Your membership has expired

The payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.

Re-activate

    Acura MDX

    EPA MPG: 18 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    We expect the 2025 MDX will have about average reliability when compared to the average new car. This prediction is based on data from 2022, 2023, and 2024 models.

    The 2012 Acura MDX has been recalled 1 time by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    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.

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other/unsure

    "Alternator"

    Anonymous A., CA (2012 Acura MDX None 3.7-L V6)

    "All four electronic shock absorbers have failed! $800 EACH to replace. Third row release cables have stretched and no longer function. 2 cables $500 EACH to repair. Repairs are way too expensive. Will never by an Acura product again. Will warn other consumers not to purchase an Acura automobile."

    Anonymous A., (2012 Acura MDX None 3.7-L V6)

    "All I have done is routine maintenance. This month, the car passed state inspection. Only minor repair items noted."

    Anonymous A., MO (2012 Acura MDX None 3.7-L V6)

    "Car has hesitation 0-60 mph. Still troubleshooting."

    Anonymous, TN (2012 Acura MDX None 3.7-L V6)

    "replaced timing belt as recommended"

    Anonymous, MT (2012 Acura MDX None 3.7-L V6)

    "Burns oil and fill port is EXTREMELY hard to access."

    Anonymous, CA (2012 Acura MDX None 3.7-L V6)

    Steering And Suspension

    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.

    What Owners Say

    Alignment

    "Chamber was off and caused the premature wear of one tire resulting in a need to replace all tires due to all wheel drive."

    Anonymous, KS (2012 Acura MDX None 3.7-L V6)
    Electronic or air suspension

    "Replacement of the suspension was very expensive and has been discontinued by Acura. Ibeleive that my 2012 Acura, while a solid vehicle, was flawed in 2 ways. Excessive oil consumption and electronic suspension. I am still pissed at Acura for screwing me on the oil consumption issue. They covered only half the cost of remediation of the oil consumption issue, saying that because I bought the car used. Too clever by half."

    Anonymous, CO (2012 Acura MDX None 3.7-L V6)
    Shocks or struts

    "Right front became loose and rattled."

    Anonymous, MI (2012 Acura MDX None 3.7-L V6)

    Noises And Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Squeaks or rattles

    "car has a vibration and makes a drone like noise when the speed reaches 45 to 50 mph"

    Anonymous, KY (2012 Acura MDX None 3.7-L V6)

    "This car has had various rattles in the roof and dash since we bought it. Very annoying. AC vent tabs break off as well. Poor design."

    Anonymous, KS (2012 Acura MDX None 3.7-L V6)

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    What Owners Say

    CV joint

    "Worn-out CV joint requires replacement of entire driveshaft at a cost of $2,500."

    Anonymous, MI (2012 Acura MDX None 3.7-L V6)
    Driveshaft or axle

    "Worn-out CV joint requires replacement of entire driveshaft at a cost of $2,500."

    Anonymous, MI (2012 Acura MDX None 3.7-L V6)

    Paint And Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    What Owners Say

    Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

    "In the past 2 years the bali blue paint is letting go of the tailgate surface and front fender. Very large portions are flaking off. Looks like someone through softballs with gray paint on them at the vehicle"

    Anonymous, NE (2012 Acura MDX None 3.7-L V6)

    "paint is chipping in various spots on car. A man the works in a body repair shop told me that it has been a problem with white paint on these models"

    Anonymous, KY (2012 Acura MDX None 3.7-L V6)

    Body Hardware

    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.

    What Owners Say

    Other body problem

    "airbag issues"

    Anonymous A., FL (2012 Acura MDX None 3.7-L V6)
    Seat controls - power

    "drivers seat up down collapsed and sank. Now it does not work at all"

    Anonymous A., FL (2012 Acura MDX None 3.7-L V6)

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    What Owners Say

    Squeaking

    "3 days ago, sounds of metal on metal. It came in very suddenly."

    Anonymous, CA (2012 Acura MDX None 3.7-L V6)

    "The brakes squeak both when moving forward or in reverse. Very annoying. Pedestrians nearby look around for the source of the noise. My mechanic has tried to fix the noise but has been unable to correct it"

    Anonymous A., ON (2012 Acura MDX None 3.7-L V6)

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    What Owners Say

    Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

    "I wear hearing aids.car keeps grabing blutooth then droping I can use one alone ie take out my hearing aids. I can't use blue tooth when operating the car when my hearing aids are on and with me"

    Anonymous, KS (2012 Acura MDX None 3.7-L V6)

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    What Owners Say

    Refrigerant leaks

    "A/C was low on refrigerant. Had system tested and refrigerant and leak detectant were added. No leak identified and system now works fine. This was the first time any work was performed on the 2012 MDX which I purchased new."

    Anonymous, FL (2012 Acura MDX None 3.7-L V6)

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other minor engine problem

    "The car burns/ uses engine oil and has to be checked / topped off approx every 3 months. Known issue with this Honda/ Acura motor. Our previous 2010 Pilot did the same thing"

    Anonymous, CA (2012 Acura MDX None 3.7-L V6)

    Engine Electrical

    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 Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    Electrical Accessories

    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.

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    2012 SUVs Reliability

    No Data Available

    Acura vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
    00
    01*
    02
    03
    04
    05
    06
    07*
    08
    09
    10
    11
    12
    13
    14*
    15
    16
    17
    18
    19
    20
    21
    22*
    23
    24
    Overall Reliability Verdict
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Steering and Suspension
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical accessories. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
    Feb 17, 2012
    AS A RESULT, FUEL MAY LEAK FROM THE TANK, INCREASING THE RISK OF FIRE.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    HONDA'S RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS S25 AND S26.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V063000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 8709
    Check Vehicle for Unrepaired Recalls
    Enter a valid 17-character VIN
    Enter a valid 17-character VIN
    Change Vehicle