2011 Acura MDX: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 70 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine (40% of complaints); the 2013 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
70
owner complaints
1
fire reports
70,211
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
NHTSA crash testOverall ★★★★★Front ★★★★★Side ★★★★★Rollover ★★★★★
5-star NHTSA overall safety ratingNo recall campaignsWeak spot: engine (40%)1 fire report
Common problems
Computed from 70 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Engine (engine mechanics)40% · 26 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)11% · 7 complaints
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)9% · 6 complaints
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)8% · 5 complaints
Fuel System, Gasoline (fuel pump, tank, lines)5% · 3 complaints
Seat Belts3% · 2 complaints
“Check engine light continues to come on after repair, lack of power and transmission skip at times. Reverse light dark, unable to see at all.”Owner report · Engine · Aug 2025
“The 2011 Acura MDX has a problem with the pistons in the engine which causes excessive oil consumption. This was subject of the matter of a class action suit described on the website entitled Acura Oil Consumption Settlement. This defect should be subject to recall and American Honda should be required to repair or replace this pistons.”Owner report · Power Train · Apr 2025
“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 I'm missing a quart of oil. There was once a recall for this issue but the window to get repaired has expired. That does help people that purchased this car after the window. Issue need to be a permanent recall and not a temporary.”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2023
Show 7 more owner reports
“Moonroof / Sunroof glass spontaneously exploded as while driving on Interstate at approximately 65mph. This caused many small peices of glass to break inward some of which entered into the cabin and onto passengers including the driver. The glass exploding was very loud and caused me to jerk my steering wheel. It scared the passenger as well. Also small slivers of glass can be felt in the skin.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jun 2023
“While driving Moon roof shattered. Available for inspection. Our lives were put at risk by the sudden onset of loud shattering sound, distraction while driving. Shattered glass could have caused impairment.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Mar 2023
“2011 Acura MDX Engine Oil Leak from Pan. Oil change and dip stick completely dry after 2 days. Many complaints of this common issue on 2011-2013 Acura MDX and no Recall. Reverse Lights not set properly When going in reverse it's remains dark and hard to see.”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2023
“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”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2022
“This car burns oil at an insane rate. I have to go to Jiffy Lube after only 1500 miles, and they are in shock when they top me off each time. Two of the employees have said that my engine is at trial of exploding because this car burns through oil so fast. Your website says that there is no recall, but there actually WAS a recall for this car, but I was NEVER NOTIFIED about this dangerous issue. Acura refuses to honor the recall because they say the window to get the car fixed has expired. This is ridiculous and unsafe.”Owner report · Engine · Sep 2022
“The contact owns a 2011 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the airbag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the driver's side airbag needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000. The VIN was unavailable.”Owner report · Air Bags · Feb 2022
“Excessive oil consumption. I have the oil changed when the maintenance minder gets to 10%. Usually this is about 5,000 miles between oil changes. I will add oil to the engine at 50% oil life or 2,500 miles. I have contacted Acura and they are unwilling to address this problem. These engines need to be recalled. This is a reoccurring event.”Owner report · Engine · Sep 2021
When filing, owners marked a crash in 4 of these complaints and injuries in 6 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
How other years compare
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Is the 2011 Acura MDX reliable?
NHTSA has 70 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 2011 Acura MDX. The most complained-about area is engine (40% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2011 Acura MDX problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 70,211 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.