2012 Acura MDX
The 2012 Acura MDX earns a fair Throttlebook Ownership Score of 59/100. Expect about $57,785 to own it for five years, or $963 a month. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 76 complaints.
- Recalls
- 1
- Complaints
- 76
- 5-yr cost
- $58k
- MPG (EPA)
- 18
2012 Acura MDX vs nearby years
Compare this year with the model years next to it on the same hub.
Looking at a specific MDX?
Paste its VIN for the exact trim, recalls that may apply, and a Fits / Stretch / Not yet verdict for your budget. Free.
1 recall may apply
For the 2012 Acura MDX. NHTSA matches recalls by model and year — confirm by VIN.
What's wrong: 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.
Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
5-year cost to own
Estimated $15,000 price, 20% down, 11.19% APR for 60 months (Experian avg.), 12,000 mi/yr.
| Depreciation | $3,394 |
| Insurance (national avg.) | $16,200 |
| Fuel / charging | $11,165 |
| Maintenance | $13,800 |
| Repairs | $7,200 |
| Loan interest | $4,126 |
| Taxes & fees | $1,900 |
Estimate, not financial advice. How we calculate.
Owner complaints & safety
What real owners reported to NHTSA for this model year.
- Engine23
- Electrical System13
- Power Train13
- Unknown Or Other10
- Air Bags9
- Structure5
Complaint counts scale with how many were sold; compare against similar models.
- Overall
- 4 out of 5 stars
- Frontal
- 4 out of 5 stars
- Side
- 5 out of 5 stars
- Rollover
- 4 out of 5 stars
Rated as: 2012 Acura MDX SUV 4WD
What to check on a used 2012 Acura MDX
Ordered by what owners of this model year reported most. Reports are not proof of a defect.
- Engine and transmission
- Cold start: listen for knocking, ticking or rough running.
- Shifts should be smooth with no slipping or jerking.
- Electrical and lights
- Test every window, lock, light and wiper.
- Watch for warning lights that stay on after start-up.
- Airbags
- The airbag light should come on at start-up and then go out.
- Ask for proof that any airbag recalls were completed.
If anything in a safety area feels wrong (brakes, steering, airbags, tires), stop driving and get it inspected before you buy or drive it further. Paste a VIN above for the full printable checklist.
Common 2012 Acura MDX problems
Cheaper alternatives
FAQ
- Is the 2012 Acura MDX a good car to buy?
- The 2012 Acura MDX earns a fair Throttlebook Ownership Score of 59/100. Expect about $57,785 to own it for five years, or $963 a month. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 76 complaints.
- Does the 2012 Acura MDX have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2012 Acura MDX, including Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly. Recalls are matched by model year, so check your exact VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
- What are the most common 2012 Acura MDX problems?
- Owners filed 76 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (23), electrical system (13), power train (13), air bags (9).
- How much does a 2012 Acura MDX cost to own for 5 years?
- About $57,785 over 5 years ($963/month) at an estimated $15,000 purchase price and 12,000 miles a year, including depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs, loan interest and taxes. Run a VIN report to personalize it.
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP ratings; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data refreshed weekly. Complaint counts scale with sales volume.