2012 Acura RDX recalls and problems

The 2012 Acura RDX has 2 safety recalls and 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Acura dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

0 / 0

Injuries / deaths

0 / 0

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

2012 Acura RDX recalls

Recall 19V-182: Air Bags

Reported Mar 6, 2019 · 1,101,534 vehicles affected · Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Problem: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode.

Risk: An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is O41. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is U40.

Recall 16V-061: Air Bags

Reported Feb 3, 2016 · 2,232,187 vehicles affected · Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Problem: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Honda CR-V, 2011-2015 CR-Z, 2010-2014 FCX, and Insight, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013-2014 Fit EV, 2007-2014 Ridgeline, 2013-2016 Acura ILX, 2013-2014 Acura ILX Hybrid, 2007-2016 RDX, 2005-2012 Acura RL, 2009-2014 Acura TL, and 2010-2013 Acura ZDX vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.

Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are JY0, JY1, and JY2.

2012 Acura RDX problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Air Bags	6
Electrical System	2
Unknown or Other	2
Steering	2
Power Train	2
Engine	1
Structure	1
Vehicle Speed Control	1
Engine and Engine Cooling	1
Exterior Lighting	1

Most reported parts

Structure › Body — 1
Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 42,000 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 RDX complaints

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

Electrical System · at 248,553 miles · reported Nov 3, 2025

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Acura RDX. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 148,000. However, following an oil change service, it was later discovered that the actual vehicle mileage was 248,553.

Exterior Lighting · reported Sep 28, 2018

Ambos focos delanteros se obedecen, las fechas exactas cuando lo llev al dealer para garanta de los focos no la recuerdo, pero fui en varias ocasiones. Me informaron que la especificacin del fabricante eran focos al aire, y que por eso se humedecian y no tenan garanta, que todos los de ese ao vinieron as. Me confirm y no regres para ese problema., aunque no tiene lgica, se compra un auto para que funcione todo normal y este no es el caso de ambos focos. Al pasar el tiempo el problema se ha agravado porque se humedecen mas y afecta la visibilidad. Llam nuevamente al dealer pero me informaron lo…

Unknown or Other · at 73,000 miles · reported Sep 4, 2018

Vehicle will completely shut down while driving causing the brakes to lock and causing a major safety concern for others and the person driving the car. Once the vehicle shuts down the car will need to be put in park, turned off and completely restarted again. This incident has happened to my vehicle several times ranging in speeds from 0mph to 70mph while driving on the express way. This always happens when the vehicle is in motion and stationary as well. It has happened at a stop light as well as on the highway.

Air Bags · at 38,000 miles · reported Feb 21, 2018

Takata recall. The driver air bag was recalled and replaced. When I questioned why the front passenger side air bag was not being replaced also. The dealership said it was not being recalled. I asked if it was a takata air bag. Dealership would not answer. Only saying it was not being recalled. My complaint is: I do not know if my front passenger air bag is safe for the riders in my car.

Power Train · reported Oct 21, 2017

I noticed vibration while driving in town as if I had flat tires, and especially when I was accelerating. After a week I had my SUV checked at the garage. They had to replace the right and left line axle assemblies which was quite expensive. The mechanics told me that it was completely finished and found it highly unusual for a 2012 acura rdx.

Other Acura RDX years

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Compare all Acura RDX years · All Acura models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Acura RDX have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2012 Acura RDX: 19V-182 (air bags), 16V-061 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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

Owners report air bags problems most often (6 reports), followed by electrical system (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 42,000 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.