Last updated: 2026-04-20

2019 Acura MDX Reliability Report
The 2019 Acura MDX scores 64/100 ("Good"). With 9 recalls and 175 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
9
Complaints
175
Complaint Rate
33.8per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$571
Annual Fuel Cost
$3,000–$3,300
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (29)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (28)
- POWER TRAIN (28)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2019 is 2 years after the facelift refresh.
- Year 6 in the Third generation (YD3/4/7; 2014) (2014–2020).
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- 3rd generation MDX (US).
What this means for buyers
Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.
2014: Third generation (YD3/4/7; 2014) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2017: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2019: This Model Year
2019 is 2 years after the facelift refresh.
Should You Buy the 2019 Acura MDX?
At 64/100, the 2019 Acura MDX lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2019 is 2 years after the facelift refresh.
Its complaint rate of 33.8 per 10,000 vehicles sold runs above the SUV segment average of 22. The most common reports involve engine and engine cooling (29).
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to engine and engine cooling (29). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
Compared to the 2020 Acura MDX, which scored 2 points lower. See also the 2018 Acura MDX for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +$236 cheaper to maintain than avg luxury midsize SUVs
- +Low major repair risk (8%)
Cons
- −Above-average recall count
- −Above-average complaint rate for SUV
- −ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING issues reported (29 complaints)
Compare 2019 Acura MDX With
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 9 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (29)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (28)
Recall Overview
9
recalls on record
The 2019 Acura MDX has 9 recalls on record, which is above average. A high count can flag multiple component concerns, though it also shows the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
33.8
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 22
Safety Incidents
4
Crashes
3
Fires
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2019 Acura MDX Recall Details
9 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Acura MDX. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Consequence
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING, INTERIOR LIGHTING
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles. Moisture may enter the tailgate lid light assembly and wiring harness, which can cause the interior and exterior lights to fail, including the lid lights, position lights, license plate lights and taillights.
Consequence
Vehicle lights that fail to illuminate can decrease visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the wiring and install a fuse harness, replace the lid light, and repair the body dust sealer, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 30, 2025. Owners may contact Acura's customer service at 1-800-382-2238. Acura's number for this recall is FLI. Vehicles included in this recall that were previously repaired under NHTSA recall number 19V-256 will need to have the new remedy completed.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, 2016 and 2018-2019 Pilot, 2017 and 2019 Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 Odyssey vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, damaging the engine.
Consequence
A damaged engine may run improperly or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a fire, crash, or injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and repair, or replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 28, 2024. 2016-2017 Acura MDX owner letters were mailed November 1, 2024. 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed in mid-December 2024. Honda began mailing owner notification letters as of March 18, 2024. 2015-2016 Acura owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-December 2024, 2018 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed the end of March/early April 2024, 2019 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-May 2024, 2020 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-June 2024, and 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed January 27, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XG1 and GG0.
Buying a used 2019 Acura MDX? Check its history first
Every 2019 Acura MDX has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2019 Acura MDX NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 16.4%
Safety Technologies
HEV Powertrain
Rollover risk: 16.4%
Safety Technologies
Acura MDXRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$571
vs $807 avg for luxury midsize SUVs
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.4
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
8%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
21–23 MPG
Running cost: $3,550–$3,850/yr
Fuel + repair
19–20 city / 25–27 hwy MPG
Hybrid
27 MPG
Running cost: $3,100/yr
Fuel + repair
26 city / 27 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2019 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MDX FWD 3.5L 6-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S9) | 20 | 27 | 23 | $3,000 |
| MDX AWD 3.5L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S9) | 19 | 26 | 22 | $3,150 |
| MDX AWD A-SPEC 3.5L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S9) | 19 | 25 | 21 | $3,300 |
Hybrid trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MDX Hybrid AWD 3.0L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM-S7) | 26 | 27 | 27 | $2,550 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2019 Acura MDX.
Test transmission for delayed acceleration and jerky movements
Inspect front camera system for error messages and ADAS functionality
Check for engine stalling or failure to restart after auto stop
Verify recall repairs for fuel system and engine components are completed
Inspect for unusual noises or clunking in steering system
Test brakes for unexpected activation or stiffness
Check for moisture in headlight assemblies
2019 Acura MDX Common Problems by Component
175 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
29 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Acura MDX frequently report issues related to engine and engine cooling, particularly involving the Auto START/STOP feature failing to restart the vehicle after stopping, and engine stalling accompanied by warning lights such as "Transmission Failure." Complaints often mention a delay in recall repairs, with parts not yet available, which affects the resolution of these issues. Symptoms like abnormal engine noises, fuel odors, and transmission jerking are noted, typically occurring at mileages ranging from 1,000 to over 60,000 miles. While no crashes or injuries are reported, one complaint involves a fire, indicating potential safety implications. This data suggests prospective buyers should be aware of these recurring issues and the current unavailability of recall parts.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
28 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Acura MDX frequently report issues with the auto start/stop system, which can unexpectedly shift the vehicle into neutral, leaving drivers temporarily unable to move. This problem often occurs when the vehicle is stationary, such as at traffic lights, and typically requires the driver to restart the car, posing a potential safety risk in traffic. Complaints also highlight simultaneous warning light activations, including emissions, parking brake, and SH-AWD system faults, often accompanied by low voltage error codes. These electrical issues are commonly reported around the 30,000 to 60,000-mile range. A small number of reports describe total vehicle shutdowns while driving, which could lead to dangerous situations. Fire risk is mentioned in one complaint related to a fuel pump defect, though details are limited.
POWER TRAIN
28 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several power train issues with the 2019 Acura MDX, primarily involving transmission failures and delayed acceleration. Complaints frequently mention symptoms such as jerky movements, hard shifting, and the vehicle entering limp mode or failing to accelerate, often at highway speeds. These issues are noted across a range of mileages, with some occurring as early as 12,000 miles and others around 100,000 miles. Safety implications include a crash due to the vehicle unexpectedly going into neutral and other instances of sudden loss of power, posing risks in traffic or on highways. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these reported transmission problems and the potential for significant repair costs.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (14 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
14 complaintsOwners report that the 2019 Acura MDX frequently experiences issues with the auto start/stop feature, which can cause the vehicle to stall at intersections or in traffic, leading to dangerous situations. Complaints frequently mention that this problem persists even after recall repairs, and it tends to occur in high-traffic areas, creating a risk of rear-end collisions. Another common issue involves the front windshield camera malfunctioning, often attributed to heat exposure, which disables essential safety systems like collision mitigation and lane departure warnings. These problems typically arise within the first 47,000 miles, with some reports indicating ongoing issues despite attempted repairs. Safety implications include potential loss of vehicle control and increased accident risk, which is crucial information for prospective buyers.
ENGINE (14 complaints)
ENGINE
14 complaintsOwners report several recurring engine-related issues with the 2019 Acura MDX. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle entering a "limp mode" or stalling unexpectedly, often without warning lights, at mileages ranging from approximately 45,000 to 67,150 miles. Multiple owners describe problems with the engine auto stop feature, which sometimes fails to restart the engine at traffic lights, necessitating a manual restart. Additionally, some owners express concerns about unresolved recalls related to engine components, which they are unable to address due to unavailable parts. These issues have safety implications, as they can lead to dangerous situations such as sudden deceleration on highways or failure to accelerate at intersections.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (9 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
9 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Acura MDX frequently report issues with the Forward Collision Avoidance system, particularly the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) and associated camera components. Common symptoms include unexpected braking activation without any apparent obstacles, often leading to abrupt stops and near-miss rear-end collisions. Multiple complaints highlight failures in the camera system, which triggers various dashboard warnings such as "Collision Mitigation Problem" and "Lane Keeping Assist Problem." These issues often occur intermittently and can persist despite servicing, with reports indicating occurrences as early as 2,000 miles and around 41,000 miles. The safety implications are significant, as the unexpected braking can pose a risk of accidents, especially in traffic.
FUEL SYSTEM (9 complaints)
FUEL SYSTEM
9 complaintsOwners report issues with the fuel system of the 2019 Acura MDX, primarily involving a recall under campaign number 23V858000. Complaints frequently mention delays in the availability of parts needed for recall repairs, with several owners expressing frustration over the time taken for repairs. Some owners describe symptoms such as stalling at traffic lights and illuminated warning lights, with one report of the vehicle shifting to park while driving. These issues occur at various mileages, with specific reports at approximately 88,000 and 90,000 miles. While safety implications such as potential crashes are noted due to stalling, no actual accidents are reported. This information is relevant for potential buyers considering the 2019 Acura MDX, as it highlights ongoing recall-related issues and potential operational concerns.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (6 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
6 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Acura MDX frequently report issues with the vehicle speed control, including sudden unintended acceleration and unexpected deceleration. Symptoms include the vehicle accelerating on its own at both low and highway speeds, and the vehicle slowing down or shutting off without warning, even with no warning lights illuminated. These issues are reported across a range of mileages, from as low as 1,000 miles to over 42,000 miles. Safety implications are notable, with one crash reported involving injuries and multiple vehicles, and several instances where sudden acceleration or deceleration nearly caused accidents. These patterns may be of concern to used car buyers considering this model.
STEERING (5 complaints)
STEERING
5 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Acura MDX report multiple steering-related issues, with frequent mentions of loud clunking or clicking noises during steering maneuvers, such as turning or accelerating. Some complaints describe a loose steering wheel that does not correspond to wheel movement, suggesting potential control issues. These problems are noted at mileage around 36,000, and in one case, as low as 4,088 miles. Safety implications are notable, with reports of vehicles stalling or losing power unexpectedly, and one instance where the car turned off completely while driving. Buyers considering a used 2019 Acura MDX should be aware of these issues, particularly regarding steering responsiveness and unusual noises.
SERVICE BRAKES (5 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
5 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Acura MDX frequently report issues with the vehicle's braking system, particularly the collision sensor activating without obstacles, causing the car to brake spontaneously. This issue is highlighted by multiple owners and is noted to increase in frequency. Additionally, some owners describe a stiff brake pedal that requires excessive force to operate, particularly after the vehicle has been powered off for some time. One report involves a crash where the brakes failed to respond at low speed, resulting in a collision with a pole at approximately 37,000 miles. These complaints suggest potential safety concerns due to unexpected braking and brake pedal stiffness, which may be important for potential buyers to consider.
When Do 2019 Acura MDX Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Acura MDX Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Acura MDX Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe 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
2019
(Current Model)
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. Current year highlighted.
| 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 |
Acura MDX Reliability Compared to Other Years
2019 Acura MDX Reliability by Powertrain
The 2019 Acura MDX is available with 2powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.
| Powertrain | Complaints | Recalls | Incidents* | Crash Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas | 167 | 7 | 7 | 5 out of 5 |
| HEV | 8 | 2 | 0 | 5 out of 5 |
| Total | 175 | 9 | 7 |
NHTSA tracks complaints separately for each powertrain configuration. Totals reflect the sum across all variants. N/T = Not tested by NHTSA.
* Incidents = crash + fire reports. A single complaint can include multiple incident types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2019 Acura MDX reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Acura MDX?
How many recalls does the 2019 Acura MDX have?
Is the 2019 Acura MDX expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2019 Acura MDX without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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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
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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