GradeAcura MDX Reliability Grade
Below-average reliability
Grade a specific Acura MDX
Reliability changes from year to year. Pick a model year to see its grade, then add mileage and price to get a deal score and estimated miles remaining.
The Acura MDX earns a C overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a B- for its engine and a D for its transmission. It ranks 16th of 17 luxury vehicles we grade. The transmission (D) is the weaker of its two major components, so ask for transmission service records and pay close attention to shifting on a test drive. Grades are based on 1,726 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2023 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.
Acura MDX reliability by year
Overall grade for each model year, from owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Tap a year to see its full grade.
Best years: 2008, 2010 and 2013
Years to avoid: 2016–2017 (transmission slipping / rough shifting), 2019 (transmission slipping / rough shifting) and 2020 (stalling / loss of power)
Faded years are recent, so fewer complaints have come in. Their grades may change.
How long does the Acura MDX last?
A rough estimate for the model across all years, not measured for each model year.
Acura MDX vs. other luxury vehicles
| Model | Engine | Trans. | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lexus RX | A | A | A |
| Lexus ES | A | A | A |
| Lexus GS | A- | A | A |
| Lexus NX | A | A | A |
| BMW 5 Series | B | A- | A- |
| Audi A4 | B+ | A | A- |
| BMW 3 Series | B- | B+ | B+ |
| BMW X3 | B- | B+ | B+ |
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class | B | A- | B+ |
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class | B+ | A- | B+ |
| Audi Q5 | B | A- | B+ |
| Mercedes-Benz GLC | C+ | B+ | B |
| Mercedes-Benz GLE | B | B | B |
| Acura RDX | B+ | B | B |
| BMW X5 | C | C+ | C+ |
| Acura MDX | B- | D | C |
| Acura TLX | C | D | C- |
Own a Acura MDX?
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Is the Acura MDX reliable?
Below-average reliability. The Acura MDX earns a C overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a B- for its engine and a D for its transmission. It ranks 16th of 17 luxury vehicles we grade. The transmission (D) is the weaker of its two major components, so ask for transmission service records and pay close attention to shifting on a test drive. Grades are based on 1,726 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2023 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.
How many miles will a Acura MDX last?
We estimate a well-maintained Acura MDX lasts around 220,000 miles. That's a rough figure for the model across all years, not measured for each model year, so check the grade for the year you're looking at.
What are the best years for the Acura MDX?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most reliable Acura MDX model years are 2008, 2010 and 2013.
What Acura MDX years should I avoid?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the Acura MDX years to be most careful with are 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2020. The 2016 grades an F overall (engine D, transmission F), and its top engine/transmission problem is transmission slipping / rough shifting. The 2017 grades a D overall (engine C-, transmission D), and its top engine/transmission problem is transmission slipping / rough shifting.
Is the Acura MDX transmission reliable?
GradeMyCar grades the Acura MDX transmission a D (poor reliability). Reliability varies by model year, so grade the specific year you're looking at.
Is the Acura MDX engine reliable?
GradeMyCar grades the Acura MDX engine a B- (average reliability).