Last updated: 2026-03-04

Acura MDX

2 Acura MDX Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Acura MDX average of 71/100

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 71/100. The weakest year is 2020 with a score of 62/100 due to engine (38) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2022 73/100.

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 71/100.

#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

The 2020 Acura MDX has good reliability. There are 7 recalls and 188 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Acura MDX. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (38), Electrical System (31), Unknown Or Other (28).

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

2019 Acura MDX

The 2019 Acura MDX has good reliability. There are 9 recalls and 175 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Acura MDX. Severity signals include 4 crash-related complaints and 3 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine And Engine Cooling (29), Electrical System (28), Power Train (28).

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 2019 reliability report →

What Are Common Acura MDX Problems?

Top reported issues across all Acura MDX model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

109 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

POWER TRAIN

94 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ENGINE

71 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

58 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

37 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

STEERING

36 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

Best Acura MDX Year to Buy Instead

73
GoodReliability score: 73 out of 100, rated Good

2022 Acura MDX

The 2022 Acura MDX has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 90 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Acura MDX. Severity signals include 4 crash-related complaints and 2 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (22), Steering (17), Electrical System (8).

Score: 73/100 (Good)1 recalls90 complaints
View full 2022 reliability report →

All Acura MDX Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Acura MDX Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

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 71/100.
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 71/100 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 71/100 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 the highest-scoring 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 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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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.

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