Most common 2012 Acura RDX problems
Share of the 15 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Acura RDX complaints by model year
Best RDX years: 2011, 2012, 2010. Years to avoid: 2019, 2015, 2020, 2014, 2021. Compare all years →
2012 Acura RDX recalls (2)
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
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…
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.
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
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.
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.
What 2012 Acura RDX owners say
Air bags
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.
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.
2012 Acura RDX engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | 5-speed automatic | FWD | 19 / 24 / 21 |
| 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | 5-speed automatic | AWD | 17 / 22 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Acura RDX a good car?
Based on 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 RDX rates better than average: 52% fewer complaints than a typical year of the RDX at the same age. It is one of the best RDX years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Acura RDX?
The air bags — 6 complaints, 40% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the engine & cooling (2) and electrical system (2).
How many recalls does the 2012 Acura RDX have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2012 Acura RDX, the most recent from March 6, 2019 (inflator module). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Acura RDX?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2011, 2012 and 2010. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2019, 2015, 2020, 2014 and 2021. See the full Acura RDX years comparison.
At what mileage do 2012 Acura RDX problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 42,000 miles; 63% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.