Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD

2014 Acura MDXRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 9 safety recalls and 172 owner complaints for the 2014 Acura MDX. Most complaints involve steering (38) and power train (27). The EPA rates it 21–23 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
21–23mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
9campaigns
Latest Jun 2026
Owner complaints
172
Top: steering
Fuel cost / yr
$3,350est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

9 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Structure: frame and members

Remedy pending

American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Honda Pilot, 2017-2023 Ridgeline, 2019-2023 Passport, and 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles that were sold in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. The rear subframe may corrode at the suspension mounting points, which can result in rear suspension component failure.

StructureReported Jun 5, 2026NHTSA 26V365000

Exterior lighting

Free remedy

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles. Moisture may enter the tailgate lid light assembly and wiring harness, which can cause the interior and exterior lights to fail, including the lid lights, position lights, license plate lights and taillights.

Exterior lightingReported Apr 18, 2025NHTSA 25V259000

Fuel system

Free remedy

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Fuel system, gasolineReported Dec 19, 2023NHTSA 23V858000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 11, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

172 complaints filed with NHTSA · Nov 2013 – Oct 2026
  1. Steering38
  2. Power train27
  3. Electrical system27
  4. Engine26
  5. Service brakes26
  6. Vehicle speed control19
  7. Structure14
  8. Exterior lighting13
  9. Fuel/propulsion system7

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
10
Fires reported
3
Injuries reported
9
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Steering

38 reports1 crash
“OnXXX I was sold an “As is” vehicle under a Christmas special that was deemed unsafe to drive by a licensed mechanic a week later because of the rear subframe is bent from premature corrosion the dealer denied knowing anything about it but i submitted a case with FLHSMV because under the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA): For consumer sales, even in "as-is" transactions, sellers must disclose known material defects that substantially impact the vehicle’s value or safety but the claim was denied and ruled non-jurisdictional so im in the process of going civil. The total price the licensed mechanic gave me was 3,246 so ive been trying to mitigate this for months but i recently just seen a Major recall was just issued which is the NHTSA campaign #26V367000 which is the same exact problem my vehicle that was sold to me was & is currently experiencing but my state which is [XXX] was excluded from the Recall list because it isn’t classified as a Salt bath state but since im experiencing the same issue and i don’t live in one of those states im just making this formal complaint to see if i can get some help to mitigate this situation to get the…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 13, 2026Steering, Suspension, StructureODI 11743848

Power train

27 reports3 crashes
“My 2014 Acura MDX had the same issue that it is currently being recalled (26V-365) except this happened to the front control arms. In August of 2024 I had to replace both the front lower control arms because the bushings were splitting. Had they split while driving I would've lost control of the car and crashed which is the concern with the current recall for the rear control arms. It was fortunate that this potentially dangerous crack was found during an unrelated service. I strongly feel that this recall for the MDX should be expanded to cover the front control arms too. This issue of dangerous corrosion is not limited to the rear.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 1, 2026Power trainODI 11768354

Electrical system

27 reports1 crash2 fires
“Upon engine start noticed vibration buzz noise and steering wheel locked, very difficult to steer. Turned off the ignition and waited 20 min, steering wheel was back to normal. Upon driving in the road for approximately 5-10 min, the wheel locked up with notification alert of "Electrical Power Steering Failure" It was very difficult to maneuver the steering wheel and manage to pull into a parking lot. Turned the ignition off and waited again another 5min and Upon restart, wheel was back to normal. As we were on our way home, the same alert came with steering wheel locked and difficult to turn. We managed to get home with difficulty turning. Car was towed to Acura Plesanton and was reported no recalls for this issue.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 3, 2024Steering, Electrical systemODI 11612438
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (S6)
Drive
Front-Wheel 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 11, 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 2WD
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
202823$3,350390
MDX 4WD
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · All-Wheel Drive
182721$3,700418
  • MDX 2WD
    Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    20 city · 28 hwy · $3,350/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
  • MDX 4WD
    Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    18 city · 27 hwy · $3,700/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Acura MDX SUV AWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
15.5%
Overall
5 / 5
Acura MDX SUV FWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
16.4%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 11, 2026Vehicle 8474Vehicle 8473
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

2014 MDX questions

How many recalls does the 2014 Acura MDX have?

9 safety recalls as of Nov 11, 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.

What are the most common 2014 Acura MDX problems?

Owners filed 172 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are steering (38), power train (27), electrical system (27). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2014 Acura MDX get?

The EPA rates the 2014 Acura MDX at 21–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

How safe is the 2014 Acura MDX?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2014 Acura MDX 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 11, 2026