Problems · NHTSA complaints
2011 Acura MDX problems
Owners filed 70 complaints about the 2011 Acura MDX with NHTSA between Jun 2011 and Sep 2025. The most-cited component is engine (28).
Complaints
70
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
4
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
6
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Engine28
- Power train8
- Electrical system7
- Air bags6
- Vehicle speed control4
- Exterior lighting3
- Structure3
- Suspension3
- Fuel system, gasoline3
- Seats2
- Seat belts2
- Visibility2
- Service brakes2
- Visibility/wiper1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 27, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
5
4
3
4
5
2
9
4
8
9
3
4
4
1
5
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2011 | 5 |
| 2012 | 4 |
| 2013 | 3 |
| 2014 | 4 |
| 2015 | 5 |
| 2016 | 2 |
| 2017 | 9 |
| 2018 | 4 |
| 2019 | 8 |
| 2020 | 9 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2022 | 4 |
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 5 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
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.”
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.”
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.”
Air bags
6 reports
“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.”
Vehicle speed control
4 reports
“COMING TO A STOP LIGHT AND TRYING TO STOP, THE CAR START ACCELERATING AND REACH OVER 6500RPM. I COULD NOT STOP AND PASSED THE STOP, MOVED THE GEAR ON NEUTRAL AND THE RPM MOVED HIGHER THE WHOLE CAR WAS SHAKING AND THOUGHT IS GOING TO EXPLODE I MOVED IT IN P AND TURNED THE KEY OFF. AFTER ONE MINUTE I DID START AND THE CAR WAS RUNNING GOOD. I AM SCARED NOT TO KILL SOMEONE. THE DEALER SAID; THEY ARE NOT AWARE OF ANY RECALL AND TO DRIVE AGAIN. IF HAPPENED AGAIN TO COME BACK TO THEM.!!! I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR ANY MORE, PLEASE HELP.”
Exterior lighting
3 reports
“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.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 27, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.