Acura · MDX · 2012
2012 Acura MDX
1
Recall
72
Complaints
4/5
Safety Rating
The 2012 Acura MDX has 1 recall and 72 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Overall safety rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Most reported issue: engine (14 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 28, 2026
Research Context
The 2012 Acura MDX page works best as a research starting point. Complaint totals show how much owner-reported activity exists, while recalls and investigations help show whether any of that activity turned into formal safety action.
Because this is a newer-era vehicle page, it usually helps to compare this year against nearby model years before deciding whether a complaint pattern looks isolated or persistent. On this page, the most prominent complaint area is engine with 14 reported complaints.
Best Research Moves
- Use the complaint log to understand what owners were actually reporting instead of relying only on the raw complaint total.
- Review the recall section even if the total is smaller, because a limited number of recalls can still point to meaningful safety actions.
- This page is primarily a complaints-and-recalls research surface, so compare nearby model years before treating the complaint total as a standalone verdict.
Key Takeaways
- The 2012 Acura MDX currently shows 1 NHTSA recall listed on this page and 72 owner-reported complaints.
- This page currently shows no linked NHTSA investigations.
- This page reflects complaint volume, recall history, and NHTSA test data, but it does not diagnose causes or rank reliability by itself.
- Safety data currently shows 4/5 overall NHTSA safety rating.
- The most frequently reported complaint categories on this page are engine (14), power train (11), air bags (8).
- Vehicle
- 2012 Acura MDX
- Recalls
- 1
- Complaints
- 72
- Safety Rating
- 4/5
How to Interpret This Page
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
If you are researching a used vehicle, start with the complaint categories, compare them against the recall list, and then check nearby model years to see whether the same issue profile repeats. That usually produces a better buying or research signal than treating the raw complaint total as a standalone safety ranking.
NHTSA Crash Test Performance
Frontal Crash Test
Side Crash Test
Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
14.0% rollover risk in single-vehicle crash
Safety Features
ESC: StandardForward Collision Warning: OptionalLane Departure Warning: No
Recall Notices
NHTSANHTSA ID: 12V063000February 17, 2012
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
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 Status
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.
Owner Complaints
72 totalOther/I am not sure
Mar 22, 2025
Does not have anchor for the seat. A recall was placed by NHTSA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Feb 10, 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 tim...
Preview excerpt
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Jan 2, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
ENGINE
Dec 1, 2024
On 11/30/24 I heard a slight whirling sound while driving. On 12/1/24 I drove from Point A towards my home. Along the way the oil light flashed. I stopped at Advance Auto Parts, 15 miles from Point A. I checked the oil and it read as it should on the dip stick. No oil was needed....
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ENGINE
Sep 18, 2024
Oil consumption/burning Cylinder rings
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jun 25, 2022
My Sunroof exploded.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Nov 20, 2021
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 sometim...
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UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jun 29, 2021
11/17/2020 Acura battery of our 2012 Acura MDX failed & was replaced under manufacturer warranty, via comp was provided. 6/29/2021 Acura battery failed again. Dealership did not honor warranty claiming manufacturer Acura would not pay for replacement. Dealership said I needed ...
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AIR BAGS
May 4, 2021
MY AIRBAG LIGHT WON'T GO OFF. SHOWING AN ERROR WHEN HOOKED UP TO THE MACHINE
ENGINE
Jan 1, 2021
ABOUT 2 MONTHS AGO, MY SUV HAD A MESSAGE ALERT COME ON WHILE I WAS SITTING STILL AFTER JUST STARTING MY VEHICLE IN WALMART PARKING LOT AFTER GROCERY SHOPPING, SAYING TO CHECK THE OIL LEVEL; OIL LEVEL LOW. ALSO, JUST RECENTLY, MARCH 27TH I HAD TO ADD OIL TO MY VEHICLE AGAIN; 3/4 O...
Preview excerpt
Showing 10 recent complaints from 72 total
View Full Complaint LogCompare Related Vehicles
Why Compare These Pages
The strongest comparison flow is usually: exact vehicle-year page, then nearby years of the same model, then other 2012 Acura models. That sequence helps separate one-off year spikes from broader make-wide patterns.
More Acura MDX Years
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many recalls does the 2012 Acura MDX have?
The 2012 Acura MDX has 1 recall recorded by NHTSA.
How many complaints have been filed for the 2012 Acura MDX?
NHTSA has received 72 owner-reported complaints for the 2012 Acura MDX.
What is the NHTSA safety rating for the 2012 Acura MDX?
The 2012 Acura MDX received an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Acura MDX?
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2012 Acura MDX are engine (14 reports), power train (11 reports), air bags (8 reports).
Does the 2012 Acura MDX have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA has 1 recall on record for the 2012 Acura MDX. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check Another Vehicle
Look up recalls and complaints for any year, make, and model.
This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.