2012 Acura RDX
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 2012 Acura RDX. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2012 Acura RDX. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
Owner complaints
15 complaints
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system › Instrument panel › Speedometer/odometer
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.
- Exterior lighting
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…
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
- Unknown or other
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 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.
- Air bags
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.
- Power train
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.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2012 acura RDX. The contact stated that the recall notice for nhtsa 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…
TL* the contact owns a 2012 acura RDX. The contact stated that the recall notice for nhtsa 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.
- Air bags
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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
- Air bags
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.…
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. 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 *cn
- Air bags
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 manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
- 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…
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.
- Power train · Steering
Within the first 2 years an independent mechanic noticed my rack and pinion was leaking. The acura dealer replaced the rack and pinion under warranty 28,782.00 mmi may 16, 2014. I was experiencing vibration especially at speeds of 60-65. It kept getting worse I thought it was the road, tires out…
Within the first 2 years an independent mechanic noticed my rack and pinion was leaking. The acura dealer replaced the rack and pinion under warranty 28,782.00 mmi may 16, 2014. I was experiencing vibration especially at speeds of 60-65. It kept getting worse I thought it was the road, tires out of balance, wheels out of balance? I got new tires, balanced. It continued. I read about complaints with the axle and similar symptoms in other acura sedan models, not the RDX. I took it to the dealer and the axle did need to replaced at 46,306.00 miles 11/30/15. It was on back order for over a month. I was driving in a parking lot february 8, 2016 and heard a terrible loud grinding noise turning the wheel. I put it in park and it stopped then I proceeded again and it happened after moving a few yards. I tried to pull to a safe out of the way spot and the noise came again and this time just when putting it in drive the terrible loud grinding type noise came. I thought the engine was going to fail. I stopped where I was and called aaa for a tow. It was towed to the dealer. The axle had broken inside on a piece on the left side. There was no damage to the vehicle ie, I did not hit anything etc... The service manager said maybe the part was defective, he did not see any damage. He had one in stock and was able to replace it right away. There IS still a creaking noise when I turn the wheel especially to the right or when I step on the breaks the front end makes noise seems like it needs lubrication or something. I do not feel safe driving this car. The acura corporation will not admit the part was defective they want me to take it to a dealer to have it evaluated. (Did that) tony the district case manager said they can only take care of things that are under warranty and they will not buy back this car so that I can purchase a safe car. I will be seeking arbitration.
- Steering
My vehicle has only 50K miles. While driving on the highway I noticed a sound when moving the steering wheel. When I exited the road the wheel was more difficult to turn and the sound increased. My vehicle was towed to a garage and I was told that I needed a costly replacement of th rack-n-pinion.
- Unknown or 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…
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 highway. Suddenly, we heard a loud pop that seemed to come from the roof of the car. since we did not see anything make contact with the roof of the car, we didn't investigate further. Jan. 4, 2015: again traveling on the highway about 70mph, we heard a noise from the sunroof. Apparently pieces of glass flying off the top of the roof. after, we heard the faint sound of outside air coming from sunroof. The passenger opened the sunroof shade just enough to immediately see that the entire sunroof glass was shattered (partially intact, but completely shattered). Within three minutes when a safe place was reached, the vehicle was pulled over to examine from outside. Driver got out of the car, and saw that the glass sunroof was buckled upwards (as though it had popped from the inside), with a hole in the center approximately 6 inches in diameter. The glass was not broken in any pattern which indicated an object from outside the vehicle had hit it. There was no evidence anywhere else on the roof of the vehicle of any incident. It was clear that the glass had popped, potentially due to incorrect pressure inside the vehicle, from the inside out. these factors lead us to believe the incident IS a vehicle safety issue, at the fault of the manufacturer. we contacted acura corporate to file a report jan 8, 2015.
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling · Vehicle speed control
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…
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 neutral while the engine was still at 5,000 rpm and getting faster. Finally, the engine came down to about 1,000 rpm and I continued through the intersection on the green light after placing the car in drive. I drove to work and called the acura dealer that I purchased this "certified used car" from and they came to my work and hauled the acura RDX to the dealer location. They informed me that a "special acura investigating team" will come and look at the car on tuesday, april 1, 2014. this IS my wife's car I don't even know what would have happened if she was driving. This instant acceleration, without placing the car in neutral, would have pushed the car in front of me and myself directly into a busy intersection without stopping until the engine quit! This failure could result in a very tragic accident. I and especially my wife are very very concerned with what caused this problem and we are awaiting word from the acura dealer specific to what they found during their investigation. my wife does not want to drive this car if they indicate they can not find out what caused the car to suddenly accelerate. This could happen to anyone driving this car and needs to be investigated asap so no one will suffer. We were very lucky this time.
- Engine · Structure › Body
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
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10237044Service News - The navigation clock and date are incorrect. This is due to a limited GPS receiver capacity resulting in rollover of internal chip memory. The rollover occurred on January 1, 2022 at 12:00AM local time
- 10213560Dealer message - American Honda is investigating a potential quality concern with RDX Accessory Cross Bar kit. Due to this investigation, American Honda is requesting all dealers to return any uninstalled inventory to American Honda for investigation and validation by the supplier.
- 10211608Special Tool Loan Program: Under TOOLS AVAILABLE FOR LOAN, the list has been updated.
- 10211079Service bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement driver's airbag inflator only.
- 10208848Service Bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement driver's airbag inflator only.
- 10207004ServiceNews Article - The clock shows the incorrect time. This issue is due to a limited GPS receiver capacity resulting in "rollover" of the internal chip memory; the "rollover" will occur on January 1, 2022, at 12:00AM local time. As a result, the navigation date and time will be incorrect.
- 10169499Service Bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement driver's airbag inflator only.
- 10139586Service bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement driver's airbag inflator only.
- 10139576Dealer message - Today, May 24, 2018, Acura is announcing a warranty extension for 2002-17 Acura vehicles. This warranty extension applies in cases where any of the replacement driver?s and/or front passenger?s airbag inflators have failed internally.
- 10129554Service bulletin - The MIL comes on and DTC P0455 (EVAP system large leak) and/or DTC P0456 (EVAP system very small leak detected) is set. The fuel fill cap (gas cap) may also be loose or have a stick-slip feeling when tightened. The fuel fill cap gasket creates too much friction, preventing the cap from sealing properly.
- 10118837Service bulletin - The MIL comes on and DTC P0455 (EVAP system large leak) and/or DTC P0456 (EVAP system very small leak detected) is set. The fuel fill cap (gas cap) may also be loose or have a stick-slip feeling when tightened. The fuel fill cap gasket creates too much friction, preventing the cap from sealing properly.
- 10116789Dealer message - Due to our improving inventory situation of inflators, on November 14th we will begin No VIN ordering on part numbers 04770-SWA-405 (07 to 11 CRV, 11-15 CRZ, 10-14 Insight, 07-12 RDX) and 04770-SJA-405 (05-12 RL) - attachment.
- 10116788Dealer message - Due to our improving inventory situation of inflators, on November 14th we will begin No VIN ordering on part numbers 04770-SWA-405 (07 to 11 CRV, 11-15 CRZ, 10-14 Insight, 07-12 RDX) and 04770-SJA-405 (05-12 RL).
- 10116782Dealer message - Due to our improving inventory situation of inflators, on November 14th we will begin No VIN ordering on part numbers 04770-SWA-405 (07 to 11 CRV, 11-15 CRZ, 10-14 Insight, 07-12 RDX) and 04770-SJA-405 (05-12 RL) - attachment.
- 10116768Dealer message - Due to our improving inventory situation of inflators, on November 14th we will begin No VIN ordering on part numbers 04770-SWA-405 (07 to 11 CRV, 11-15 CRZ, 10-14 Insight, 07-12 RDX) and 04770-SJA-405 (05-12 RL) - attachment.
- 10116767Dealer message - Due to our improving inventory situation of inflators, on November 14th we will begin No VIN ordering on part numbers 04770-SWA-405 (07 to 11 CRV, 11-15 CRZ, 10-14 Insight, 07-12 RDX) and 04770-SJA-405 (05-12 RL).
- 10116763Dealer message - Due to our improving inventory situation on inflators, starting November 14th we?ll begin open ordering on certain part numbers
- 10116762Dealer message - Due to our improving inventory situation on inflators, starting November 14th we?ll begin open ordering on certain part numbers
- 10116761Dealer message - Due to our improving inventory situation on inflators, starting November 14th we?ll begin open ordering on certain part numbers
- 10115221Service bulletin - For any TPMS-related warranty repairs, all recorded DTCs must now be entered into the warranty claim. Make sure your repair order includes those DTCs.
- 10106701Dealer message - dealer q&a regarding 2005-2016 multi model driver's airbag inflator recall.
- 10106700"Dealer message - on friday, we informed you that acura IS putting in place a number of provisions and programs to support you and our clients affected by the 2005-2016 multi-model drivers airbag inflator stop sale/safety recall announced january 29, 2016 (service bulletin 16-010). Although were still building the systems to administer these programs, we wanted to share with you the program details as soon as they were finalized to put you in a better position to assist clients."
- 10106699"Dealer message - weve been working to address the questions and concerns weve received from the national dealer advisory board and members of advisory committees, as well as from many of you through our field representatives related to the driver airbag inflator stop sale and safety recall we announced this week. Thank you for your feedback; it has helped us better understand what american honda can do to assist you and our customers during this recall."
- 10106698"Dealer message - on friday, january 29TH, american honda no��fied nhtsa of a stop sale and safety recall for approximately 530,000 model year 2005-2016 acura vehicles. This recall IS due to the takata driver's side airbag inflators that may experience over-pressurization resulting in a rupture. At this time, were working to identify the root cause, but we do know that exposure to high temperatures and high humidity IS a contributing factor."
- 10106695Dealer message - on friday, january 29, 2016, acura notified nhtsa of a stop sale and safety recall for approximately 530,000 model year 2005-2016 acura vehicles.
- 10100462Service bulletin - navigation system information.
- 10099510"Stop sale/safety recall: acura 2005-2016 multi-model drivers airbag inflator dealer q&a updated 02.19.16"
- 10099509Dealer message - acura has updated the dealer q&a to provide you with the latest information regarding stop sale/ safety recall: acura 2005-2016 multi-model drivers airbag inflator (service bulletin 16-010).
- 10099508Dealer message - acknowledgement form to sell off-lease vehicle back to the originating lessee.
- 10099507Dealer message - acknowledgement form to sell off-lease vehicle back to the originating lessee.
- 10099472Video - this video from honda senior vice president bruce smith IS in response to a recall expansion that honda announced in january which applies to honda and acura vehicles equipped with certain takata psdi-5 driver front airbag inflators. Please let us know if you would like a copy of the video sent to you on a dvd or thumb drive.
- 10099422Dealer message - this video from honda senior vice president bruce smith IS in response to a recall expansion that honda announced in january which applies to honda and acura vehicles equipped with certain takata psdi-5 driver front airbag inflators.
- 10088462Dealer message - press release IS available for the safety recall affected 2005-2016 acura vehicles.
- 10088461Dealer message - although vehicles affected by the recent airbag safety recall are not clear at this time, potentially affected vins have been loaded into the system for stop sale purposes.
- 10088457Service bulletin - in certain vehicles, the drivers (front) airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. If an affected airbag deploys, the increased internal pressure may cause the inflator casing to rupture. Metal fragments could pass through the airbag cushion material, possibly causing injury or fatality to vehicle occupants.
- 10088369"Dealer message - on friday, january 29, 2016, acura notified nhtsa of a stop sale and safety recall for approximately 530,000 model year 2005-2016 acura vehicles. Due to this, the following models are subject to a recall and stop sale order in all regions of the united states and us territories: 2013-16 acura ILX 2007-16 acura RDX 2005-12 acura RL 2009-14 acura TL 2010-13 acura zdx as of today, february 15, 2016, affected vins have been determined and vehicle eligibility can be confirmed through vin status inquiry."
- 10088365Dealer message - should you receive a request for alternate transportation from a customer affected by the 2005-2016 acura multi-model drivers airbag inflator recall where a campaign part IS not available for the repair, please follow the procedures.
- 10088202"Dealer message - stop sale/safety recall: acura 2005-2016 multi-model drivers airbag inflator dealer q&a updated 03.25.16"
- 10088187"Dealer message - acura has updated the dealer q&a to provide you with the latest information regarding stop sale/ safety recall: acura 2005-2016 multi-model drivers airbag inflator (service bulletin 16-010). All changes/updates from the previous version sent to dealers on march 18, 2016, have been marked in red for easy reference."
- 10088001"Dealer message - stop sale/safety recall: acura 2005-2016 multi-model drivers airbag inflator dealer q&a updated 03.18.16"
Every Acura RDX model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.