VehicleVerdict

2012 Acura MDX problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2012 Acura MDX sits mid-pack among MDX years: 97 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 123, with a single recall and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (23), electrical system (14), and transmission (13), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

97

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2012 compare to other MDX years?

MDX NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted510 complaints2001: 266 complaints2002: 242 complaints2003: 259 complaints2004: 243 complaints2005: 244 complaints2006: 121 complaints2007: 126 complaints2008: 62 complaints2009: 74 complaints2010: 63 complaints2011: 87 complaints2012: 97 complaints2013: 46 complaints2014: 247 complaints2015: 97 complaints2016: 510 complaints2017: 370 complaints2018: 268 complaints2019: 304 complaints2020: 342 complaints2021: 0 complaints2022: 191 complaints2023: 52 complaints2024: 61 complaints2025: 112 complaints2026: 6 complaints
MDX NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all MDX years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Acura MDX problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine2324%
Electrical System1414%
Transmission1313%
Other1212%
Airbags99%
Fuel System44%
Body & Structure44%
Visibility & Wipers33%
Brakes22%
Lighting22%
Tires & Wheels22%
Driver Assistance22%
Speed Control22%
Steering22%
Seats11%
Seat Belts11%
Suspension11%

Does the 2012 Acura MDX have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

12V063000Fuel SystemFebruary 17, 2012 · 8,709 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

AS A RESULT, FUEL MAY LEAK FROM THE TANK, INCREASING THE RISK OF FIRE.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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. THE CONTACT'S WIFE PLACED THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE AND EXITED THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 28, 2018 · fire

“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,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 10, 2025

“METAL PIECES WITHIN THE TRANSMISSION FLUID.REGULAR MAINTENANCE DONE WITH ACURA OF WAPPINGER FALLS, NY 12590. SPENT $5190.04 FOR REPLACING TRANSMISSION AND TORQUE CONVERTOR WITH REMANUFACTURED UNIT. FEW YEARS BEFORE HAD ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION ISSUES JUST AT 55,000 AND WAS TOLD THAT INTERNAL GASKET…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 16, 2019

“TAKATA RECAL: PERHAPS A MONTH AGO I ATTWEMPTED TO GET INFORMATION RE RECALLS FOR THIS CAR ON YOUR SITE. THE ANSWER WAS THAT IOT HAD DEFECTIVE AIRBAGS. I CONTACTED A DEALER WHO INFORMED ME THAT I WAS MISTAKEN. I AM ASKING IF YOU HAVE ANY EVIDENCE OF SUCH A DEFECT AND COULD PROVIDE ME WITH…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · April 4, 2019

“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. I HAD CONCUSSION AS A RESULT OF THIS ACCIDENT BECAUSE MY HEAD HIT THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CAR WAS PRONOUNCED AS A TOTAL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · March 16, 2018 · crash

2012 Acura MDX — common questions

Is the 2012 Acura MDX reliable?

It is close to typical for the MDX: 97 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2012 MDX problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (23 complaints), electrical system (14 complaints), transmission (13 complaints).

Does the 2012 Acura MDX have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2012 Acura MDX. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Acura MDX years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the MDX years to avoid are 2016, 2017, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2001, 2003, 2014, 2005, 2004, 2002, 2022, 2006, 2025, 2024, 2023, 2021. The cleanest record among MDX years belongs to 2026.

How safe is the 2012 Acura MDX?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2012 Acura MDX earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.