Acura MDX years to avoid and best years
Newer Acura MDX years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2014 has the most complaints per year, at 28 (170 complaints). Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2013 at 3 (from 29 complaints), 2012 at 3 (from 76 complaints), and 2020 at 7 (from 221 complaints). The Acura MDX 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet. On the 2014 Acura MDX, 22 of 170 complaints name Steering.
Data as of .
2013
2012
2020
2025–26
Acura MDX reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Acura MDX. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Too early | 0 | 0 | 1 | — | 20.7 |
| 2025 → Too early | 53 | 105 | 3 | Engine | 20.7 |
| 2024 → | 13 | 39 | 2 | Service brakes | 20.7 |
| 2023 → | 8 | 39 | 2 | Powertrain | 20.7 |
| 2022 → | 17 | 152 | 2 | Powertrain | 20.7 |
| 2021 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 2020 → Fewest | 7 | 221 | 8 | Engine | 23.3 |
| 2019 → | 11 | 188 | 9 | Engine and engine cooling | 23.3 |
| 2018 → | 9 | 165 | 10 | Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, gasoline | 23 |
| 2017 → | 16 | 255 | 8 | Engine | 23 |
| 2016 → | 25 | 374 | 7 | Engine | 22 |
| 2015 → | 11 | 71 | 8 | Powertrain | 22 |
| 2014 → Most | 28 | 170 | 9 | Steering | 22 |
| 2013 → Fewest | 3 | 29 | 1 | Electrical system | 18 |
| 2012 → Fewest | 3 | 76 | 1 | Engine | 18 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- 0W-20 (3.5L V6) · 4.5 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 255/55R18
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA safety recall 23V858000 covers affected vehicles after the agency found that 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. Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- 0W-20 (3.5L V6) · 4.5 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 265/45R20, 245/50R20, 245/60R18 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA safety recall 21V215000 covers affected vehicles after the agency found that honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Acura MDX, MDX Sport Hybrid, RDX, TLX, Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Insight, 2019 Acura ILX, Honda Accord Hybrid, Civic Coupe, Civic Coupe Si, Civic Sedan, Civic Sedan Si, Civic Type R, Fit, HR-V, Odyssey, Passport, Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 CR-V vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail. Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 18, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-314.
- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- 0W-20 (3.5L V6) · 4.5 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 255/50R20
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA safety recall 25V391000 covers affected vehicles after the agency found that 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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems.". A brake pedal that shifts out of position can prevent the driver from applying the brakes as intended, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. 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. Honda's numbers for this recall are FLX and XLY.
Frequently asked questions
Which Acura MDX years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2013 at 3 (from 29 complaints), 2012 at 3 (from 76 complaints), and 2020 at 7 (from 221 complaints).
Which Acura MDX year has the most owner complaints?
2014 has the most complaints per year, at 28 (170 complaints). On the 2014 Acura MDX, 22 of 170 complaints name Steering.
How do Acura MDX owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Acura MDX years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones.
Which Acura MDX years are too early to compare?
The Acura MDX 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet.
What engine oil does a Acura MDX use?
US MDX manuals specify 0W-20 for recent V6 engines unless another grade is listed for your model year.
What generation is the 2019 Acura MDX?
3rd generation / YD3 (2014-2020).
What tire sizes does an Acura MDX use?
Sizes vary by generation and trim; examples include 255/55R18, 245/60R18, and 255/50R20.