How many miles will a 2012 Acura RDX last?

The 2012 Acura RDX is a reliable luxury crossover SUV that can typically last for 200,000 miles or more with proper maintenance. This vehicle is known for its durability and longevity, making it a smart investment for those in the market for a long-lasting luxury SUV.

Factors Affecting the Lifespan of a 2012 Acura RDX

Several key factors can influence how long a 2012 Acura RDX will last, including:

• Maintenance and Care: Regular oil changes, tire rotations, and other recommended maintenance tasks are crucial for maximizing the lifespan of the RDX. Owners who diligently follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule can expect their vehicle to last significantly longer than those who neglect routine care.


• Driving Conditions: The RDX's longevity can be affected by the type of driving conditions it experiences. Vehicles used primarily for highway driving tend to last longer than those subjected to frequent stop-and-go city traffic or off-road use.


• Accident History: Any major accidents or collisions can compromise the structural integrity of the RDX, potentially shortening its lifespan. Vehicles with a clean accident history are more likely to reach higher mileage.


• Owner's Driving Habits: Aggressive acceleration, heavy towing, or other demanding driving behaviors can put additional strain on the RDX's components, reducing its overall lifespan.

By taking good care of the vehicle and avoiding excessive wear and tear, many 2012 Acura RDX owners have reported their SUVs lasting well beyond the 200,000-mile mark.

Maintaining the 2012 Acura RDX for Maximum Lifespan

To ensure your 2012 Acura RDX reaches its full potential lifespan, it's essential to adhere to the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule. This includes:

• Regularly changing the engine oil and filter at the recommended intervals


• Rotating the tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles to ensure even wear


• Replacing the timing belt and other wear-and-tear components at the specified mileage


• Addressing any issues or warning lights promptly to prevent further damage


• Keeping the vehicle clean and free of debris to protect its exterior and underbody

By following these maintenance best practices, you can maximize the lifespan of your 2012 Acura RDX and enjoy its reliable performance for many years to come.

How many miles can you get out of an Acura RDX?

An Acura RDX can last between 250,000 and 300,000 miles with proper maintenance, and some have been reported to last even longer. Key factors in its lifespan are consistent, routine maintenance and driving habits. While generally very reliable, some owners report issues like turbo problems (on first-gen models), AC compressor, and suspension parts.
 
Factors that influence lifespan

• Routine maintenance: Following the manufacturer's recommended service schedule is the single most important factor in ensuring a long life for your RDX. 
• Driving habits: How you drive, and the conditions you drive in, significantly impact a vehicle's longevity. 
• Model year: Different generations and engine types may have different common issues. For example, the first-generation RDX had a turbocharger that some owners report issues with at high mileage, while later models with a V6 engine may have different potential problems, such as VCM solenoid leaks on some years. 

Reliability and common issues

• High reliability rating: The RDX has an impressive reliability rating, and is considered to be durable. 
• Common issues: Some issues that have been reported by owners include:
  • Turbocharger problems (first-generation RDX) 
  • AC compressor issues 
  • Suspension and power steering problems 
  • VCM solenoid leaks leading to alternator failure (on some models) 
• Major repairs are uncommon: The frequency of major issues is considered average, and their severity is low, meaning they are not a common occurrence. 

What year of Acura RDX to stay away from?

The Acura RDX years to avoid are generally the 2015, 2019, and 2021 models due to significant issues. The 2019 is often cited as the worst, especially the first model year of the third generation, with problems like engine stalling and power loss. Other years with notable problems include the 2013, 2014, and 2018. 
This video discusses common problems with the Acura RDX, including potential engine, transmission, and electrical issues: 59sHey, ask your dadYouTube · May 24, 2025
Years to be cautious about

• 2013-2015: These years can have transmission issues like rough shifting and slipping, and some models may have engine oil leaks. 
• 2015: In addition to transmission problems, this model year had issues with airbags and the soy-based wiring insulation attracted animals. 
• 2018: Reported transmission problems and potential engine issues like head gasket or timing chain problems have been noted. 
• 2019: This is widely considered the least reliable model year, particularly because it was the first year of a new generation. Owners have reported engine stalling, power loss, and issues with the rear glass shattering. 
• 2021: This year experienced issues with the transmission, brakes, and engine stalling due to a potential intercooler design flaw that could let moisture into the engine. 

What to do if buying used

• Thoroughly inspect any used model for the specific issues mentioned above. 
• If considering one of these years, have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection. 
• Check for service records and recall history. 

This video demonstrates how to inspect an Acura RDX for potential issues, including engine oil leaks and suspension problems: 58sBCauto_YouTube · Aug 21, 2024

Is the 2012 RDX reliable?

As a whole, consumers found the vehicle's reliability and performance to be its strongest features and value to be its weakest. 138 out of 215 of owners (64% of them) rank the 2012 RDX five out of five stars.

Is Acura reliable after 100K miles?

Yes, Acuras are generally very reliable after 100k miles, especially with consistent maintenance, as they are built with quality engineering from their Honda roots. Key to this reliability is following the recommended maintenance schedule, which includes performing major services like transmission fluid changes and, for models with a timing belt, replacing it around the 100k mark. 
Key factors for long-term reliability

• Follow the maintenance schedule: Regular oil changes, fluid replacements, and other services are crucial for longevity. 
• Pay attention to major service intervals: At around 100,000 miles, certain components, like the timing belt in older models, need to be replaced. 
• Transmission fluid is critical: Changing the transmission fluid at recommended intervals is one of the most important aspects of keeping the car running smoothly long-term. 
• Consider the engine: While many Acura engines are very reliable, some J-series engines have a history of oil consumption issues, especially older ones. 
• Potential for issues: As with any car, some issues can arise after 100k miles, such as air conditioning system problems or oil consumption, so it's wise to factor in potential repair costs. 

What drivers say

• Many owners report driving their Acuras for hundreds of thousands of miles with minimal issues if proper maintenance was performed.
• Owners of older models like the TL and MDX often report that the engines remained in good condition even after the transmission began to show wear.