Shaynedwyer

I've purchased a 2012 MDX with 51k miles on it. Everything seems good so far, but concerned about the hfl battery drain problem. Hfl works still but the back of the center console bin is hot, as are the sides. So not sure if it's just heat feeding the back vents or if it's an overheating issue. The battery in it is brand new now, but I have some service records that show the one prior to it only lasted about a year and a half which is incredibly short.

I've got a 3 day cooling off period so I can return if need be. Anything else I should be on the lookout for? Someone mentioned something about oil consumption but probably not a whole lot I can do about that one. Overall the vehicle is in great shape not much out of place.

Skirmich

That heat you are feeling has nothing to do with the HFL Unit going bad.
That is the stupid Heater Core for the 3rd Zone A/C, Its located on the passenger side of the center console and it will get hot as long as the engine is running and is in working temp. That Heater Core is Always flowing as opposed to the Dashboard Heater Core that has a flow valve, So the center console near the passenger butt will always be hot as hell (As hot as the engine anti-freeze is)..

1.- HFL Unit is not a common issue for the 2012 MDX..
2.- You are still far away from getting Oil Burn issues as your mileage is pretty low, Expect it to become a problem after +70K.
3.- Also start saving up for the "105K Service" which is done every 105K or 7 Years (Yours is due by 2019 regardless of mileage).

Welcome to the Forums!

mrgold35

Congrats on the new ride!

I've had my 11 MDX since Jan/14 and love putting every mile on her (about 20,000 per year). The Handsfree issue seemed to be only with the 07-09 MDX. The issue haven't really popped up with the +10 MDX. I think they use a different module because of streaming bluetooth audio being added. My MDX has always used around 2/3-3/4 quart of oil between the 8000-8500 miles oil change intervals. I use Mobil 1 5w-20 high mileage and the oil burning has always stayed at the same rate (+105,XXX miles now). The issues I've had with my MDX were:

- OEM tires worn and cracked sidewalls with only 30K on them (replaced with Conti DWS)
- out of alignment and the MDX was a little squirrelly and wander at hwy speeds (alignment fixed this issue along with new tires)
- 6AT needed reflash to help with shifting. Reflash also improved hwy mpgs. (I think the reflash was applied to all +12 MDX)
- reflash of my system to correct a "check charging system" message
- replaced weak OEM battery, only got around 20 mins of reserve power just listening to the radio. (replaced with Interstate AGM)
- 2nd row cup holder was stuck in the stow position, replaced under warranty, and broken again a few years later. (I tied a strap to help pull it out)
- Driver 1 key fob range was under 10 feet, replaced under warranty
- HIDs were too low, Acura raised them to normal levels. Ended up upgrading the HIDs to OSRAM D2S CBI Cool Blue Intense Xenon HID Headlight Bulbs 5000K and those with big improvement over OEM bulbs.

RDX10

Don’t let the battery replacement scare you. Acura factory batteries are somewhat notorious for failing in 2-3 years (especially on the MDX and RL/RLX). If you switch to an after market battery when your current one fails (assuming it is also factory) you will be able to get more life out of the battery in the future. As stated above, no HFL issues in the 2010+ MDX and while the oil burning issue is scary, it is really hit or miss and not all are very severe. Remember people come to forums mostly when they have issues and they sold hundreds of thousands of vehicles with the newer 3.7L V6 so we might be making it sound more common than it actually is.