NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 49 owner complaints for the 2008 Acura MDX. Most complaints involve structure (8) and electrical system (8). The EPA rates it 17 mpg combined.
HONDA IS RECALLING 2,032 HITCH STYLE BIKE RACKS SOLD AS AFTERMARKET FOR USE ON MY 2003-2007 AND SOME MY 2008 HONDA PILOT, RIDGELINE, AND ACURA MDX VEHICLES. A PINCH BOLT EXISTS BETWEEN THE BIKE ARM BRACKET AND THE UPRIGHT ASSEMBLY OF THE "HITCH" STYLE BICYCLE RACK.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each MDX model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 224 |
| 2002 | 222 |
| 2003 | 212 |
| 2004 | 171 |
| 2005 | 180 |
| 2006 | 87 |
| 2007 | 99 |
| 2008 | 49 |
| 2009 | 52 |
| 2010 | 45 |
| 2011 | 70 |
| 2012 | 76 |
| 2013 | 30 |
| 2014 | 172 |
| 2015 | 71 |
| 2016 | 377 |
| 2017 | 260 |
| 2018 | 169 |
| 2019 | 190 |
| 2020 | 226 |
| 2022 | 158 |
| 2023 | 43 |
| 2024 | 41 |
| 2025 | 112 |
| 2026 | 9 |
“My car exterior paint has poor quality. It has been for years. It clear coat peeling and bubbling due to poor factory adhesion between paint layers, Fading & Chalking. This happens for so many years ago but I don’t know this happened because the manufacturers problem until recently a friend told me this”
“The clock in the 2008 Acura MDX stopped working over 18 months ago. This occurred after an Acura Day-light-Savings time update. In order to check the time now you have to take your eyes off the road. There are thousands of Acura vehicles with this problem. ACURA REFUSES TO HELP. They state there is no solution to the problem. They caused the problem!”
“I HAVE A MDX WITH SPORT SUSPENSION. I RECENTLY VISITED MY MECHANIC TO DISCOVER THAT BOTH OF MY REAR SHOCKS ARE BLOWN. AFTER LOOKING INTO FIXING IT, I NOTICED THAT THERE ARE SO MANY PEOPLE EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE PREMATURELY. NOT ONLY IS IT A COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE TRIM, THE PARTS ARE VERY EXPENSIVE DUE TO THE ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS. WITH SO MANY PEOPLE EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE, IT SEEMS THE CORE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM MAY BE A FAULTY DESIGN OF THE SHOCKS. MY CONCERN IS REPLACING A FAULTY PRODUCTS WITH ANOTHER FAULTY PRODUCTS, AND EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE ALL OVER AGAIN SHORTY.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MDX 4WD Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 3.7 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | $4,700 | 523 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
1 safety recall as of Oct 27, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 49 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are structure (8), electrical system (8), suspension (6). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2008 Acura MDX at 17 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).