Is the 2012 Acura RDX reliable?

The 2012 Acura RDX has 19 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.2x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: excellent. Most common issue: AIR BAGS problems.

What are common problems with the 2012 Acura RDX?

Top problems: AIR BAGS (6 complaints, avg repair $500); ENGINE (2 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (2 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2012 Acura RDX?

Yes, there are 2 recall(s): AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. Contact any Acura dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2012 Acura RDX?

The 2012 Acura RDX gets 21 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2286. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

Is the 2012 Acura RDX often stolen?

Theft risk tier for the Acura RDX: low. HLDI insurance loss data suggests lower-than-average theft claims for this model.

How much does it cost to insure a 2012 Acura RDX?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2012 Acura RDX is approximately $1,871/year (suv-luxury class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2012 Acura RDX

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Excellent Reliability

Quick Summary

The 2012 Acura RDX has 19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.2x the segment average of 97. The most common issue is air bags problems (32% of all complaints), specifically: 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 . There are 2 recalls issued for this model year.

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.2x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

AIR BAGS

6 complaints

32%

• 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
• TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 ACURA RDX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA 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 MANUFAC
• TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 ACURA RDX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA 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. TH

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“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 ”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2012 Acura RDX

Based on 11 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 30K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (2)

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE06/03/2019

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.

Fix: 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.

Low theft risk

Low theft rates typically correlate with lower comprehensive-coverage insurance premiums.

Source: NICB Hot Wheels 2025 report + HLDI theft loss studies. Model-year ranking; not all years of this model have identical risk.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2012 Acura RDX

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,286

Per month

$191

Per mile

19.1¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,527/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$2,001/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2012 Acura RDX

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,871

Full coverage / month

$156

Liability only / year

$732

vs US avg

+12%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-luxury)1.35x

× theft risk0.90x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1871

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Acura RDX Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

60K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

Uses Maintenance Minder — actual intervals adjust based on driving conditions. Values shown are typical.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Acura New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

4 yr / 50K mi

Powertrain

6 yr / 70K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

4 yr / 50K mi

Includes 3 years complimentary maintenance for 2025+

These are the terms for a new Acura. If you're buying a used 2012 RDX, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Acura dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 19 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
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
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: 1. NOTICED VEHICLE LEAKING OIL AT FRONT OF ENGINE BLOCK. DEALER INSPECTED AND AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS IDENTIFIED A CASTING/MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN RIGHT FRONT TOP OF ENGINE BLOCK (NOTCH) THAT WAS CAUSING OIL LEAK. 2. SEVERAL DAYS LATER ON MAY 21ST FOR NO APPARENT REASON, MOONROOF IMPLODED. *TT
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: WHILE COMING TO A STOP AT A BUSY INTERSECTION, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED UP TO 5,000 TO 6,000 RPM WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND THE TRANSMISSION IN DRIVE. THE BRAKE WAS NOT HOLDING AND I STARTED MOVING CLOSER TO THE CAR STOPPED FOR THE RED LIGHT IN FRONT OF ME. I THEN PUT THE TRANSMISSION IN N
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: DEC. 23 2014: MY HUSBAND AND I WERE TRAVELING DOWN HIGHWAY GA400 AT APPROX. 60 MPH. ALL WINDOWS WERE CLOSED, THE SUNROOF & SUNROOF SHADE WERE CLOSED. APPROX. OUTSIDE TEMP WAS 45F, CLOUDY DAY, INSIDE VEHICLE TEMP WAS APPROX. 70F. THERE WERE NO CARS OR OBJECTS DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE ON THE H
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 2 recalls have been completed — free at any Acura dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)