2011 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 | 50 |
| 2010 | 45 |
| 2011 | 70 |
| 2012 | 75 |
| 2013 | 29 |
| 2014 | 168 |
| 2015 | 69 |
| 2016 | 357 |
| 2017 | 244 |
| 2018 | 158 |
| 2019 | 182 |
| 2020 | 209 |
| 2021 | 0 |
| 2022 | 128 |
| 2023 | 34 |
| 2024 | 35 |
| 2025 | 66 |
| 2026 | 5 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
40% of complaints: engine — 28 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130520
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 ODI report, 20241122
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 Iâm missing a quart of oil.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231216
10% of complaints: power train — 7 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130520
9% of complaints: electrical system — 6 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190512
VOLPE TECH REFRESH TEST
NHTSA ODI report, 20111210
9% of complaints: air bags — 6 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 4 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2011 Acura MDX — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (28 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (6 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2011 Acura MDX reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 Acura MDX is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Acura MDX?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2011 Acura MDX have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.