Acura MDX Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Acura MDX model year (2001–2026) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Acura MDX Years to Avoid
5 recalls · 232 complaints
6 reported injuries
Top issue: ENGINE
Problem score: 259
7 recalls · 180 complaints
8 reported injuries
Top issue: ENGINE
Problem score: 217
6 recalls · 139 complaints
20 reported injuries
Top issue: STEERING
Problem score: 197
Best Acura MDX Years to Buy
0 recalls · 7 complaints
Main area: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Problem score: 7
0 recalls · 20 complaints
Main area: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Problem score: 20
0 recalls · 28 complaints
Main area: AIR BAGS
Problem score: 30
Found the right year? Verify that specific MDX with a free VIN report.
Acura MDX — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 7 | — | — | 7 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 0 | 71 | — | — | 71 | Good |
| 2024 | 0 | 20 | — | — | 20 | Excellent |
| 2023 | 0 | 36 | 4 | — | 44 | Good |
| 2022 | 1 | 107 | 4 | — | 118 | Caution |
| 2021 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | Excellent |
| 2020 | 5 | 169 | — | — | 184 | Avoid |
| 2019 | 6 | 151 | 6 | — | 181 | Avoid |
| 2018 | 7 | 144 | 3 | — | 171 | Avoid |
| 2017 | 7 | 180 | 8 | — | 217 | Avoid |
| 2016 | 5 | 232 | 6 | — | 259 | Avoid |
| 2015 | 4 | 41 | 7 | — | 67 | Good |
| 2014 | 6 | 139 | 20 | — | 197 | Avoid |
| 2013 | 1 | 30 | — | — | 33 | Good |
| 2012 | 1 | 46 | — | — | 49 | Good |
| 2011 | 0 | 40 | 4 | — | 48 | Good |
| 2010 | 1 | 30 | 1 | — | 35 | Good |
| 2009 | 0 | 33 | 5 | — | 43 | Good |
| 2008 | 0 | 28 | 1 | — | 30 | Good |
| 2007 | 0 | 61 | 2 | — | 65 | Good |
| 2006 | 7 | 45 | 4 | — | 74 | Good |
| 2005 | 7 | 121 | 11 | — | 164 | Caution |
| 2004 | 5 | 133 | 17 | — | 182 | Avoid |
| 2003 | 7 | 125 | 6 | — | 158 | Caution |
| 2002 | 3 | 131 | 7 | — | 154 | Caution |
| 2001 | 2 | 137 | 5 | — | 153 | Caution |
All 26 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
Acura MDX Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2021Recent MDX models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. The 2021 stands out with just 0 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
2013–2017
Best: 2013Mid-decade MDX units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2013 shows the lowest problem count for this era.
Pre-2013
Proceed with CautionOlder MDX models have more accumulated wear and a larger recall history. These are higher-risk purchases without documented maintenance records and a clean VIN history report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year MDX should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2016 Acura MDX if possible. It has 5 recalls, 232 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 259 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year MDX to buy?+
The 2026 Acura MDX is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 7. It has only 0 recalls and 7 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which MDX has the fewest problems?+
The 2026, 2024, 2008 model years have the fewest documented problems. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Acura MDX Research
Check a Specific Acura MDX VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
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