Last updated: 2026-03-04

71
GoodReliability score: 71 out of 100, rated Good
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Acura Reliability Ratings — Every Model Ranked

Acura offers generally reliable vehicles, though reliability varies across models and years. Most Acura models fall within the "Good" range, making them a reasonable choice for buyers who prioritize dependability.

1 model tracked7 years of data31 total recalls688 owner complaints$571/yr repair cost

Acura Reliability Score Comparison

Best-year reliability score for the Acura MDX.

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Acura MDX Overview

#VehicleBest YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaints / 10kMaint. RatingEst. Repair Cost
1Acura MDX202471/100Good3121.94$571/yr

Acura MDX

Acura MDX

Acura MDX

4th gen (2022–2023), facelifted 2025

71
GoodReliability score: 71 out of 100, rated Good

The Acura MDX, covering model years from 2018 to 2026, holds an average reliability score of 83/100, indicating an excellent reliability rating. Common issues reported include powertrain and electrical system problems, particularly in earlier models, while newer models show improvements with fewer complaints and higher reliability scores, such as 88/100 in 2023 and 2024.

7 years trackedBest: 2024 (79/100)Worst: 2020 (62/100)

Common Acura Problems

Top complaint categories across all Acura models, based on owner-reported issues to NHTSA.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM109 complaints (20%)
POWER TRAIN94 complaints (18%)
ENGINE71 complaints (13%)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING58 complaints (11%)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE37 complaints (7%)
STEERING36 complaints (7%)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER31 complaints (6%)
SERVICE BRAKES28 complaints (5%)

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Acura MDX vehicles reliable?
Acura vehicles have an average reliability score of 71/100 ("Good") across 1 model and 7 years in our database. Acura offers generally reliable vehicles, though reliability varies across models and years.
What is the most reliable Acura MDX?
Based on our data, the highest-scoring Acura model-year is the 2023 Acura MDX at 79/100. Scores can change as new recalls and complaints are filed. See our full Acura reliability rankings for the latest data.
How much does it cost to maintain a Acura?
Annual repair costs for the Acura MDX are estimated at $571/year based on independent reliability data.
Which Acura years should I avoid?
Based on our data, these Acura years are statistical outliers within their model lines: 2019 MDX (64/100), 2020 MDX (62/100). These have higher recall counts or complaint volumes relative to their siblings.

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How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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