2014-2020 Acura MDX (YD3) Reliability
Verdict Look for a 2014 or 2015 MDX, which score 8.5 and 9.1 on 55 and 19 powertrain owner complaints. On a 2016-2020, confirm the 23V751 connecting rod bearing recall by VIN.
- 1,472 NHTSA complaints
- 20 recalls
- 21 fire reports
- 43 crash reports
Data covers 2 NHTSA model names
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
Every complaint of any kind (brakes, airbags, electrical and the rest) whose VIN names the engine, across all model years. The score above counts only engine, transmission and drivetrain complaints, so its figures for the same engine are smaller. Fire, injury and death figures count complaints that report one.
J35Y5
3.5L 6-cyl / 290 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Acura MDX Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
JNA2
3.0L 6-cyl / 321 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
J37A1
3.7L 6-cyl / 300 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Reliability Overview
The 2014-2020 Acura MDX carries a Reliability score of 6.5, set by its powertrain owner complaints: 750 where similar midsize SUVs built in the same volume would be expected to draw 613, across an estimated 438,630 vehicles. NHTSA's file on the generation holds 1,472 owner complaints, 20 recalls, 43 crash reports, 21 fire reports, 24 complaints reporting an injury and 0 reporting a death.
Complaints describing a failed or replaced engine or transmission number 177 against 150 expected, for a major sub-score of 6.5. Durability complaints number 9 against 60 expected, a durability sub-score of 9.6. For recent model years, the count is 451 powertrain complaints against 248 expected, a recent sub-score of 5.3.
By model year, the 2014 scores 8.5 on 55 powertrain complaints and the 2015 scores 9.1 on 19. The 2016 scores 4.5 on 240 and the 2017 5.8 on 149. The 2018 scores 6.1 on 81, the 2019 5.7 on 103 and the 2020 6.1 on 103.
The 290-hp 3.5L six-cylinder (J35Y5) scores 6.4 on 718 powertrain complaints from an estimated 431,199 vehicles. A 321-hp 3.0L six (JNA2) powers the hybrid, which scores 6.0 on 15 from an estimated 7,431; its complaint rate shows no clear difference from the gas engine's. Across every complaint category, the J35Y5 accounts for 1,396 of the generation's 1,472 complaints and 38 of its 43 crash reports.
By category, the file holds 531 engine owner complaints, 294 transmission, 241 electrical, 189 fuel system and 170 safety systems. Recall 23V751 reaches certain 2016-2020 MDXs, along with TLX, Pilot, Ridgeline and Odyssey models, whose connecting rod bearing may wear and seize because of a manufacturing error, damaging the engine. An estimated 60,149 MDXs from this generation fall under it. NHTSA opened recall query RQ24013 on engine failure in 2024 and closed it in 2025, and in 2025 opened engineering analysis EA25004 into a no-restart condition after auto start/stop engages. Under 19V298, certain 2018-2019 MDXs, along with several Honda and Acura models, carry a timing belt whose teeth may separate from the belt.
On fuel, 23V858 includes certain MDXs among 2013-2023 Honda and Acura models, for a pump inside the tank that may fail, and 21V215 covers a low-pressure pump that may fail on 2019-2020 MDX and MDX Sport Hybrid models, among others. 19V060, which also takes in TLX and Accord V6 models, concerns 2016-2018 MDXs whose pump may lose performance as particulates in the fuel adhere to its internal components. 16V417 addresses 2015 MDXs and 2016 four-wheel-drive MDXs, with Odyssey and Pilot models, whose fuel tanks were made with insufficient welds that may separate and let fuel leak out.
Campaign 26V365, from June 2026, reaches certain 2014-2020 MDXs and three Honda models sold in 22 listed states and the District of Columbia, whose rear subframe may corrode at the suspension mounting points, which can result in rear suspension component failure. On 2014-2015 MDXs and RLX models, 15V301 addresses a collision mitigation braking system that may read metal fences or guardrails as obstacles and apply the brakes unexpectedly. Two campaigns, 19V256 and 25V259, concern moisture entering the tailgate lid lights, which can cause the lid lights and taillights to fail.
Written by The Weekly Driver, reviewed November 2026. The figures in it update with each NHTSA data refresh.
Most Common MDX Problems, by Owner Complaints
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Acura MDX, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
Buyer's Guide
The 2015 scores 9.1 on 19 powertrain owner complaints and the 2014 8.5 on 55. For 2016 the score is 4.5 on 240, and the 2017 scores 5.8 on 149, the 2018 6.1 on 81, the 2019 5.7 on 103 and the 2020 6.1 on 103. By engine, the 3.5L six scores 6.4 and the hybrid 6.0.
Run the VIN for open recalls first. Check a 2016-2020 for the 23V751 connecting rod bearing campaign, a 2018-2019 for the 19V298 timing belt and a 2019-2020 for the 21V215 low-pressure fuel pump. On a 2016-2018, confirm 19V060, and on a 2015 or a 2016 four-wheel-drive car, the 16V417 fuel tank campaign. Certain MDXs from across the generation fall under the 23V858 fuel pump campaign. If the car was sold in one of the 22 states or the District of Columbia that 26V365 lists, look under the rear for corrosion at the subframe's suspension mounting points.
With engine complaints at 531, ask for records of any engine repair alongside the recall work. Transmission complaints reach 294, so note how each upshift and downshift feels on the test drive. Electrical complaints number 241: try every light, including the tailgate lid lights and taillights covered by 25V259, along with each window and lock.
What to check on a used 2014-2020 Acura MDX
On a used 2014-2020 Acura MDX, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the engine (531), the transmission and drivetrain (294) and the electrical system (241). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-08. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 531 owner complaints on the 2014-2020 Acura MDX about the engine, all engines combined.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 294 owner complaints on the 2014-2020 Acura MDX about the transmission and drivetrain, all engines combined.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 241 owner complaints on the 2014-2020 Acura MDX about the electrical system.
- Let the engine idle for five minutes, walk around the car and smell for fuel.Safety. NHTSA has 189 owner complaints on the 2014-2020 Acura MDX about the fuel system, all engines combined.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 170 owner complaints on the 2014-2020 Acura MDX about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
Recalls (20)
American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Honda Pilot, 2017-2023 Ridgeline, 2019-2023 Passport, and 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles that were sold in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. The rear subframe may corrode at the suspension mounting points, which can result in rear suspension component failure.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles. Moisture may enter the tailgate lid light assembly and wiring harness, which can cause the interior and exterior lights to fail, including the lid lights, position lights, license plate lights and taillights.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
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 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Show 15 older recalls
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, 2016 and 2018-2019 Pilot, 2017 and 2019 Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 Odyssey vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, damaging the engine.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Civic, 2020-2023 Ridgeline, 2021-2023 Passport, 2021-2022 Pilot, and 2020 Acura MDX vehicles. The tie rod fastener that connects the brake booster and the brake master cylinder may have been improperly assembled during manufacturing, which can cause the brake master cylinder to separate from the booster assembly.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Acura MDX, MDX Sport Hybrid, RDX, TLX, Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Insight, 2019 Acura ILX, Honda Accord Hybrid, Civic Coupe, Civic Coupe Si, Civic Sedan, Civic Sedan Si, Civic Type R, Fit, HR-V, Odyssey, Passport, Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 CR-V vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Acura MDX and Honda Pilot vehicles and 2019 Acura RLX, RLX Sport Hybrid, TLX and Honda Odyssey and Ridgeline vehicles. The timing belt teeth may separate from the belt.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Acura MDX and 2017-2019 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid vehicles. Moisture may enter the tailgate lid lights, possibly causing a loss of the tailgate lid lights and the taillights.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Acura MDX, 2015-2019 Acura TLX and 2015-2017 Honda Accord vehicles, equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine. Particulates in fuel may adhere to the internal components of the fuel pump, reducing its performance.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Acura MDX, 2017-2018 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda HR-V and Honda Odyssey, and 2016 Honda HR-V vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating, causing gas pockets to form, reducing brake performance. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018 Honda Pilot and Ridgeline vehicles and 2018 Acura MDX vehicles. The front driver and passenger powered seats in the Honda vehicles and the driver powered seats in the Acura vehicles may have been assembled with improperly manufactured rivets. In the event of a crash, the rivets can break causing the seats not to be secured to the floor. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems," and 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid vehicles. The affected vehicles have an engine fuel feed hose and a fuel purge hose that may have been misrouted during vehicle assembly.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2015 Acura MDX 2WD and MDX 4WD vehicles, 2016 Acura MDX 4WD vehicles, 2015-2016 Honda Odyssey vehicles, and 2016 Honda Pilot 2WD and 4WD vehicles. The affected vehicles have fuel tanks that were manufactured with insufficient welds which may separate and allow fuel to leak out.
American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Acura MDX and MDX AWD vehicles manufactured April 23, 2013, to December 16, 2014. The affected vehicles have air conditioning compressor clutch drive bolts that may not have received the proper anti-corrosion coating.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Acura MDX 2WD and AWD, RLX and 2014 Acura RLX Hybrid vehicles. In certain driving conditions, the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) may incorrectly interpret certain roadside objects such as metal fences or metal guardrails as obstacles and unexpectedly apply the brakes.
American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Acura MDX vehicles manufactured April 23, 2013, to August 25, 2014, and 2014 Acura RLX vehicles manufactured November 5, 2012, to November 25, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the driver and front passenger seat belt may not extend or retract in low temperatures.
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2014 Acura MDX AWD vehicles manufactured May 6, 2013, through October 14, 2013. The bolts that attach the drive shaft to the automatic transmission transfer assembly may not have been properly tightened. As a result, the bolts could loosen possibly allowing the shaft to detach.
American Honda Motor Co. is recalling certain Trailer Hitch Harness Kits, Part Number 08L91-TZ5-200. These kits are for use in 2014 model year Acura MDX vehicles. The trailer hitch kit has a subharness that is incorrectly wired such that there may be no power supplied to an accessory trailer brake controller.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2014-2020 Acura MDX reliable?
The 2014-2020 Acura MDX has a Reliability score of 6.5 out of 10: about as many owner complaints as similar midsize SUVs of the same age. A score of 7.0 means as many owner complaints as similar vehicles. Model years differ: 2014 to 2015 score 8.5 to 9.1, 2016 to 2020 score 4.5 to 6.1.
What are the most common 2014-2020 Acura MDX complaints?
Owners have filed 1,472 complaints with NHTSA about the 2014-2020 Acura MDX. The systems they name most often are the engine, the transmission and the electrical system.
Is the 2014-2020 Acura MDX a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 1,472 complaints with NHTSA about the 2014-2020 Acura MDX. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2014-2020 Acura MDX have?
NHTSA has 1,472 owner complaints on file for the 2014-2020 Acura MDX as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2014-2020 Acura MDX?
NHTSA lists 20 recalls covering some 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Acura MDX?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the engine, the transmission and the electrical system, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the MDX?
The 2020 Acura MDX received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 5 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (16.4% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Standard. Lane Departure Warning: Standard. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 1,472 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-11-03.