The Lemon Index2020 Acura MDX.
The 2020 Acura MDX is about average by owner complaints: 49 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 109, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 8 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 224 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Acura MDX year. 2020 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 19K to 63K miles on the car (40 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 8
- 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 8 recalls
- airbags 2024
The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
- 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.
- brakes 2023
The tie rod fastener that connects the brake booster and the brake master cylinder may have been improperly assembled during manufacturing, which can cause the brake master cylinder to separate from the booster assembly.
- fuel system, gasoline 2021
The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
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 110 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Service Bulletin - The transmission has intermittent harsh or jerky upshifts with steady…
- 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.
Quick answers
Is the 2020 Acura MDX reliable?
About average by government complaints. It drew about the average number of complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 109; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Acura MDX year by this measure is 2010.
What are the most common 2020 Acura MDX problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (31%), electrical (29%) and transmission & drivetrain (14%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2020 Acura MDX have?
8 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 2020 Acura MDX get?
21 to 27 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2020 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 2020 Acura MDX problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 19,800 and 63,900 miles. The middle report was at 44,500 miles, from 40 complaints.
Does the 2020 Acura MDX have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 14% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2020 Acura MDX cost in fuel a year?
About $2950 to $3800 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2020 Acura MDX have?
3.0L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl.
What Acura MDX year is better than the 2020?
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