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Which Years Of Used Acura MDXs Are Most Reliable?


in Reliability

We've identified 11 of the most reliable Acura MDX years. See which ones (and which MDX years are considered least reliable) so you can focus your vehicle search around dependability.

beige acura mdx
Photo by Nima Sarram on Unsplash

The Acura MDX is a solid SUV option from the luxury line of Acura vehicles, offering a trusted experience on the road. It’s an excellent combination of comfort and practicality. If you’re looking for a used version of this vehicle, look at all available options. You might wonder - what is the most reliable Acura MDX year?

If you want the best bang for your buck, keep an eye on the overall reliability. With over two decades of options on the market, it might feel overwhelming to narrow down your selection to one car. Luckily, we have you covered. Read on to learn more about the most reliable Acura MDX year and other vital information.


THE ACURA MDX YEARS TO AVOID

With two decades of the MDX being improved and perfected, some are certainly better than others. CoPilot is here to step in and help you navigate the wide range of Acura MDXes out there, including which ones to avoid.


Most Reliable Years For The Acura MDX 

People love the Acura MDX because it’s one of the best family cars on the market. Not only does it offer a luxurious ride option, but it also has three rows of seats to carry premium family transportation. However, it’s tricky to pick reliable years, which is why we’ve done the work on your behalf.

Here are the most reliable selections for the Acura MDX:

  • 2006 Acura MDX
  • 2007 Acura MDX
  • 2008 Acura MDX
  • 2009 Acura MDX
  • 2011 Acura MDX
  • 2012 Acura MDX
  • 2013 Acura MDX
  • 2015 Acura MDX
  • 2018 Acura MDX
  • 2019 Acura MDX
  • 2020 Acura MDX

If you’re searching for the most reliable Acura MDX year, go with one of these.

These years of the Acura MDX prove themselves time and time again. They are valuable additions to the lineup and have the fewest customer complaints.

To ensure you get the most out of your investment, purchase one of these years for the Acura MDX. However, it’s also helpful to consider how the Acura MDX averages across years in reliability. Where does it stand in the car world?


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Are Acura MDXs Generally Reliable?

It’s ideal to purchase the most reliable year for the Acura MDX. However, it doesn’t mean anything if the Acura MDX overall isn’t reliable. Let’s see how this car stacks up against similar competitors. 

The Acura MDX has decent reliability. According to withclutch.com, the MDX scores 63.05, which gives it a top position amongst other SUVs. It’s a rarity amongst other large vehicles on the market.

It’s also a quality idea to get a second opinion on the reliability of a vehicle. According to repairpal.com, the Acura MDX scores ⅘, which puts it second compared to fourteen other luxury midsize SUVs. It’s a force to be reckoned with in the fancy SUV world.

The annual repair cost of the Acura MDX is $571, which is almost $300 cheaper than other luxury vehicle options. If there is a need for an unexpected repair, there is an 8% chance it will be repaired. This number fares well compared to the 11% average for other cars.

Those behind the wheel of the Acura MDX report bringing it in for an average of .4 times a year, excellent compared to the .6 average for other luxury vehicles. The Acura MDX is generally reliable across all years.

Which Acura MDX Years Are The Least Reliable?

If you want to make the most of your money, stay away from the least reliable years at all costs. We’ve listed them out for you to make it easy to cross some options off your list.

Here are the worst years for reliability with the Acura MDX:

  • 2001 Acura MDX
  • 2002 Acura MDX
  • 2003 Acura MDX
  • 2004 Acura MDX
  • 2005 Acura MDX
  • 2010 Acura MDX
  • 2014 Acura MDX
  • 2016 Acura MDX
  • 2017 Acura MDX

If you’re seeking the most reliable Acura MDX year, don’t even consider putting your money down on one of these options.

There were extensive complaints from customers during these years. A few of the most prominent troubles include excessive oil consumption, transmission failure, and issues with the engine. These are some of the most expensive areas for repairs.

The most customer complaints appeared in these years. However, there are also some general MDX issues you should be aware of before purchasing one for your driving needs.


ACURA MDX PROS AND CONS

Of course, there are still some issues with the MDX, leading to the question - are there any significant Acura MDX pros and cons to consider?


What Are The Most Common Issues With An Acura MDX?

One of the best actions you can complete before investing in a used vehicle is checking out the most common issues. These will help you prepare for what to expect in a typical year of maintenance with the used version of the MDX.

According to lemberglaw.com, here are the most common issues with the Acura MDX:

  • Powertrain faults
  • Issues with the electrical system
  • Steering errors
  • Shuddering at certain speeds on the road

If these manifest, you may need to take your car in for an unexpected repair.

These issues are likely to appear occasionally, whether you go for reliable or unreliable years. However, they will come up more often in the worst years.

We’ve discussed many details surrounding the reliability of the Acura MDX. Now comes the ultimate question - is the Acura MDX worth it?

Is The Acura MDX Worth It?

The Acura MDX is one of the best SUVs on the market if you’re looking for a reliable option. Although there are faults, they aren’t too extreme in the best years. Pick the top of the batch for an affordable ownership experience.

Whether you have a family or want to drive by yourself, the MDX is ideal. It’s worth your money.

Acura is excellent at producing quality luxury vehicles without a massive price tag. The Acura MDX is worth the investment.


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Final Thoughts

Although there are some poor years for the MDX, there are some great ones. If you go with the most reliable years, you will save money and be able to drive behind the wheel of this roomy luxury SUV. Your family will love it.

We hope this information was valuable! It’s tricky to land on the ideal year with so many used options on the market, so our information should help you narrow your selections. Acura is an excellent company, and the MDX is one of its best.

Frequently Asked Questions: Most Reliable Acura MDX Years

Q: What are the most reliable years for the Acura MDX?

A: The most reliable model years for the Acura MDX include 2006-2009, 2011-2013, 2015, and 2018-2020. These years have proven themselves time and again, with the fewest reported customer complaints.

Q: Which Acura MDX years should I avoid?

A: It’s best to steer clear of the 2001-2005, 2010, 2014, and 2016-2017 model years of the Acura MDX. These years have had more extensive customer complaints and issues related to excessive oil consumption, transmission failure, and engine problems.

Q: What are some common issues with the Acura MDX?

A: Some of the most common issues reported with the Acura MDX include powertrain faults, electrical system problems, steering errors, and shuddering at certain speeds. However, these issues are more likely to occur in the less reliable model years.

Q: How does the Acura MDX compare to other luxury SUVs in terms of reliability?

A: The Acura MDX ranks second out of fourteen other luxury midsize SUVs in terms of reliability, according to RepairPal. It has a lower annual repair cost and a lower likelihood of needing unexpected repairs compared to the average for its class.



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