DecodedCars2012 Acura MDX
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD /Tech/Elite
- Engines
- 3.7L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 18 combined · 16 city / 21 hwy
- Length
- 190.9 in
- Curb weight
- 4,550 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 20 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Acura MDX is a SUV - offered with a 3.7L 6-cyl engine and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 191 inches long and 78 inches wide on a 108-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,550 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 18 MPG combined (16 city / 21 highway), 5% worse than the 2012 SUV - average of 19 MPG, for an estimated $4,550 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 67 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2012
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 MDX — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 MDX →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD /Tech/Elite | 190.9 in | 78.3 in | 68.1 in | 108.3 in | 67.7 / 67.7 in | 4,550 lb | 56/44 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MDX 4WD | 3.7L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 21 / 18 | -5% | $4,550 | 494 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Acura MDX.
Similar 2012 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Acura MDX (this car) | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2012 Porsche Cayenne | 21 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2012 BMW X5 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 14 |
| 2012 BMW X3 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2012 Lexus RX | 29 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2012 Volvo XC90 | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Audi Q7 | 20 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
Recalls (1)
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly · Feb 17, 2012
NHTSA campaign 12V063000 · 8,709 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
Not every 2012 Acura MDX is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Acura MDX buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 23 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 10 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Electrical System — 9 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 78,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Acura MDX. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other MDX years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 MDX | 22 | 198.4 in | Not rated | 1 | 9 |
| 2025 MDX | 22 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 114 |
| 2024 MDX | 22 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 43 |
| 2023 MDX | 22 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 48 |
| 2022 MDX | 22 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 181 |
| 2020 MDX | 27 | 196.1 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 231 |
| 2019 MDX | 27 | 196.1 in | ★★★★★ | 9 | 199 |
| 2018 MDX | 27 | 196.1 in | ★★★★★ | 10 | 170 |
| 2017 MDX | 27 | 196.1 in | ★★★★★ | 9 | 268 |
| 2016 MDX | 23 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 377 |
| 2015 MDX | 23 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 67 |
| 2014 MDX | 23 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 128 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Acura. How we calculate this →