Last updated: 2026-10-10

2022 Acura MDX
RELIABILITY SCORE: 73/100 (GOOD)

2022 Acura MDX Reliability Report

The 2022 Acura MDX has good reliability, but stripped transmission and transfer case splines can cost over $13,000 to fix.

Recalls

1

Complaints

90

Complaint Rate

20.2per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$571

Annual Fuel Cost

$3,150–$3,650

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity55/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs80/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact88/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity83/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

The first Fourth-generation year sits mid-pack among MDX years, with stripped transmission and transfer case splines as its main weakness.

Top Issues to Watch

  • POWER TRAIN (22)
  • STEERING (17)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (8)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Redesign Year

2022 is the first model year of the Fourth generation (YD8/9/YE1; 2022).

  • First-year models may have unresolved issues from the new design.
  • Redesigned for the 2022 model year.
  • Refreshed in 2025.
  • 4th generation MDX (US).

What this means for buyers

First-year models carry more risk — early production issues are common. Consider waiting for the second year if reliability is a priority.

Compare 2022 pricing and recall counts against 2023+ before deciding.

2022: Fourth generation (YD8/9/YE1; 2022) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2025: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

Should You Buy the 2022 Acura MDX?

Good reliability puts this first Fourth-generation MDX above average among 2022 SUVs, though it lands in the middle of the eight scored MDX years. Model-wide repair costs run $571 a year against $807 for the class, and the crash-test rating is 5 of 5 stars. The 2023 rates better.

The big risk is the drivetrain. The splines between the transmission and transfer case can strip, leaving the SUV in front-wheel drive, usually with no warning light. Owners notice slipping or sway in snow and rain. Failures cluster between 60,000 and 84,000 miles, and the fix is a new transmission and transfer case at over $13,000. Steering is the second pattern. Power steering can cut out or the wheel can lock amid a flood of warnings, and one owner reported a wall crash. Federal records show one air bag recall.

Ask for service records covering the transmission and transfer case, and confirm the air bag recall work was done. A 2023 has fewer complaints and is worth pricing alongside.

Compared to the 2023 Acura MDX, which scored 6 points higher. See also the 2020 Acura MDX for an earlier comparison.

Pros

  • +Acceptable reliability score
  • +$236 cheaper to maintain than avg luxury midsize SUVs
  • +Low major repair risk (8%)
  • +Low recall count

Cons

  • −Above-average complaint rate for SUV
  • −POWER TRAIN issues reported (22 complaints)
  • −STEERING: Power steering cuts out or the wheel locks while driving (17 complaints)

Compare 2022 Acura MDX With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 1 manufacturer recall issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • POWER TRAIN (22)
  • STEERING (17)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

1

recall on record

The 2022 Acura MDX carries 1 recall — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

20.2

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 13.5

LowAvgHigh
Moderate

Safety Incidents

4

Crashes

2

Fires

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

★★★★★

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2022 Acura MDX Recall Details

1 recall has been issued for the 2022 Acura MDX. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

24V0640002024-02-01

AIR BAGS

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.

Consequence

An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024, October 18, 2024, and August 2025. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2022 Acura MDX? Check its history first

Power train problems lead owner complaints about the 2022 Acura MDX, and 1 recall was issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

2022 Acura MDX NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 4/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 15.1%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Not Available)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (N/A)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Acura MDXRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5

Based 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

MDX
$571
Category Avg
$807
All Vehicles
$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

Acura MDX Resale Value

The Acura MDX is estimated to retain about 56.9% of its original value after 5 years, based on observed used-car listings.

This benchmark covers the Acura MDX model overall and is not specific to the 2022 model year.

Value Retained
56.9%

after 5 years

Depreciation
43.1%

over the same period

Listings Analyzed
154

U.S. used-car listings

Listings observed in . This is a historical market benchmark, not a current price quote.

Explore Acura MDX depreciation and resale value on CarResaleValue.com

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

19–22 MPG

Running cost: $3,700–$4,200/yr

Fuel + repair

17–19 city / 21–26 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 2022 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
MDX FWD 3.5L 6-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S10)192622$3,150
MDX AWD 3.5L 6-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S10)192521$3,300
MDX AWD Type-S 3.0L 6-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S10)172119$3,650

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2022 Acura MDX.

  • Ask for service records showing any transmission or transfer case replacement, and have a mechanic check the drive splines.

  • Accelerate hard from a stop on gravel or wet pavement and check whether the rear wheels drive or only the fronts spin.

  • Check the battery's age and test results, and ask how many times it has been replaced.

  • Drive on an open road at 30 to 50 mph and watch for automatic braking with nothing ahead.

  • Start the car several times and listen for grinding or vibration as the steering column extends.

  • Run the VIN for open recalls, including airbag campaign 24V064000 and brake campaign 25V391000.

  • Inspect the panoramic roof glass for cracks and ask whether it has ever been replaced.

  • Look for a sagging front corner or suspension warning lights, and listen for clicking while turning the wheel lock to lock.

2022 Acura MDX Common Problems by Component

90 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

22
17
17
POWER TRAIN (22)STEERING (17)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (8)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (8)SERVICE BRAKES (5)FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (5)FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (4)SUSPENSION (4)Other (17)

POWER TRAIN

22 complaints

The splines between the transmission and transfer case strip, which cuts power to the rear wheels and leaves the SUV in front-wheel drive. Most reports mention no warning light. Drivers notice slipping, pulling or sway in snow and rain, or a dealer finds the damage during routine service. Some report popping on takeoff, RPM surges, or about 5 seconds with no acceleration while merging. Failures cluster between 60K and 84,000 miles. The fix is a new transmission and transfer case, with repair bills over $13,000. Other reports describe jerking just before a stop.

22 complaints total

STEERING

17 complaintsSafety-related

Power steering cuts out or the wheel locks while driving. This usually comes with a flood of warnings for brakes, stability control, lane keeping and collision mitigation. Brakes may feel stiff, and the car can slow by itself. Restarting often clears the fault, and dealers often cannot reproduce it. Repairs mentioned include a new battery or a steering rack. One report describes a crash into a wall after the wheel locked. Other complaints cover a grinding vibration when the power column extends or retracts, which continued after a column replacement, and a steady pull to the right.

17 complaints total1 crash

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

8 complaints

The panoramic glass roof shatters while driving, with a loud bang owners compare to an explosion or a gunshot. Reports mention no impact and no bad weather, and one roof broke twice. The sunshade or window tint sometimes holds the glass in place. In one case, glass shards caused a minor injury. Owners say dealers sent them to their insurance, with repair quotes of $1100 to $1400 on a car less than 30 days old. Separate reports describe the rearview mirror coming off its bracket and the engine shutting off at a stop.

8 complaints total1 injury
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (8 complaints)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

8 complaints

Batteries drain and fail early, and some owners have replaced them twice in two years. A weak battery can set off a cascade of system warnings, cause a stall after auto idle stop, or stop the car from restarting for several minutes. Other reports cover low-speed braking control slamming on with nothing in the way, a brake warning light that keeps coming back, a failed roof sunshade motor tied to a service bulletin, and a driver-side water leak that disabled keyless entry at 7k miles.

8 complaints total
SERVICE BRAKES (5 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

5 complaintsSafety-related

The brakes feel stuck or fail to stop the car. There are two crash reports, each with an injury. One owner tied a crash to recall campaign 25V391000. The other crash happened while shifting from reverse into drive at 17,956 miles. Other complaints cover reduced-braking warnings, auto brake hold not holding, rear brakes that squeal and grab, and brief seizing or shudder at 40 to 65 MPH. A single front pad and rotor wearing out early shows up at 8K and 21k miles.

5 complaints total2 crashes2 injuries
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (5 complaints)

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

5 complaints

Collision mitigation braking slams on with nothing ahead. It happens on open highways around 50 mph and on empty residential streets below 30 mph. Drivers report near rear-end collisions with cars behind them. One report has the car stopping in the middle of a busy intersection. Another says the accelerator stopped responding while the system braked on and off. A dealer suggested metal guardrails could cause interference. None of the reports describe a fix.

5 complaints total
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (4 complaints)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

4 complaints

The capless filler neck grabs the fuel nozzle and can pull loose from the vehicle when the nozzle is removed. One owner says this happens about 75% of the time. Other reports cover a fuel door that will not open electronically, which leaves only the manual release behind a cargo-area panel. Owners also report higher than expected fuel use. In another case, a dealer refused the product update for cars that may not restart after auto idle stop because the vehicle came from Canada.

4 complaints total
SUSPENSION (4 complaints)

SUSPENSION

4 complaints

A front air strut can burst while driving. That corner of the car drops about 6 inches and a string of warning lights comes on. The replacement part was backordered, which kept the car off the road. A Type S owner says the air suspension absorbs nothing over potholes and expansion cracks. The tires and rims take the hit, and one tire and two rims have been replaced. Other reports cover a failed lower ball joint and a clicking tie rod end that was never torqued down.

4 complaints total
AIR BAGS (3 complaints)

AIR BAGS

3 complaintsSafety-related

Airbags did not deploy in a high-speed rear-end crash that pushed the car into a truck and totaled it. That report also lists a fire and an injury. A second complaint covers recall campaign 24V064000, where the repair part was not yet available and the wait dragged on. A third links brake warnings and phantom braking at 41,000 miles to the side airbag sensors. A software update fixed it.

3 complaints total1 crash1 fire1 injury
ENGINE (2 complaints)

ENGINE

2 complaintsSafety-related

A fire started in the front passenger wheel well while the car idled at a red light, at 26,000 miles. It began as white smoke and the fire department put it out. No injuries are reported, and the report gives no cause. The other complaint describes the engine shutting off at a full stop and not restarting, so the car had to be towed. The dealer blamed battery drain from the auto idle stop feature and replaced the battery.

2 complaints total1 fire

When Do 2022 Acura MDX Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

60,000–84,000 milesStripped transmission/transfer case splines

Best & Worst Acura MDX Years

Best Acura MDX Years to Buy

Acura MDX Years to Avoid

Acura MDX Reliability Score Trend

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Acura MDX reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201864/100Good
201964/100Good
202062/100Good
202273/100Good
202379/100Good
202479/100Good
202576/100Good
202679/100Good

Acura MDX Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202679/100+3Good04
202576/100-3Good232
202479/1000Good130
202379/100+6Good129
2022(selected)73/100+11Good190
202062/100-2Good7188
201964/1000Good9175
201864/100—Good10144

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2022 Acura MDX reliable?
Yes, it has good reliability and sits above average among 2022 SUVs. Within the MDX line it falls in the middle of eight scored years. Model-wide repair costs are $571 a year against $807 for the class. The main concerns are drivetrain and steering complaints.
What are the most common problems with the 2022 Acura MDX?
Power train complaints lead, followed by steering, electrical and service brakes. The top issue is stripped splines between the transmission and transfer case. Steering can cut out with many warnings. Batteries drain and fail early, and some owners report brakes that feel stuck.
Does the 2022 Acura MDX have transmission problems?
Some do. Owners report stripped splines between the transmission and transfer case, which cut power to the rear wheels. Most saw no warning light. Failures cluster between 60,000 and 84,000 miles, and the repair is a new transmission and transfer case costing over $13,000.
Has the 2022 Acura MDX been recalled?
Federal recall records list one recall for this model year, in the air bags area. Check the VIN with the manufacturer or a recall lookup before buying, and ask the seller for proof that the recall repair was completed.
Is the 2023 Acura MDX more reliable than the 2022?
The 2023 rates better. It has good reliability, 29 owner complaints and one recall, against 90 complaints for the 2022. Part of that gap may reflect the 2022 simply having more time on the road, but the 2023 is worth pricing alongside it.

Don’t buy a 2022 Acura MDX without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Look Up a VIN →

How we score the 2022 Acura MDX

Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2022 Acura MDX does best on recall impact (88/100) and worst on complaint severity (55/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

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