The Lemon Index2014 Acura MDX.
The 2014 Acura MDX is worse than average by owner complaints: 93 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 130, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about brakes, it has 9 recalls, and it gets 21 to 23 mpg combined. The best Acura MDX year is 2010.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 172 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Acura MDX year. 2014 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 4K to 50K miles on the car (115 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- steering complaints mostly came at 5K–78K miles
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 2K–42K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 2K–58K miles
Recalls 9
- body structure 2026
The rear subframe may corrode at the suspension mounting points, which can result in rear suspension component failure.
- lights 2025
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.
- fuel system, gasoline 2023
The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Show all 9 recalls
- lights 2019
Moisture may enter the tailgate lid lights, possibly causing a loss of the tailgate lid lights and the taillights.
- equipment 2015
The affected vehicles have air conditioning compressor clutch drive bolts that may not have received the proper anti-corrosion coating.
- automatic emergency braking 2015
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.
- seat belts 2014
In the affected vehicles, the driver and front passenger seat belt may not extend or retract in low temperatures.
- transmission & drivetrain 2013
The bolts that attach the drive shaft to the automatic transmission transfer assembly may not have been properly tightened.
- electrical 2013
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.
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 270 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- 2014 mdx 2wd: improved software has been designed to prevent grunt or buzz noise in the…
- Service bulletin - in high ambient temperatures, the steering column screeches or squeals when…
- Are you feeling a vibration in the steering wheel while braking?
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acura MDX SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Acura MDX SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3450–3800 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.5L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
Power steering eps problem while driving and loosing steering.
2014 Acura MDX owner · NHTSA complaint 10930249
More owner reports
Dash warning lights coming on : brake problems. Abs light problems, hill asst. Problem, lane departure warning, front collision warning, these system stop working when driving at various speeds! Dealer can't find the problem!
NHTSA complaint 10609594
Backing out from parking spot , steering locked up , brakes failed and car kept moving despite maximum application of brakes. Had to turn the power off to stop the car .
NHTSA complaint 10643198
Quick answers
Is the 2014 Acura MDX reliable?
No, it is worse than average by government complaints. It drew 1.3× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 130; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Acura MDX year by this measure is 2010.
What are the most common 2014 Acura MDX problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are brakes (25%), steering (25%) and electrical (22%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2014 Acura MDX have?
9 safety recalls (latest: body structure). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2014 Acura MDX get?
21 to 23 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2014 Acura MDX safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2014 Acura MDX problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 4,000 and 50,800 miles. The middle report was at 23,400 miles, from 115 complaints.
Does the 2014 Acura MDX have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2014 Acura MDX cost in fuel a year?
About $3450 to $3800 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2014 Acura MDX have?
3.5L 6-cyl.
What Acura MDX year is better than the 2014?
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