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2012 Acura MDX Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 20261 Critical Recalls
Daniel Wilson
2012 Acura MDX Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2012 Acura MDX has 94 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve engine and electrical system.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

7.6/ 10

Based on 94 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

ENGINE

20 21.3%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

12 12.8%

POWER TRAIN

12 12.8%

AIR BAGS

9 9.6%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

8 8.5%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is ENGINE, accounting for 21.3% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 27 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2012 Acura MDX

The 2012 Acura MDX has 94 owner complaints in this dataset. ENGINE is the most common complaint category, representing about 21% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2012 Acura MDX are ENGINE (20), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (12), POWER TRAIN (12).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 52 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2012 Acura MDX?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2011 MDX complaints2013 MDX complaints2014 MDX complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 27 of 27 systems

ENGINE

20 Reports21% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE ENGINE OIL ON THIS MODELS BURNS OUT VERY QUICKLY. I HAVE NOTICED THAT I GET INDICATOR TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL IN ABOUT EVERY 6000 MILES EVEN THOUGH I USE SYNTHETIC OIL WHICH HAS THE LIFE SPAM OF UP TO 12000 MILES. I USE MY CAR FOR NORMAL DRIVE FROM HOME TO WORK AND LEISURE.

10/19/2016

2012 ACURA MDX 3.7 LITER ENGINE HAS VERY HIGH OIL CONSUMPTION. THE ACURA DEALER HAS TESTED THE CONSUMPTION IN THREE TESTS TO BE ABOUT ONE QUART EVERY 1500 MILES. THE ENGINE MILEAGE IS 86,321. THIS VEHICLE HAS ALWAYS BEEN SERVICED AT REQUIRED INTERVALS BY THE DEALER. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER.

8/15/2017

18 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

12 Reports13% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE REAR BACK UP CAMERA DOES NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE BRIGHTNESS AT NIGHT. WITH THE SCREEN BRIGHTNESS SET TO MAX, I AM UNABLE TO DISCERN OBJECTS BEHIND ON THE SCREEN AT NIGHT ESPECIALLY IN RAIN. THE CAMERA LENS IS CLEAN. THIS IS SIGNIFICANTLY WORSE COMPARED TO MY PRIOR 2008 ACURA MDX, AND COMPARED TO OTHER VEHICLES THAT I OWN AND HAVE DRIVEN WITH SIMILAR CAMERAS. THE DEALER SAYS THAT IT IS A FREQUENT COMPLAINT. *TR

1/29/2013

HONDA ACURA MDX, THE VEHICLE PROVIDES A BACKUP CAMERA TO DISPLAY THE REAR VIEW WHEN THE VEHICLE BACKS UP. HOWEVER THE CAMERA SYSTEM DOES NOT WORK AT NIGHT UNDER STREET LIGHT. THE DRIVER BARELY SEES ANYTHING AT REAR THROUGH THE VIDEO DISPLAY EVEN IT IS SET AT NIGHT MODE AND IT IS TURNED TO MAX. BRIGHT LEVEL. I ALMOST HIT A CHILD WHEN I TRIED TO BACKUP THE CAR WITH THE REAR VIEW THOUGH THE CAMERA AND I THOUGHT IT WAS CLEAR BUT IT IS NOT. IT IS A VERY DANGEROUS AND IT COULD KILL A CHILD. ACURA SHOULD NEVER INSTALL SUCH POOR QUALITY CAMERAS ON ITS HIGH END VEHICLES. OR ACURA SHOULD PUT A CLEAR WARNING MARK BESIDE THE DISPLAY WHICH WARNS DRIVER NEVER USE IT AT NIGHT. COMPARING TO THE OTHER BRAND REAR VIEW CAMERAS I NEVER HEARD SUCH STORIES THAT THEY ARE NOT BE ABLE TO WORK AT NIGHT. THERE ARE COMPLAINTS ON THE WEB AND MANY PEOPLE ARE EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM. I HOPE ACURA WILL REPLACE THE CAMERA AND PREVENT IT FROM AN ACCIDENT REALLY HAPPENED. *TR

2/23/2013

10 more complaints are available in this category.

POWER TRAIN

12 Reports13% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY AND THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO RESPOND. A FEW MOMENTS LATER, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE ENGINE WOULD EMIT A CLICKING SOUND WHEN IN OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,900.

2/26/2013

MY 2012 MDX SUFFERS FROM A TORQUE CONVERTER RUMBLING SOUND AND VIBRATION COMMON TO THE MDX SERIES. AS YOU ACCELERATE THE NOISE AND VIBRATION CAN BE FELT ALMOST LIKE A BEARING NOISE WHICH WILL EVENTUALLY CAUSE A LOCKUP OR FAILURE POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURIES TO ANY DRIVERS OR PEDESTRIANS. THE DEALERS ARE SAYING THAT THIS NOISE IS INDIGENOUS TO THE INHERENT HISTORY OF THE VEHICLE . FACT: SO I'M NOT ALONE IN THIS AND I KNOW ANY VIBRATIONS IN THAT AREA WILL DEFINITELY LESSEN THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE AND COST THE CAR OWNERS ! GOD FORBID ! THERE REFUSAL TO SIMPLY REPLACE THE CONVERTER IS A REFUSAL TO SELL GOOD VEHICLES AND THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ASAP ! UPDATED 10/22/13*LJ ACURA CLIENT SERVICES INFORMED THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT ALL THE MDX VEHICLES NEAR THE SAME YEAR, HAVE AN INHERENT DOCUMENTED KNOCK ON ACCELERATION REGARDLESS OF WHAT PREMIUM FUEL IS USED. *TR

10/7/2013

10 more complaints are available in this category.

AIR BAGS

9 Reports10% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I WAS IN A SERIOUS HEAD ON COLISION AND THE AIRBAGS IN THE VEHICLE FAILED TO DEPLOY DESPITE MAJOR DAMAGE TO THE FRONT OF THE CAR. I SUSTAINED INJURY REQUIRING HOSPITALIZATION IN COLLISION.

2/14/2018

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 LOSS.

3/21/2018

7 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

8 Reports9% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TAKATA RECALL - THE ACURA RECALL WEBSITE SAYS THERE IS A TAKATA RECALL, HOWEVER, YOUR DATABASE SAYS THERE ARE NOT RECALLS FOR MY VEHICLE. THANKS

2/8/2018

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY WHEN MY SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY SHATTERED. THERE WERE NO OTHER VEHICLES BY ME AND I WAS NOT DRIVING UNDER AN OVERPASS

10/14/2018

6 more complaints are available in this category.

STRUCTURE:BODY

3 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I WAS DRIVING ON A LOCAL SIDE STREET AT ABOUT 15 MPH WHEN I HEARD A SNAP AND SUDDENLY MY CAR SWERVED INTO A PARKED CAR CAUSING MINOR DAMAGE TO THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT FENDER OF MY CAR AND THE DRIVER SIDE REAR FENDER OF THE PARKED CAR. I HAD A WITNESS, A BYSTANDER, WHO ALSO SAID HE HEARD A SNAP BEFORE MY CAR SWERVED. MY CAR WAS TOWED TO AN ACURA DEALERSHIP WHERE I WAS LATER INFORMED THAT THE CAR HAD A BROKEN TIE ROD. I DID NOT HIT ANY POT HOLES. THE ROADS WERE CLEAR AND MY CAR HAS NEVER BEEN TOWED BEFORE. IT IS 6 MONTHS OLD WITH 6000 MILES. I CAN PROVIDE PICTURES OF THE DAMAGE.THERE IS NO OTHER DAMAGE TO THE UNDER CARRIAGE EXCEPT A SCRAPE WHERE THE TIE ROD SNAPPED. THERE IS NO BENT WHEEL EITHER. *TR

3/19/2013

THE SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODED CAUSING SHATTERED GLASS TO FALL ON THE DRIVER WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. IT SOUNDED LIKE A GUN WENT OFF. THERE WAS NOT ANY DEBRIS OR ROCK THAT COULD HAVE CAUSED THE SHATTERED GLASS. THE GLASS WAS LIFTED UPWARD, NOT DOWNWARD AS WOULD HAVE BEEN THE CASE IF SOMETHING CAME FROM THE SKY OR AIR. THE TEMPERATURE WAS 55 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT AND THE TIME WAS APPROXIMATELY 3:40. I HAD USED THE SUNROOF EARLIER IN THE MORNING WITHOUT A PROBLEM AND NEVER HAD A PROBLEM BEFORE. *TR

10/31/2016

1 more complaint is available in this category.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

3 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

ACURA MDX 2012 - PERSISTENT SLOW START OF THE ENGINE; ENGINE IS STRAINING TO TURN OVER/START. I HAVE REPLACED THE BATTERY 4 TIMES, CHECKED ALL POSSIBLE PROBLEMS (STARTER, SPARK PLUGS ETC.) BUT SAME RANDOM, PERIODIC PROBLEM OF THE ENGINE STRUGGLING TO START. RELATED PROBLEM: FUEL TANK APPEARS TO BE SOMEWHAT LOOSE; WHEN I BUY GASOLINE, I CAN SEE THE GAS TANK MOVE. IN ADDITION, IT IS DIFFICULT TO FILL UP THE CAR WITH GAS; THE GAS PUMP CUTS OFF BEFORE THE GAS TANK IS TO THE "FULL" LEVEL. MY GUT TELLS ME THAT THESE 2 PROBLEMS ARE SOMEHOW AFFECTING MY CAR STARTING. MY CAR HAS ONLY 51,000 MILES ON IT. I TAKE GOOD CARE/MAINTAIN IT. I HAVE READ OTHERS COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM!!! ACURA SHOULD FIX THIS! TOO EXPENSIVE OF A CAR; WHERE IS THE QUALITY??? THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM OF MY 2012 ACURA MDX . PLEASE HELP.

1/11/2019

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 sometimes it drive ruff, check engine light come on then go off then come back on with same codes: random misfire.

6/29/2022

1 more complaint is available in this category.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

2 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE REAR BACK UP CAMERA DOES NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE BRIGHTNESS AT NIGHT. WITH THE SCREEN BRIGHTNESS SET TO MAX, I AM UNABLE TO DISCERN OBJECTS BEHIND ON THE SCREEN AT NIGHT ESPECIALLY IN RAIN. THE CAMERA LENS IS CLEAN. THIS IS SIGNIFICANTLY WORSE COMPARED TO MY PRIOR 2008 ACURA MDX, AND COMPARED TO OTHER VEHICLES THAT I OWN AND HAVE DRIVEN WITH SIMILAR CAMERAS. THE DEALER SAYS THAT IT IS A FREQUENT COMPLAINT. *TR

1/29/2013

HONDA ACURA MDX, THE VEHICLE PROVIDES A BACKUP CAMERA TO DISPLAY THE REAR VIEW WHEN THE VEHICLE BACKS UP. HOWEVER THE CAMERA SYSTEM DOES NOT WORK AT NIGHT UNDER STREET LIGHT. THE DRIVER BARELY SEES ANYTHING AT REAR THROUGH THE VIDEO DISPLAY EVEN IT IS SET AT NIGHT MODE AND IT IS TURNED TO MAX. BRIGHT LEVEL. I ALMOST HIT A CHILD WHEN I TRIED TO BACKUP THE CAR WITH THE REAR VIEW THOUGH THE CAMERA AND I THOUGHT IT WAS CLEAR BUT IT IS NOT. IT IS A VERY DANGEROUS AND IT COULD KILL A CHILD. ACURA SHOULD NEVER INSTALL SUCH POOR QUALITY CAMERAS ON ITS HIGH END VEHICLES. OR ACURA SHOULD PUT A CLEAR WARNING MARK BESIDE THE DISPLAY WHICH WARNS DRIVER NEVER USE IT AT NIGHT. COMPARING TO THE OTHER BRAND REAR VIEW CAMERAS I NEVER HEARD SUCH STORIES THAT THEY ARE NOT BE ABLE TO WORK AT NIGHT. THERE ARE COMPLAINTS ON THE WEB AND MANY PEOPLE ARE EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM. I HOPE ACURA WILL REPLACE THE CAMERA AND PREVENT IT FROM AN ACCIDENT REALLY HAPPENED. *TR

2/23/2013

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

2 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

HONDA ACURA MDX, THE VEHICLE PROVIDES A BACKUP CAMERA TO DISPLAY THE REAR VIEW WHEN THE VEHICLE BACKS UP. HOWEVER THE CAMERA SYSTEM DOES NOT WORK AT NIGHT UNDER STREET LIGHT. THE DRIVER BARELY SEES ANYTHING AT REAR THROUGH THE VIDEO DISPLAY EVEN IT IS SET AT NIGHT MODE AND IT IS TURNED TO MAX. BRIGHT LEVEL. I ALMOST HIT A CHILD WHEN I TRIED TO BACKUP THE CAR WITH THE REAR VIEW THOUGH THE CAMERA AND I THOUGHT IT WAS CLEAR BUT IT IS NOT. IT IS A VERY DANGEROUS AND IT COULD KILL A CHILD. ACURA SHOULD NEVER INSTALL SUCH POOR QUALITY CAMERAS ON ITS HIGH END VEHICLES. OR ACURA SHOULD PUT A CLEAR WARNING MARK BESIDE THE DISPLAY WHICH WARNS DRIVER NEVER USE IT AT NIGHT. COMPARING TO THE OTHER BRAND REAR VIEW CAMERAS I NEVER HEARD SUCH STORIES THAT THEY ARE NOT BE ABLE TO WORK AT NIGHT. THERE ARE COMPLAINTS ON THE WEB AND MANY PEOPLE ARE EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM. I HOPE ACURA WILL REPLACE THE CAMERA AND PREVENT IT FROM AN ACCIDENT REALLY HAPPENED. *TR

2/23/2013

COLLISION MITIGATION BRAKING SYSTEM ENGAGED AS CAR WAS DRIVEN ON CITY STREET AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH. STREET WAS DOWNHILL THEN TRANSITIONED TO UPHILL, WHICH IS THE POINT AT WHICH THE BRAKING SYSTEM ENGAGED ("BRAKE" WARNING DISPLAYED, SEATBELT TUGGED, AND CAR SLOWED). THERE WAS NO ACTUAL OBSTRUCTION IN FRONT OF THE CAR. IT WAS NOTED THAT THERE WERE TWO METAL CONSTRUCTION COVERS ON THE STREET IN FRONT OF CAR. AFTER CAR SLOWED WARNING STOPPED AND CAR FUNCTIONED NORMALLY. *TR

6/17/2015

STEERING

2 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I WAS DRIVING ON A LOCAL SIDE STREET AT ABOUT 15 MPH WHEN I HEARD A SNAP AND SUDDENLY MY CAR SWERVED INTO A PARKED CAR CAUSING MINOR DAMAGE TO THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT FENDER OF MY CAR AND THE DRIVER SIDE REAR FENDER OF THE PARKED CAR. I HAD A WITNESS, A BYSTANDER, WHO ALSO SAID HE HEARD A SNAP BEFORE MY CAR SWERVED. MY CAR WAS TOWED TO AN ACURA DEALERSHIP WHERE I WAS LATER INFORMED THAT THE CAR HAD A BROKEN TIE ROD. I DID NOT HIT ANY POT HOLES. THE ROADS WERE CLEAR AND MY CAR HAS NEVER BEEN TOWED BEFORE. IT IS 6 MONTHS OLD WITH 6000 MILES. I CAN PROVIDE PICTURES OF THE DAMAGE.THERE IS NO OTHER DAMAGE TO THE UNDER CARRIAGE EXCEPT A SCRAPE WHERE THE TIE ROD SNAPPED. THERE IS NO BENT WHEEL EITHER. *TR

3/19/2013

WHEN I AM DRIVING ON THE HIGH AT HIGH SPEEDS 80 MPH THEN I GO TO GET OFF AN EXIT THE STEERING WHEEL VEHICLE SHAKES AND VIBRATES THE FRONT OF THE CAR AND TIRES.

4/9/2019

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

LIKE MOST TREADS THAT I COME ACROSS ON BLOGS, I ALSO HAVE NOTICE A STRONG SMELL EXHAUST FUMES UNDER HEAVY ACCELERATION INSIDE THE CABIN. THE SMELL FOR THE FUMES ARE NAUSEATING AND OF COURSE POSSE A REAL HEALTH RISK IN MY OPINION. WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE USED BUT STILL UNDER WARRANTY. MODEL: ADVANCED *TR

10/13/2014

See attached document for complaint.

2/12/2025

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE RPMS SUDDENLY INCREASED AS THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED AN UNINTENTIONAL ACCELERATION AND FAILED TO SHIFT PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING NORMALLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000.

11/13/2014

WHEN DRIVING USING ACC, THE VEHICLE BRAKES (NOT CONSISTENTLY) WHEN APPROACHING A LARGE TRUCK IN THE LANE NEXT TO LANE I AM DRIVING IN. THIS HAS HAPPENED SINCE NEW AND HAS BEEN REPORTED AT LEAST 10 TIMES TO DEALER AND THEY SAY THEY CAN'T REPRODUCE THE ISSUE. GAS MILEAGE IS 12MPG IN TOWN AND 19MPG ON FREEWAY, STICKER WAS 16/23. I HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS SINCE NEW AND THEY DRIVE THE CAR AND SAY THEY ARE GETTING CORRECT MILEAGE, THEN THEY TOLD ME THE BRAKES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THE ROTORS NEEDED GRINDING. I WAS ASSURED BY THE SERVICE WRITER THAT MY MILEAGE WOULD BE MUCH BETTER, WITH A WINK OF AN EYE. I LEFT THE NEXT DAY FOR 600 MILE DRIVE AND MY MILEAGE WAS 20MGP IN TOWN AND 27MPG ON FREEWAY, THIS LASTED FOR ABOUT TWO MONTHS. TEMPERATURE GUAGE FOR OUTSIDE TEMP HAS NEVER WORKED. ON HOT DAYS IT WILL READ 64 WHEN IT IS 105 OUTSIDE. I AM TOLD I HAVE TO DRIVE AT LEAST 20MPH FOR THIRTY SECONDS FOR THE TEMP TO INCREASE EACH DEGREE. ABSURD, HOWEVER, EVEN THIS TACTIC DOES NOT WORK.

7/16/2016

SERVICE BRAKES

2 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

COLLISION MITIGATION BRAKING SYSTEM ENGAGED AS CAR WAS DRIVEN ON CITY STREET AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH. STREET WAS DOWNHILL THEN TRANSITIONED TO UPHILL, WHICH IS THE POINT AT WHICH THE BRAKING SYSTEM ENGAGED ("BRAKE" WARNING DISPLAYED, SEATBELT TUGGED, AND CAR SLOWED). THERE WAS NO ACTUAL OBSTRUCTION IN FRONT OF THE CAR. IT WAS NOTED THAT THERE WERE TWO METAL CONSTRUCTION COVERS ON THE STREET IN FRONT OF CAR. AFTER CAR SLOWED WARNING STOPPED AND CAR FUNCTIONED NORMALLY. *TR

6/17/2015

WHEN DRIVING USING ACC, THE VEHICLE BRAKES (NOT CONSISTENTLY) WHEN APPROACHING A LARGE TRUCK IN THE LANE NEXT TO LANE I AM DRIVING IN. THIS HAS HAPPENED SINCE NEW AND HAS BEEN REPORTED AT LEAST 10 TIMES TO DEALER AND THEY SAY THEY CAN'T REPRODUCE THE ISSUE. GAS MILEAGE IS 12MPG IN TOWN AND 19MPG ON FREEWAY, STICKER WAS 16/23. I HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS SINCE NEW AND THEY DRIVE THE CAR AND SAY THEY ARE GETTING CORRECT MILEAGE, THEN THEY TOLD ME THE BRAKES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THE ROTORS NEEDED GRINDING. I WAS ASSURED BY THE SERVICE WRITER THAT MY MILEAGE WOULD BE MUCH BETTER, WITH A WINK OF AN EYE. I LEFT THE NEXT DAY FOR 600 MILE DRIVE AND MY MILEAGE WAS 20MGP IN TOWN AND 27MPG ON FREEWAY, THIS LASTED FOR ABOUT TWO MONTHS. TEMPERATURE GUAGE FOR OUTSIDE TEMP HAS NEVER WORKED. ON HOT DAYS IT WILL READ 64 WHEN IT IS 105 OUTSIDE. I AM TOLD I HAVE TO DRIVE AT LEAST 20MPH FOR THIRTY SECONDS FOR THE TEMP TO INCREASE EACH DEGREE. ABSURD, HOWEVER, EVEN THIS TACTIC DOES NOT WORK.

7/16/2016

VISIBILITY/WIPER

2 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE REAR BACK-UP CAMERA ON THIS MODEL OF VEHICLE PROVIDES A VERY POOR IMAGE AT NIGHT CREATING A CLEAR SAFETY HAZARD. THE IMAGE THAT APPEARS ON THE SCREEN IS ALMOST NOT DISCERNIBLE AND VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO MAKE OUT ANY IMAGES. WE ALSO OWN A 2010 ACURA TSX THAT HAS A BACK UP CAMERA WHICH WORKS VERY WELL AT NIGHT. ONE WOULD THINK THAT A NEWER AND HIGHER END VEHICLE WOULD OFFER AT THE VERY LEAST A COMPARABLE QUALITY CAMERA. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHICH HAS NOTED SIMILAR CONCERNS FROM OTHER CUSTOMERS BUT THEY NOTE THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THE INFERIOR QUALITY OF THE CAMERA AND ASSOCIATED LIGHTING PLACE ANY DRIVER RELYING ON IT IN A DANGEROUS POSITION. THIS SITUATION SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED TO ENSURE NO ACCIDENTS OCCUR AS A RESULT OF THE INFERIOR BACK UP CAMERA.

7/1/2016

WINDSHIELD WIPER DOESN'T WORK, ELECTRONIC STEERING FAILED

3/26/2020

BACK OVER PREVENTION:WARNINGS:EXTERNAL/PEDESTRIAN ALERT

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

HONDA ACURA MDX, THE VEHICLE PROVIDES A BACKUP CAMERA TO DISPLAY THE REAR VIEW WHEN THE VEHICLE BACKS UP. HOWEVER THE CAMERA SYSTEM DOES NOT WORK AT NIGHT UNDER STREET LIGHT. THE DRIVER BARELY SEES ANYTHING AT REAR THROUGH THE VIDEO DISPLAY EVEN IT IS SET AT NIGHT MODE AND IT IS TURNED TO MAX. BRIGHT LEVEL. I ALMOST HIT A CHILD WHEN I TRIED TO BACKUP THE CAR WITH THE REAR VIEW THOUGH THE CAMERA AND I THOUGHT IT WAS CLEAR BUT IT IS NOT. IT IS A VERY DANGEROUS AND IT COULD KILL A CHILD. ACURA SHOULD NEVER INSTALL SUCH POOR QUALITY CAMERAS ON ITS HIGH END VEHICLES. OR ACURA SHOULD PUT A CLEAR WARNING MARK BESIDE THE DISPLAY WHICH WARNS DRIVER NEVER USE IT AT NIGHT. COMPARING TO THE OTHER BRAND REAR VIEW CAMERAS I NEVER HEARD SUCH STORIES THAT THEY ARE NOT BE ABLE TO WORK AT NIGHT. THERE ARE COMPLAINTS ON THE WEB AND MANY PEOPLE ARE EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM. I HOPE ACURA WILL REPLACE THE CAMERA AND PREVENT IT FROM AN ACCIDENT REALLY HAPPENED. *TR

2/23/2013

SEATS

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

I PURCHASED A BRAND NEW 2012 ACURA MDX (1 YEAR AND 2 WEEKS OLD). IT HAVE ONLY 7000 MILES ON IT RIGHT NOW. THE POWER DRIVER SEAT IS NOT WORKING AND ALSO, THE MEMORY #1 AND #2. THE SEAT IT ALL THE WAY UP POSITION CLOSE TO STEERING WHEEL IT HARD FOR ME TO DRIVE. I WORK ANN ARBOR, MI THE ACURA DEALER ARE IN TROY, MI. IT MORE THAN ONE HOUR DRIVE ONE WAY. IF I TAKE MY ACURA MDX TO THE DEALER, I HAVE TO TAKE TIME OFF FROM WORK WHICH I DO NOT TO .................. WHY IT COST MONEY ....................... I'M NOT HAPPY. I OWN HONDA ACCORD 10 YEARS, ACURA 3.2 TL 8 YEARS, TOYOTA HIGHLANDER MORE THAN 5 YEARS NEVER HAVE ANY PROBLEMS LIKE THIS ONE ...................... NOW WHAT............... *TR

8/5/2013

WHEELS

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

I WAS DRIVING ON A LOCAL SIDE STREET AT ABOUT 20 MPH WHEN SUDDENLY MY CAR VEERED OFF THE ROAD AND SWERVED INTO A PARKED CAR CAUSING MODERATE DAMAGE TO THE DRIVER SIDE REAR FENDER OF THE PARKED CAR. MY CAR SUSTAINED MAJOR DAMAGE - TO THE PASSENGER SIDE ON THE FRONT. ALSO, THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT WHEEL CAME OFF AND ROLLED A LITTLE AWAY BEFORE COMING TO A STOP. I PULLED THE CAR OVER AND PARKED IT. EVEN WITH THE PARKING BRAKE ON, THE CAR WAS ROLLING A LITTLE TILL A BYSTANDER PUT A COUPLE OF BLOCKS UNDER THE REAR TIRES TO STOP THE CAR. THE ROAD WAS CLEAR AND DIDN'T HAVE ANY POT HOLES OR BAD WEATHER. WE BOUGHT THE CAR IN SEP 2012 AND IT HAS ABOUT 13 - 14000 MILES. *TR

2/5/2014

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE RPMS SUDDENLY INCREASED AS THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED AN UNINTENTIONAL ACCELERATION AND FAILED TO SHIFT PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING NORMALLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000.

11/13/2014

BACK OVER PREVENTION: CAMERA SYSTEM

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

THE REAR BACK UP CAMERA DOES NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE BRIGHTNESS AT NIGHT. WITH THE SCREEN BRIGHTNESS SET TO MAX, I AM UNABLE TO DISCERN OBJECTS BEHIND ON THE SCREEN AT NIGHT ESPECIALLY IN RAIN AND UNLIT ROAD. THE CAMERA LENS IS CLEAN. I HAVE OTHER HONDAS BUT NOT THIS PROBLEM. DEALERS KNOW THE PROBLEM, BUT NOT DOING ANYTHING. *TR

4/2/2015

SEAT BELTS

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TESTING

3/7/2016

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

THE SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODED CAUSING SHATTERED GLASS TO FALL ON THE DRIVER WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. IT SOUNDED LIKE A GUN WENT OFF. THERE WAS NOT ANY DEBRIS OR ROCK THAT COULD HAVE CAUSED THE SHATTERED GLASS. THE GLASS WAS LIFTED UPWARD, NOT DOWNWARD AS WOULD HAVE BEEN THE CASE IF SOMETHING CAME FROM THE SKY OR AIR. THE TEMPERATURE WAS 55 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT AND THE TIME WAS APPROXIMATELY 3:40. I HAD USED THE SUNROOF EARLIER IN THE MORNING WITHOUT A PROBLEM AND NEVER HAD A PROBLEM BEFORE. *TR

10/31/2016

SUSPENSION

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

WE HAVE A 2012 MDX 4 DR AWD ACURA IT HAS OVER 49,000 MILES ON IT. RECENTLY, WE STARTED NOTICING CLUNKING NOISE ORIGINATING FROM THE LEFT FRONT AREA WHENEVER WE HIT A SLIGHT BUMP ESPECIALLY ON A SLOWER RIDE LIKE GETTING INTO THE DRIVEWAY. IT IS SUSPECTED TO BE THE STRUT ISSUE WHICH WILL COST US PRETTY SIGNIFICANT COST TO REPLACE IT AND WONDERING IF IT HAS ANY RECALLS FOR THIS TYPE OF ISSUE. *TR

7/21/2017

STRUCTURE

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 ACURA MDX. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE SPARE TIRE DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. AUTONATION ACURA OF STEVENS CREEK (4747 STEVENS CREEK BLVD, SANTA CLARA, CA 95051) DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRE HOLDING THE SPARE TIRE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, INCLUDING THE SPARE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED DUE TO THE PARTS NOT BEING SUPPLIED FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, BUT REFERRED THE CONTACT BACK TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 15,000.

7/2/2018

TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 ACURA MDX. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE SPARE TIRE DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. AUTONATION ACURA OF STEVENS CREEK (4747 STEVENS CREEK BLVD, SANTA CLARA, CA 95051) DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRE HOLDING THE SPARE TIRE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, INCLUDING THE SPARE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED DUE TO THE PARTS NOT BEING SUPPLIED FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, BUT REFERRED THE CONTACT BACK TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 15,000.

7/2/2018

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

WHEN I AM DRIVING ON THE HIGH AT HIGH SPEEDS 80 MPH THEN I GO TO GET OFF AN EXIT THE STEERING WHEEL VEHICLE SHAKES AND VIBRATES THE FRONT OF THE CAR AND TIRES.

4/9/2019

OTHER/I AM NOT SURE

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

Does not have anchor for the seat. A recall was placed by NHTSA

3/22/2025

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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, it was discovered that the mileage was 159,000.

4/22/2025

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2012 Acura MDX?

The most reported complaint category for the 2012 Acura MDX is ENGINE, with 20 owner reports. That is about 21% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN.

Are complaints about the 2012 Acura MDX a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 52 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2012 Acura MDX?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2012 Acura MDX severe?

52 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Acura MDX: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
94
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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