Is the 2020 Acura MDX reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2020 Acura MDX is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2020 Acura MDX?

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 37% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2020 Acura MDX have?

8 recalls on file for this model year.

2020 Acura MDX

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2020 Acura MDX
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of 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: 220
Recalls: 8
Investigations: 3
Top problem: Engine

Complaints per year

2020: 220 complaints

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	30
2014	170
2015	71
2016	372
2017	257
2018	168
2019	187
2020	220
2021	0
2022	154
2023	41
2024	39
2025	107
2026	8

Known problem areas

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

Engine

37% · 82 reports

Forward collision avoidance

25% · 54 reports

Most commonly citing adaptive cruise control and warnings.

INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

While driving on a residential street under normal daylight conditions, the forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking system failed without warning.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-13

Also filed under Lane departure and back over prevention

Electrical system

18% · 39 reports

Most commonly citing starter assembly and alternator/generator/regulator.

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

While braking into a parking spot, vehicle experienced sudden unintended acceleration. Brake did not engage, car rapidly surged forward over parking block, sidewalk and hitting building.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-05-04

Also filed under Service brakes and vehicle speed control

Lane departure

11% · 25 reports

Most commonly citing warning and assist.

Power train

10% · 21 reports

Safety timeline

8 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first

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

▮
2020Complaint volume 220 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2021-05-18Fuel system, gasoline21V215000 Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Acura MDX, MDX Sport Hybrid, RDX, TLX, Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Insight, 2019 Acura ILX, Honda Accord Hybrid, Civic Coupe, Civic Coupe Si, Civic Sedan, Civic Sedan Si, Civic Type...

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 18, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-314.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2023-08-07Service brakes, hydraulic23V458000 Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Civic, 2020-2023 Ridgeline, 2021-2023 Passport, 2021-2022 Pilot, and 2020 Acura MDX vehicles.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the brake booster assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2024-03-28Engine and engine cooling23V751000 Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, 2016 and 2018-2019 Pilot, 2017 and 2019 Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 Odyssey vehicles.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair, or replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 28, 2024. 2016-2017 Acura MDX owner letters were mailed November 1, 2024.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2024-03-28Air bags24V064000 Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid,...

Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024, October 18, 2024, and August 2025. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.

Check if this car was fixed →
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 →
I
2024-11-08Recall queryClosed 2025-08-20 Engine failure
I
2025-03-26Engineering analysisOpen No Restart After Auto Start/Stop Engages
R

2025-05-28Exterior lighting, interior lighting25V259000 Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the wiring and install a fuse harness, replace the lid light, and repair the body dust sealer, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 30, 2025.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2025-08-20Preliminary evaluationOpen Engine failure
R

2026-07-06Air bags26V332000 Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021...

Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

Date not on fileStructure, suspension26V365000 American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Honda Pilot, 2017-2023 Ridgeline, 2019-2023 Passport, and 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles that were sold in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa,...

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear subframe and install a rear subframe reinforcement kit and, as necessary, repair or replace the rear subframe components, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 7, 2026.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2020 Acura MDX — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Engine: 82 reports on file for this year.
Forward collision avoidance: 54 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 39 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 26V365000 · Structure, suspension
Recall 21V215000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 23V458000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Recall 23V751000 · Engine and engine cooling
Recall 24V064000 · Air bags
Recall 23V858000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 25V259000 · Exterior lighting, interior lighting
Recall 26V332000 · Air bags

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2020 Acura MDX reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2020 Acura MDX is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Acura MDX?: The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 37% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2020 Acura MDX have?: 8 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.