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The 2012 MDX is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.
The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2012 Acura MDX owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.
Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.
"We noticed last year that the paint on our MDX had started to peel off in chunks at certain areas of the car. They included the roof, back doors and rear tailgate"
Anonymous, ON (2012 Acura MDX None 3.7-L V6)"paint is peeling off on roof, door sides, hood & back hatch"
Anonymous A., KY (2012 Acura MDX None 3.7-L V6)Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.
""Acceleration was off, hesitated when hitting gas pedal at high speeds... Tuned it up, replaced gas to higher octane, used gas additive to clean lines, system... Changed oil, added cleaner... Finally started operating normally...""
Anonymous, MA (2012 Acura MDX None 3.7-L V6)"Computer issues"
Anonymous, (2012 Acura MDX None 3.7-L V6)Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.
"The plastic transparent lamp covers have been very cloudy for years and replacement quotes are very expensive"
Anonymous, CA (2012 Acura MDX None 3.7-L V6)"Computer senser module not allowing windows to go up or down...NO WINDOWS"
Anonymous, PA (2012 Acura MDX None 3.7-L V6)Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.
""Screen freezes up, PCV replaced and coil? Also using lots of oil, Transmission fluid replaced after Revving of engine and variability of RPMs""
Anonymous, PA (2012 Acura MDX None 3.7-L V6)""The car began to need more motor oil, for some unknown reason. Thinking that the engine was getting older, that might be the cause for the excessive oil consumption. I took the car to a mechanic to have the car checked for the reason for oil consumption without an apparent leak. The mechanic diagnosed that there was a seal leak and that the timing should be replaced. I agreed to have the work done. Well after paying $2,450 for the completed job, we have our MDX back, hopefully good for another 107,000 miles.""
Anonymous A., CO (2012 Acura MDX None 3.7-L V6)Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.
"Poor image quality always but terrible in low light or when sunlight shines in direction of camera."
Anonymous, CA (2012 Acura MDX None 3.7-L V6)Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.
"Driver seat was coming off track when moving back... Replaced brackets etc..."
Anonymous, MA (2012 Acura MDX None 3.7-L V6)Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.
"Water leaks into the car at the passenger side floor under heavy rain."
Anonymous, VA (2012 Acura MDX None 3.7-L V6)Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.
"Just below the header and before the car converter the pipes had corroded. I had the exhaust repaired by a local exhaust specialist. All good."
Anonymous, ON (2012 Acura MDX None 3.7-L V6)Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.
"has a vibration that starts at about 45 mph Mechanics cannot find problem"
Anonymous A., KY (2012 Acura MDX None 3.7-L V6)Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.
"I guess it is a common problem. The transmission required a power pump out of the transmission fluid and a software update. The car would be running fine at times & other times it would be laboring to stay at a steady speed."
Anonymous, CT (2012 Acura MDX None 3.7-L V6)Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.
Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.
Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.
Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.
Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.
Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.
AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.
Acura MDX
BMW X5
Buick Enclave
GMC Acadia
"Paint peeling off in pieces fenders and hatch"
Anonymous, VA (2012 Acura MDX None 3.7-L V6)