The Lemon Index2018 Acura MDX.
The 2018 Acura MDX is better than average by owner complaints: 30 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 56, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 10 recalls, and it gets 21 to 27 mpg combined. The best Acura MDX year is 2010.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 169 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Acura MDX year. 2018 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 12K to 87K miles on the car (41 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 10
- body structure 2026
The rear subframe may corrode at the suspension mounting points, which can result in rear suspension component failure.
- airbags 2026
The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
- 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.
Show all 10 recalls
- fuel system, gasoline 2023
The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
- engine 2023
Due to a manufacturing error, the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, damaging the engine.
- engine 2019
The timing belt teeth may separate from the belt.
- lights 2019
Moisture may enter the tailgate lid lights, possibly causing a loss of the tailgate lid lights and the taillights.
- fuel system, other 2019
Particulates in fuel may adhere to the internal components of the fuel pump, reducing its performance.
- brakes 2018
The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating, causing gas pockets to form, reducing brake performance.
- seats 2018
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.
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 139 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Service bulletin - The front brakes squeal when the brake is released and the vehicle creeps…
- Service bulletin - The transmission end cover leaks on vehicles with 9-speed A/T
- Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenNo restart after auto start/stop engages2025
- OpenEngine failure2025
- ClosedEngine failure2024–2025
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acura MDX SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Acura MDX SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Acura MDX Sport Hybrid SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2950–3800 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
Takata recall: review camera remains on when I shift from reverse to drive. Consequently, I am driving looking at the road behind me on the screen.
2018 Acura MDX owner · NHTSA complaint 11165559
More owner reports
[xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).'
NHTSA complaint 11120933
Quick answers
Is the 2018 Acura MDX reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.8× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 56; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Acura MDX year by this measure is 2010.
What are the most common 2018 Acura MDX problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (23%), brakes (20%) and transmission & drivetrain (17%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2018 Acura MDX have?
10 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 2018 Acura MDX get?
21 to 27 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2018 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 2018 Acura MDX problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 12,000 and 87,000 miles. The middle report was at 40,000 miles, from 41 complaints.
Does the 2018 Acura MDX have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 17% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2018 Acura MDX cost in fuel a year?
About $2950 to $3800 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2018 Acura MDX have?
3.0L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl.
What Acura MDX year is better than the 2018?
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