Last updated: 2026-10-10
Acura MDX vs Volvo XC90: Reliability Compared
Acura MDX
Volvo XC90
Choosing between the Acura MDX and the Volvo XC90? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two midsize suvs.
Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. Both models currently share an average reliability score of 72/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.
Verdict
The Acura MDX and Volvo XC90 are evenly matched with a reliability score of 72/100.
Key Differences
- 1Acura MDX costs $280 less per year to repair
- 2Acura MDX has 8 fewer total recalls
- 3Acura MDX has 3% lower major repair risk
Category Scoreboard
Acura MDX vs Volvo XC90: Which Is More Reliable?
| Metric | Acura MDX | Volvo XC90 |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability Score | 72/100 | 72/100 |
| Years Tracked | 8 | 9 |
| Total Recalls | 31 | 39 |
| Complaints per 10k Sold | 6.7 | 4.2 |
| Annual Repair Cost | $571/yr | $851/yr |
| Repair Frequency | 0.4/yr | 0.6/yr |
| Major Repair Risk | 8% | 11% |
| Safety RatingNHTSA overall | 2026 NHTSA | 2026 NHTSA |
| Frontal | ||
| Side | ||
| Rollover | ||
| Year Wins | 5 | 3 |
What Are the Common Problems With the Acura MDX and Volvo XC90?
| Component | Acura MDX | Volvo XC90 |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 1.1Low | 1.1Low |
| POWER TRAIN | 0.9Very Low | 0.2Very Low |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 0.5Very Low | 0.5Very Low |
| ENGINE | 0.7Very Low | 0.2Very Low |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 0.3Very Low | 0.4Very Low |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 0.6Very Low | —None |
| STEERING | 0.2Very Low | 0.1Very Low |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 0.3Very Low | —None |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 0.3Very Low | —None |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | —None | 0.3Very Low |
| FUEL SYSTEM | 0.2Very Low | —None |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 0.1Very Low | 0.1Very Low |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 0.1Very Low | 0.1Very Low |
| STRUCTURE | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| SUSPENSION | —None | —None |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | —None | —None |
| AIR BAGS | —None | —None |
| WHEELS | —None | —None |
| SEAT BELTS | —None | —None |
Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.
How Does Acura MDX vs Volvo XC90 Reliability Compare by Year?
| Year | Acura MDX | Volvo XC90 | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 79/1000R / 4C | 73/1002R / 2C | Acura MDX |
| 2025 | 76/1002R / 32C | 74/1003R / 23C | Acura MDX |
| 2024 | 79/1001R / 30C | 73/1003R / 26C | Acura MDX |
| 2023 | 79/1001R / 29C | 70/1006R / 39C | Acura MDX |
| 2022 | 73/1001R / 90C | 72/1004R / 27C | Acura MDX |
| 2020 | 62/1007R / 188C | 71/1007R / 24C | Volvo XC90 |
| 2019 | 64/1009R / 175C | 71/1006R / 31C | Volvo XC90 |
| 2018 | 64/10010R / 144C | 71/1003R / 40C | Volvo XC90 |
Best years to cross-shop: The 2024 Acura MDX scored 79/100 and the 2024 Volvo XC90 scored 73/100 — the strongest shared model years that have been on the road for at least two years, where available.
Acura MDX vs Volvo XC90: Common Questions
- Is the Acura MDX more reliable than the Volvo XC90?
- They're very close — both average 72/100 in our reliability scoring. Other factors like repair costs and specific year models may tip the decision.
- Which has more recalls, the Acura MDX or the Volvo XC90?
- The Volvo XC90 has more recalls (39) compared to the Acura MDX (31). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
- Which has fewer owner complaints, the Acura MDX or the Volvo XC90?
- Adjusted for sales volume, the Volvo XC90 has a lower complaint rate at 4.2 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 6.7 for the Acura MDX. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
- Which is cheaper to maintain, the Acura MDX or the Volvo XC90?
- Based on independent repair cost estimates, the Acura MDX is cheaper to maintain at $571/year versus $851/year for the Volvo XC90.
- Is the Acura MDX or Volvo XC90 safer?
- Both the Acura MDX and Volvo XC90 received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.
Related Reliability Comparisons
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Decided between Acura MDX and Volvo XC90? Run a VIN check before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
How we score the Acura MDX and Volvo XC90
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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