Last updated: 2026-04-20
2026 Acura MDX Reliability Report
The 2026 Acura MDX scores 79/100 ("Good"). With 0 recalls and 4 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
0
Complaints
4
Complaint Rate
13.4per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$571
Annual Fuel Cost
$3,150–$3,650
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
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1)
- ENGINE (1)
Should You Buy the 2026 Acura MDX?
At 79/100, the 2026 Acura MDX lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading.
Its complaint rate of 13.4 per 10,000 vehicles sold runs above the SUV segment average of 4.6. The most common reports involve electrical system (1).
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to electrical system (1). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
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 Lexus RX
Reliability: 95/100
2026 Cadillac XT5
Reliability: 81/100
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC
Reliability: 77/100
2026 Mazda CX-90
Reliability: 72/100
Common Problem Categories
Other
HIGH RISK- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1)
Recall Overview
0
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 soldSegment avg: 4.6
Safety Incidents
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
Buying a used 2026 Acura MDX? Check its history first
Every 2026 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
2026 Acura MDX NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 15.1%
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.
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
after 5 years
over the same period
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.comMPG & 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 complaintGoogle 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 complaint2026 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 complaint2026 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 complaintI 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.
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 2026 with a reliability score of 79/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2024 (79/100) and 2023 (79/100).
2026
(Current Model)
2024
2023
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).
Acura MDX Reliability Score Trend
Acura MDX reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 78/100 compared to 66/100 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 |
| 2026 | 79/100 | Good |
Acura MDX Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2026 Acura MDX reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2026 Acura MDX?
How many recalls does the 2026 Acura MDX have?
Is the 2026 Acura MDX expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2026 Acura MDX without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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 via vehicles.dev. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Acura MDX.
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