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Acura Mdx Problems

The Acura MDX is a three-row luxury crossover that has been in production since 2001, establishing itself as a benchmark in its segment. With over 8,200 complaints and remarkably zero reported deaths in the database, the MDX demonstrates Acura's focus on safety and reliability. The MDX offers a compelling combination of space, performance, and Honda-derived dependability that many luxury competitors struggle to match. However, certain model years have more issues than others.

8,242
Total Complaints
100
Total Recalls
25
Model Years
0
Reported Deaths
!

Years to Avoid

These years have significantly more complaints than average.

2016
✓

Best Years

These years have the fewest reported problems.

2008 2009 2010

Common Problem Categories

Power Train 1,836
Engine 1,064
Electrical System 878
Unknown Or Other 556
Air Bags 448

Complaints by Model Year

All Model Years

Year ↓ Complaints Recalls Crashes Fires Rating
2026 12 0 0 0 Good
2025 98 2 4 0 Good
2024 98 1 2 0 Good
2023 88 1 2 0 Good
2022 262 1 10 8 Average
2020 572 6 10 0 Below Average
2019 534 7 16 10 Below Average
2018 460 8 12 16 Average
2017 650 6 18 10 Below Average
2016 958 6 34 6 Avoid
2015 190 7 12 8 Average
2014 480 8 36 16 Average
2013 86 1 0 12 Good
2012 188 1 10 10 Average
2011 174 0 10 2 Average
2010 126 1 16 14 Good
2009 148 0 12 2 Good
2008 122 0 4 4 Good
2007 248 0 6 8 Average
2006 242 9 32 0 Average
2005 488 11 50 2 Average
2004 484 9 44 18 Average
2003 518 12 24 12 Below Average
2002 484 1 32 10 Average
2001 532 2 20 2 Below Average

Acura Mdx Years to Avoid

The 2016 Acura MDX is the worst year to avoid, with elevated complaints about transmission problems and infotainment issues. The 2014-2016 third-generation models experienced complaints about the 9-speed automatic transmission's jerky behavior and hesitation. These years also saw issues with the dual-screen infotainment system that frustrated owners with slow response times. The 2003-2006 second-generation models had transmission failures that were addressed by Honda through extended warranties. Earlier models from 2001-2002 experienced similar automatic transmission concerns.

Best Acura Mdx Years

The 2026 model year MDX represents the latest and most refined version. The 2017-2019 models benefit from transmission programming updates that improved shift quality. The 2022-2025 fourth-generation models offer a significant upgrade in technology, performance, and refinement. For budget buyers, the 2010-2013 second-generation MDX offers proven reliability after transmission issues were resolved.

Frequently Asked Questions