2012 Acura RDX Problems: 6 Known Issues

2012 Acura RDX Problems: 6 Known Issues | Au7o

NHTSA Recalls5 recalls

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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.

Campaign #19V18200006/03/2019

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013 Acura ILX, 2015 RDX, 2005-2010 and 2012 RL, 2009-2014 TL, 2010 and 2012 ZDX, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2011-2013 and 2015 CR-Z, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013 Fit EV, 2010-2011 and 2013 Insight and 2007-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Campaign #19V50000027/06/2019

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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 with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.

Campaign #16V06100003/02/2016

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017 CR-V and Acura RDX vehicles. The Certification Labels on the affected vehicles were printed with ink that may be inadvertently wiped away with an alcohol solvent. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."

Campaign #17V25600018/04/2017

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Campaign #23V85800018/12/2023

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Acura RDX problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2012 Acura RDX has 6 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Takata Driver's Frontal Airbag Inflator Rupture (Safety Recall), 5-Speed Automatic 2nd/3rd Clutch Transmission Fluid Pressure Switch Failure (P0847/P0848/P0700), SH-AWD Rear Differential Clutch Chatter and Whine from Degraded DPSF Fluid. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Acura RDX reliable?

The 2012 Acura RDX has 6 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Takata Driver's Frontal Airbag Inflator Rupture (Safety Recall). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Acura RDX problems?

Repair costs for known Acura RDX issues range from $0 to $2,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Takata Driver's Frontal Airbag Inflator Rupture (Safety Recall), typically costs $0-$0 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2007-2016 Acura RDX Takata Driver's Frontal Airbag Inflator Rupture (Safety Recall)?

The RDX is included in the Takata airbag inflator recalls covering Honda and Acura vehicles. In affected first- and second-generation RDXs the driver's frontal airbag inflator can degrade with age, humidity and temperature cycling and produce excessive internal pressure on deploy… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2007-2012 Acura RDX 5-Speed Automatic 2nd/3rd Clutch Transmission Fluid Pressure Switch Failure (P0847/P0848/P0700)?

The 2007-2012 RDX's 5-speed automatic uses clutch pressure switches to confirm hydraulic apply of the 2nd and 3rd clutch packs. These switches are a recurring failure point on the first-generation car — the 3rd clutch switch most often. When one fails or its circuit shorts, the T… Repairs typically run $150-$500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2007-2012 Acura RDX SH-AWD Rear Differential Clutch Chatter and Whine from Degraded DPSF Fluid?

The first-generation RDX was Acura's SH-AWD application in this body, and its rear differential carries clutch packs that depend on the friction properties of Acura Dual Pump Fluid (DPSF). The fluid is easy to overlook — many owners coming from front-drive cars never touch it — a… Repairs typically run $90-$2,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2007-2018 Acura RDX Parasitic Battery Drain from Hands-Free Link (HFL) and Audio Amplifier Modules?

Repeat dead batteries on the 2007-2012 and 2013-2018 RDX are frequently traced not to the battery or alternator but to an accessory module that never goes to sleep. AcuraZine threads dedicated to RDX battery drain identify the Hands-Free Link (HFL)/Bluetooth module as the single… Repairs typically run $150-$900. Severity: medium.

What is the 2007-2012 Acura RDX K23A1 Turbocharger Wastegate Flow Actuator Diaphragm Tears Causing Boost Loss and Limp Mode?

The first-generation RDX's K23A1 2.3L turbocharged four is unique in the Honda/Acura lineup, and its most commonly reported hard failure is not the turbo cartridge itself but the variable-flow wastegate actuator that controls it. The rubber diaphragm inside the flow actuator tear… Repairs typically run $400-$2,200. Severity: medium.

What is the 2012-2015 Acura RDX Fuel Cap Gasket Fails to Seal Setting EVAP Large-Leak Codes P0455/P0456 (TSB 14-006)?

Second-generation RDX owners get a TIGHTEN FUEL CAP message and a check engine light for an EVAP leak, and the cap is tight. Acura issued service bulletin 14-006 covering the RDX and other Honda/Acura models: the original fuel cap's black gasket fails to seal reliably, so the EVA… Repairs typically run $40-$150. Severity: low.

2012 Acura RDX Problems: 6 Known Issues

All 6 Known Issues

2007-2016 Acura RDX: Takata Driver's Frontal Airbag Inflator Rupture (Safety Recall)#

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2007-2012 Acura RDX: 5-Speed Automatic 2nd/3rd Clutch Transmission Fluid Pressure Switch Failure (P0847/P0848/P0700)#

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2007-2012 Acura RDX: SH-AWD Rear Differential Clutch Chatter and Whine from Degraded DPSF Fluid#

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2007-2018 Acura RDX: Parasitic Battery Drain from Hands-Free Link (HFL) and Audio Amplifier Modules#

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2007-2012 Acura RDX: K23A1 Turbocharger Wastegate Flow Actuator Diaphragm Tears Causing Boost Loss and Limp Mode#

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2012-2015 Acura RDX: Fuel Cap Gasket Fails to Seal Setting EVAP Large-Leak Codes P0455/P0456 (TSB 14-006)#

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Other Acura Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Acura RDX problems?

Is the Acura RDX reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Acura RDX problems?

What is the 2007-2016 Acura RDX Takata Driver's Frontal Airbag Inflator Rupture (Safety Recall)?

What is the 2007-2012 Acura RDX 5-Speed Automatic 2nd/3rd Clutch Transmission Fluid Pressure Switch Failure (P0847/P0848/P0700)?

What is the 2007-2012 Acura RDX SH-AWD Rear Differential Clutch Chatter and Whine from Degraded DPSF Fluid?

What is the 2007-2018 Acura RDX Parasitic Battery Drain from Hands-Free Link (HFL) and Audio Amplifier Modules?

What is the 2007-2012 Acura RDX K23A1 Turbocharger Wastegate Flow Actuator Diaphragm Tears Causing Boost Loss and Limp Mode?

What is the 2012-2015 Acura RDX Fuel Cap Gasket Fails to Seal Setting EVAP Large-Leak Codes P0455/P0456 (TSB 14-006)?