Just after the dawn of the new millennium, Acura launched its all-new SUV – the MDX. Designed with families in mind, the Acura MDX is a capable three-row SUV, packed full of luxurious amenities. Since arriving for the 2001 model year, the Acura MDX has been in almost constant production ever since, with a total of four generations, all of which underwent mid-generation facelifts in order to keep them fresh. There is no doubting the luxurious appeal and family-friendly capabilities of the MDX, but how does the stylish three-row SUV stack up in terms of its reliability? Throughout this article, we will explore the best years for Acura MDX production, including years to avoid.
Acura MDX: Overview Of Generations
Acura MDX production can be split into four main generations: YD1, YD2, YD3 and YD9. Each generation was also subject to a mid-generation facelift, likely due to the explosion of popularity in the SUV segment. Due to the immense success of SUVs over the last 20 years, the segment has been ever-changing and evolving, so facelifts were a smart way for Acura to keep their MDX looking fresh along the way.
The 2001 Acura MDX was created to define a new era in the evolution of luxury-class sport utility vehicles.
The MDX has always been marketed as a premium product, but still managed to undercut key competition with cheaper prices, such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz. As the model evolved, new trims arrived, such as Hybrid and Sport Hybrid trims, which too proved popular. The latest generation, YD9, was launched for the 2022 model year, and is the only model to be offered in a distinctly sporty Type S trim, powered by a 355-horsepower V6 engine. The YD9 is still in production, and the 2025 model has a base MSRP of $51,200.
There is no arguing that the Acura MDX has a lot to offer, much as all Acura SUV models do, but let’s find out which years are the most reliable, and which are best avoided.
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Acura MDX: Generations And Key Specifications |
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Generation |
Model Years |
Engine Options |
Transmission |
Key Features |
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YD1 (First generation) |
2001 – 2006 |
3.5L V6 |
5-speed automatic |
Acura launches its first-generation of MDX, a luxurious three-row SUV, available only with a 3.5-liter V6 and 5-speed automatic transmission. |
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YD2 (Second generation) |
2007 – 2013 |
3.7L V6 |
5- and 6-speed automatic |
In addition to a complete stylish refresh, the YD2 MDX receives more power, courtesy of a larger V6 engine. All-wheel drive is now standard. |
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YD3 (Third generation) |
2014 – 2020 |
3.5L V6, 3.0L V6 Hybrid |
6- and 9-speed automatic, 7-speed dual-clutch automatic |
The YD3 generation introduced the MDX as a hybrid for the first time, but only for the facelifted model, which arrived for the 2017 model year. |
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YD9 (Fourth generation) |
2022 – present |
3.5L V6, 3.0L turbocharged V6 |
10-speed automatic |
Top-spec Type S is equipped with a powerful turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, which comes as standard with all-wheel drive. |
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Identifying The Best Acura MDX Model Years
Keenly priced with a base MSRP marginally north of $50,000, the latest Acura MDX is one of the more affordable luxury three-row SUVs available in 2024. However, used examples offer better value for money at more accessible prices. To benefit those shopping second-hand, we decided to establish which years of the MDX are the most reliable, using external sources such as Car Complaints, the NHTSA, and J.D. Power reliability ratings. These sources will not only provide us with valuable third-party reliability and quality reviews, but also access to other metrics, such as how many official complaints any given year has received, in addition to the number of recalls logged. Likewise, we have also narrowed down the least reliable Acura MDX models, using the same methodology.
In order to ensure there is enough data to work with, we’ve ruled out the 2023 and 2024 model years, so this reliability review will focus on model years 2001 through 2022. This does mean that only the first year of production for the YD9 generation is to be considered. The article will highlight the best year for the Acura MDX, and also the MDX years to avoid.
2007 Acura MDX
This year, 2007, marks the first year of the YD2 generation, which was notably updated from the earlier first-generation model. Impressively, Acura appears to have done a great job in engineering the YD2 generation, as only one recall has been logged by the NHTSA. Usually, the first year of a new generation can be prone to more recalls than later cars, but this is not the case with the YD2 MDX.
The recall relates to an optional bike rack, which can potentially cause harm by pinching fingers when being moved from one position to the other. While still important to keep an eye out for, the recall is thankfully not concerning in terms of reliability, which is why 2007 can be considered one of the best years for Acura MDX production.
Discussion
Should I buy a used Acura MDX?
Like Honda, Acura has a good reliability reputation. For instance, the 2018 Acura MDX has an 81 out of 100 quality and reliability rating from J.D. Power. In Sport Hybrid guise, it also has 321 hp to play with. However, these Acuras have some questionable ergonomics and the older dual-touchscreen infotainment system that many find frustrating to use. If you can live with the dated tech, this is a decent used SUV.
2018 Acura MDX Hybrid
When looking for the Acura MDX best year of production, 2018 doesn’t immediately jump out as a great example, as the standard model has been subject to seven recalls. However, the Sport Hybrid trim only has two recalls logged against it, and the standard Hybrid just one.
Furthermore, for the 2018 model, Car Complaints shows just three complaints – far lower than the average. Evidently, 2018 is one of the MDX best years to secure when shopping around for a used example. As a 2018 model, it’s also modern enough to satisfy most customers.
2022 Acura MDX Type S
According to the data, one of the Acura MDX’s best years was for the 2022 model year, which is also when the current generation MDX Type S model first became available. Sporting a powerful turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine with 355 horsepower at its disposal, the Type S is by far the quickest MDX produced to date.
The standard 2022 MDX has one recall to be wary of, but the Type S has zero on record, in addition to just two complaints noted on Car Complaints. One relates to an engine problem, while the other denotes a brake problem – it’s worth us mentioning that Car Complaints does not differentiate between the standard and Type S models. Another point of note is that more complaints and recalls could arise, given how recently this generation of MDX debuted. However, for now, it’s almost certainly one of the best Acura MDX years.
Acura MDX Model Years To Avoid
There is a great range of MDX model years that have proven themselves as reliable SUVs. However, the following MDX model years suffer from excessive and concerning recalls, in addition to numerous complaints logged on both Car Complaints and with the NHTSA. If you’re looking at securing a second-hand Acura MDX, the data suggests you’d be better off steering away from these specific model years.
2003 Acura MDX
Sporting an alarming 13 recalls with the NHTSA and 211 complaints on the same site, the 2003 Acura MDX sure does throw up a few red flags for potential buyers to make a note of. Binding accelerator pedals, exploding airbag inflators, and the risk of the car rolling away due to an ignition fault are issues that have resulted in recalls for the 2003 MDX. These are all serious and pose real risk to drivers and passengers of this model year.
Many of the complaints are linked with the highlighted recalls, and rightfully so, too. After looking at the data, it’s clear to see that this is one of the Acura MDX years to avoid.
2014 Acura MDX
Although the 2014 Acura MDX is up for seven recalls according to the NHTSA, that’s not the main reason why it features on the list of years to avoid. This year has been subject to the most complaints for any MDX, with a total of 63 showing on Car Complaints. Out of those 63 complaints, 26 of them relate to engine issues, and more specifically lurching issues and concerning noises.
Car Complaints does actually suggest that 2010 is the worst year, as the related issues for 2010 are generally considered to be more expensive. However, the 2010 MDX has fewer recalls, just one, and so the 2014 Acura MDX instead is the year that makes our list of examples to avoid.
2019 Acura MDX
Similarly to the 2018 Acura MDX, which we recommend as a Hybrid model, the 2019 MDX also sports fewer recalls for the Hybrid trims. However, as a gas-only MDX, the Acura attracted six recalls, and 10 complaints for buyers to be wary of.
The recalls could be very costly if ignored, too. Most are engine related, such as fuel pump failure, rod bearing issues, and even failing timing belts – any one of those issues could easily cause four-figure damage to your Acura and wallet. The complaints mention strange engine noises and unexplained stalling and/or acceleration, which may or may not be related to the recalls.
Usually, certain generations of a model will prove more or less reliable than others, which means the advice would be to avoid the generations with more issues on hand. However, with the MDX, it’s a little more confusing. Across the various iterations, some model years appear to be well-engineered, whereas others could be considered ticking time-bombs. It’s the same with trims too, such as with the Hybrid models proving reliable for model years with fault-ridden gas-only trims.
In summary, pay extra care and attention to the recalls listed when considering a used MDX, and check to see if any of the more noteworthy complaints can be noticed on the example you’re considering.