Is the Acura MDX Reliable?
2001–2026 defect & recall-risk analysis from citable NHTSA data.
The score ranks this model's recall intensity against other luxurys — plus systemic-defect concentration and any open federal investigations. It measures defect and recall risk, not long-term mechanical durability, and is deliberately not skewed by how many were sold.
Reliability Score
Own a Acura MDX? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.
Open NHTSA Investigation
no restart after auto start/stop engages
Component: engine and engine cooling:engine:crank/camshaft position sensor
⚠ Historically, 50% of EA investigations became recalls.
An open investigation is NHTSA reviewing a potential defect — the earliest warning a recall may be coming. It is not a defect finding. See all vehicles under investigation →
Acura MDX Reliability by Year
| Model Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Reliability Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 11 | — | — | 61 | Good |
| 2025 | 2 | 107 | — | — | 58 | Fair |
| 2024 | 1 | 26 | — | — | 61 | Good |
| 2023 | 1 | 39 | 4 | — | 61 | Good |
| 2022 | 1 | 118 | 4 | — | 56 | Fair |
| 2021 | — | — | — | — | Not enough data | |
| 2020 | 3 | 179 | — | — | 50 | Fair |
| 2019 | 4 | 156 | 6 | — | 51 | Fair |
| 2018 | 4 | 158 | 3 | — | 51 | Fair |
| 2017 | 4 | 200 | 8 | — | 45 | Fair |
Reliability scores are proprietary to VinCheckEngine and incorporate multiple weighted safety signals.
How the MDX Compares to Similar Vehicles
The MDX scores 19 points below the average luxury. Consider checking years with lower complaint volumes.
Known Acura MDX Reliability Issues
The following components appear most frequently in owner complaints filed with NHTSA:
Based on 994 owner complaints across recent model years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Acura MDX reliable?+
The Acura MDX scores 51/100 on our reliability index — rated "Fair." Across 10 recently analyzed model years, it accumulated 21 recall campaigns and 994 owner complaints in the NHTSA database.
What year MDX is most reliable?+
Among the years analyzed, the 2026 MDX achieved the highest reliability score of 61/100 with 1 recall and 11 complaints.
How many miles does a MDX last?+
With consistent maintenance, most Acura MDX owners report 150,000 to 200,000+ miles of service life. Checking the VIN of any specific used MDX will reveal its actual mileage history and any title events.
More Acura MDX Research
Check a Specific Acura MDX VIN
Model-level reliability scores show general trends. A VIN-specific report reveals the exact history of any individual vehicle — accidents, odometer records, auction events, and open recalls.
Run a Free VIN Report →