Last updated: 2026-10-10

Acura MDX

Acura MDX Years to Avoid

8 scored model years (2018–2026) · model average 72/100

The Acura MDX years to avoid are 2020, 2019 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2020 with a reliability score of 62/100. The best Acura MDX year to buy is 2024 79/100.

Verdict

The 2020, 2019 Acura MDX score significantly below the model average of 72/100. The weakest year is 2020 with a score of 62/100 due to engine (38) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2024 79/100.

See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Acura MDX Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Acura MDX average of 72/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1202062/100Good7188Engine (38)
2201964/100Good9175Engine And Engine Cooling (29)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

62
GoodReliability score: 62 out of 100, rated Good

2020 Acura MDX

Final third-generation year and the weakest scored MDX, with Auto Idle Stop stalls, engine bearing failures, and windshield camera faults leading the complaints.

7 recalls188 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Engine (38), Electrical System (31), Unknown Or Other (28), Power Train (17), Forward Collision Avoidance (16), Engine And Engine Cooling (13)

View full 2020reliability report →
64
GoodReliability score: 64 out of 100, rated Good

2019 Acura MDX

Ranks among the weaker MDX years, with owner reports of stalling, failed restarts after auto start/stop, and engine recall repairs delayed by missing parts.

9 recalls175 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Engine And Engine Cooling (29), Electrical System (28), Power Train (28), Engine (14), Unknown Or Other (14), Forward Collision Avoidance (9)

View full 2019reliability report →

What Are Common Acura MDX Problems?

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

109 complaints

Most reported in 2020, 2019, 2018

2020: The engine dies at stoplights when Auto Idle Stop engages and won't restart right away.

POWER TRAIN

94 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2022, 2018

2019: The most dangerous pattern here is a failed restart after auto start/stop.

ENGINE

71 complaints

Most reported in 2020, 2019, 2018

2020: Stalling is the dominant complaint.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

58 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2018, 2020

2019: Most of these reports are about the connecting rod bearing recall and the wait for parts to fix it.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

53 complaints

Most reported in 2020, 2022, 2025

2020: Most of these reports describe the same Auto Idle Stop failure.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

32 complaints

Most reported in 2020, 2019, 2022

2020: The multipurpose windshield camera fails without warning and takes Collision Mitigation Braking, Lane Keeping Assist, Road Departure Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Auto High Beam offline at once.

Best Acura MDX Year to Buy Instead

79
GoodReliability score: 79 out of 100, rated Good

2024 Acura MDX

One of the stronger MDX years, with low repair costs, though brake and electrical complaints and a brake recall stand out.

Score: 79/100 (Good)1 recalls30 complaints
View full 2024reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the 2024 Acura MDX has 1 recall on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.

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

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Acura MDX Years by Generation

Frequently Asked Questions

What Acura MDX years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Acura MDX years: 2020 (score: 62/100), 2019 (score: 64/100). These model years score significantly below the Acura MDX average of 72/100.
What is the best year for the Acura MDX?
The best year for the Acura MDX is 2024, with a reliability score of 79/100 ("Good"). It has 1 recalls and 30 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Acura MDX have?
Across all years in our database, the Acura MDX has a total of 31 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Acura MDX worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2024 model year, which scores 79/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 72/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Acura MDX problems?
The most common Acura MDX problems are electrical system (109 complaints), power train (94 complaints), engine (71 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Acura MDX reliable long-term?
The Acura MDX has an average reliability score of 72/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Acura MDX generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Acura MDX generation is the Fourth generation (YD8/9/YE1; 2022) with an average score of 76/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a Acura MDX?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Acura MDX is $571 based on independent repair cost databases. This is below the category average, making it relatively affordable to maintain.
Is the 2024 Acura MDX a good used buy?
Yes, the 2024 Acura MDX is our top-recommended model year with a reliability score of 79/100 ("Good"). It has 1 recalls and 30 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

How we score every Acura MDX model year

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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