Last updated: 2026-03-04
Acura MDX Reliability by Year
The Acura MDX averages 71/100 across 7 model years, rated good.
Acura MDX Reliability Overview
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. With an estimated annual repair cost of $571, which is below the luxury midsize SUV average, the MDX may appeal to those seeking a reliable luxury SUV with moderate maintenance costs.
Current generation: 4th gen (2022–2023), facelifted 2025.
Best & Worst Acura MDX Years
Best Acura MDX Years to Buy
The best Acura MDX year is 2024 with a reliability score of 79/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2023 (79/100) and 2025 (76/100).
Acura MDX Years to Avoid
The worst Acura MDX year is 2020 with a score of 62/100, primarily due to engine (38) issues. Also avoid 2019 (64/100).
2020
7 recalls · 188 complaints
2019
9 recalls · 175 complaints
Acura MDX Reliability Score Trend
Acura MDX reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 77/100 compared to 63/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 64/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 64/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 62/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 73/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 79/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 79/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 76/100 | Good |
Year-by-Year Reliability
2026 Acura MDX
0 recalls · 4 complaints
The 2026 Acura MDX has good reliability. There are 0 recalls and 4 owner complaints on file for the 2026 Acura MDX. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (1), Vehicle Speed Control (1), Engine (1).
2025 Acura MDX
2 recalls · 32 complaints
The 2025 Acura MDX has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 32 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Acura MDX. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (11), Unknown Or Other (7), Engine (5).
2024 Acura MDX
1 recalls · 30 complaints
The 2024 Acura MDX has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 30 owner complaints on file for the 2024 Acura MDX. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (6), Electrical System (6), Service Brakes (6).
2023 Acura MDX
1 recalls · 29 complaints
The 2023 Acura MDX has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 29 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Acura MDX. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (5), Electrical System (5), Steering (4).
2022 Acura MDX
1 recalls · 90 complaints
The 2022 Acura MDX has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 90 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Acura MDX. Severity signals include 4 crash-related complaints and 2 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (22), Steering (17), Electrical System (8).
2020 Acura MDX
7 recalls · 188 complaints
The 2020 Acura MDX has good reliability. There are 7 recalls and 188 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Acura MDX. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (38), Electrical System (31), Unknown Or Other (28).
2019 Acura MDX
9 recalls · 175 complaints
The 2019 Acura MDX has good reliability. There are 9 recalls and 175 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Acura MDX. Severity signals include 4 crash-related complaints and 3 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine And Engine Cooling (29), Electrical System (28), Power Train (28).
2018 Acura MDX
10 recalls · 144 complaints
The 2018 Acura MDX has good reliability. There are 10 recalls and 144 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Acura MDX. Severity signals include 3 crash-related complaints and 4 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (20), Electrical System (20), Engine And Engine Cooling (16).
Acura MDX Repair Costs
Reliability Rating
4/5
Annual Repair Cost
$571
Repair Frequency
0.4/yr
Major Repair Risk
8%
$236 below the luxury midsize SUVs average of $807/yr.
Ranked #2 of 14 among luxury midsize SUVs.
Acura MDX Years to Avoid
See which model years have the most problems
Most Reliable Acura Models
Compare all Acura models by reliability
Compare Acura MDX With Similar SUVs
The Acura MDX competes with other midsize suvs such as Lexus RX, Mercedes-Benz GLC, and Mazda CX-90.
Lexus RX reliability
9 years tracked · 729 complaints
Mercedes-Benz GLC reliability
8 years tracked · 543 complaints
Mazda CX-90 reliability
3 years tracked · 280 complaints
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Acura MDX reliable?
- The Acura MDX has good reliability with an average score of 71/100. Some model years are stronger than others — check individual years before buying.
- What is the best year for the Acura MDX?
- The best year for the Acura MDX is 2024 with a reliability score of 79/100, rated good. It has 1 recalls and 30 owner complaints on record. See full 2024 Acura MDX analysis →
- What are the Acura MDX years to avoid?
- The Acura MDX years to avoid include 2020 (62/100), 2019 (64/100). These model years score significantly below the model average due to higher recall and complaint volumes. See the full years-to-avoid analysis for details. See full years-to-avoid analysis →
- How much does it cost to maintain a Acura MDX?
- The Acura MDX has an estimated annual repair cost of $571, which is $236 below the luxury midsize SUVs average of $807. This includes both scheduled maintenance and unscheduled repairs based on independent repair data.
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
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.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
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.
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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