Is the 2013 Acura MDX reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2013 Acura MDX is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Acura MDX?

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2013 Acura MDX have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

2013 Acura MDX

▲ Better than typical

2013 Acura MDX
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:47:19.290Z

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: 30
Recalls: 1
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Engine

Complaints per year

2013: 30 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.

Engine

30% · 9 reports

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

Tl*the contact owns a 2012 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, smoke started to emit from under the hood of the vehicle and into the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2015-02-03

Also filed under Electrical system

Unknown

NHTSA ODI report, 2025-06-20

Electrical system

27% · 8 reports

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2013 Acura MDX. The contact stated that he was about to drive the vehicle when he noticed the front passenger-side headlight was flickering. The contact stated he decided not to drive the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-11-07

Internal vehicle fire started around front passenger seat and burned for an unknown amount time before it extinguished on its own while vehicle was off and parked.

NHTSA ODI report, 2021-11-07

Also filed under Seats

Power train

13% · 4 reports

Vehicle speed control

10% · 3 reports

Steering

10% · 3 reports

Safety timeline

1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first

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

R

2024-03-29Fuel system, gasoline23V858000 Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020...

Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2013 Acura MDX — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Engine: 9 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 8 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 4 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 23V858000 · Fuel system, gasoline

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2013 Acura MDX reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2013 Acura MDX is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Acura MDX?: The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2013 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.