The 2013 Acura MDX has 29 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are engine and electrical system. Owners most often flag transmission failure (high mileage), slipping gears, delayed engagement, complete failure typically 180,000-250,000 miles (290,000-402,000 km) if maintenance neglected, fluid changes every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) critical prevention, rebuild cost $3,000-$4,500, recurrent (high mileage, poor maintenance).
Safety record for the 2013 model year
29
Owner complaints
1
Recalls
0
Crash reports
3
Fire reports
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2013 Acura MDX vehicles (US, public record).
Where owners report problems
engine
9
electrical system
8
power train
4
exterior lighting
3
vehicle speed control
3
Recalls affecting the 2013 MDX
fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
Campaign 23V858000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 …
What owners say across generations
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment for first-generation model, widely regarded as groundbreaking luxury three-row SUV establishing segment template and Honda reliability reputation. Praised extensively for exceptional longevity with examples routinely exceeding
Transmission failure (high mileage), slipping gears, delayed engagement, complete failure typically 180,000-250,000 miles (290,000-402,000 km) if maintenance neglected, fluid changes every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) critical prevention, rebuild cost $3,000-$4,500, recurrent (high mileage, poor maintenance)
Timing belt replacement requirement, interference engine causes catastrophic damage if belt fails, service required every 105,000 miles (169,000 km), includes water pump replacement, cost $800-$1,400, neglect common causing expensive failures, recurrent
Third-row power seat motor failure, motors burn out preventing seat folding/raising, affects cargo access, common beyond 150,000 miles (241,000 km), replacement cost $400-$700 per motor, recurrent
Fuel consumption, 16-19 MPG combined typical, premium fuel (91+ octane) recommended though accepts regular 87, annual fuel costs $2,500-$3,500 at current pricing, very frequent
VTM-4 (AWD) system issues, transfer case fluid leaks, rear differential wear, shuddering during turns, service interval 30,000 miles often neglected, fluid change cost $200-$400, rebuild $1,500-$2,500, isolated (high mileage, poor maintenance)
Owner insights cover all generations of the MDX.
Typical used price
Used MDX listings typically run $19,332–$48,370 across 2008 to 2026 model years.