wangjt

Hi. Like the title says, I'm thinking about purchasing a 2012 MDX... in like the next day or two (already have a dealer offer).

Before I do, I'd like to ask those of you who own the car (mainly 2010 - 2012) if there are any significant issues with the car I should know about? Obviously, none of the dealers would tell me if in fear that I would walk away.

I read there's some electrical issues that had a recall? I would appreciate it if someone could elaborate as the source I read from didn't describe it much in detail. Is that the only known issue with this model? Or are there others that you have experienced.

I'm cautious because my last car was a 2003 Acura TL... and that car was plagued with transmission issues that did cost me quite a bit of $ to fix

TIA.

SlimTL

I own a 2012 and it's going strong.
The only gripe I have is when I tried to change my door lights, the electrical circuit to the door lights blew. I've heard this is a common issue, but have yet to see any official information about the problem. Can you post a link about the electrical issues or provide more information about what you heard?

Other than that, there has been no issues.

livinthedream

I have a 2008 model with 83300 miles. No issues EVER. Not a squeak, or rattle. Car drives like it did the day I drove it off the showrrom floor. I replaced the tires at 52K, I replaced the rear brake pads at 77K. That's it.

Gsmooth33

I have a 2010, I have had no major issues so far. The only issue that has surfaced is my hood will open ( not the second latch ) while the car is moving. I recently went on a trip to Orlando ( 3 hours one way ) and it happened 4 times at various speeds.....60 70. This has happened maybe 2 other times. I'm taking it to Acura tomorrow. More to come. I do believe this is an isolated issue as I have not heard anyone else with this issue.

ls973800

Did I read this correctly, you've replaced the REAR brakes but still have the originals on the front? Usually it's the fronts that need replacing first.

wrestrepo

I certainly hope not since I got mine a couple of months ago....

TLtrigirl

iTrader: (1)

there are no new recalls listed in the MDX garage section.

most of the TSBs involve little stuff with the 07-08 yrs.

with that said i have a 2009, CPO. my short list of stuff but mostly minor:
-PO warped brake rotors (dealer fixed-resurfaced all 4 rotors)
-Driver's seat "rock" (dealer fixed-replaced the seat rails; again the PO and possible excessive girth may have contributed to this issue)
-Sunroof doesn't close from tilt properly (dealer fixed for now....cleaned, lubed and adjusted track)
-Passenger side mirror motor actuator going bad (dealer fixed-TSB-replaced motor).

Other than those little things (annoyances-but nothing to drive me away or regret purchasing the MDX)....no major mechanical issues (or electrical). the only thing that may be of concern...torque convertors (nothing rampant like the 2G TL tranny issues). my buddy who used to work at my dealer said the big tix item that goes bad is the torque convertor. hence i went with CPO to cover that if it should take a crap. otherwise there are no major items(read: make the car go) of the MDX that breaks.

Domm

The 2012 MDX seems like a solid car and it's a very nice drive. If you feel that the brakes are mushy, they need to be broken into. Don't try and force any cd's/DVDs into the slots because they are really sensitive. My girlfriend's dad did that to his '12 MDX and ended up having to replace the entire system (under warranty of course). There should be plenty of discounts on the MDX because dealers are trying to move them, so haggle hard! Good luck.

Jack Bauer

I own a 2012 and it has been the most trouble-free vehicle I have ever owned. Love it!

Gen4MDX

What electrical issues are you talking about? There was a battery management software TSB and a transmission software TSB, I had both done and have not had any issues. Be prepared for less than stellar mileage, the X is a tank, a sporty all wheel drive tank that is fun to drive and if you like to put your foot into it, you will get about 13 MPG's around town, on the highway, expect 20-22.

06cmv6

No issues with my 2012....love it

livinthedream

Yes rear brake pads first. I thought the same thing, but my front pads were nearly 50%.
I took my wife's car in last week ('07 VW Eos - 45K miles) They replaced rear pads as well, not fronts. Tech said that they usually go thru 2 sets of rears before fronts need replaced.

?? Maybe different pad material, or brakes biased more to rear?

TLtrigirl

iTrader: (1)

the rear brakes engage first prior to the fronts to offset nosedive of the car. this was from the SA at my dealer who also worked at honda. hence it is not uncommon for the rear pads to wear slightly quicker than the fronts.

this trend is true for the accord in our household.

livinthedream

Well that explains it. Thanks!

Back to topic... did OP make a decision yet? I'm going to test drive a '12 tomorrow. At this point I have absolutely ZERO interest in trading for a new one, but my dealer is offering a free oil service, if I test drive a new Acura. What the hell... it's a better way to pass the time than sitting in the waiting room while my car gets serviced; Right?

paz840

iTrader: (2)

No problems with my 2011 Advance MDX.

wangjt

Thanks guys for all the feedback. The electrical problem might have been connected to the battery software management thing. I'm not too sure as the article (which I can't locate anymore) doesn't go into detail. Anyways, at best, it was probably just an isolated incident so it's probably irrelevant since nobody else really had any major issues.

I'm scheduled to go to the dealers this weekend. Still deciding between MDX with tech or MDX base.

40k MDX tech
37k MDX base

both of these are before the $1000 credit for financing the car.

I think that's a good price... and I'm just hoping the dealer keeps their word.

TLtrigirl

iTrader: (1)

for a '12 with tech. i've seen prices as low as 389XX for my area. it's a steal at that price. haggle haggle haggle. it's the end of the month...they want to sell you that car.

wangjt

You're right. The electrical issue I think was related to the battery.

http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/dir...index=.f224e9a

Although that wasn't the exact web page I initially read. I think the owner of the original article I read just blew it out of proportion.


is the 389xx number including the $1000 for financing? (loyalty/conquest reward)?

If so.. I'm over by less than $100. Which state/area have you see the 389xx figure? If not.. I'm going to haggle like crazy.

TIA

TLtrigirl

iTrader: (1)

i'm not sure what the 389xx price breakdown was (it may have included the acura loyalty "discount").

No. VA...think "largest acura dealer in the world" since '04. high volume dealer...they want to sell you that car...

wangjt

Thanks guy for all the help. I was able to get a MDX with tech for 39,500. (not including loyalty/conquest credit).

2012 MDX, Grigio/Ebony. GPS takes a little getting use to. Does anyone know how to change it so the map is not fixed at north? (i.e. if I turn, the map also rotates according to which direction I turn?)

kssod

Scale needs to be less than 2 miles. Push control knob in, option for north up is top left, click to confirm.

jvette

I had a 10 and had a bunch of trouble with it. Traded it in on a 12 and the only problem I have is the Tighten Gas Cap warning. In 4,000 miles I have gotten that warning about 10 times but of course like the 10 I had the dealer says NO PROBLEM FOUND.

sigp228

I have had an 07 Tech/Ent, and 08 Sport/Ent, and now an 11 Adv/Ent and no major problems with any of them.