The Lemon Index2023 Acura MDX.
The 2023 Acura MDX is so far better than average by owner complaints: 43 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 63, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about transmission & drivetrain, it has 2 recalls, and it gets 19 to 22 mpg combined. The best Acura MDX year is 2010.
Early read
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 43 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Acura MDX year. 2023 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 3K to 66K miles on the car (6 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 2
- 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.
- brakes 2025
The brake pedal pivot pin was not secured properly, which can cause the pedal to shift out of position.
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 127 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Service Bulletin - Pop noise from the rear roof area when turning into driveways, bumps, or on…
- Service Bulletin - A pop noise from the rear roof area occurs when turning into driveways, bumps
- 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
- ClosedAll wheel drive allegation2026
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 | not rated | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | not rated |
| Acura MDX SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3600–4200 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
I hear a high-pitched whistle when I the speed reaches around 57-63MPH. I've taken it to the dealer a couple of times, and they said it's normal. I am really disappointed that Acura didn't fix it...
2023 Acura MDX owner · NHTSA complaint 11648447
Quick answers
Is the 2023 Acura MDX reliable?
It's too early to be sure. So far it has drawn 1.6× fewer complaints than average per car sold, against other 2023 cars after the same time on the road (early Lemon Index 63; 100 is average). The best Acura MDX year by this measure is 2010.
What are the most common 2023 Acura MDX problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are transmission & drivetrain (26%), automatic emergency braking (23%) and electrical (19%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2023 Acura MDX have?
2 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2023 Acura MDX get?
19 to 22 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2023 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.
Does the 2023 Acura MDX have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 26% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2023 Acura MDX cost in fuel a year?
About $3600 to $4200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2023 Acura MDX have?
3.0L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl.
What Acura MDX year is better than the 2023?
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