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2012 Acura MDX Base

The 2012 Acura MDX Base is a 300-hp 3.7-liter SUV with a 6-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. It starts at $43,030 MSRP and is rated at 18 mpg combined.

It makes 300 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 270 lb-ft of torque at 4500 rpm, spinning to a 6,700 rpm redline. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 16 mpg city and 21 mpg highway (18 mpg combined).

The MDX measures 191.6 inches long on a 108.3-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 4,550 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeSUV
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$43,030 ($60,909 *)
Engine
Engine Type3.7-liter SOHC 24-valve VTEC V-6
Displacement3.7 L
Horsepower300 hp @ 6,300 rpm
Torque270 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Redline6,700 rpm
ValvetrainSOHC, 24-valve, VTEC
Bore and Stroke90 x 96 mm (3.54 x 3.78 in)
Compression Ratio11.2:1
Injection TypePGM-FI multi-point injection, Drive-By-Wire throttle
Drivetrain
Drive TypeAWD (SH-AWD)
Transmission
Transmission6-speed automatic with Sequential SportShift, Grade Logic Control and Hill Start Assist
1st Gear3.359 (41 mph **)
2nd Gear2.095 (65 mph **)
3rd Gear1.485 (92 mph **)
4th Gear1.065 (128 mph **)
5th Gear0.754 (181 mph **)
6th Gear0.556 (245 mph **)
Reverse2.269
Final Drive4.25
Fuel Economy
City16 MPG
Highway21 MPG
Combined18 MPG
Recommended FuelPremium unleaded
Tank Capacity21 gal
Suspension
Front SuspensionIndependent MacPherson strut
Rear SuspensionIndependent multi-link with trailing arm
Brakes
Front Brake DiscVentilated, 13.0" (330 mm) diameter, dual-piston caliper
Rear Brake DiscSolid, 13.2" (334 mm) diameter, single-piston caliper
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front18" x 8" 5-spoke aluminum
Wheels Rear18" x 8" 5-spoke aluminum
Tires FrontP255/55R18 all-season
Tires RearP255/55R18 all-season
Dimensions & Weight
Length191.6 in
Width78.5 in
Height68.2 in
Wheelbase108.3 in
Front Track67.7 in
Rear Track67.5 in
Ground Clearance8.2 in
Approach Angle22.2°
Departure Angle23.8°
Cargo Volume83.5 ft³
Curb Weight4,550 lbs
Weight Distribution (F/R)56% / 44%
Interior
Headroom Front39.2 in
Headroom Rear38.6 in
Legroom Front41.2 in
Legroom Rear38.7 in
Shoulder Room Front61.6 in
Shoulder Room Rear61.5 in
Hip Room Front59 in
Hip Room Rear59.1 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars
** Theoretical max speed per gear at redline

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Overall ★★★★★
Frontal crash ★★★★★
Side crash ★★★★★
Rollover ★★★★★ (14.0 % risk)
Tested variant: 2012 Acura MDX SUV 4WD

Recalls

1 recall on file with NHTSA for the 2012 Acura MDX. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Feb 17, 2012 · 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.

Consequence: AS A RESULT, FUEL MAY LEAK FROM THE TANK, INCREASING THE RISK OF FIRE.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign 12V063000

76 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2012 Acura MDX

Owner Complaints

76 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Acura MDX (4 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 2 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Engine23
Electrical System13
Power Train13
Unknown Or Other10
Air Bags9
Structure5
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Jul 16, 2026 · Structure, Engine
“I have a 2012 MDX and it burns an extreme amount of oil. We took our MDX back to the dealership where we purchased it and had the oil issue fixed. Or so we thought. The problem was supposed to be…”
Jul 8, 2026 · Unknown Or Other
“I bought a 2012 silver Acura MDX on March 3rd in 2022 from our local Acura dealership. Exterior paint was great, hardly any dings, scratches anywhere. I spent over $20,000 for this USED CAR and as of…”
Jul 8, 2026 · Engine
“2012 ACURA MDX burns extreme amounts of oil between oil changes. Typically a warning indicator comes on about 1,000 miles before oil change is due. I continue to refill oil between oil changes.”
May 21, 2026 · Unknown Or Other, Engine, Fuel/Propulsion System
“our car eats a ton of oil and the piston rings failed, we owe a lot on it and I'm told there is no help for this issue even though there used to be because we are outside the guidelines in terms of…”
Aug 27, 2025 · Engine
“Oil consumption/burning Cylinder rings”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2012 ACURA MDX. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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