2010 Acura MDX: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 45 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine (17% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jan 2010
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 45 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“SO my car had a torque converter recall at some point i was not notified of it to get it fixed. as such i drove it across the us and ended up making the transmission slip so bad that it would not go into gear anymore. since this i have taken it a dealership where the recall was performed after the fat and now they want me to buy a new transmission.”Owner report · Power Train · Apr 2025
“This is in reference to Acura Service Bulletin 14-032, Rear Side Body Plug is missing. Both my right and left side body plugs were missing, causing myself and family to experience symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning for at least a year. I had the exhaust system checked by Acura and and independent garage and they found no issues. I would not have know about the cause if I had not found it in a chat thread in an Acura online community. All owners need to be notified. THIS SHOULD BE A MANDATORY SAFETY RECALL for Acura MDX for 2010-2013.”Owner report · Structure · Jun 2024
“The oil issue. We bought a 2010 acura mdx from another person, unaware that no matter how much oil you put in it, it does not last very long. I travel 60 miles/day between work and pick-up kids and home. The oil lasts maybe 2 days says empty and we never need to add much for it to be full. We have a toyota sequoia that is bigger and we have no problems with this issue. Had a honda didn't have this issue, and had a few pick-ups with out this issue. All older than the acura.. This is expensive and what can we do to fix this??”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Dec 2023
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“My wife went to the grocery store and turned the car off. And upon doing so the car started smoking and she opened the hood and it was on fire. She opened the hood and put out the fire.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Nov 2023
“Backup camera doesn't function. This is a know. Problem in Honda and 1.2 M car has been recalled few days back. However there is no recall for MDX though same issue exist. If you check Acura MDX forum there are number of people complaining about back up camera and harness wire having issue.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jun 2021
“Never been in accident, Srs warning on dash, so took to Acura service dept in November of 2020, they confirmed it's the opds unit & the opds sensor inside seat, said it's not the seatbelts, & no airbags will deploy if in accident, they want to charge $1700+tax, we are poor & can not afford that or to buy another vehicle, our safety of our family with kids are at risk if in a accident because we can not afford the charge to replace the parts”Owner report · Air Bags · Nov 2020
“My vehicle started to burn a lot of oil I took it to acura and they told me it was indeed burning a lot of oil and that there is a recall from acura, but because there are 215,000 miles on my car they are not wanting to cover it. Even though I was never told of the recall and because of a mechanical issue on their part I should not be responsible for the cost. It's not fair at all.”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2020
“Whenever there is a heavy rain practically every code flashes on the dashboard. I've already had the acura dealer supposedly fix this problem at a cost of $499.52, a year ago. It happened again two weeks ago after a heavy rainstorm but the next day everything was back to normal. Happened again 2 days ago, again there was a heavy rain storm. Based on online complaints water seems to be getting into the driver kick panel fuse block area and is causing rust. I would think this is a design defect.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Aug 2018
“Tl* the contact owns a 2010 acura mdx. While attempting to start the vehicle, an abnormal cranking sound was heard coming from the steering wheel. In addition, the contact noticed sparks coming from the steering wheel. On the third attempt to start the vehicle, it failed to operate. The vehicle was towed to an unknown dealer, but was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 99,200. The VIN was not provided.”Owner report · Steering · May 2017
“The engine is consuming a lot of oil, the dealership told me that the piston rings needs to be change but the warranty or the recall for that have been expired and wouldn't allow me to change that with the dealership”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2017
When filing, owners marked a crash in 6 of these complaints and injuries in 8 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR ACURA 2010 MDX VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN OCTOBER 7, 2009 AND NOVEMBER 14, 2009. A BOLT USED TO ATTACH AN INTERIOR TRIM PIECE TO EITHER THE DRIVER'S OR PASSENGER'S SIDE A-PILLAR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN INSTALLED DURING MANUFACTURING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE INTERIOR TRIM PIECE OF THE A-PILLAR AND IF A BOLT IS MISSING IT WILL BE INSTALLED FREE OF CHARGE. FOUR VEHICLES WERE PURCHASED BEFORE THE STOP-SALE WAS ISSUED AND ALL THE VEHICLES HAVE BEEN INSPECTED AND REPAIRED IF NECESSARY.
How other years compare
Check your exact MDX by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2010 Acura MDX reliable?
NHTSA has 45 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2010 Acura MDX. The most complained-about area is engine (17% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2010 Acura MDX problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 70,500 miles or less.
Does the 2010 Acura MDX have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning air bags. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.