Last updated: 2026-04-20

RELIABILITY SCORE: 78/100 (GOOD)

2026 Acura MDX Reliability Report

Name: 2026 Acura MDX
Brand: Acura

The 2026 Acura MDX has a predicted reliability score of 78/100 based on prior model year data. Early data shows 0 recalls and 4 owner complaints.

Full Breakdown Compare Models

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

13.4per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$571

Annual Fuel Cost

$3,150–$3,650

The Verdict

Consider

Based on historical reliability patterns, predicted to score 78/100 — worth considering.

Top Issues to Watch

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

Should You Buy the 2026 Acura MDX?

The 2026 Acura MDX has a predicted reliability score of 78/100 ("Good") based on prior model year performance.

So far: 0 recalls, 4 owner complaints. Early complaint volume is still developing.

Prior model years suggest dependable ownership. Confirm all recall repairs are completed, and consider a pre-purchase inspection for used examples.

See also the 2025 Acura MDX for an earlier comparison.

Pros

+Acceptable predicted reliability based on prior model years
+$236 cheaper to maintain than avg luxury midsize SUVs
+Low major repair risk (8%)
+No recalls issued

Cons

−Score is a prediction — real-world data still developing
−Above-average complaint rate for SUV
−ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1)

Compare 2026 Acura MDX With

2026 Lexus RX

Predicted: 84/100

Predicted

2026 Cadillac XT5

Predicted: 73/100

Predicted

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC

Predicted: 71/100

Predicted

2026 Mazda CX-90

Predicted: 51/100

Predicted

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

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

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.

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

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

Best Acura MDX Years to Buy

Based on reliability index score

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).

Top Pick

Good

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).

Good

2020

7Recalls

188Complaints

Good

2019

9Recalls

175Complaints

See full Acura MDX years-to-avoid analysis

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.

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

Acura MDX Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
Year	Score	vs Prior Year	Rating	Recalls	Complaints
2026(selected)	78/100 (predicted)	—	Predicted	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?

The 2026 Acura MDX has a predicted reliability score of 78/100 ("Good") based on prior model year data. So far there are 0 recalls and 4 owner complaints on file. This is a prediction — the actual score will be available once more real-world data accumulates.

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

There aren't enough owner complaints to establish common problem patterns yet for the 2026 Acura MDX. Based on prior model years, review known issues from previous years to understand potential problem areas.

How many recalls does the 2026 Acura MDX have?

The 2026 Acura MDX has no recalls on record, which is a positive indicator.

How is the predicted score calculated?

The predicted score of 78/100 is calculated by averaging reliability scores from prior model years of the same generation. When generation data is unavailable, the average of the most recent model years is used. The prediction updates automatically as new data becomes available.

Don’t buy a 2026 Acura MDX without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Look Up a VIN →

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.

Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Acura MDX.

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