Best and worst Acura MDX years — which to avoid

The Acura MDX is one of the best-selling models of the brand with a track record of satisfied drivers but is it all so good for every model year? We dug a bit deeper into the best Acura MDX years to buy and worst Acura MDX years to avoid, and as it appears, certain model years don’t exactly make the best possible choice.

With the help of our team and the details we’ve outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to make a well-informed buying decision by steering clear of the problematic model years. We’ll go on a tour through the MDX years together as we explore NHTSA complaints, driver ratings, reviews, and official recalls to make the job easier for you.

Why you can trust REREV’s advice on which car model years to avoid: Our car experts look at official data, ask real drivers what they think, and talk to experienced mechanics to make sure our list is useful. This reliable info can make buying a car easier for you. Want to know how we do it? Find out more about our research methodology.

How we rated the best and worst Acura MDX years

Before we get into the details, it’s essential to show you why you can trust our reviews since buying a car like the MDX is a big decision. That’s why we kept it simple when it comes to our research – we mostly relied on information found on reputable automotive agencies and government sites, with a bit of a twist.

Along with the data found on NHTSA and IIHS, we also used some Acura MDX reviews from platforms like Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, and others. Of course, we listened to what previous MDX owners had to say, so we also scrolled through the forum threads, but have only considered double-checked and factual information. So, these are the results of our combined investigation:

Most common Acura MDX problems

To help you better understand why certain model years of the MDX are not the best option out there, we’ll also discuss their common problems. The MDX has been produced for a long stretch, so it’s no wonder that several issues have occurred, but engine and transmission issues could certainly make or break your satisfaction level after purchase.

1. Excessive oil consumption

It is usual for old vehicles to lose oil in between oil changes because of worn-out engine components and leaks. However, it is not unusual to have an Acura MDX that has this issue early in its life. The 2010 to 2013 MDX models were most affected by this issue, requiring oil changes after a few months of purchase, with the number of miles between each oil change growing shorter with time.

In response to the issue, Acura recalled all 2010 to 2013 model years to deal with the problem and extended the warranty of the affected vehicles to 125,000 miles or eight years. Each vehicle had to undergo a test to check how much oil the car lost after 1,000 miles before the warranty claim would be granted.

Drivers unable to submit adequate proof of service history for the problem or buying the vehicle off the used market were also unable to take full advantage of the warranty claim.

2. Transmission problems

Many models of the Acura MDX suffer from transmission issues. The problem is peculiar because it is not unusual for them to develop after only a few years of purchase and little mileage. Symptoms included lack of acceleration and slipping transmissions, hard and failed shifts.

The highest transmission failures were recorded in the 2001 and 2002 MDX models. Drivers of the first-generation MDXs complained of replacing their transmission more than once.

To address the issue, Acura upgraded the MDX’s transmission in 2003. The upgrade reduced the number of transmission failures drivers were likely to encounter on the MDX but did not eliminate some other issues. Many drivers of the 2004 to 2006 models experienced ‘shuddering’ from the transmission system, especially when traveling at 30 to 40 miles per hour.

The transmission issues continued onto later generations, becoming more noticeable in the 2014 and 2016 MDXs.

3. Stalling Auto Idle Stop system

The Auto Idle Stop system was an effort to improve fuel efficiency on the MDX. The purpose of the system was to stop the engine when the vehicle came to a stop. The system allowed for the car to continue moving seamlessly when the driver stepped on the gas when it was time to move.

Despite its good intentions, the system proved difficult for most drivers. When engaged, it would work as it should but shift into neutral when the engine is fired back on. It would keep shifting into the drive until the car is restarted manually. Some drivers also complained that the system would report random errors on the dash.

The reason for the stalling behavior of the Auto Idle Stop system is tied to the strain it places on the 12-volt battery, especially in cold weather. Unfortunately, the system cannot be completely disabled, and it can only be turned off manually before moving.

Software updates and resets helped solve the issue. Replacing the 12-volt battery also helped with the issue. If you forget to manually turn the feature off, lightly stepping on the brake pedal can give you the needed break and not trigger the system into engaging.

4. Excess battery drain

The batteries of the second generation of MDXs are notorious for their fast-draining batteries. They came with a hands-free link (HFL) module, which was the reason for the fast-draining batteries, eventually leading to battery failure in a couple of years. It sometimes leads to a battery discharge warning glowing up on the dashboard.

At a certain level, the HFL module would drain the MDX to the point where the car could not start without the driver jump-starting the car. Battery replacements were a temporary solution, as the HFL module would continue to wreak havoc on the battery.

The best solution for this problem is to disconnect the HFL module so it will not fatally affect the battery anymore. However, this fix also meant the car’s Bluetooth functions were disconnected, as the HFL module was explicitly made to handle the Bluetooth functionality.

Later, Acura revised the design of the HFL module, making it more reliable. Many drivers opt for aftermarket solutions cheaper than the replacement HFL modules Acura offered to have access to the Bluetooth functions again.

If the HFL module is disconnected and the issue persists, it could be that the alternator, audio amplifier, head unit or air conditioning compressor relay is having problems.

5. Adaptive Damper System failure

The Adaptive Damper System was an exclusive feature of the Sport and Advance models and used magnetic struts to give the vehicle better handling. These magnetic struts cost much more than the regular shock absorber, making replacements expensive when they fail.

To beat the high cost of repairs, some drivers replaced the magnetic struts with the regular shock absorber. An entire set of regular shock absorbers costs the same as one magnetic strut. Let your mechanic handle this conversion for you so you avoid making mistakes while modifying the structure to adapt to the regular absorbers.

Worst Acura MDX years to avoid

The reputation of the MDX grew from the success of many of its models, which performed excellently. However, some models had prominent issues as we already discussed, so the big question is – what are the worst Acura MDX years?

The worst Acura MDX years are 2014 and 2016, but here’s a complete list of the worst-rated years:

• 2003
• 2004
• 2005
• 2012
• 2013
• 2014
• 2016
• 2017

To further explain why these were so bad compared with some other MDX model years, we’ll give you a more detailed brief below:

First-generation MDX (2003-2005 model years)

The major problem the first generation of MDXs had was transmission failure. For most of the model years, the issue occurred after 100,000 to 130,000 miles which is not too early. However, the 2004 model is the worst hit as it develops the problem as early as 84,000 miles.

The cost of repair these models require for the transmission problem, coupled with any other joint problem it might get, make them models to be avoided. Repairing the transmission alone costs over $4,000.

Second-generation MDX (2012 model years)

The main reason you should avoid the 2012 model is its excessive oil consumption. After an average of 92,000 miles, these models are bound to consume excess oil. Drivers have also complained about metal shavings in oil and that’s never a good sign for the engine.

What makes the model unique is that other models afflicted with the issue do not require as much as it does for repairs. Repairing the oil problem of the 2012 MDX model can cause you to spend around $6,700.

Third-generation MDX (2014, 2016, and 2017 model years)

Among all the MDX models you should avoid, 2014 is the worst. Aside from the transmission problems it is bound to develop, it also has many engine problems that happen early in the vehicle’s life.

The 2016 and 2017 models inherited similar issues from the 2014 model but with less intensity. Their matters were based more on the transmission than the engine. Nonetheless, they should all be avoided as they drain the pocket and often put drivers in uncomfortable situations due to sudden failure at odd places.

What are the best Acura MDX years to buy?

Knowing the exact models of the MDX you should avoid surely helps with a buying decision, but what are the best Acura MDX years? The best Acura MDX years are 2013 and 2018, and these are all among decently-rated options:

• 2006
• 2007
• 2008
• 2009
• 2011
• 2013
• 2015
• 2018
• 2019
• 2020

These models have minor complaints and are very reliable. When searching the used market for one, it is best to consider the 2018 model as it had the least amount of complaints, but we’ll discuss it along with the 2013 one in further detail.

2013 Acura MDX

Among the earlier model years, the 2013 one certainly stands out with the least number of transmission-related problems. Not only that, but it also didn’t have the known issues of a previous model year which faced excessive oil consumption and was simply difficult to maintain.

The engines were pretty decent with no known faults, and the 2013 MDX rating speaks for itself on the side of driver feedback.

2018 Acura MDX

On the other hand, the newer Acura MDX models were pretty good and the 2018 one is the best representation of that. It didn’t have any noticeable issues so far, and it had by far the least number of complaints compared with even the models that came after it.

Going for this one will relieve you of the stress and money spent on maintenance as the only issues it faced were some minor electrical faults and problems with interior accessories.

Is the Acura MDX worth buying?

The Acura MDX is a worthy investment if you want a luxury SUV that is easy to drive. It makes for a great family vehicle but retains the charm of being a super-comfy SUV.

Recent models come with many valuable innovations designed to make driving simpler, safer and more fun. With the correct maintenance practices, the MDX can last up to 300,000 miles.

Harnessing data from extensive vehicle analysis and user reports, we’re dedicated to enriching your car buying experience. If you’re pondering over which model years to avoid to ensure a hassle-free ownership, our investigative reviews on vehicles like Lexus RX years to avoid, Infiniti QX60 years to avoid, Volkswagen Atlas years to avoid serve as your essential guide to the years that might be problematic.