2008 Acura MDX
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 224 |
| 2002 | 204 |
| 2003 | 206 |
| 2004 | 171 |
| 2005 | 180 |
| 2006 | 87 |
| 2007 | 99 |
| 2008 | 49 |
| 2009 | 52 |
| 2010 | 45 |
| 2011 | 70 |
| 2012 | 76 |
| 2013 | 29 |
| 2014 | 169 |
| 2015 | 70 |
| 2016 | 370 |
| 2017 | 255 |
| 2018 | 165 |
| 2019 | 183 |
| 2020 | 219 |
| 2021 | 0 |
| 2022 | 148 |
| 2023 | 39 |
| 2024 | 38 |
| 2025 | 101 |
| 2026 | 7 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
16% of complaints: electrical system — 8 distinct reports on file.
16% of complaints: structure — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body.
FIREShow 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, 20210305
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, 20260118
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... *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20130113
12% of complaints: suspension — 6 distinct reports on file.
12% of complaints: service brakes — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
10% of complaints: air bags — 5 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20220411
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 08E013000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2008 Acura MDX — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 08E013000 (equipment) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.