2012 Acura MDX recalls and problems

The 2012 Acura MDX has 1 safety recall and 76 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Acura dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
76
Crashes / fires
4 / 3
Injuries / deaths
2 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2012 Acura MDX vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2012 Acura MDX recalls

Recall 12V-063: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Feb 17, 2012 · 8,709 vehicles affected · HONDA (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.)

Problem: 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.

Risk: As a result, fuel may leak from the tank, increasing the risk of fire.

Fix: 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.

2012 Acura MDX problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine23
Electrical System13
Power Train13
Unknown or Other10
Air Bags9
Structure5
Fuel/Propulsion System4
Exterior Lighting2
Back Over Prevention2
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility2
Steering2
Engine and Engine Cooling2

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 4
  • Back Over Prevention › Warnings › External/Pedestrian Alert — 1
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever and Linkage › Column Shift — 1
  • Back Over Prevention › Camera System — 1
  • Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 1
  • Tires › Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire — 1
  • Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 69,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2012 Acura MDX complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · reported Jul 16, 2026
I have a 2012 MDX and it burns an extreme amount of oil. We took our MDX back to the dealership where we purchased it and had the oil issue fixed. Or so we thought. The problem was supposed to be fixed 3 months ago but the car is still burning a lot of oil. We have to add oil every 2 weeks. We did not drive the car much after "getting the oil issue repaired" so we did not realize that the problem still exists. Acura should know how to repair this issue and there should be a recall for this excessive oil consumption. Acura is a luxury brand but they are not taking care of their customers. Also…
Engine · reported Jul 8, 2026
2012 ACURA MDX burns extreme amounts of oil between oil changes. Typically a warning indicator comes on about 1,000 miles before oil change is due. I continue to refill oil between oil changes.
Unknown or Other · reported Jul 8, 2026
I bought a 2012 silver Acura MDX on March 3rd in 2022 from our local Acura dealership. Exterior paint was great, hardly any dings, scratches anywhere. I spent over $20,000 for this USED CAR and as of the past two years, the clear coat has worn out in various places on front hood, near the moon roof, near the rear side door windows, near the rack on top, near the back hatch window. It's absolutely embarrassing and I find it interesting/maddening that I have seen two others MDX's around town that have the same issues with paint. WHY IS THERE NOT A RECALL? MY 2011 HONDA ODYSSEY paint doesn't have…
Fuel/Propulsion System · reported May 21, 2026
our car eats a ton of oil and the piston rings failed, we owe a lot on it and I'm told there is no help for this issue even though there used to be because we are outside the guidelines in terms of mileage and purchase date. our car has 156k its a 2012 MDX. VIN [XXX] . Just checking with everyone everywhere to make sure I've exhausted all resources as it will take 13,000 to fix and we owe 12,000. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical System · at 159,000 miles · reported Apr 22, 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 time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 159,000.

Other Acura MDX years

Compare all Acura MDX years · All Acura models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Acura MDX have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2012 Acura MDX: 12V-063 (fuel system, gasoline). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2012 Acura MDX?

Owners report engine problems most often (23 reports), followed by electrical system (13). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 69,000 miles.

Are Acura recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Acura dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.