The best and worst Acura MDX years, by the numbers
Short answer: among Acura MDXs old enough to judge (2005–2021), the 2008, 2010, 2013 and 2021 have the fewest owner complaints per 10,000 sold. The 2016–2017 and 2019–2020 have the most.
We counted every owner complaint filed with the federal government (NHTSA) for each model year and divided by how many were sold that year, so a year that sold more doesn’t look worse just for being popular. Years newer than 2021 are shown but not ranked — they haven’t been on the road long enough. How this is calculated.
Years with the most complaints
2016 Acura MDX · 66.9 per 10,000 sold (4.3× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting, typically around 21,000 miles; then internal engine (bearings, pistons, rings).
2017 Acura MDX · 47.6 per 10,000 sold (3.1× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting, typically around 12,431 miles; then internal engine (bearings, pistons, rings).
2019 Acura MDX · 37.1 per 10,000 sold (2.4× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Driver-assist cameras, radar and calibration, typically around 18,000 miles; then body control and other modules.
2020 Acura MDX · 46.4 per 10,000 sold (3.0× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Stalling and no-start, typically around 32,863 miles; then driver-assist cameras, radar and calibration.
Years with the fewest complaints
2008 Acura MDX · 8.7 per 10,000 sold (0.6× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Body control and other modules, typically around 88,784 miles.
2010 Acura MDX · 9.5 per 10,000 sold (0.6× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Wiring harness, grounds and connectors, typically around 57,250 miles.
2013 Acura MDX · 5.5 per 10,000 sold (0.4× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Wiring harness, grounds and connectors, typically around 36,000 miles.
2021 Acura MDX · 0.0 per 10,000 sold (0.0× this model’s typical year)
Every year: complaints per 10,000 sold
Typical Acura MDX year: 15.5 per 10,000 sold.
Complaints are counted once each, even when an owner lists several parts. Sales are US units sold in the calendar year, a close stand-in for the model year.
Common questions
What is the worst year for the Acura MDX?
Among Acura MDXs old enough to judge (2005–2021), the 2016 has the most owner complaints per 10,000 sold: 66.9, about 4.3× a typical Acura MDX year. The 2017 and 2019–2020 also stand out.
What is the best year for the Acura MDX?
The 2021 has the fewest owner complaints per 10,000 sold among Acura MDXs from 2005–2021: 0.0, against 15.5 for a typical year. The 2008, 2010 and 2013 are also well below typical.
What goes wrong on the 2016 Acura MDX?
The most-reported problem on the 2016 Acura MDX is harsh, delayed or erratic shifting, typically around 21,000 miles.
Why aren't the newest Acura MDX years ranked?
The 2022–2025 haven't been on the road long enough. Newer cars have fewer complaints mainly because they're newer, so ranking them would flatter them.
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Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; US sales from public industry figures. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. This is not an inspection and not a recommendation to buy or avoid any vehicle.