Acura MDX Problems by Year

We compared every Acura MDX model year from 2001–2026 using 3,318 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 42 recalls and federal defect investigations. The years to avoid are 2025, 2022, 2016, 2020 and 2017, which drew far more complaints than other MDX years at the same age. The best years are 2013, 2011 and 2012.

25model years
3,318complaints
42recalls
2025, 2022worst years
2013, 2011best years

Complaints by model year

’01’02’03’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’22’23’24’25’2622420520617118087994952457076301727137726016919022415743411119
Owner complaints per model year, Acura MDX. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
202691.5×1ElectricalFew
20251117.3×3EngineAvoid
2024412.2×2ElectricalAvoid
2023431.3×2TransmissionAverage
20221574.8×2TransmissionAvoid
20202244.4×8EngineAvoid
20191903.1×9EngineAvoid
20181692.7×10EngineAvoid
20172603.9×8EngineAvoid
20163774.7×7EngineAvoid
201571−18%8ElectricalAverage
20141722.3×8SteeringAvoid
201330−70%1EngineGood
201276−22%1EngineAverage
201170−35%—EngineAverage
201045−58%1EngineGood
200952−50%—ElectricalGood
200849−50%—BodyGood
200799−20%—ElectricalAverage
200687−31%9TransmissionAverage
20051801.7×11TransmissionCaution
20041711.5×8TransmissionCaution
20032061.7×11TransmissionCaution
20022052.0×4TransmissionAvoid
20012242.3×4TransmissionAvoid

* Complaints compared with the median MDX year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Acura MDX problems

Latest Acura MDX recalls

Suspension › Rear

NHTSA recall 26V-365 · Jun 4, 2026 · 965,561 vehicles

American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Honda Pilot, 2017-2023 Ridgeline, 2019-2023 Passport, and 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles that were sold in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New…

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear subframe and install a rear subframe reinforcement kit and, as necessary, repair or replace the rear subframe components, free of charge.

Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification › Front passenger

NHTSA recall 26V-332 · May 21, 2026 · 98,892 vehicles

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic…

Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138.

Service brakes, hydraulic › Pedals and linkages

NHTSA recall 25V-391 · Jun 12, 2025 · 259,033 vehicles

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Acura TLX, 2023-2025 Acura MDX, and 2023-2025 Honda Pilot vehicles. The brake pedal pivot pin was not secured properly, which can cause the pedal to shift out of position.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the brake pedal assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 29, 2025. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138.

Interior lighting

NHTSA recall 25V-259 · Apr 17, 2025 · 152,800 vehicles

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles. Moisture may enter the tailgate lid light assembly and wiring harness, which can cause the interior and exterior lights to fail, including the lid lights, position lights, license plate lights and taillights.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the wiring and install a fuse harness, replace the lid light, and repair the body dust sealer, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 30, 2025.

Equipment › Electrical › Infotainment › Video (touch)screen/monitor/unit

NHTSA recall 25V-032 · Jan 23, 2025 · 9,221 vehicles

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2025 Acura MDX vehicles. The touchscreen in the center console may go blank, resulting in the rearview camera image not displaying as intended.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the center information display unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2025. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138.

All 42 Acura MDX recalls by year →

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Acura MDX should you avoid?

2025, 2022, 2016, 2020, 2017 and 2019 — these years have the most complaints relative to other MDX years at the same age, led by engine & cooling problems in the 2025.

What is the best year for the Acura MDX?

2013 has the fewest complaints compared with other MDX years at the same age, followed by 2011 and 2012. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.

What are the most common Acura MDX problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the transmission & drivetrain (990), engine & cooling (847) and electrical system (527). Transmission complaints peak in the 2001 model year.

How many recalls has the Acura MDX had?

42 recalls across 2001–2026. The model year with the most is 2003. See all Acura MDX recalls by year.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.