The Lemon Index2009 Acura MDX.
The 2009 Acura MDX has too few complaints to score: 15 in its first 3 years. Owners complain most about engine, it has 0 recalls, and it gets 17 mpg combined. The best Acura MDX year is 2010.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 52 owner complaints, owners reported:
Older model year: fewer owners filed complaints back then, so treat the score as rough.
Every Acura MDX year. 2009 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 17K to 91K miles on the car (37 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 0
No safety recalls on record.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Acura told dealers about
Acura sent dealers 35 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- "service bulletin - in cold areas, the front active dampers may be susceptible to leaking
- Service bulletin - in cold areas, the rear active dampers may be susceptible to leaking
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front ★★★★★ · side ★★★★★ · rollover ★★★★☆
Fuel cost and engines
About $4700 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.7L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
2009 Acura MDX with less than 4000 miles developed an issue with timing belt pulleys, timing belt and front part of engine.
2009 Acura MDX owner · NHTSA complaint 10293557
Quick answers
Is the 2009 Acura MDX reliable?
There isn't enough data to score it: owners filed only 15 complaints in its first 3 years.
What are the most common 2009 Acura MDX problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (20%), seats (20%) and lights (13%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2009 Acura MDX have?
None: NHTSA has no safety recalls on record for it.
What gas mileage does the 2009 Acura MDX get?
17 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2009 Acura MDX problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 17,900 and 91,000 miles. The middle report was at 55,000 miles, from 37 complaints.
Does the 2009 Acura MDX have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2009 Acura MDX cost in fuel a year?
About $4700 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2009 Acura MDX have?
3.7L 6-cyl.
What Acura MDX year is better than the 2009?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2010, 2012 and 2013.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works