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2012 Acura RDX problems

The most common problem on the 2012 Acura RDX is airbags. It has fewer complaints than a typical RDX model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
91/100
Owner complaints
15
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
52
Worst area
Airbags
Fuel economy
19-21mpg

The worst 2012 Acura RDX problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Airbags
    6
  • Electrical
    2
  • Engine
    2
  • Steering
    2
  • Transmission
    2

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Airbags
    6
  • Electrical
    2
  • Engine
    2
  • Steering
    2
  • Transmission
    2
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Body
    1
  • Lights
    1

Recalls 2

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator moduleReported March 6, 2019 · 1,101,534 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode.
Risk
An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's number for this recall is O41. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Acura's number for this recall is U40.

Recall number 19V182000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator moduleReported February 3, 2016 · 2,232,187 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Honda CR-V, 2011-2015 CR-Z, 2010-2014 FCX, and Insight, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013-2014 Fit EV, 2007-2014 Ridgeline, 2013-2016 Acura ILX, 2013-2014 Acura ILX Hybrid, 2007-2016 RDX, 2005-2012 Acura RL, 2009-2014 Acura TL, and 2010-2013 Acura ZDX vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are JY0, JY1, and JY2.

Recall number 16V061000 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 2012 Acura RDX

Technical service bulletins for the 2012 Acura RDX 52

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 52 bulletins for the 2012 Acura RDX

2012 Acura RDX crash test ratings

Government 5-star crash tests. Higher is safer. Each row is a body style and drivetrain that was tested.

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
Acura RDX SUV 4WDPhrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.4

2012 Acura RDX fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.3L 4‑cylFWD192421
2.3L 4‑cylAWD172219

What 2012 Acura RDX owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Nov 3, 2025 · Electrical · 248,553 miles · SC

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Acura RDX. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 148,000. However, following an oil change service, it was later discovered that the actual vehicle mileage was 248,553.

Filed Sep 28, 2018 · Lights · PR

Ambos focos delanteros se obedecen, las fechas exactas cuando lo llev al dealer para garanta de los focos no la recuerdo, pero fui en varias ocasiones. Me informaron que la especificacin del fabricante eran focos al aire, y que por eso se humedecian y no tenan garanta, que todos los de ese ao vinieron as. Me confirm y no regres para ese problema., aunque no tiene lgica, se compra un auto para que funcione todo normal y este no es el caso de ambos focos. Al pasar el tiempo el problema se ha agravado porque se humedecen mas y afecta la visibilidad. Llam nuevamente al dealer pero me informaron lo mismo, les inform que fui en el periodo de de garanta y no los reemplazaron y ahora es peor y que ni es cierto que todos los de mi ao estn as porque los que he visto que estn bien. Agradecer puedan v verificar mi solicitud en el dealer y resolver el inconveniente. Gracias

Filed Sep 4, 2018 · 73,000 miles · MA

Vehicle will completely shut down while driving causing the brakes to lock and causing a major safety concern for others and the person driving the car. Once the vehicle shuts down the car will need to be put in park, turned off and completely restarted again. This incident has happened to my vehicle several times ranging in speeds from 0mph to 70mph while driving on the express way. This always happens when the vehicle is in motion and stationary as well. It has happened at a stop light as well as on the highway.

Filed Feb 21, 2018 · Airbags · 38,000 miles · FL

Takata recall. The driver air bag was recalled and replaced. When I questioned why the front passenger side air bag was not being replaced also. The dealership said it was not being recalled. I asked if it was a takata air bag. Dealership would not answer. Only saying it was not being recalled. My complaint is: I do not know if my front passenger air bag is safe for the riders in my car.

Filed Oct 21, 2017 · Transmission · FL

I noticed vibration while driving in town as if I had flat tires, and especially when I was accelerating. After a week I had my SUV checked at the garage. They had to replace the right and left line axle assemblies which was quite expensive. The mechanics told me that it was completely finished and found it highly unusual for a 2012 acura rdx.

Filed Aug 19, 2016 · Airbags · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 acura rdx. The contact stated that the recall notice for the federal safety agency campaign number: 16v061000 (air bags) was issued in february of 2016. After contacting the dealer and the manufacturer on multiple occasions, the contact was informed that the parts needed to repair the vehicle were still not available and no estimated time for receiving the parts could be given. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Filed Aug 9, 2016 · Airbags · MA

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 acura rdx. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 16v061000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Jul 25, 2016 · Airbags · IL

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 acura rdx. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 16v061000 (air bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available....updated 10/11/16 *bf

Filed Jun 28, 2016 · Airbags · FL

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 acura rdx. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 16v061000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Mar 28, 2016 · Airbags · 42,000 miles · CO

Takata recall I received a letter dated march 2016 notifying me of the recall, and when I contacted my dealer, this was his response: kristen, I understand your situation. Many people are going through the same situation. Unfortunately there is not a remedy. You have options. Acura is allowing us to take these cars in on trade in for another vehicle if you don't feel safe. Would be happy to help you with that process. Besides that drive it as little as possible. I know that not what you want to hear. There is nothing that can be done at this time. Thanks, not only is this completely unacceptable, but also outrageous! You're telling me my vehicle could unexpectedly kill me and my passengers, but nothing is to be done for several months - unless, of course, I want to buy a new car from you?! Please inform me of what my recourse can be, so I can keep my family safe.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2012 Acura RDX before you buy

Compare the 2012 Acura RDX

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Other model years

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Questions about the 2012 Acura RDX

Is the 2012 Acura RDX reliable?

Owners have filed 15 complaints about the 2012 Acura RDX, fewer than a typical RDX model year.

What is the 2012 Acura RDX year score?

The 2012 Acura RDX scores 91 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Acura RDX: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2012 Acura RDX?

Airbags, with 6 complaints. Next is electrical (2).

How many recalls does the 2012 Acura RDX have?

2 recalls, covering air bags.

Is the 2012 Acura RDX safe in a crash?

The 2012 Acura RDX was crash tested, but no overall score was published. Partial scores: rollover 4 out of 5.

Was there a recall on the 2012 Acura RDX airbags?

Yes, 2 recalls: 19V182000, 16V061000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Acura RDX have bad airbags?

The Acura RDX model years with the most airbags complaints are 2014 (41 complaints), 2013 (36 complaints) and 2015 (33 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2012 Acura RDX get?

Official estimates for the 2012 Acura RDX range from 19 to 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.3L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 19 city and 24 highway.

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