2012 Acura MDX problems
Owners have filed 101 complaints about the 2012 Acura MDX with NHTSA. Engine accounts for 22.8% of them — the clear leader, ahead of electrical system at 12.9%.
Complaints101
Crashes5
Fires5
Injuries2
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Engine 22.8% · 23
Electrical system 12.9% · 13
Power train 12.9% · 13
Unknown or other 9.9% · 10
Air bags 8.9% · 9
Structure 5.0% · 5
Fuel/propulsion system 4.0% · 4
Service brakes 2.0% · 2
Severity
Of those complaints, 5 describe a crash, 5 describe a fire and 2 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 16 model years of the Acura MDX in this data, 2012 draws comparatively few complaints; 2016 is the outlier year.
Filings have fallen off, 14 in the last three years against 25 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 46,800 miles.
In owners' own words
My 2012 Acura MDX has an oil consumption issue that Acura is aware of being a problem, however it is not offering to cover the cost associated with fixing the issue. My vehicle burned through more than 2 quarts of oil in a matter of 1 month. This needs to be a recall as it's a safety issue with the operation of the vehicle. Lack of oil could cause the engine to fail. Engine · reported at 90,000 miles
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. Engine
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. Engine
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…