Photo: Gold Pony / CC BY 3.0 / Wikimedia Commons
Every generation
Power
Combined, EPA 2026
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Owners broadly praise the MDX for reliability, driving dynamics, interior comfort, and value, with many describing it as the most reliable vehicle they have owned and reporting zero issues over tens of thousands of miles.
13 problems reported (2 recurrent, 11 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- RecurrentInterior rattles and squeaks
- RecurrentInfotainment software glitches and unresponsiveness
- IsolatedEvery warning light illuminating with immediate-service message traced to a failed control panel
+ 10 more issuesShow fewer
- IsolatedTailgate opening by itself while locked and parked
- IsolatedIntercooler inlet tube popping off, limiting speed
- IsolatedHarness failure requiring costly repair
- IsolatedEmissions system fault (older models)
- IsolatedExcessive oil consumption on 2010-2013 models
- IsolatedDead battery, groaning steering column, wiper fluid pump failure, brittle door weatherstrip (2023)
- IsolatedAir suspension repair cost concerns (Type S Advance)
- IsolatedPavement vibration felt through pedals
- IsolatedLane-keep system activating and shutting down adaptive cruise
- IsolatedPower steering pump and engine mount wear on high-mileage older models
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus. The 3.5-liter V6 (non-Type S) draws the strongest reliability praise, with multiple owners calling it "God-tier" and "bulletproof," while the Type S turbo V6 has both strong defenders and a few reports of serious failures. The 2022 and newer fourth generation is widely viewed as a major improvement over the 2020 model year, which one long-time owner called their least favorite.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the BMW X5, Mazda CX-90, Lexus RX, Lexus TX and Toyota Grand Highlander.
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Overall sentiment
Owners broadly praise the MDX for reliability, driving dynamics, interior comfort, and value, with many describing it as the most reliable vehicle they have owned and reporting zero issues over tens of thousands of miles. The most consistent criticisms are poor fuel economy (especially on the Type S and in city driving), interior creaks and rattles, glitchy infotainment software, and frustrating dealer service experiences. The 3.5-liter V6 is widely regarded as exceptionally durable, while the Type S turbo V6 draws mixed feedback on reliability, with a few owners reporting serious electrical and mechanical failures. Generation differences are notable: the fourth generation (2022 and newer) is seen as a major leap over the third generation, though some owners report more software and trim issues on the newer models.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners position the MDX as more reliable than the Mazda CX-90 and most BMW models, more luxurious than the Mazda in materials and switches, and a better driving experience than the Lexus RX350. Several owners consider it more comfortable and fun than the Toyota Grand Highlander, and one owner preferred it over the Audi Q5, Jaguar, and Ford Edge after test driving competitors. Against the BMW X5, owners concede the BMW may be sportier but argue the MDX is more reliable and cheaper to maintain. The MDX is generally framed as a strong value that undercuts German rivals while offering comparable luxury.
Recommended configurations
Owners frequently recommend the Advance or A-Spec trims for their combination of sporty and luxury feel, and several suggest the non-Type S V6 if fuel economy is a concern. Multiple owners advise negotiating the extended warranty, with one reporting 4 years/100,000 miles bumper-to-bumper for about $2,700 and another citing a lower-priced 8-year/120,000-mile option. One owner recommends mid-grade fuel as sufficient for non-Type S models, while Type S owners note premium is recommended for full performance.
General recommendations
Owners recommend the MDX for buyers wanting a reliable, sporty, luxurious three-row SUV who can accept mediocre fuel economy, and several suggest keeping a fuel-efficient second car. Buyers concerned about gas mileage are advised to avoid the Type S. Owners strongly advise confirming a good Acura dealer is nearby before purchase, since service experiences vary widely and not all dealers offer loaners. Those considering new purchases are advised to wait for the 2027 model updates or negotiate aggressively on a 2026. Buyers should inspect body panel alignment and trim, and test the infotainment and tailgate functions.
Remarks
A recurring theme is skepticism toward third-party reliability ratings, with many owners arguing that infotainment complaints unfairly drag down scores for mechanically sound vehicles. Dealer service quality is a frequent pain point, with several owners describing poor communication, loaner shortages, and slow repairs, though others report smooth experiences. Fuel economy figures reported by owners range widely, from around 14 mpg in city driving to 25-27 mpg on the highway for the V6, while Type S owners commonly report 16-18 mpg. Analysis based on approximately 55 substantive owner discussions.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearWorst year: 2016. Years to avoid: 2016Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score. See all Acura MDX years to avoid
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 | 1 | lane departure |
| 2025 | 105 | 3 | engine |
| 2024 | 41 | 3 | electrical system |
| 2023 | 44 | 3 | power train |
| 2022 | 175 | 3 | power train |
| 2020 | 226 | 8 | engine |
| 2019 | 196 | 9 | engine |
| 2018 | 166 | 10 | engine |
| 2017 | 263 | 9 | engine |
| 2016 | 374 | 7 | engine |
| 2015 | 71 | 8 | electrical system |
| 2014 | 170 | 9 | steering |
| 2013 | 29 | 1 | engine |
| 2012 | 76 | 1 | engine |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices133 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2026 · air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passengercampaign 26V332000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
2025 · back over prevention:softwarecampaign 25V032000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2025 Acura MDX vehicles. The touchscreen in the center console may go blank, resulting in the rearview camera image not displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2025 · service brakes, hydraulic:pedals and linkagescampaign 25V391000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Acura TLX, 2023-2025 Acura MDX, and 2023-2025 Honda Pilot vehicles. The brake pedal pivot pin was not secured properly, which can cause the pedal to shift out of position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
2025 · air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passengercampaign 26V332000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
2024 · service brakes, hydraulic:pedals and linkagescampaign 25V391000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Acura TLX, 2023-2025 Acura MDX, and 2023-2025 Honda Pilot vehicles. The brake pedal pivot pin was not secured properly, which can cause the pedal to shift out of position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
2024 · air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passengercampaign 26V332000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
2024 · fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection systemcampaign 25V031000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Acura MDX Type-S, 2023-2025 Honda Pilot, and 2021-2025 Acura TLX Type-S vehicles. A software error in the fuel injection electronic control unit (FI-ECU) may cause an engine stall or a loss of power.
2023 · service brakes, hydraulic:pedals and linkagescampaign 25V391000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Acura TLX, 2023-2025 Acura MDX, and 2023-2025 Honda Pilot vehicles. The brake pedal pivot pin was not secured properly, which can cause the pedal to shift out of position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
2023 · air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passengercampaign 26V332000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
2023 · fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection systemcampaign 25V031000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Acura MDX Type-S, 2023-2025 Honda Pilot, and 2021-2025 Acura TLX Type-S vehicles. A software error in the fuel injection electronic control unit (FI-ECU) may cause an engine stall or a loss of power.
2022 · air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passengercampaign 24V064000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
2022 · air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passengercampaign 26V332000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
2022 · fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection systemcampaign 25V031000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Acura MDX Type-S, 2023-2025 Honda Pilot, and 2021-2025 Acura TLX Type-S vehicles. A software error in the fuel injection electronic control unit (FI-ECU) may cause an engine stall or a loss of power.
2020 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 21V215000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Acura MDX, MDX Sport Hybrid, RDX, TLX, Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Insight, 2019 Acura ILX, Honda Accord Hybrid, Civic Coupe, Civic Coupe Si, Civic Sedan, Civic Sedan Si, Civic Type R, Fit, HR-V, Odyssey, Passport, Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 CR-V vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
2020 · service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylindercampaign 23V458000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Civic, 2020-2023 Ridgeline, 2021-2023 Passport, 2021-2022 Pilot, and 2020 Acura MDX vehicles. The tie rod fastener that connects the brake booster and the brake master cylinder may have been improperly assembled during manufacturing, which can cause the brake master cylinder to separate from the booster assembly.
118 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Specifications
Type S 3.0 V6 SH
3.0L 6-cylinder · 355 hp · AWD · automatic
Built 2024–2026