2012 Acura MDX: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 76 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine (27% of complaints); the 2010 and 2013 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Feb 2012
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 76 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“our car eats a ton of oil and the piston rings failed, we owe a lot on it and I'm told there is no help for this issue even though there used to be because we are outside the guidelines in terms of mileage and purchase date. our car has 156k its a 2012 MDX. VIN [XXX] . Just checking with everyone everywhere to make sure I've exhausted all resources as it will take 13,000 to fix and we owe 12,000. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · May 2026
“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.”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2025
“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 126,000 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 159,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2025
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“DONE everything Dealer suggested and still having problems with random misfires in 1,2 and 3 cylinders, changed spark plugs, fuel injectors, ignition coils and compression test and changed rear CAT. Still check engine light come on sometime then the SUV driving good, and sometimes it drive ruff, check engine light come on then go off then come back on with same codes: random misfire.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Nov 2021
“My 2012 acura mdx has an oil consumption issue that acura is aware of being a problem, however it is not offering to cover the cost associated with fixing the issue. My vehicle burned through more than 2 quarts of oil in a matter of 1 month. This needs to be a recall as it's a safety issue with the operation of the vehicle. Lack of oil could cause the engine to fail.”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2020
“While driving down the highway my check airbag system indicator light came on. I reached my destination and turned off my vehicle, I then restarted my vehicle and the light was still on. I took a picture of the light for proof. Still on for 3 weeks now. I checked and my VIN is not on the recall list for the airbag.”Owner report · Air Bags · Oct 2020
“The airbag light is on I went to have the airbag replaced. I was told I couldn't get my airbag replaced because it was a CANADIAN vehicle and they couldn't get the part etc. to replace it. So I have a Canadian vehicle that was not disclosed to me at the time of purchase. What can I do to resolve this issue? I purchased the Suv from Walt Sweeny 6315 Harrison Avenue Cincinnati Ohio 45247Auto Center 877- 300-3930. I spoke with the owner once and other person. No resolution has come about yet.”Owner report · Air Bags · Sep 2020
“While driving down the road my check airbag system indicator light came on. I reached my destination and turned off my vehicle, I then restarted my vehicle and the light was still on. I took a picture of the light for proof. It did go off later in the day. It has come on intermediately since that day. I checked and my VIN is not on the recall list for the airbag.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jul 2020
“Tl* the contact owns a 2012 acura mdx. The contact stated that the air bags warning light illuminated, informing the driver to go the dealer for service. The vehicle was taken to leith acura (2300 capital summit ct, raleigh, nc 27616, (919) 803-8700) to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the air bags assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 88,000.”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2020
“My 2012 mdx model is consuming excessive motor oil, after 3000 miles driving , I'm down to 1 1/4 quarts. The test was done and oil changed on two occasions on 3k miles and 2k miles . All this is happened during 8 month of the my ownership.”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2020
When filing, owners marked a crash in 4 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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 CONTACT HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-999-1009.
How other years compare
Check your exact MDX by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Acura MDX reliable?
NHTSA has 76 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2012 Acura MDX. The most complained-about area is engine (27% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2012 Acura MDX problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 73,500 miles or less.
Does the 2012 Acura MDX have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.