Open safety recalls, the components owners report failing most often, crash-test results and running costs for the 2011 Acura MDX, assembled from NHTSA and EPA records.
Everything on this page applies to the model as a whole. Run its VIN to decode that exact car, its engine, trim, assembly plant and factory equipment, alongside these records.
Open a VIN recordRecalls and complaints are filed against a specific model year, so figures differ from one year to the next even within a single generation. See every Acura MDX year.
No EPA fuel-economy match for this model. Naming may differ, or it predates EPA records.
NHTSA frontal crash test
Rated configuration: 2011 Acura MDX SUV AWD
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The parts named most often across 70 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this make, model and year.
1 crash · 1 fire · 1 injured
1 crash · 1 injured
1 injured
Complaints are self-reported and skew toward problems people find alarming, so read this as where to look rather than as a defect rate.
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.
The hazard warning switch on my 2011 Acura MDX Technology & Entertainment Package VIN [XXX] sticks. It is due to a manufacturing defect and not because of normal wear and tear. That is a safety concern because when it is pressed and sticks, such as when giving the right of way to an emergency vehicle, or in bad weather, it not possible to make it unstuck while driving, and requires a screwdriver to pry it back to unstuck position, and if that option is not available then the stuck hazard switch will drain the battery when the vehicle is shut down. Please refer to enclosed Acura ServiceNews Article B15070C. On 8/9/2025, for my service at Hendrick Acura, I requested this known safety issue be fixed. I demonstrated by pressing the hazard switch that got stuck and required a screwdriver to unstick it. But the dealer unreasonably wanted me to pay $99 diagnostic fee to troubleshoot an obvious issue and even when I showed them the Acura ServiceNews Article B15070C. So, I was forced to confirm the issue indirectly myself. On 8/11/2025, I ordered a replacement hazard switch part number 33510-STX-A02 from another Acura dealer Contemporary Cars, for $37.02, per enclosed, even though it was a waste of my money. I swapped out the hazard switch and as expected it still got stuck. I have enclosed two pictures of my DIY diagnostic. I then searched for replacement dashboard center panel online from the Acura dealers, but I am unable to find any available. I then contacted Acura Client Relations on 8/25/2025, and they opened a Case # [XXX]. Kevin from Acura Client Relations called and stated that B15070C does not apply to my VIN. But I disagree because B15070C states for 'Affected Vehicles' - "2010-13 MDX (All trim levels except base." Hence, I am contacting NHTSA to ask Acura to cover my VIN as a saftey recall, and either provide me a replacement center panel that does not have the same manufacturing defect, or ask Hendrick Acura to replace it free of cost. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Unknown
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
My sunroof shattered and exploded While I was driving
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.
Driver side seat functions stop working: - up and down (tilt) - forward and back Acura had no explanation for it and to just replace the seat (which is costly). At your earliest convenience please advise if this suffice for a recall.
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.
Showing 12 of 70 complaints.