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2012 Acura MDX: common problems and reliability
One of the better MDX years.
76 owner complaints, most about engine. 1 recall.
Should I buy a 2012 MDX?The 2012 Acura MDX has 76 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are engine and electrical system. Owners most often flag excessive oil consumption on 2010-2013 models.
Safety record for the 2012 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2012 Acura MDX vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other MDX years only. How we score it
Is 2012 a good year for the MDX?
Across the 25 MDX model years we track, complaint volume runs from 29 (2013) to 374 (2016). With 76 complaints, the 2012 MDX sits below the model's median of 105.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2012 MDX
fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly
Campaign 12V063000HONDA 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 owners say across generations
Owners broadly praise the MDX for reliability, driving dynamics, interior comfort, and value, with many describing it as the most reliable vehicle they have owned and reporting zero issues over tens of thousands of miles.
- IsolatedExcessive oil consumption on 2010-2013 models
Owner insights cover all generations of the MDX. See the full MDX owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used MDX listings typically run $18,298–$31,502.
Other MDX model years
Compare every MDX year side by side to see how 2012 ranks against the rest.
Compare the MDX against its rivals
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