Acura MDX Years to Avoid

Why 2014, 2016 and 2020 made the avoid list

2014 Acura MDX

AvoidTop issue: brakes · 27% of complaints · median 10,000 miles

Owners describe warped front brake rotors causing shaking when braking, plus stiff or unresponsive pedals, sudden acceleration or hard unexplained braking, and power steering that intermittently locks or becomes hard to turn after a grinding or buzzing noise. Many report dealers couldn't reproduce or permanently fix these issues, with rotors resurfaced repeatedly.

Full 2014 report ›

2016 Acura MDX

AvoidTop issue: powertrain · 52% of complaints · median 28,000 miles

Owners describe brakes that intermittently don't stop the vehicle or feel soft, engines losing power or stalling after knocking noises with dealers finding failed rod bearings, and a 9-speed transmission that hesitates, jerks or drops into neutral. Many say dealers couldn't duplicate the problems, denied recall coverage, or saw issues return after repairs.

Full 2016 report ›

2020 Acura MDX

AvoidTop issue: engine · 42% of complaints · median 34,000 miles

Owners describe the 2020 MDX stalling or shutting off at stops with the auto idle-stop system active, sometimes slipping into neutral or not restarting, alongside warning lights and knocking sounds that led to rod bearing failure and engine replacement. Many say dealers tried batteries, starters and software updates, couldn't replicate the issue, or waited months on backordered recall parts.

Full 2020 report ›

Questions owners ask

Which Acura MDX years should you avoid?

Counting complaints owners filed with NHTSA in each year's first five years on the road, per vehicle sold, the 2014, 2016 and 2020 MDX drew the most: each more than twice the rate of a typical MDX year, spread across more than one problem area. The 2015, 2017 and 2019 also ran above average; use caution with them.

What is the best year for a used Acura MDX?

The 2013 MDX drew the fewest complaints for its time on the road and the number sold (0.3× the rate of a typical MDX year), followed by the 2008 and 2012. Years from 2022 on haven't had five years on the road, so they aren't rated yet.

What is the most common problem with the Acura MDX?

Across every year, the problem area owners report most is the powertrain (transmission and drivetrain) (27% of complaints), followed by the electrical system (23%) and the engine (21%). A complaint can name more than one area.

Has the Acura MDX been recalled?

Yes. NHTSA lists 24 recall campaigns covering MDX model years 2008 to 2026, the most recent in June 2026. Enter a vehicle's VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to see whether its repairs were done.