Based on CarVitals reliability verdicts, the Acura MDX years to approach with the most caution are 2016 and 2017. The strongest years in our data are 2008, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2015, 2023, and 2024. Below is every model year we cover (2005–2024), ranked, with the owner-reported problems behind each call.
| Year | Verdict | Score | Top owner-reported problems | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Recommended | 7 | Early-build 10-speed automatic and transfer-case driveline failures (twisted transmission output shaft, stripped transfer-case spline, loss of drive to the rear wheels), largely confined to the 2022 launch year. | Full report ↗ |
| 2023 | Recommended | 7 | Early-build 10-speed automatic and transfer-case driveline failures (twisted transmission output shaft, stripped transfer-case spline, loss of drive to the rear wheels), largely confined to the 2022 launch year. | Full report ↗ |
| 2015 | Recommended | 7 | Electric power-steering can fail at startup: the wheel becomes hard or locked, often with simultaneous EPS, VSA, brake and hill-start warning lights, on the third-gen launch cars. | Full report ↗ |
| 2013 | Recommended | 7 | Electrical faults including driver-seat wiring-harness failure, erratic power windows and door locks, intermittent navigation and audio, and occasional loss of electrical power; most reported on the 2007 launch year.; 3.7L V6 oil leaks and consumption (oil-pan and cam/VTC-related leaks), most often reported on 2011-2013 cars. | Full report ↗ |
| 2010 | Recommended | 7 | Electrical faults including driver-seat wiring-harness failure, erratic power windows and door locks, intermittent navigation and audio, and occasional loss of electrical power; most reported on the 2007 launch year.; 3.7L V6 oil leaks and consumption (oil-pan and cam/VTC-related leaks), most often reported on 2011-2013 cars. | Full report ↗ |
| 2009 | Recommended | 7 | Electrical faults including driver-seat wiring-harness failure, erratic power windows and door locks, intermittent navigation and audio, and occasional loss of electrical power; most reported on the 2007 launch year.; 3.7L V6 oil leaks and consumption (oil-pan and cam/VTC-related leaks), most often reported on 2011-2013 cars. | Full report ↗ |
| 2008 | Recommended | 7 | Electrical faults including driver-seat wiring-harness failure, erratic power windows and door locks, intermittent navigation and audio, and occasional loss of electrical power; most reported on the 2007 launch year.; 3.7L V6 oil leaks and consumption (oil-pan and cam/VTC-related leaks), most often reported on 2011-2013 cars. | Full report ↗ |
| 2020 | Caution | 6 | 3.5L V6 connecting-rod-bearing failure: engine knocking, sudden loss of power and a spun bearing that typically requires engine replacement (subject of a manufacturer recall).; ZF nine-speed automatic (from 2016) draws complaints for harsh, hesitant shifting, gear-hunting and unintended shifts to neutral; an ATF-warmer defect was addressed under recall 17-010. | Full report ↗ |
| 2019 | Caution | 6 | 3.5L V6 connecting-rod-bearing failure: engine knocking, sudden loss of power and a spun bearing that typically requires engine replacement (subject of a manufacturer recall).; ZF nine-speed automatic (from 2016) draws complaints for harsh, hesitant shifting, gear-hunting and unintended shifts to neutral; an ATF-warmer defect was addressed under recall 17-010. | Full report ↗ |
| 2012 | Caution | 6 | Electrical faults including driver-seat wiring-harness failure, erratic power windows and door locks, intermittent navigation and audio, and occasional loss of electrical power; most reported on the 2007 launch year.; 3.7L V6 oil leaks and consumption (oil-pan and cam/VTC-related leaks), most often reported on 2011-2013 cars. | Full report ↗ |
| 2011 | Caution | 6 | Electrical faults including driver-seat wiring-harness failure, erratic power windows and door locks, intermittent navigation and audio, and occasional loss of electrical power; most reported on the 2007 launch year.; 3.7L V6 oil leaks and consumption (oil-pan and cam/VTC-related leaks), most often reported on 2011-2013 cars. | Full report ↗ |
| 2007 | Caution | 6 | Electrical faults including driver-seat wiring-harness failure, erratic power windows and door locks, intermittent navigation and audio, and occasional loss of electrical power; most reported on the 2007 launch year.; 3.7L V6 oil leaks and consumption (oil-pan and cam/VTC-related leaks), most often reported on 2011-2013 cars. | Full report ↗ |
| 2022 | Caution | 5 | Early-build 10-speed automatic and transfer-case driveline failures (twisted transmission output shaft, stripped transfer-case spline, loss of drive to the rear wheels), largely confined to the 2022 launch year. | Full report ↗ |
| 2018 | Caution | 5 | 3.5L V6 connecting-rod-bearing failure: engine knocking, sudden loss of power and a spun bearing that typically requires engine replacement (subject of a manufacturer recall).; ZF nine-speed automatic (from 2016) draws complaints for harsh, hesitant shifting, gear-hunting and unintended shifts to neutral; an ATF-warmer defect was addressed under recall 17-010. | Full report ↗ |
| 2014 | Caution | 5 | Electric power-steering can fail at startup: the wheel becomes hard or locked, often with simultaneous EPS, VSA, brake and hill-start warning lights, on the third-gen launch cars. | Full report ↗ |
| 2006 | Caution | 5 | Five-speed automatic transmission failure: jerking, failure to accelerate, slipping and premature failure are commonly reported on the first-generation cars.; Takata frontal airbag inflator recall applies to these years; confirm the inflator was replaced before purchase. | Full report ↗ |
| 2017 | Avoid | 4 | 3.5L V6 connecting-rod-bearing failure: engine knocking, sudden loss of power and a spun bearing that typically requires engine replacement (subject of a manufacturer recall).; ZF nine-speed automatic (from 2016) draws complaints for harsh, hesitant shifting, gear-hunting and unintended shifts to neutral; an ATF-warmer defect was addressed under recall 17-010. | Full report ↗ |
| 2005 | Caution | 4 | Five-speed automatic transmission failure: jerking, failure to accelerate, slipping and premature failure are commonly reported on the first-generation cars.; Takata frontal airbag inflator recall applies to these years; confirm the inflator was replaced before purchase. | Full report ↗ |
| 2016 | Avoid | 3 | 3.5L V6 connecting-rod-bearing failure: engine knocking, sudden loss of power and a spun bearing that typically requires engine replacement (subject of a manufacturer recall).; ZF nine-speed automatic (from 2016) draws complaints for harsh, hesitant shifting, gear-hunting and unintended shifts to neutral; an ATF-warmer defect was addressed under recall 17-010. | Full report ↗ |
Fully redesigned and reliable so far: low complaint volume, standard safety tech and a strong Type S option. A confident pick among used luxury three-row SUVs.
Second year of the redesign with very few reported problems and the early-build driveline issues behind it. One of the better used MDX years to buy.
Redesign launch year: appealing but flagged for transfer-case and transmission driveline failures on early build. Buy only with service history checked.
Last of the third generation: refined and well-equipped, but the 3.5L V6 can still develop rod-bearing trouble. A decent buy if engine health is verified.
Late third-gen with improved nine-speed behavior, though engine rod-bearing complaints persist. A reasonable pick with a pre-purchase inspection.
Mid-cycle third-gen with average reliability; engine and nine-speed transmission complaints remain. Workable with maintenance records and an inspection.
Among the weaker MDX years: 3.5L rod-bearing failures and balky nine-speed shifting drive high complaint volume. Approach with caution.
Statistically the most problematic MDX: widespread connecting-rod-bearing engine failures and a troublesome new nine-speed automatic. Best avoided.
Sweet spot of the third generation: the smoother six-speed automatic and few engine complaints make it one of the safest used MDX picks.
Third-gen launch year with electric-power-steering failures and brake complaints. Serviceable but inspect the steering system before buying.
Strong end-of-generation year with low complaint volume and a proven 3.7L V6. One of the better used MDX values.
Solid second-gen MDX, though the 3.7L V6 can leak oil and overall complaints tick up. A sound buy with maintenance records.
Capable second-gen year, but engine oil leaks are commonly reported. Reasonable value if service history checks out.
Refined second-gen MDX with a new six-speed automatic and low complaint volume. A dependable used pick.
One of the most trouble-free MDX years: low complaints, sporty V6 and strong build quality. A confident used buy.
Reliable second-gen year with few reported problems and good resale. Among the safer used MDX choices.
Second-gen launch year that drives well but shows clustered electrical faults, including seat wiring-harness failures. Buy with an inspection.
Final first-gen year: capable AWD V6 but the five-speed automatic is a known weak point and the Takata airbag recall applies. A thorough inspection is advised.
Aging first-gen MDX with high transmission-failure complaints and a Takata airbag recall. Only with full service history and verified repairs.
Rankings come from CarVitals reliability verdicts, built on public NHTSA complaint and recall data. See how we build these reports, the most reliable used cars overall, browse all Acura models, or check any listing free with the CarVitals extension.