Is the 2008 Acura MDX reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Acura MDX is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Acura MDX?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 16% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2008 Acura MDX have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

2008 Acura MDX

▲ Better than typical

2008 Acura MDX
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:53:51.304Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 49
Recalls: 1
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Electrical system

Complaints per year

2008: 49 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2001	224
2002	205
2003	206
2004	171
2005	180
2006	87
2007	99
2008	49
2009	52
2010	45
2011	70
2012	76
2013	30
2014	170
2015	71
2016	375
2017	260
2018	168
2019	189
2020	223
2021	0
2022	159
2023	44
2024	40
2025	115
2026	8

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

16% · 8 reports

Structure

16% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing body.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

My vehicle was parked in a parking lot and the engine caught on fire. The engine was not running, it seams to spontaneously caught fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 2021-03-05

Also filed under Engine

My car exterior paint has poor quality. It has been for years. It clear coat peeling and bubbling due to poor factory adhesion between paint layers, Fading & Chalking.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-01-18

At higher speeds the hood flutters up and down, even though the hood is latched down. The dealer said it was common and wanted to charge me to fix it...

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-01-13

Suspension

12% · 6 reports

Service brakes

12% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

Air bags

10% · 5 reports

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Had front collision with another vehicle and hit their passenger side of the vehicle and their Airbags Deployed on that side but my Airbags didnât Deploy in the Front. I suffered injuries because it didnât work.

NHTSA ODI report, 2022-04-11

Safety timeline

1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

Date not on fileEquipment08E013000 Honda is recalling 2,032 hitch style bike racks sold as aftermarket for use on my 2003-2007 and some my 2008 Honda pilot, ridgeline, and Acura MDX vehicles.

Remedy: Owners should contact thule at 800-THULE91 (800-848-5391) to obtain a free repair kit along with repair instructions or owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009 or Acura at 1-800-382-2238 for further information.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2008 Acura MDX — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Electrical system: 8 reports on file for this year.
Structure: 8 reports on file for this year.
Suspension: 6 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 08E013000 · Equipment

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2008 Acura MDX reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Acura MDX is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Acura MDX?: The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 16% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Acura MDX have?: 1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.