Owners have filed 87 complaints
about the 2011 Acura MDX with NHTSA between 2011 and 2025.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 19 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 — 23
Against the median year of the Acura MDX. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 83
16.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 50
29% 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.
Under 1,000 miles
35.5%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
47.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
610.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
712.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1221.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
916.4%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1425.5%
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.
Jun 2011peak 5Sep 2025
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 133,400 milesSAN Antonio, TX1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
ON THE AFTERNOON OF MAY 11, 2011 I PUSHED THE BUTTON TO CLOSE MY CAR TRUNK HATCH AND MY 13 Y/O DAUGHTER RAN INTO A SHARP EDGE OF THE HATCH CUTTING HER FRONT RIGHT EYE LASH. THERE IS A MANUFACTURER-BUILT SHARP EDGE THAT CAUSED THE CUT. SHOULD THE EDGE HADN'T BEEN IN THAT LOCATION, SHE WOULDN'T HAVE CUT HER EYE LID. WE IMMEDIATELY TOOK MY DAUGHTER TO THE HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM TO STOP THE BLEEDING AND RESEAL HER EYE LID.
NHTSA complaint #11207067 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 133,400 milesSAN Antonio, TX1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ON THE AFTERNOON OF MAY 11, 2011 I PUSHED THE BUTTON TO CLOSE MY CAR TRUNK HATCH AND MY 13 Y/O DAUGHTER RAN INTO A SHARP EDGE OF THE HATCH CUTTING HER FRONT RIGHT EYE LASH. THERE IS A MANUFACTURER-BUILT SHARP EDGE THAT CAUSED THE CUT. SHOULD THE EDGE HADN'T BEEN IN THAT LOCATION, SHE WOULDN'T HAVE CUT HER EYE LID. WE IMMEDIATELY TOOK MY DAUGHTER TO THE HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM TO STOP THE BLEEDING AND RESEAL HER EYE LID.
NHTSA complaint #11207067 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 39,000 milesMinnetonka, MN1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
THE REAR LIFT GATE WILL OPEN USING THE AUTOMATIC DOOR OPENER, BUT ONCE OPEN IT WILL NOT STAY OPEN. IN MY CASE, I OPENED THE REAR DOOR, BUT WHEN I WENT TO GET SOMETHING FROM THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE, THE DOOR CAME DOWN ON MY HEAD. NOT ONLY IS THIS DISAPPOINTING TO HAVE THIS ISSUE IN A CAR WITH LESS THAN 40,000 MILES, BUT IT IS ALSO VERY DANGEROUS.
NHTSA complaint #10715569 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20,000 milesWalnut, CACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO PARK HER VEHICLE, BUT WHEN SHE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO HER HOME. THE RPMS CONTINUED TO INCREASE UNTIL SHE ENGAGED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR CUTS AND BRUISES BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION BUT THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10525553 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 38,632 milesWalnut, CACrash1 injured
POWER TRAIN
WHILE PARKING, THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AS IF THE ACCELERATOR WAS FLOORED, AND THE CAR ONLY CAME TO A STOP AFTER HITTING A BLOCK WALL. THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO REV UNTIL THE CAR WAS PUT INTO PARK AND THE ENGINE TURNED OFF. I COULD HEAR THE TIRE SCREECHING LIKE "BURNING RUBBER" WHEN IT ACCELERATED. PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT, I'VE BEEN EXPERIENCING THE CAR LURCH FORWARD WHILE DRIVING FOR THE PAST 2 WEEKS. BUT IT WAS HARD TO REPRODUCE, AND I WAS IN THE PROCESS OF TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHEN AND HOW IT HAPPENS.
NHTSA complaint #10512803 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 38,632 milesWalnut, CACrash1 injured
ENGINE
WHILE PARKING, THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AS IF THE ACCELERATOR WAS FLOORED, AND THE CAR ONLY CAME TO A STOP AFTER HITTING A BLOCK WALL. THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO REV UNTIL THE CAR WAS PUT INTO PARK AND THE ENGINE TURNED OFF. I COULD HEAR THE TIRE SCREECHING LIKE "BURNING RUBBER" WHEN IT ACCELERATED. PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT, I'VE BEEN EXPERIENCING THE CAR LURCH FORWARD WHILE DRIVING FOR THE PAST 2 WEEKS. BUT IT WAS HARD TO REPRODUCE, AND I WAS IN THE PROCESS OF TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHEN AND HOW IT HAPPENS.
NHTSA complaint #10512803 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Los Angeles, CA
POWER TRAIN
Check engine light continues to come on after repair, lack of power and transmission skip at times. Reverse light dark, unable to see at all.
NHTSA complaint #11687765 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Los Angeles, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Check engine light continues to come on after repair, lack of power and transmission skip at times. Reverse light dark, unable to see at all.
NHTSA complaint #11687765 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Los Angeles, CA
ENGINE
Check engine light continues to come on after repair, lack of power and transmission skip at times. Reverse light dark, unable to see at all.
NHTSA complaint #11687765 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Harrisburg, NC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The hazard warning switch on my 2011 Acura MDX Technology & Entertainment Package VIN [XXX] sticks. It is due to a manufacturing defect and not because of normal wear and tear. That is a safety concern because when it is pressed and sticks, such as when giving the right of way to an emergency vehicle, or in bad weather, it not possible to make it unstuck while driving, and requires a screwdriver to pry it back to unstuck position, and if that option is not available then the stuck hazard switch will drain the battery when the vehicle is shut down. Please refer to enclosed Acura ServiceNews Article B15070C. On 8/9/2025, for my service at Hendrick Acura, I requested this known safety issue be fixed. I demonstrated by pressing the hazard switch that got stuck and required a screwdriver to unstick it. But the dealer unreasonably wanted me to pay $99 diagnostic fee to troubleshoot an obvious issue and even when I showed them the Acura ServiceNews Article B15070C. So, I was forced to confirm the issue indirectly myself. On 8/11/2025, I ordered a replacement hazard switch part number 33510-STX-A02 from another Acura dealer Contemporary Cars, for $37.02, per enclosed, even though it was a waste of my money. I swapped out the hazard switch and as expected it still got stuck. I have enclosed two pictures of my DIY diagnostic. I then searched for replacement dashboard center panel online from the Acura dealers, but I am unable to find any available. I then contacted Acura Client Relations on 8/25/2025, and they opened a Case # [XXX]. Kevin from Acura Client Relations called and stated that B15070C does not apply to my VIN. But I disagree because B15070C states for 'Affected Vehicles' - "2010-13 MDX (All trim levels except base." Hence, I am contacting NHTSA to ask Acura to cover my VIN as a saftey recall, and either provide me a replacement center panel that does not have the same manufacturing defect, or ask Hendrick Acura to replace it free of cost. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION A
NHTSA complaint #11686570 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Harrisburg, NC
STRUCTURE:BODY
The hazard warning switch on my 2011 Acura MDX Technology & Entertainment Package VIN [XXX] sticks. It is due to a manufacturing defect and not because of normal wear and tear. That is a safety concern because when it is pressed and sticks, such as when giving the right of way to an emergency vehicle, or in bad weather, it not possible to make it unstuck while driving, and requires a screwdriver to pry it back to unstuck position, and if that option is not available then the stuck hazard switch will drain the battery when the vehicle is shut down. Please refer to enclosed Acura ServiceNews Article B15070C. On 8/9/2025, for my service at Hendrick Acura, I requested this known safety issue be fixed. I demonstrated by pressing the hazard switch that got stuck and required a screwdriver to unstick it. But the dealer unreasonably wanted me to pay $99 diagnostic fee to troubleshoot an obvious issue and even when I showed them the Acura ServiceNews Article B15070C. So, I was forced to confirm the issue indirectly myself. On 8/11/2025, I ordered a replacement hazard switch part number 33510-STX-A02 from another Acura dealer Contemporary Cars, for $37.02, per enclosed, even though it was a waste of my money. I swapped out the hazard switch and as expected it still got stuck. I have enclosed two pictures of my DIY diagnostic. I then searched for replacement dashboard center panel online from the Acura dealers, but I am unable to find any available. I then contacted Acura Client Relations on 8/25/2025, and they opened a Case # [XXX]. Kevin from Acura Client Relations called and stated that B15070C does not apply to my VIN. But I disagree because B15070C states for 'Affected Vehicles' - "2010-13 MDX (All trim levels except base." Hence, I am contacting NHTSA to ask Acura to cover my VIN as a saftey recall, and either provide me a replacement center panel that does not have the same manufacturing defect, or ask Hendrick Acura to replace it free of cost. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION A
NHTSA complaint #11686570 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Livermore, CA
ENGINE
Unknown
NHTSA complaint #11683178 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greer, SC
POWER TRAIN
The 2011 Acura MDX has a problem with the pistons in the engine which causes excessive oil consumption. This was subject of the matter of a class action suit described on the website entitled Acura Oil Consumption Settlement. This defect should be subject to recall and American Honda should be required to repair or replace this pistons.
NHTSA complaint #11657296 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LOS Angeles, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2011 Acura MDX Engine Oil Leak from Pan. Oil change and dip stick completely dry after 2 days. Many complaints of this common issue on 2011-2013 Acura MDX and no Recall. Reverse Lights not set properly When going in reverse it's remains dark and hard to see.
NHTSA complaint #11647285 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LOS Angeles, CA
ENGINE
2011 Acura MDX Engine Oil Leak from Pan. Oil change and dip stick completely dry after 2 days. Many complaints of this common issue on 2011-2013 Acura MDX and no Recall. Reverse Lights not set properly When going in reverse it's remains dark and hard to see.
NHTSA complaint #11647285 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tonopah, AZ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle lost power- all lights came on. After being towed to two separate mechanics, found out engine blew. Had to replace the following: Engine Radiator Motor mounts Timing belt Thermostat
NHTSA complaint #11626892 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tonopah, AZ
ENGINE
Vehicle lost power- all lights came on. After being towed to two separate mechanics, found out engine blew. Had to replace the following: Engine Radiator Motor mounts Timing belt Thermostat
NHTSA complaint #11626892 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jarrell, TX
ENGINE
Engine excessively consumes oil. No issue to the engine whatsoever no smoke at exhaust no burning oil. Check my oil after about 1000 miles and I’m missing a quart of oil. There was once a recall for this issue but the window to get repaired has expired. That does help people that purchased this car after the window. Issue need to be a permanent recall and not a temporary.
NHTSA complaint #11560490 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonville, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Moonroof / Sunroof glass spontaneously exploded as while driving on Interstate at approximately 65mph. This caused many small peices of glass to break inward some of which entered into the cabin and onto passengers including the driver. The glass exploding was very loud and caused me to jerk my steering wheel. It scared the passenger as well. Also small slivers of glass can be felt in the skin.
NHTSA complaint #11528882 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Wayne, IN
VISIBILITY/WIPER
My sunroof shattered and exploded While I was driving
NHTSA complaint #11519157 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Yucaipa, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While driving Moon roof shattered. Available for inspection. Our lives were put at risk by the sudden onset of loud shattering sound, distraction while driving. Shattered glass could have caused impairment.
NHTSA complaint #11513136 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonville, FL
SEATS
Driver side seat functions stop working: - up and down (tilt) - forward and back Acura had no explanation for it and to just replace the seat (which is costly). At your earliest convenience please advise if this suffice for a recall.
NHTSA complaint #11498621 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Altadena, CA
ENGINE
This car burns oil at an insane rate. I have to go to Jiffy Lube after only 1500 miles, and they are in shock when they top me off each time. Two of the employees have said that my engine is at trial of exploding because this car burns through oil so fast. Your website says that there is no recall, but there actually WAS a recall for this car, but I was NEVER NOTIFIED about this dangerous issue. Acura refuses to honor the recall because they say the window to get the car fixed has expired. This is ridiculous and unsafe.
NHTSA complaint #11487564 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 76,000 milesBoynton Beach, FL
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2011 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the airbag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the driver's side airbag needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000. The VIN was unavailable.
NHTSA complaint #11452053 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mayaguez, PR
ENGINE
The SUV was taken to an Acura dealer Ponce P.R. for inspection due to the fact that the engine was consuming too much oil and they didn't bother to check it as they told me that the warranty period had expired. The MDX had 75,000 miles and 10 years when I took it for inspection.
NHTSA complaint #11446592 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Phoenix, MD
AIR BAGS
Car airbag system check light is on all times, garage ran diagnostic check airbag inflator malfunction
NHTSA complaint #11439753 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Madison, MS
ENGINE
Excessive oil consumption. I have the oil changed when the maintenance minder gets to 10%. Usually this is about 5,000 miles between oil changes. I will add oil to the engine at 50% oil life or 2,500 miles. I have contacted Acura and they are unwilling to address this problem. These engines need to be recalled. This is a reoccurring event.
NHTSA complaint #11434526 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Irvine, CA
ENGINE
Car was going at 75 miles down to 40 miles then engine died.
NHTSA complaint #11432074 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 138,000 milesBartow, GA
SEAT BELTS
I HAVE A 2011 ACURA MDX AND JUST RECENTLY MY AIRBAG SRS LIGHT HAS CAME ON WHEN I TURNED MY VEHICLE ON. I WAS TOLD BY THE ACURA DEALERSHIP THAT THIS WAS DUE TO A MALFUNCTIONING AIRBAG SENSOR. DUE TO THIS MALFUNCTION NONE OF MY AIRBAGS WILL DEPLOY IF I WERE TO GET INTO AN ACCIDENT. WHICH I THINK IS ABSOLUTELY INSANE. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THEY STATED IT WOULD COST OVER $1500 TO FIX IT. AS A SINGLE MOTHER I AM NOT ABLE TO AFFORD TO HAVE THIS ISSUE FIXED. I CALLED ACURA AND THE LADY I SPOKE TOO WAS VERY RUDE AND SAID THAT THERE WAS NOT ANY RECALLS REGARDING THIS ISSUE AND THAT ACURA WOULD NOT HELP WITH THE REPAIRS. MY CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND I ALWAYS MAINTAIN THE OIL, TIRES, MAINTENANCE ON THIS CAR. NO ONE SHOULD EVER HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT GETTING IN THE CAR WITH THEIR CHILDREN AND FEELING UNSAFE BECAUSE OF MALFUNCTION AIR BAG SENSOR OR COMPUTER. THE ACURA DEALERSHIP SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS MALFUNCTIONING SYSTEM.
NHTSA complaint #11377082 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 138,000 milesBartow, GA
AIR BAGS
I HAVE A 2011 ACURA MDX AND JUST RECENTLY MY AIRBAG SRS LIGHT HAS CAME ON WHEN I TURNED MY VEHICLE ON. I WAS TOLD BY THE ACURA DEALERSHIP THAT THIS WAS DUE TO A MALFUNCTIONING AIRBAG SENSOR. DUE TO THIS MALFUNCTION NONE OF MY AIRBAGS WILL DEPLOY IF I WERE TO GET INTO AN ACCIDENT. WHICH I THINK IS ABSOLUTELY INSANE. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THEY STATED IT WOULD COST OVER $1500 TO FIX IT. AS A SINGLE MOTHER I AM NOT ABLE TO AFFORD TO HAVE THIS ISSUE FIXED. I CALLED ACURA AND THE LADY I SPOKE TOO WAS VERY RUDE AND SAID THAT THERE WAS NOT ANY RECALLS REGARDING THIS ISSUE AND THAT ACURA WOULD NOT HELP WITH THE REPAIRS. MY CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND I ALWAYS MAINTAIN THE OIL, TIRES, MAINTENANCE ON THIS CAR. NO ONE SHOULD EVER HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT GETTING IN THE CAR WITH THEIR CHILDREN AND FEELING UNSAFE BECAUSE OF MALFUNCTION AIR BAG SENSOR OR COMPUTER. THE ACURA DEALERSHIP SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS MALFUNCTIONING SYSTEM.
NHTSA complaint #11377082 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 107,000 milesCanyon Country, CA
ENGINE
BURNING EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF OIL. I CHECK IT EVERY TWO WEEKS AND EVERY TIME I HAVE TO TOP OFF.
NHTSA complaint #11374711 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.