample of 12 power train complaints we read, 11 describe transmission or torque converter trouble[8]. Owners describe engine speed rising and falling, shuddering, and lunging or jerking at low and moderate speeds. Some report repair bills of several thousand dollars[8]. None of the 13 power train complaints mention a crash, fire or injury[8].
Electrical. In a sample of 11 electrical complaints we read, two say the rear camera is hard to see at night, and three describe power door lock trouble, though two of those look like the same report filed twice[7]. The rest are one-off stories.
Air bags. Nine complaints name air bags, with 2 crashes and 2 injuries[10]. In a sample of 7 we read, five describe a warning light that stays on, though two of those look like the same report[10]. Two describe airbags that did not deploy in a frontal crash[10].
A small sample cannot tell you how common any of these problems are. Treat them as things to ask about and test, not as a prediction.
Recalls
NHTSA lists one recall for this model year[3].
- Fuel tank vent valve (12V063). Announced February 17, 2012[2]. A valve case in the fuel tank assembly did not meet design specifications, so fuel could leak and raise the risk of fire. The recall covers 8,709 vehicles, including certain 2012 Pilot models[2]. Dealers check the assembly date and replace the fuel tank assembly if needed, free of charge. The recall began March 13, 2012[2].
Fuel economy
The EPA rates the 3.7L 6-cylinder automatic, all-wheel-drive MDX at 16 mpg city, 21 highway and 18 combined[4]. It uses premium fuel[4]. The EPA estimates annual fuel cost at $4,550, based on its current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new[4].
Safety ratings
NHTSA gives the 2012 MDX 4 stars overall[5]. Frontal crash is 4 stars, side crash is 5 stars and rollover is 4 stars[5]. The rollover risk is listed at 14.0%[5].
Engine and size
The 3.7L 6-cylinder engine is rated at 300 hp on the EPA test car list[14]. Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models[15].
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Length[15] | 191 in |
| Width | 78 in |
| Height | 68 in |
| Wheelbase | 108 in |
| Curb weight | 4,550 lb |
How 2012 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 224 | 4 |
| 2002 | 205 | 4 |
| 2003 | 206 | 11 |
| 2004 | 171 | 8 |
| 2005 | 180 | 11 |
| 2006 | 87 | 9 |
| 2007 | 99 | 0 |
| 2008 | 49 | 0 |
| 2009 | 52 | 0 |
| 2010 | 45 | 1 |
| 2011 | 70 | 0 |
| 2012 | 76 | 1 |
| 2013 | 30 | 1 |
| 2014 | 172 | 8 |
| 2015 | 71 | 8 |
| 2016 | 377 | 7 |
| 2017 | 268 | 9 |
| 2018 | 170 | 10 |
| 2019 | 198 | 9 |
| 2020 | 229 | 8 |
| 2022 | 180 | 3 |
| 2023 | 48 | 3 |
| 2024 | 43 | 3 |
| 2025 | 111 | 4 |
| 2026 | 9 | 1 |
The 2012 model year has 76 complaints and 1 recall[3]. Of the other 24 model years listed, 9 have fewer complaints and 15 have more[3]. The next year, 2013, has 30 complaints and 1 recall, and 2011 has 70 complaints and no recalls[3]. The 2021 model year is not in the list. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so use them as a rough guide only.
Should you buy a used 2012 MDX?
The complaint file is modest, with 76 complaints and a single recall[1][3]. Safety ratings are 4 stars overall with 5 stars for side crashes[5]. The things to check are engine oil use, how the transmission behaves at low and moderate speeds, and any airbag warning light[6][8][10]. Ask whether the fuel tank recall was done, and plan on about 18 mpg combined[2][4]. A test drive and a pre-purchase inspection will tell you more than complaint counts can.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Acura MDX?
- Engine is the largest complaint group with 25 of 76 complaints[1][6]. In the sample of complaints we read, engine oil use and transmission behavior show up most often[6][8].
- Does the 2012 Acura MDX have any recalls?
- Yes, one. Recall 12V063 covers a fuel tank vent valve case that could allow fuel to leak and raise fire risk. Dealers inspect it and replace the tank if needed, free of charge[2].
- How many miles per gallon does a 2012 Acura MDX get?
- The EPA rates it at 16 city, 21 highway and 18 combined mpg for the 3.7L 6-cylinder all-wheel-drive version[4].
- How safe is the 2012 Acura MDX?
- NHTSA rates it 4 stars overall, with 4 frontal, 5 side and 4 rollover[5].
- Is 2012 a good year for the Acura MDX?
- Its 76 complaints sit in the middle of the model years listed, with 9 years lower and 15 higher[3]. Counts are not adjusted for sales.
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 76 owner complaints on file for the 2012 Acura MDX (4 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 2 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 12V063, filed February 17, 2012: Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly. NHTSA recall database
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Acura MDX model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for MDX 4WD, 3.7L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 21 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV 4WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 14.0%. NHTSA vehicle records
- 25 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 85,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 13 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 40,950). NHTSA vehicle records
- 13 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 78,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 10 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 9 complaints name the air bags component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 5 complaints name the structure component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 4 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 2 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA Test Car List, 2012 Acura MDX with 3.7L 6-cylinder: rated 300 hp. www.epa.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, MDX 4DR SUV AWD /TECH/ELITE: length 191 in, width 78 in, height 68 in, wheelbase 108 in, curb weight 4,550 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov