Acura MDX Reliability: Worth the Extra Price?

Danielle S
Feb 19, 2021

White 2020 Acura MDX From Front-Driver Side

Ready to treat yourself to a luxury SUV with plenty of space for your crew? The 2020 Acura MDX is a three-row luxury SUV that offers seating for up to seven people and doesn’t skimp on standard features.

How reliable is the 2020 Acura MDX?

The 2020 Acura MDX has overall good reliability ratings based on expert and owner reviews. J.D. Power gives the 2020 MDX an overall “Quality & Reliability” score of 80/100.

Vehicle History Reviews:

  • Owner Reviews: 4.33 stars
  • Expert Reviews: 4.6/5 stars

We’re taking some of the guesswork out of your next vehicle purchase with our overview of the 2020 Acura MDX and some notes about its reliability below. We hope this will help you make an informed purchase!

More about the Acura MDX

Making its debut as part of the MDX’s third generation in 2014, the 2020 MDX comes standard with three rows of seating for up to seven passengers. However, models equipped with second-row captain’s chairs can seat up to six.

There are two engines available on the 2020 MDX: a base 3.5L V6 at 290 horsepower as well as a hybrid 3.0L V6 that cranks out 321 horsepower in conjunction with its three electric motors. This model is available in front- and all-wheel drive.

The 2020 Acura MDX is generously appointed, even on its base trim, with features that include:

  • A power liftgate
  • A sunroof
  • Keyless entry and ignition
  • Leather upholstery
  • Tri-zone automatic climate control

Meanwhile, stepping up to the range-topping Advance trim yields you even more indulgences, including:

  • A 360-degree parking camera
  • A heated steering wheel
  • Premium leather upholstery
  • An adaptive suspension
  • Heated front- and second-row seats

On the reliability front, the 2020 MDX receives a rating of 3/5, according to U.S. News & World Report. This takes into account Acura’s four-year, 50,000-mile warranty and six-year, 70,000-mile powertrain warranty.

2020 Acura MDX Recalls & Complaints

As of November of 2020, there are no open recalls on the 2020 Acura MDX. Of course, this is still a relatively new model, and it is possible that recalls could be issued in the future.

There have been a couple of ongoing complaints from MDX owners that are worth noting, and we’ve outlined these in detail below so you can decide whether a 2020 MDX may be right for you.

Problems with Car Electronics

Source: Vehicle History Reviews

Several reviews on Vehicle History.com report issues with the electronics on the 2020 Acura MDX.

Jim Wogan, who posted a review in July of 2020, reports that the “electronics are going wonky,” but doesn’t specify exactly what the problem is or whether he has had the vehicle inspected by a mechanic.

Another reviewer, Adeel A., also posted in July of 2020 that “sometimes the radio will not work.” Meanwhile, Wallace McNeil reported in May of 2020 that he has experienced issues with his rearview camera.

Issues with Brake System

Source: Vehicle History Reviews

Reviewer S.C. wrote in August of 2020 that he or she has experienced issues with the braking system on the 2020 Acura MDX.

Specifically, this reviewer comments that this MDX model is equipped with a “poor braking system,” including bad rotors and brake shoe pads. However, it is unknown whether this owner had brake repairs covered by Acura’s warranty.

Check the Vehicle History Report!

Don’t buy your next car without checking the Vehicle History report. It’s quick, easy, and gives you access to more than 140 million data points from reliable sources like J.D. Power, the Kelley Blue Book, and more!

avatar Danielle S
Danielle S. is a writer with more than 10 years of experience covering the automotive industry. She lives in Indiana ("The Crossroads of America") but enjoys road-tripping around the country whenever she gets the chance.
  • Articles
  • chevronRightAlternative
  • Acura MDX Reliability: Worth the Extra Price?