Is the Acura ZDX more reliable than the Tesla Model Y?

Based on our data, the Acura ZDX is more reliable with an average score of 82/100 compared to 55/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.

Which has more recalls, the Acura ZDX or the Tesla Model Y?

The Tesla Model Y has more recalls (83) compared to the Acura ZDX (4). 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 ZDX or the Tesla Model Y?

Adjusted for sales volume, the Tesla Model Y has a lower complaint rate at 24.3 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 73.6 for the Acura ZDX. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Is the Acura ZDX or Tesla Model Y safer?

Both the Acura ZDX and Tesla Model Y 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.

Last updated: 2026-05-15

Acura ZDX vs Tesla Model Y: Reliability Compared

More Reliable

Acura ZDX

Excellent

Tesla Model Y

Mixed

Choosing between the Acura ZDX and the Tesla Model Y? 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. The Acura ZDX currently leads with an average score of 82/100 compared to 55/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Acura ZDX and Tesla Model Y Generations Compare?

As of May 2026, the Tesla Model Y is in its second generation, which began in 2025. This generation is still relatively new, which can sometimes mean the presence of initial production issues as manufacturers work out early kinks. The first generation, which ran from 2020 to 2025, underwent a significant refresh in 2025, indicating a mature and more refined platform by the end of its cycle. The Acura ZDX is also in its second generation, introduced in 2024. Like the Model Y, it is early in its cycle, which could imply some teething problems typical of new models. The first generation, sold from 2010 to 2013, was a one-time effort, suggesting the current model has undergone significant redesigns compared to its predecessor.

Verdict

The Acura ZDX is more reliable than the Tesla Model Y, scoring 82/100 vs 55/100.

The Tesla Model Y and Acura ZDX show a stark contrast in reliability metrics. The Model Y has an average reliability score of 55/100 and has faced 83 recalls over six years, with a lower owner complaint rate of 24.3 per 10,000 sold. In comparison, the Acura ZDX boasts a significantly higher reliability score of 82/100 and only 4 recalls in two years, though its complaint rate is higher at 73.6 per 10,000 sold. Despite the ZDX's higher complaint rate, its superior reliability score and minimal recalls suggest it is the more reliable choice.

Key Differences

1Acura ZDX has 79 fewer total recalls
2Tesla Model Y has 49.3 fewer complaints per 10k sold
3Acura ZDX scores 27 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

2Acura ZDX

—

1Tesla Model Y

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateSafety Rating

Acura ZDX vs Tesla Model Y: Which Is More Reliable?

Acura ZDX vs Tesla Model Y at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Acura ZDX	Tesla Model Y
Reliability Score	82/100	55/100
Years Tracked	2	6
Total Recalls	4	83
Complaints per 10k Sold	73.6	24.3
Safety RatingNHTSA overall	2025 NHTSA	2025 NHTSA
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Year Wins	2	0

What Are the Common Problems With the Acura ZDX and Tesla Model Y?

The Tesla Model Y exhibits a high number of complaints across various categories, with significant issues in forward collision avoidance (875 complaints, 41 crash-linked) and vehicle speed control (434 complaints, 49 crash-linked). In contrast, the Acura ZDX has a markedly lower total complaint count, with service brakes being the most reported issue at 13 complaints and only one crash-linked incident in the power train category. Notably, the Tesla Model Y's electrical system and steering also present considerable safety concerns, each with over 50 crash-linked complaints, a severity not mirrored in any specific category for the Acura ZDX. The data suggests that while the Tesla Model Y encounters more frequent and severe reliability issues, particularly in safety-critical components, the Acura ZDX maintains a relatively low problem profile.

Acura ZDX vs Tesla Model Y common problem areas comparison
Component	Acura ZDX	Tesla Model Y
SERVICE BRAKES	21.3High	1.9Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	11.5Above Avg	6.3Average
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	13.1Above Avg	2.3Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	11.5Above Avg	2.4Low
BACK OVER PREVENTION	4.9Average	0.2Very Low
POWER TRAIN	3.3Average	0.4Very Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	—None	3.1Average
STEERING	—None	2.4Low
SUSPENSION	—None	0.9Very Low
AIR BAGS	—None	0.6Very Low
LANE DEPARTURE	—None	0.2Very Low
STRUCTURE	—None	0.2Very Low
SEAT BELTS	—None	0.1Very Low
VISIBILITY/WIPER	—None	—None

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

How Does Acura ZDX vs Tesla Model Y Reliability Compare by Year?

Acura ZDX vs Tesla Model Y year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Acura ZDX	Tesla Model Y	Edge
2025	88/1000R / 0C	70/1002R / 69C	Acura ZDX
2024	76/1004R / 45C	63/1005R / 254C	Acura ZDX

Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 Acura ZDX scored 88/100 and the 2025 Tesla Model Y scored 70/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Acura ZDX vs the Tesla Model Y?

If you prioritize reliability and want peace of mind, the Acura ZDX is the better choice. With a high reliability score of 82/100 and only four recalls, it stands out as a dependable option. While it has a higher owner complaint rate of 73.6 per 10,000 sold, the issues are less severe compared to its competitor. If you're looking for a vehicle with fewer potential headaches and lower risk of major repairs, the Acura ZDX fits the bill. On the other hand, if you're drawn to innovative technology and cutting-edge features, the Tesla Model Y might still catch your eye despite its lower reliability score of 55/100. However, be prepared for a higher likelihood of recalls, as it has had 83 recalls, and prioritize staying on top of maintenance for systems like forward collision avoidance and vehicle speed control. Choose the Model Y if you're comfortable with its potential challenges and value its tech-savvy appeal.

Acura ZDX vs Tesla Model Y: Common Questions

Is the Acura ZDX more reliable than the Tesla Model Y?: Based on our data, the Acura ZDX is more reliable with an average score of 82/100 compared to 55/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.
Which has more recalls, the Acura ZDX or the Tesla Model Y?: The Tesla Model Y has more recalls (83) compared to the Acura ZDX (4). 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 ZDX or the Tesla Model Y?: Adjusted for sales volume, the Tesla Model Y has a lower complaint rate at 24.3 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 73.6 for the Acura ZDX. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Is the Acura ZDX or Tesla Model Y safer?: Both the Acura ZDX and Tesla Model Y 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.

More Acura ZDX comparisons

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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.

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