Acura MDX Years to Avoid — the 2016–2017 drew the most complaints.
The 2016 (378) and 2017 (261) MDX drew more NHTSA complaints than any other years: 123 on the 2016 name the nine-speed transmission or its shifting, and 95 describe engine failure. Recall 23V751000 covers connecting-rod bearings on the 2016–2020. The 2007–2013 is the quiet generation.
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Quick Answer
- What Acura MDX years should you avoid?
- The 2016–2017 first: 639 complaints between them, with the nine-speed transmission and engine failures leading; recall 23V751000 covers rod bearings on the 2016–2020. The 2001–2005 drew 510 transmission complaints. On the 2025, 71 of 118 complaints describe the engine shutting off at idle-stop.
- What is the best year for a used MDX?
- Leaving out years where one fault is a quarter or more of complaints, 2013 (30), 2010 (45), 2008 (49) drew the fewest, all from the 2007–2013 generation. Of the 2014–2020, the 2015 drew the fewest (71).
- Did Acura recall the MDX engine?
- Yes, for the 2016–2020: recall 23V751000 covers connecting-rod bearings that can wear and seize after a manufacturing error. 193 complaints on those years describe engine failure. Fuel-pump recalls 19V060000 (2016–2018) and 21V215000 (2019–2020) also apply.
Five checks for a used MDX, by year
The MDX's weak spot moves from the gearbox to the engine bearings to the newer cars' electronics, depending on the year.
- 1Read the year and plant from the VINCharacter 10 is the model year; 2HN at the start means built in Ontario, 5FR or 5J8 in the US.
- 22016–2020: confirm recall 23V751000The rod-bearing inspection or engine replacement is free; ask for the dealer paperwork.
- 32016–2017: drive the nine-speedRough or late shifts at low speed are what owners describe most.
- 42025: test idle-stopLet the engine stop at a light several times; it should restart the moment you lift off the brake.
- 5Check title and mileage recordsA salvage brand or a mileage gap shows up by VIN; a worn bearing does not.
Avoid: the 2016–2017 MDX
The 2016 and 2017 drew 639 complaints between them, the 2016's 378 the most of any MDX. The 2016 is when the nine-speed automatic arrived, and 123 of its complaints name the transmission or its shifting.
The engine is the component owners name most on the 2016–2020: 95 2016 complaints describe engine failure, many a knocking rod bearing. Recall 23V751000 covers connecting-rod bearings on the 2016–2020 that can wear and seize after a manufacturing error.
72 2016 complaints describe stalling, the engine shutting off or a loss of power. Recall 19V060000 covers fuel pumps on the 2016–2018 whose performance can drop.
The 2016–2017 by the numbers
- 378 · 261 complaints on the 2016 and 2017.
- 123 2016 complaints about the transmission.
- 95 2016 complaints about engine failure.
- 72 2016 complaints about stalling or power loss.
Every Acura MDX Model Year Compared
NHTSA complaints and recall campaigns for every MDX from 2001 to 2026, read on 13 November 2026. There was no 2021 MDX.
| Year | Generation | Complaints | Crash · fire reports | Recalls | Most-cited component |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 1st | 224 | 9 · 1 | 4 | Power Train |
| 2002 | 1st | 223 | 11 · 2 | 4 | Power Train |
| 2003 | 1st | 212 | 13 · 5 | 13 | Power Train |
| 2004 | 1st | 171 | 13 · 4 | 10 | Power Train |
| 2005 | 1st | 180 | 15 · 1 | 13 | Power Train |
| 2006 | 1st | 87 | 10 · 0 | 11 | Power Train |
| 2007 | 2nd | 99 | 2 · 2 | 1 | Electrical System |
| 2008 | 2nd | 49 | 2 · 1 | 1 | Structure |
| 2009 | 2nd | 52 | 4 · 1 | 0 | Electrical System |
| 2010 | 2nd | 45 | 6 · 4 | 1 | Engine |
| 2011 | 2nd | 70 | 4 · 1 | 0 | Engine |
| 2012 | 2nd | 76 | 4 · 3 | 1 | Engine |
| 2013 | 2nd | 30 | 0 · 3 | 1 | Engine |
| 2014 | 3rd | 172 | 10 · 3 | 9 | Steering |
| 2015 | 3rd | 71 | 5 · 2 | 8 | Electrical System |
| 2016 | 3rd | 378 | 10 · 5 | 7 | Engine |
| 2017 | 3rd | 261 | 8 · 4 | 8 | Engine |
| 2018 | 3rd | 170 | 3 · 4 | 10 | Engine |
| 2019 | 3rd | 193 | 4 · 3 | 9 | Engine |
| 2020 | 3rd | 228 | 4 · 0 | 8 | Engine |
| 2022 | 4th | 163 | 6 · 2 | 3 | Power Train |
| 2023 | 4th | 44 | 2 · 0 | 3 | Power Train |
| 2024 | 4th | 42 | 1 · 0 | 3 | Electrical System |
| 2025 | 4th | 118 | 2 · 0 | 3 | Engine |
| 2026 | 4th | 9 | 0 · 0 | 1 | Electrical System |
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not divided by sales. The MDX Sport Hybrid is filed under its own name and is not included.
Other MDX Years With a Known Weak Spot
Smaller clusters in NHTSA's records, and the recalls behind them.
2001–2005: transmission
510 complaints, more than half of the 2001's and the 2002's; recall 04V176000 covers second gears that can overheat and break on the 2001–2002.
2001–2006: airbags
13 airbag recall campaigns, most of them for driver or passenger inflators; 41 2003 complaints mention airbags.
2014: steering and braking
43 of the 2014's 172 complaints describe the steering; recall 15V301000 covers collision braking that can apply on its own near fences and guardrails.
2014–2020: rear subframe
Recall 26V365000: in salt-belt states the rear subframe can corrode where the suspension mounts.
2022: transfer case
52 of the 2022's 163 complaints describe the transfer case or its splines, often with all-wheel drive lost. No recall on NHTSA's list covers it.
2025: idle-stop
71 of 118 complaints: the engine stops at idle-stop and then fails to restart. No recall covers it; recall 25V032000 covers a touchscreen that can go blank.
What MDX Owners Say on Reddit and YouTube
MDX owners split by generation: many third-generation owners report very high mileage with only maintenance, while others describe the rod-bearing failure, fuel pumps and rough nine-speed shifts.
In owners' words (paraphrased)
- r/Acura, 2016: the rear differential failed at 65,000 miles, and the nine-speed shifts a bit rough that year.
- r/Acura: watch for the fuel pump recall on the 2018–2020; the commenter would buy a 2022 or newer.
- YouTube, 2015 at 244,000 miles: only front struts, a timing belt, brakes, a battery and tires since new.
- YouTube, 2018 at 62,000 miles: a grinding noise, metal shavings in the oil, and a new engine under warranty.
- YouTube, 2020 previous owner: random stalling, ignition trouble and a slipping transmission; get a pre-purchase inspection.
- YouTube, owner of a 2017, 2018 and 2020: all three needed rotors, a high-pressure fuel pump and parking-brake actuators.
- YouTube, 2017 at 254,000 miles: still drives like a champ.
Checking an MDX for Sale?
Enter the VIN for a free preview: title brands, junk and salvage records, total-loss records and odometer readings.
Fewest vs. Most MDX Complaints
Fewest is limited to 2001–2020 and leaves out years where one fault is a quarter or more of complaints (2001–2006, 2014, 2016–2017 and 2020).
Fewest complaints
- 2013: 30 complaints, 1 recall
- 2010: 45 complaints, 1 recall
- 2008: 49 complaints, 1 recall
- 2009: 52 complaints, 0 recalls
- 2011: 70 complaints, 0 recalls
Most complaints
- 2016: 378 complaints, 7 recalls
- 2017: 261 complaints, 8 recalls
- 2020: 228 complaints, 8 recalls
- 2001: 224 complaints, 4 recalls
- 2002: 223 complaints, 4 recalls
Recall counts include multi-model campaigns.
The MDXs Our Visitors Check, and Where They Were Built
Between 11 June 2026 and 12 November 2026, visitors ran 354 different Acura MDX VINs through our free preview. By the first three characters, 261 (74%) were built in the US and 93 (26%) in Canada.
147 (42%) were 2014–2020s, 51 of them 2016 or 2017, and 114 (32%) 2022 or newer. The single most-checked year was the 2020, at 30 VINs.
MDX Complaints by Generation
The third generation (2014–2020) drew 1,473 complaints, the first (2001–2006) 1,097, and the second (2007–2013) only 421. The fourth has 376 so far.
What to Check on a Used MDX
By year, the faults to look for.
2016–2020: rod bearings
Confirm recall 23V751000; listen for a knock under load.
2016–2020: fuel pump
Confirm 19V060000 or 21V215000, whichever applies; hesitation or stalling can point to the pump.
2016–2017: transmission
Drive in town; rough low-speed shifts are common, and ask whether the software was updated.
2014–2020: rear subframe
In salt-belt states, look under the back for rust and confirm recall 26V365000.
2025: idle-stop
Test it repeatedly at lights; a restart failure is the fault owners describe.
Any year: VIN records
Open recalls, title brands and odometer history.
Reading MDX Complaint Numbers
NHTSA complaints are owner reports, not verified and not divided by sales. The 2013 drew just 30, the fewest of any MDX, while the 2001 and 2002 drew 224 and 223, mostly about the transmission.
The fault counts come from searching the words owners used, so they are a minimum. Newer years have had less time: the 2026 has 9 complaints so far, and on the 2020 29 of 228 describe the collision-braking system.
Related Checks and Guides
Recalls, history checks and the MDX's rivals.
Where These Facts Come From
Complaint and recall figures are NHTSA's own records; owner experiences are linked so you can read them in full.
NHTSA records read 13 November 2026. Written by the CarCheckerVIN editorial team with AI assistance, from NHTSA's complaint and recall records, our own preview logs and the owner posts linked above; figures checked November 2026. CarCheckerVIN is not affiliated with Acura or Honda.
Acura MDX Years to Avoid — Frequently Asked Questions
The nine-speed, the rod bearings and the newest MDXs.
What is the worst year for the Acura MDX?+
By NHTSA complaint count, the 2016 (378), then the 2017 (261) and the 2020 (228).
Which MDX years have the rod-bearing recall?+
The 2016–2020, under recall 23V751000. Owners describe a knock and then failure; ask for the dealer paperwork showing the inspection or engine replacement.
Is the 2016 MDX's nine-speed transmission bad?+
It is the most-cited fault on the 2016: 123 of its 378 complaints name the transmission or its shifting, against 68 on the 2017. Rough low-speed shifts are the usual description.
What about the 2025 MDX?+
71 of its 118 complaints describe the engine shutting off at idle-stop and failing to restart. No recall covers that as of 13 November 2026.
Is a high-mileage MDX worth buying?+
Often: owners report a 2015 at 244,000 miles and a 2017 at 254,000 with mostly maintenance. Timing-belt records matter on the V6.
Will your report show these problems?+
No history report can tell you a bearing is wearing. Ours lists title brands, NMVTIS junk and salvage records, insurance total-loss records, odometer readings, and auction records with the damage the auction recorded and its photos for the VIN. Recalls are free to check on NHTSA's site.
Confirm the Recalls, Then Check the Title
On a 2016–2020 MDX, the rod-bearing and fuel-pump recalls are the first questions. Free preview first; the full report is $14.99 and lists title brands, NMVTIS junk and salvage records, insurance total-loss records, odometer readings, and auction records with the damage the auction recorded and its photos.
Complaint and recall figures are NHTSA's public records as read on 13 November 2026; complaints are unverified owner reports. Owner comments are paraphrased from the linked posts. CarCheckerVIN is not affiliated with Acura or Honda. Records in our reports reflect what was reported to our data providers. Our reports do not include police or repair-shop accident entries.
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