What's Wrong with the 2nd Generation (2007–2013) MDX?

MDX owners have made 101 complaints about the 2007–2013 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 25th out of 30 Acura generations in overall reliability, with real engine and electrical concerns.

Compare With Other MDX Generations

Common 2007-2013 Acura MDX Problems

Some of the worst issues 2nd generation MDX owners have to deal with.

  1. Acura's Very Uncomfortable Seats

    The seat design in certain Acura vehicles has been described as crippling. Owners complain that their legs fall asleep after 30 minutes of driving, and any long trips result in stiff backs, sore thighs, or messed up necks. Acura has been si…

    Continue reading article "Acura's Very Uncomfortable Seats" A beige interior featuring the headrest of an unnamed Acura vehicle.

  2. Excessive Oil Consumption

    Changed your oil recently? I'm guessing you think you’re good to go for another 3,000 to 5,000 miles depending on the oil you’re using. Acura owners with V6 J-Series engines better think again.

    Continue reading article "Excessive Oil Consumption" A gauge cluster with an orange wrench warning light labeled 'Service Due Now'

What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

2nd Generation (2007–2013) MDX Key Numbers

  1. 7 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 101 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 25th in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 30 eligible generations.

Recent Lawsuits for 2nd Generation MDX Owners

  • Dismissed

    Grodzitsky v. American Honda Motor Company

    1. Dismissed

      A Honda window regulator lawsuit won't move forward as a class action after an appeals court shot down that idea in a 2-1 ruling.

    2. Case Filed

      The plaintiff filed the lawsuit alleging defective Honda/Acura window regulators caused the windows to fall into the door frames.

    Class Vehicles
    • 2000-2011 MDX
    • 2000-2011 TSX
    • 2000-2011 RL
    • 2000-2011 Acura CL
    Location
    California

Recent 2nd Generation (2007–2013) MDX News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. Any hope of a proposed class-action lawsuit for faulty window regulators in certain Acure vehicles has fizzled after the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals shot down the proposal in a 2-to-1 ruling.

    The plaintiff argued that Honda, parent company of Acura, installed window regulators that are insufficiently strong and insufficiently durable to withstand the forces required to perform [their] intended function. Functions like making sure the dang window doesn't fall into the door, for example.

    The lawsuit originally included the 2000-2011 Acura MDX, Acura TSX, Acura RL and Acura CL but those vehicles were dropped in a last-ditch effort to save the suit.

    It didn't work.

    keep reading article "Window Regulator Class-Action Lawsuit Stopped in Appeals Court"

What MDX Owners Say About This Generation

Why Do Acura Engines Use an Excessive Amount of Oil?

One day when I checked it with about 40% oil life remaining, the oil level on the dip stick barely registered. I topped it off, and just made a mental note to keep an eye on it. From that day forward, I was having to add oil every 2 - 3 weeks, just to keep it in the proper range. This was ridiculous in my opinion because the vehicle only had 30,XXX miles on it at the time, and the car was not hammered on every take-off.

2011 MDX Owner in IN