The Lemon Index2012 Acura MDX.
The 2012 Acura MDX is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 11 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 20, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 1 recall, and it gets 18 mpg combined. The best Acura MDX year is 2010.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 76 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Acura MDX year. 2012 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 12K to 88K miles on the car (46 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 1
- fuel system, gasoline 2012
HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 PILOT AND ACURA MDX VEHICLES.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Acura told dealers about
Acura sent dealers 87 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Update on some model vehicles regarding testing of alternators with the gr8 alternator/starter…
- Service bulletin - The steering wheel vibrates or there is a moan from under the hood while…
- Service bulletin - a judder from the torque converter lock-up clutch may be felt while driving…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acura MDX SUV 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $4400 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.7L 6-cyl.
Quick answers
Is the 2012 Acura MDX reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 5× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 20; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Acura MDX year by this measure is 2010.
What are the most common 2012 Acura MDX problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (27%), transmission & drivetrain (27%) and lights (18%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2012 Acura MDX have?
1 safety recall (latest: fuel system, gasoline). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Acura MDX get?
18 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2012 Acura MDX safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2012 Acura MDX problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 12,600 and 88,500 miles. The middle report was at 62,500 miles, from 46 complaints.
Does the 2012 Acura MDX have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 27% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2012 Acura MDX cost in fuel a year?
About $4400 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2012 Acura MDX have?
3.7L 6-cyl.
What Acura MDX year is better than the 2012?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2010, 2012 and 2013.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works