2012 Acura MDX Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 17%of 76 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 40,950miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the electrical system of the 2012 Acura MDX, 17% of the 76 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 40,950 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving down the highway my check airbag system indicator light came on. I reached my destination and turned off my vehicle, I then restarted my vehicle and the light was still on. I took a picture of the light for proof. Still on for 3 weeks now. I checked and my VIN is not on the recall list for the airbag.”
NHTSA complaint #11372629, filed 2020-11, 202,236 miles“The rear back up camera does not provide adequate brightness at night. With the screen brightness set to max, I am unable to discern objects behind on the screen at night especially in rain. The camera lens is clean. This is significantly worse compared to my prior 2008 Acura MDX, and compared to other vehicles that I own and have driven with similar cameras. The dealer says that it is a frequent complaint.”
NHTSA complaint #10495028, filed 2013-01, 1,000 miles“When driving using acc, the vehicle brakes (not consistently) when approaching a large truck in the lane next to lane I am driving in. This has happened since new and has been reported at least 10 times to dealer and they say they can't reproduce the issue. Gas mileage is 12mpg in town and 19mpg on freeway, sticker was 16/23. I have complained about this since new and they drive the car and say they are getting correct mileage, then they told me the brakes needed to be replaced and the rotors needed grinding. …”
NHTSA complaint #10885234, filed 2016-07, 200 miles“My wife, who had been driving, exited the SUV to go shopping, leaving me on the passenger side. Unaware, she presssed the lock button on the key remote as she walked away.. After a moment, I attempted to open my car door, which triggered the panic alarm. The issue was that it was impossible to exit the vehicle which couyld have resulted in a dangerous event had the car been on fire. It was later shown to me a manual lock/unlock swiitch that I could have operated. Buildings have exits that require no experience to use in case of emergency. …”
NHTSA complaint #10852351, filed 2016-03, 51,000 miles“I purchased a brand new 2012 Acura MDX (1 year and 2 weeks old). It have only 7000 miles on it right now. The power driver seat is not working and also, the memory #1 and #2. The seat it all the way up position close to steering wheel it hard for me to drive. I work ann arbor, mi the Acura dealer are in troy, mi. It more than one hour drive one way. If I take my Acura MDX to the dealer, I have to take time off from work which I do not to .................. Why it cost money ....................... I'm not happy. …”
NHTSA complaint #10533591, filed 2013-08, 7,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10145421Sep 28, 2018Service bulletin - After the software update, some vehicles, based on how they are driven (extreme conditions), may still experience ATF deterioration after updating the PGM-FI…
- 10130041Jan 10, 2018Servicenews article - Some clients may complain that the Low Oil Pressure indicator comes on, requiring engine oil to be added, while others who routinely check the oil level as…
- 10108030Feb 11, 2017"service bulletin - after the software update, some vehicles based on how they are driven (extreme conditions) may still experience atf deterioration after updating the pgm-fi or…
- 10100125Nov 2, 2016Service bulletin - a judder from the torque converter lock-up clutch may be felt while driving between 20 and 60mph. The problem is typically diagnosed as a bad torque converter…
- 10118035Oct 16, 2014Service bulletin - The steering wheel vibrates or there is a moan from under the hood while turning at slow speeds. The increase in steering pump torque causes the belt to slip…
- 10128862Jul 7, 2014Dealer message - American Honda (AHM)is investigating certain 2012 MDXs with a complaint of the hazard warning button (hazard switch) sticking when pressed. To fully understand…
- 10129314May 29, 2014Dealer message - American Honda (AHM) is investigating certain 2012-2013 MDXs with a complaint of MIL on with the DTC P2101 (Throttle Control System Malfunction) stored. To fully…
- 10129313May 29, 2014Dealer message - American Honda (AHM) is investigating certain 2012 MDXs with a complaint of the hazard warning button (hazard switch) sticking when pressed. To fully understand…
- 10141159Jan 29, 2014Dealer message - American Honda (AHM) is investigating certain 2012-2013 MDXs & 2013-2014 RDXs with a complaint of MIL on with the DTC P2101 (Throttle Control System Malfunction)…
- 10043897Apr 6, 2012Acura: see document search button for owner letter. A software bug causes the cd player or rear entertainment system (res) to restart the disc when the ignition switch is turned…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 33% |
| 2025 | 52 | 46% |
| 2024 | 12 | 29% |
| 2023 | 8 | 19% |
| 2022 | 20 | 13% |
| 2020 | 41 | 18% |
| 2019 | 41 | 22% |
| 2018 | 28 | 17% |
| 2017 | 46 | 18% |
| 2016 | 38 | 10% |
| 2015 | 15 | 21% |
| 2014 | 27 | 16% |
| 2013 | 8 | 27% |
| 2012 | 13 | 17% |
| 2011 | 7 | 10% |
| 2010 | 9 | 20% |
| 2009 | 18 | 35% |
| 2008 | 8 | 16% |
| 2007 | 51 | 52% |
| 2006 | 8 | 9% |
| 2005 | 18 | 10% |
| 2004 | 21 | 12% |
| 2003 | 18 | 9% |
| 2002 | 12 | 6% |
| 2001 | 6 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2012 Acura MDX
23 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
13 complaintsOther or unknown
11 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
2 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Acura MDX
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology