2012 ACURA MDX Complaints and Recall Information
The 2012 ACURA MDX has 5 complaints and 1 recall filed with NHTSA. Owners most frequently report engine-related issues, including oil consumption and rod bearing failure. Some complaints also include odometer discrepancies and missing seat anchors.
Common Issues
- Rod bearing failure. Reports describe knocking sounds and glitter in the oil indicating wear, confirmed by independent mechanics. This issue led to engine failure and the vehicle being inoperable.
- Oil consumption. Drivers noted excessive oil use requiring frequent refills. Repairs related to oil consumption were previously performed under a service bulletin, but the underlying problem persisted.
- Engine failure recurrence. At least one vehicle experienced a second engine failure after initial repairs did not address rod bearing damage.
- Odometer discrepancy. A vehicle was found to have different mileage readings at purchase and registration, suggesting possible odometer fraud.
- Missing seat anchor. Some units lack an anchor for the seat, creating a safety concern and prompting attention from NHTSA.
There is one recall for the 2012 ACURA MDX addressing the fuel system. The recall involves the fuel tank assembly, specifically a component that may leak fuel and increase fire risk.
Recalls
- Fuel tank assembly. NHTSA Campaign Number 12V063000 affects 8,709 vehicles. The vent shut float valve case in the fuel tank does not meet design specifications, potentially causing fuel leaks and increasing fire hazard. Honda will notify owners and replace the fuel tank assembly if needed at no cost. The recall began March 13, 2012. No do not drive or park outside advisory applies.
Owners dealing with repeated engine repairs, safety defects, or unresolved recall issues may want to review their rights under state lemon laws. Consulting a qualified attorney can help evaluate potential claims.
2012 ACURA MDX Summary
2012
Model Year
5
Total Complaints
1
Total Recalls
8709
Vehicles Affected
Recalls
2012 ACURA MDX
8709 vehicles affected
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
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.
Complaints
2012 ACURA MDX
ID: 2124257ENGINE
Oil consumption/burning Cylinder rings
2012 ACURA MDX
ID: 2084475ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER
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.
2012 ACURA MDX
ID: 2075776Other/I am not sure
Does not have anchor for the seat. A recall was placed by NHTSA
2012 ACURA MDX
ID: 2064316ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
See attached document for complaint.
2012 ACURA MDX
ID: 2062036ENGINE
On 11/30/24 I heard a slight whirling sound while driving. On 12/1/24 I drove from Point A towards my home. Along the way the oil light flashed. I stopped at Advance Auto Parts, 15 miles from Point A. I checked the oil and it read as it should on the dip stick. No oil was needed. I drove straight home, a distance of 30 miles, and parked the car. When my son arrived home he started the car and there was a knocking sound. He shut it off. He stated that he felt it to be the rod bearings. He then changed the oil as previously planned as supplies were already in the car. He checked the oil and found a slight glitter in it indicating the rod bearing issue. The car remained parked until 12/26/24 when it was taken to an independent service center, round trip of 18 miles, who confirmed that the rod bearings were the issue. The car was parked again and only started to move about 50 feet into the garage prior to a snow storm. It has not been started since. My safety was put at risk as the engine could have, and will, fail when driving. The engine had previously been repaired at an Acura dealer for an oil consumption issue in accordance with service bulletin 19-006. Honda refused to honor the recall previously offered due to this known failure. The car was picked up on 12/8/22 with 92,954 and purchased finalized on 1/4/23. The oil consumption issue was first noted on 2/12/23 at 97,088 miles. Car was serviced and oil changed on 2/16/23 at which time the oil consumption issue was diagnosed by the selling dealer. Oil was continually added until work was completed on 3/21/23 at 99,425 miles. The new issue with the rod bearings (that were not changed with the first repair as they should have been) was first noted at approximately 137,840 miles. This is now the second engine failure for this car. The car is available for inspection. The car has not been inspected by any entity other than the initial diagnosis on 12/26/24.