Last updated: 2026-10-10

RELIABILITY SCORE: 79/100 (GOOD)

2026 Acura MDX Reliability Report

The 2026 Acura MDX has a good reliability standing and no recalls, but owners report engine failures within the first 2,000 miles.

Full Breakdown Compare Models

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

13.4per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$571

Annual Fuel Cost

$3,150–$3,650

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity69/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs80/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact100/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity73/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Good standing with no recalls on record, though owners report engine failures at only 1,000 to 2,000 miles.

Top Issues to Watch

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1)
ENGINE (1)

Should You Buy the 2026 Acura MDX?

Buy with moderate confidence. This model year has a good reliability standing, close to average against other 2026 SUVs and among the stronger of the eight scored MDX years. It earns 5 of 5 federal crash-test stars. Independent repair-cost data puts model-wide yearly repairs at $571, well under the $807 typical for its class. The 2025 model also has a good standing but rates worse, with 2 recalls on record.

Owners have filed 4 complaints. The one problem with a mileage attached is engine failure, reported at just 1,000 to 2,000 miles. That is very early, and engine trouble is serious. Federal recall records show no recalls for this year. A newer year has had less time to collect complaints, so the low count does not prove a clean record.

Ask the seller for any engine repair or warranty work, and for proof of regular service. Run the VIN through a federal recall lookup before you sign, since recalls can still be issued.

See also the 2025 Acura MDX for an earlier comparison.

Pros

+Acceptable reliability score
+$236 cheaper to maintain than avg luxury midsize SUVs
+Low major repair risk (8%)
+No recalls issued

Cons

−Above-average complaint rate for SUV
−ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1)
−VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1)

Compare 2026 Acura MDX With

2026 Cadillac XT5

Reliability: 81/100

Excellent

2026 Lexus RX

Reliability: 95/100

Excellent

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC

Reliability: 77/100

Good

2026 Mazda CX-90

Reliability: 72/100

Good

Common Problem Categories

Other

HIGH RISK

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

recalls on record

No recalls are on record for the 2026 Acura MDX — uncommon, and a strong signal of manufacturing quality.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

13.4

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 4.6

LowAvgHigh

Moderate

Safety Incidents

Crashes

Fires

Injuries

Deaths

★★★★★

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

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

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2026 Acura MDX? Check its history first

Electrical system problems lead owner complaints about the 2026 Acura MDX, and 0 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.

Accidents
Open Recalls
Title History
Odometer Rollback

2026 Acura MDX NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

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 (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row, 3rd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Not Available)Seat Belt Pretensioners (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Seat Belt Load Limiters (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row, 3rd row)Torso and/or Pelvis Protection (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)Unattended Child Reminder Direct Sensing System (Info Not Available)LATCH Locations (2nd row)Driver Monitoring System (No)Automatic High Beams (Standard)

View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Acura MDXRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

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

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 2026 model year.

Value Retained: 56.9%
Depreciation: 43.1%
Listings Analyzed: 154

Listings observed in May 2021. 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 2026 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims

Trim	Drive	Trans.	City	Hwy	Comb	Fuel Cost
MDX FWD 3.5L 6-cyl	Front-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S10)	19	26	22	$3,150
MDX AWD 3.5L 6-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S10)	19	25	21	$3,300
MDX AWD Type-S 3.0L 6-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S10)	17	21	19	$3,650

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2026 Acura MDX.

Inspect engine for unusual noises or signs of wear
Test infotainment system for firmware update errors
Verify wireless Apple CarPlay and Google Auto connectivity
Check accelerator pedal clearance with floor mats
Ensure keyless entry functions properly with key fob

2026 Acura MDX Common Problems by Component

4 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1)VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1)ENGINE (1)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

2025-11-15

Google on-board gives a persistent error that the MMI and car driving technology firmware cannot be completed. Service center says it’s known and they can’t do anything. The car is supposed to have voice control over vehicle temperature and functionality — it does not. It frequently will not automatically connect to a wireless Apple Car Play or Google Auto connection. Firmware is also supposed to communicate w car speed, etc. to make Acura Assist driving more safe.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

2025-11-10

2026 Acura MDX with Acura Factory A Spec issued plastic floor mats. Accelerator pedal gets stuck behind the floor mat resulting in uncontrolled wide open throttle. Had to physically put my foot behind the pedal and pull pedal away from floor. Afterwards tried a few times to repeat the issue, 3/5 times was able to reproduce stuck pedal. Top of the drivers plastic floor mats, right side, has a U cut out for the accelerator pedal. This needs to be trimmed another 1/2” or more to stop the issue. Could result in severe or fatal consequences.

ENGINE

1 complaint

2025-10-21

2026 Acura MDX with 3.5 L V6 (J35Y-series) experienced connecting-rod bearing failure and total engine loss at 1,920 miles. Vehicle currently at dealer. Appears identical to failures under NHTSA PE25-008 (2016-2020 models)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1 complaints)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

2025-07-21

I have experienced the vehicle not unlocking when the key fob is near(in my pocket) the vehicle and my hand is touching the door handles. The vehicle is designed to unlock when the key fob is in close proximity while hands are on the handle. This is a safety/security concern because in an emergency, the vehicle does not function as it is intended to.

When Do 2026 Acura MDX Problems Start?

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

1,000–2,000 milesEngine failures

Best & Worst Acura MDX Years

Best Acura MDX Years to Buy

Based on reliability index score

Top Pick

Good

Acura MDX Reliability Score Trend

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

Acura MDX reliability scores by year
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
2026	79/100	Good

Acura MDX Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
Year	Score	vs Prior Year	Rating	Recalls	Complaints
2026(selected)	79/100	+3	Good	0	4
2025	76/100	-3	Good	2	32
2024	79/100	0	Good	1	30
2023	79/100	+6	Good	1	29
2022	73/100	+11	Good	1	90
2020	62/100	-2	Good	7	188
2019	64/100	0	Good	9	175
2018	64/100	—	Good	10	144

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2026 Acura MDX reliable?

Yes, it has a good reliability standing. It is close to average among 2026 SUVs and among the stronger of the eight scored MDX years. It has no federal recalls and a 5 of 5 crash-test rating. It is a recent year, so complaints have had less time to accumulate.

What are the most common problems with the 2026 Acura MDX?

Owners have filed only 4 complaints. The problem with a mileage in the data is engine failure, reported at 1,000 to 2,000 miles. Nothing else in the records points to a pattern, though the small count means the picture may still change.

Does the 2026 Acura MDX have engine problems?

Owners have reported engine failures, and they came very early, at 1,000 to 2,000 miles. Engine trouble is a serious repair. If you shop for one, ask for service and warranty records covering the engine, and have it inspected before buying.

Does the 2026 Acura MDX have any recalls?

No. Federal recall records list zero recalls for this model year. The 2025 MDX has 2 recalls on record. Recalls can be issued later, so check the VIN in a federal recall lookup before you buy.

How much does the 2026 Acura MDX cost to repair?

Independent repair-cost data estimates $571 a year across the MDX model, compared with $807 for its class. That figure covers the whole model, not only this year, so it shows the typical cost of ownership rather than a 2026 guarantee.

Don’t buy a 2026 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 2026 Acura MDX

Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2026 Acura MDX does best on recall impact (100/100) and worst on complaint severity (69/100). 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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