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Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD

2011 Acura MDXRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 70 owner complaints for the 2011 Acura MDX. Most complaints involve engine (28) and power train (8). The EPA rates it 18 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

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Combined MPG
18mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
70
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$4,300est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2011 Acura MDX as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

70 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jun 2011 – Sep 2025
  1. Engine28
  2. Power train8
  3. Electrical system7
  4. Air bags6
  5. Vehicle speed control4
  6. Exterior lighting3
  7. Structure3
  8. Suspension3
  9. Fuel system, gasoline3

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each MDX model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2001224
2002222
2003212
2004171
2005180
200687
200799
200849
200952
201045
201170
201276
201330
2014172
201571
2016378
2017261
2018169
2019193
2020228
2022162
202344
202441
2025117
20269
Crashes reported
4
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
6
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Engine

28 reports1 crash
“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 complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 10, 2025Exterior lighting, EngineODI 11647285

Power train

8 reports1 crash
“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 complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 28, 2025Power trainODI 11657296

Electrical system

7 reports1 crash1 fire
“POWER WINDOWS AND SUNROOF STARED WORKING INTERMITTENTLY FOR A FEW DAYS AND THEN STOPPED WORKING ALL-TOGETHER. APPARENTLY, THERE IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH WIRES BREAKING INSIDE DRIVER DOOR SUB-WIRE, ACURA PART NUMBER 32757-STX-A01. MY CAR ONLY HAS 101,768 MILES. I DID SOME RESEARCH ONLINE AND I SAW PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE WITH THEIR ACURA MDX VEHICLES.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 7, 2019Electrical systemODI 11278682
All 2011 MDX problemsSend a problem to a mechanic on findmechanic.ai
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

1 version rated by the EPA
EPA class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Engines
3.7L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (S6)
Drive
All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
MDX 4WD
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.7 L · All-Wheel Drive
162118$4,300494
  • MDX 4WD
    Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.7 L
    16 city · 21 hwy · $4,300/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
Estimate your fuel costCost of ownership
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Acura MDX SUV AWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
14.0%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 276
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2011 MDX questions

How many recalls does the 2011 Acura MDX have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 10, 2026.

What are the most common 2011 Acura MDX problems?

Owners filed 70 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (28), power train (8), electrical system (7). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2011 Acura MDX get?

The EPA rates the 2011 Acura MDX at 18 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

How safe is the 2011 Acura MDX?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2011 Acura MDX 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026