Owners have filed 76 complaints
about the 2009 Acura MDX with NHTSA between 2009 and 2026.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 12 of 24 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 20
Against the median year of the Acura MDX. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 95
18.4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 74
44% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
916.4%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
1120.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
814.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
916.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
916.4%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
59.1%
150,000+ miles
47.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 2009peak 7Jul 2026
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Wichita, KS1 injured
AIR BAGS
On Jan 21, 2025 the drivers side air bag deployed as I was driving. I did not hit or get hit by anyone or anything, I did not run over anything either the airbag deployed on drivers side from the front to the back of my Acura MDX it was sudden it was random Nd damn scary. I was injured from the impact of the air bag ... I have had my car approximately 6 months I am purchasing from Drive now in Wichita, KS and am still making payments on this vehicle..
NHTSA complaint #11639624 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesMiddletown, NYCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ON JUNE 30TH 2019 AFTER LEAVING FROM WORK I WAS ON MY WAY TO PIER 1 WHICH IS APPROXIMATELY 2 MILES AWAY. I TURNED INTO THE PARKING LOT PARKED IN FRONT OF PIER 1 AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CAR ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL. IT JUMPED THE CURB CRASHED THROUGH PIER 1 WINDOW INTO THE STORE AND DIDN'T STOP UNTIL IT HIT A WALL. AT THIS TIME I'M IN SHOCK GLASS IS EVERY WHERE AND I COULD MOVE I HEAR PEOPLE IN THE BACKGROUND TELLING ME TO GET OUT OF THE CAR BUT I WAS FROZEN FROM WHAT JUST HAPPENED. I JUST WANT TO HOLD ACURA ACCOUNTABLE BECAUSE I SEE THIS HAS HAPPENED TO SEVERAL PEOPLE
NHTSA complaint #11230173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesMiddletown, NYCrash
WHEELS
ON JUNE 30TH 2019 AFTER LEAVING FROM WORK I WAS ON MY WAY TO PIER 1 WHICH IS APPROXIMATELY 2 MILES AWAY. I TURNED INTO THE PARKING LOT PARKED IN FRONT OF PIER 1 AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CAR ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL. IT JUMPED THE CURB CRASHED THROUGH PIER 1 WINDOW INTO THE STORE AND DIDN'T STOP UNTIL IT HIT A WALL. AT THIS TIME I'M IN SHOCK GLASS IS EVERY WHERE AND I COULD MOVE I HEAR PEOPLE IN THE BACKGROUND TELLING ME TO GET OUT OF THE CAR BUT I WAS FROZEN FROM WHAT JUST HAPPENED. I JUST WANT TO HOLD ACURA ACCOUNTABLE BECAUSE I SEE THIS HAS HAPPENED TO SEVERAL PEOPLE
NHTSA complaint #11230173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesMiddletown, NYCrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
ON JUNE 30TH 2019 AFTER LEAVING FROM WORK I WAS ON MY WAY TO PIER 1 WHICH IS APPROXIMATELY 2 MILES AWAY. I TURNED INTO THE PARKING LOT PARKED IN FRONT OF PIER 1 AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CAR ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL. IT JUMPED THE CURB CRASHED THROUGH PIER 1 WINDOW INTO THE STORE AND DIDN'T STOP UNTIL IT HIT A WALL. AT THIS TIME I'M IN SHOCK GLASS IS EVERY WHERE AND I COULD MOVE I HEAR PEOPLE IN THE BACKGROUND TELLING ME TO GET OUT OF THE CAR BUT I WAS FROZEN FROM WHAT JUST HAPPENED. I JUST WANT TO HOLD ACURA ACCOUNTABLE BECAUSE I SEE THIS HAS HAPPENED TO SEVERAL PEOPLE
NHTSA complaint #11230173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesSterling, VAFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 ACURA MDX. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR FLASHED. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO A SHOULDER LANE AND EXITED THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CATCHING FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE INSURANCE COMPANY TOWED THE VEHICLE TO A STORAGE AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED NO ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #11006720 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesHinsdale, ILCrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 ACURA MDX. WHILE THE CONTACT'S SPOUSE WAS DRIVING 5 MPH PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE INADVERTENTLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A STORE. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE IF ANY WARNING INDICATORS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES, WHICH DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW LOT AND DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT SEND AN INSPECTOR TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #10986350 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Hamtramck, MI
TIRES
No major incidents, hits, or bumps no off roading only drove on city roads and highways. Tread and all rubber on the outside half of the tire has completely seperated from the inner tire on a section.
NHTSA complaint #11753881 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2009 Acura MDX. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of the purchase, the mileage was 117,500. At the time of the vehicle registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 140,223.
NHTSA complaint #11751832 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wichita, KS1 injured
AIR BAGS
On Jan 21, 2025 the drivers side air bag deployed as I was driving. I did not hit or get hit by anyone or anything, I did not run over anything either the airbag deployed on drivers side from the front to the back of my Acura MDX it was sudden it was random Nd damn scary. I was injured from the impact of the air bag ... I have had my car approximately 6 months I am purchasing from Drive now in Wichita, KS and am still making payments on this vehicle..
NHTSA complaint #11639624 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tulsa, OK
POWER TRAIN
I just got this car in September and it is now throwing all kinds of different codes to the point where I can’t drive it sh-awd /check charging station / emission light etc
NHTSA complaint #11596234 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tulsa, OK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I just got this car in September and it is now throwing all kinds of different codes to the point where I can’t drive it sh-awd /check charging station / emission light etc
NHTSA complaint #11596234 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tulsa, OK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I just got this car in September and it is now throwing all kinds of different codes to the point where I can’t drive it sh-awd /check charging station / emission light etc
NHTSA complaint #11596234 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sparta, TN
POWER TRAIN
While driving vehicle, all power shut off after all lights(airbag, tire, engine, etc. came on the dashboard) not able to start vehicle now at all. Has power but will not run, turn over, stay running, etc. has brand new battery so that’s not the problem no problems until today.
NHTSA complaint #11472580 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sparta, TN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving vehicle, all power shut off after all lights(airbag, tire, engine, etc. came on the dashboard) not able to start vehicle now at all. Has power but will not run, turn over, stay running, etc. has brand new battery so that’s not the problem no problems until today.
NHTSA complaint #11472580 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sparta, TN
ENGINE
While driving vehicle, all power shut off after all lights(airbag, tire, engine, etc. came on the dashboard) not able to start vehicle now at all. Has power but will not run, turn over, stay running, etc. has brand new battery so that’s not the problem no problems until today.
NHTSA complaint #11472580 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
District Heights, MD
STEERING
I was driving onto an exit ramp around 50 to 60 mph on Rt 50 yo 495 south and VSA light appeared on dash. Also steering felt extremely loose. No control to steer and could not accelerate either.
NHTSA complaint #11462182 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
District Heights, MD
SUSPENSION
I was driving onto an exit ramp around 50 to 60 mph on Rt 50 yo 495 south and VSA light appeared on dash. Also steering felt extremely loose. No control to steer and could not accelerate either.
NHTSA complaint #11462182 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greensboro, NC
AIR BAGS
Vehicle produced a dash warning light for airbag/supplemental restraint system on January 29th or 30th, 2022. Went away and back on again 3 times in the following week. No prior issues related to this. Vehicle has never been in an accident. Acura dealer scanned vehicle 2/5/2022 to find vehicle code 11-11, meaning bad airbag and possibly bad cable reel. No recalls or effort by Acura (contacted by me) to assist with fix. Replacement isn't readily available, nor is a dealer loaner. Part is $1202.75. Vehicle is 2009 with only 89,7XX miles.
NHTSA complaint #11451149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Albuquerque, NM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The battery has been drained on three separate occasions this year (2021). I replaced the battery after the first occurrence. Each time I have had to use a battery jump to restart the vehicle which sufficed to get it operating and return home. On the last occasion, the car started to display dash board warning messages before arriving at home after driving only 15 miles. This came with a fully charged battery installed to get the car restarted. Previously I could see no error codes, but following this latest incident the AWD error code 77-01 is displayed by an OBD reader. The vehicle began to run roughly and flashed many dashboard warnings as the battery began to draw down to zero power. Latest incident required a battery replacement instead of just a jump to restart.
NHTSA complaint #11427483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,061 milesHouston., TX
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2009 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and approaching a stop sign, the accelerator pedal was depressed however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact shifted the vehicle to neutral and back to drive and the vehicle responded slowly. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,061.
NHTSA complaint #11423124 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesRockville, MD
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT IS EXTREMELY DIM, CAN BARELY SEE AT NIGHT. CHANGING THE LIGHT BULB DOES NOT SOLVE. HEADLIGHT COVER IS NOT FOGGY OR CLOUDY, IT IS CLEAR. SUSPECTING INTERNAL REFLECTOR ISSUE AS ACURA HAS DONE RECALLS ON OTHER MODELS FOR THE SAME ISSUE BUT NOT ON RDX.
NHTSA complaint #11395433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rochester, NY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
MY HEADLIGHTS IN MY 2009 MDX ARE GETTING VERY FOGGY LIKE THEY TURNNIG WHITE IN OUTSIDE SURFACE IS HARD TO SEE AT NIGHT TIME WHIT THE LOW BEANS I USE THE HIGH BEANS TO BE ABLE TO SEE I TAKE IT TO A REPAIR SHOP AND THEY CANNOT DO NOTHING I THINK THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD I SEE OTHERS ACURA WHIT THE SAME PROBLEM THEY SURE PUT THIS PROBLEM IN RECALL...THANKS
NHTSA complaint #11339179 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesEast Haven, CT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
HFL MODULE # 39770-STX-A011-M1 STOPPED WORKING PREVENTING CONNECTION TO MY CELL PHONE. 2009 MDX WITH 92,004 MILES. CALLED ALL THE DEALERSHIPS IN MY AREA AND OTHERS ON THE INTERNET AND NO ONE HAS THE MODULE. I WAS TOLD BY THEM IT'S ON NATIONAL BACK ORDER FOR SONE TIME NOW ( 2/5/2020 ) . DOING FURTHER RESEARCH BROUGHT TO LIGHT THERE IS A 2016 OR 2017 CLASS ACTION SUIT ON THIS HFL MODULE/SYSTEM FAILING AND DRAINING POWER FROM THE BATTERY, CAUSING PREMATURE FAILURE OF SAID BATTERY, WHICH ALSO HAPPENED TO ME AS WELL AS NO START CONDITIONS WHICH ALSO HAS HAPPENED TO ME. SO FAR NO STALL OUTS WITH THE VEHICLE MOVING. I CURRENTLY HAVE A HFL MODULE ON ORDER FROM ACURA AND WAS TOLD BECAUSE THEIR ON BACK ORDER IT COULD BE SEVERAL MONTHS BEFORE THEY GET THEIR ORDER. ALSO THEY WANT MY OLD MODULE WHICH THEY ADDED A $50.00 CORE CHARGE TO THE PRICE. THOUGH THERE MAYBE JUST A FEW OFFICIAL COMPLAINTS LISTED HERE JUST CHECK THE WEB. THERE IS OBVIOUSLY A FAULT IN THESE MODULES AND THE MANUFACTURE IS EITHER DOING REVERSE FAILURE ANALYSIS ON THE RETURNED MODULES OR WIRSE YET FIXING THE BROKEN ONES AND SENDING THEM OUT AS THE REPLACEMENTS. EITHER WAY THEY OBVIOUSLY KNOW IS WRONG WITH THESE MODULES. THIS MODULE IS NOT WHAT IS CONSIDERED A NORMAL ATTRITION PIECE LIKE TIRES, BRAKES, LIGHT BULBS , BELTS , HOSES. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU PLANNED ON REPLACING A BROKEN RADIO IN YOUR VEHICLE, YOU DON'T. I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PLAN OR PAY TO REPLACE MY HFL MODULE, QUALITY CONTROL AND MANUFACTURE LOYALTY TO THEIR CUSTOMERS IS ABISMAL.
NHTSA complaint #11307646 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,000 milesVoorhees, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I HAVE ACCURA MDX 2009.UNABLE TO OPEN CAR DOOR USING MY KEY.COULD NOT OPEN TRUNK.BOTH SIDES LIGHT SIGNALS DO NOT WORK.CALLED AAA SERVICE TO OPEN DOOR.VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY
NHTSA complaint #11292143 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,000 milesVoorhees, NJ
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
I HAVE ACCURA MDX 2009.UNABLE TO OPEN CAR DOOR USING MY KEY.COULD NOT OPEN TRUNK.BOTH SIDES LIGHT SIGNALS DO NOT WORK.CALLED AAA SERVICE TO OPEN DOOR.VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY
NHTSA complaint #11292143 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesPortland, OR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE BLUETOOTH MODULE DRAINS THE BATTERY WHEN THE VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF AND I AM AFRAID THAT MY VEHICLE COULD BE TURNED OFF BY DRAINING THE BATTERY WHEN RUNNING CAUSING A SAFETY ISSUE. I HAVE REGISTERED THE CASE WITH ACURA CUSTOMER SERVER AND HAVE NOT HELPED ME WITH THE FREE REPLACEMENT. THE ACURA CASE NUMBER IS [XXX] 2009 ACURA MDX AWD VIN: 2HNYD28679H[XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11246429 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesMiddletown, NYCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ON JUNE 30TH 2019 AFTER LEAVING FROM WORK I WAS ON MY WAY TO PIER 1 WHICH IS APPROXIMATELY 2 MILES AWAY. I TURNED INTO THE PARKING LOT PARKED IN FRONT OF PIER 1 AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CAR ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL. IT JUMPED THE CURB CRASHED THROUGH PIER 1 WINDOW INTO THE STORE AND DIDN'T STOP UNTIL IT HIT A WALL. AT THIS TIME I'M IN SHOCK GLASS IS EVERY WHERE AND I COULD MOVE I HEAR PEOPLE IN THE BACKGROUND TELLING ME TO GET OUT OF THE CAR BUT I WAS FROZEN FROM WHAT JUST HAPPENED. I JUST WANT TO HOLD ACURA ACCOUNTABLE BECAUSE I SEE THIS HAS HAPPENED TO SEVERAL PEOPLE
NHTSA complaint #11230173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesMiddletown, NYCrash
WHEELS
ON JUNE 30TH 2019 AFTER LEAVING FROM WORK I WAS ON MY WAY TO PIER 1 WHICH IS APPROXIMATELY 2 MILES AWAY. I TURNED INTO THE PARKING LOT PARKED IN FRONT OF PIER 1 AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CAR ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL. IT JUMPED THE CURB CRASHED THROUGH PIER 1 WINDOW INTO THE STORE AND DIDN'T STOP UNTIL IT HIT A WALL. AT THIS TIME I'M IN SHOCK GLASS IS EVERY WHERE AND I COULD MOVE I HEAR PEOPLE IN THE BACKGROUND TELLING ME TO GET OUT OF THE CAR BUT I WAS FROZEN FROM WHAT JUST HAPPENED. I JUST WANT TO HOLD ACURA ACCOUNTABLE BECAUSE I SEE THIS HAS HAPPENED TO SEVERAL PEOPLE
NHTSA complaint #11230173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesMiddletown, NYCrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
ON JUNE 30TH 2019 AFTER LEAVING FROM WORK I WAS ON MY WAY TO PIER 1 WHICH IS APPROXIMATELY 2 MILES AWAY. I TURNED INTO THE PARKING LOT PARKED IN FRONT OF PIER 1 AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CAR ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL. IT JUMPED THE CURB CRASHED THROUGH PIER 1 WINDOW INTO THE STORE AND DIDN'T STOP UNTIL IT HIT A WALL. AT THIS TIME I'M IN SHOCK GLASS IS EVERY WHERE AND I COULD MOVE I HEAR PEOPLE IN THE BACKGROUND TELLING ME TO GET OUT OF THE CAR BUT I WAS FROZEN FROM WHAT JUST HAPPENED. I JUST WANT TO HOLD ACURA ACCOUNTABLE BECAUSE I SEE THIS HAS HAPPENED TO SEVERAL PEOPLE
NHTSA complaint #11230173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charlottesville, VA
POWER TRAIN
ALL DOOR LOCKS, WINDOWS, TRUNK, FUEL DOOR, AND SUNROOF DOES NOT WORK
NHTSA complaint #11217190 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charlottesville, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ALL DOOR LOCKS, WINDOWS, TRUNK, FUEL DOOR, AND SUNROOF DOES NOT WORK
NHTSA complaint #11217190 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.