Head-to-head reliability
Acura MDX vs Acura RDX
How the Acura MDX and Acura RDX compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Acura MDX vs Acura RDX: The MDX averages 118 complaints per year and has 45 recalls, while the RDX averages 114.7 complaints and 22 recalls. Both have similar crash-related reports, but the MDX has zero deaths and the RDX has one. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Acura MDX or Acura RDX more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Acura MDX
The Acura MDX is a three-row luxury SUV that has averaged 118 complaints per year over the past decade, with 45 recalls and 29 crash-related reports. Owner complaints cluster around engine and electrical problems, especially sudden power loss and limp mode tied to the auto idle-stop system. Power train issues like transmission failure without warning also appear. While there are zero reported deaths, the frequency of stalling and deceleration incidents means buyers should prioritize a thorough mechanical inspection.
Acura RDX
The Acura RDX is a compact luxury SUV with an average of 114.7 complaints per year, 22 recalls, and 28 crash-related reports. The most common complaints involve unknown or other issues, visibility/wiper problems, and engine concerns. Owners report panoramic roof noises, rear window shattering, and wiper failure in heavy rain. There is also a notable pattern of vehicle thefts, which may indicate a security vulnerability. One death is reported in the data.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Acura MDX | Acura RDX |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,180 | 1,147 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 45 | 22 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 29 | 28 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 118.0 | 114.7 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 27 | 23 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Acura MDX
- 01ENGINE325
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM243
- 03POWER TRAIN222
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER177
- 05FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE151
Owners report sudden total power loss while driving, with all dashboard lights illuminating and speed dropping to 20 mph. This is often linked to the auto idle-stop system and can leave you stranded or in a dangerous situation.
Complaints include warning lights flashing and the vehicle entering limp mode on rough roads. These electrical glitches can cause unexpected loss of power and reduced control.
Transmission failure without warning is reported, such as not engaging when turning onto a street. This can happen at low speeds and may require costly repairs.
This system is among the top complaint areas, though specific failure details are not provided in the sample. Buyers should test the system and check for any recall or software updates.
“VIN: [XXX]: 2024 Acura MDXComponents: Engine, Electrical System, Powertrain (Auto Idle-Stop)Ref Investigation: NHTSA EA25-004 (Upgraded from PE22-005) Dealer: Acura Carland ([XXX])SAFETY DEFECT SUMMARY:Severe safety hazard involving the Auto Idle-Stop system.…”
“My 2023 Acura (VIN# [XXX] ) has experienced two separate incidents of sudden, total power loss while driving. In both cases, all dashboard warning lights came on, including the brake light, and the vehicle reduced speed to 20 mph and would not accelerate. The…”
Acura RDX
- 01UNKNOWN OR OTHER311
- 02VISIBILITY/WIPER205
- 03ENGINE193
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM115
- 05POWER TRAIN111
Owners report panoramic roof frame noises like popping and creaking over uneven pavement, and instances where the car can be started and driven without a key inside. These issues affect comfort and security.
The rear hatch window can spontaneously shatter while parked, and windshield wipers may suddenly seize during heavy rain. Both impair visibility and can be safety hazards.
Engine complaints include incidents where the car was driven away without a key, though other engine issues may exist. This suggests potential electronic or ignition problems.
Multiple reports of vehicle theft, with key cylinders showing forced manipulation. This indicates a possible security flaw that could lead to loss of the vehicle.
“The panoramic roof frame assembly on my 2022 Acura RDX exhibits the exact condition described in Acura Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 23-004. The panoramic roof produces loud popping and creaking noises during normal driving over uneven pavement and drivewa…”
“Highlight: The car was able to be started with a button press and driven away without any key inside the car. (Also, some side information that the car had it's annual check-up on the Saturday before this incident). Normally my wife keeps her purse in the hou…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Acura MDX — 45 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Acura TLX, 2023-2025 Acura MDX, and 2023-2025 Honda Pilot vehicles. The brake pedal pivot pin was not secured properly, which can cause the pedal to shift out of position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehic…
The risk: A brake pedal that shifts out of position can prevent the driver from applying the brakes as intended, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the brake pedal assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 29, 2025. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall ar…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022…
The risk: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH,…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Acura TLX, 2023-2025 Acura MDX, and 2023-2025 Honda Pilot vehicles. The brake pedal pivot pin was not secured properly, which can cause the pedal to shift out of position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehic…
The risk: A brake pedal that shifts out of position can prevent the driver from applying the brakes as intended, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the brake pedal assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 29, 2025. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall ar…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022…
The risk: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH,…
Acura RDX — 22 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Odyssey and 2024 Acura RDX vehicles. The steering gear box assembly may not have been tightened properly, allowing water to enter the assembly and cause corrosion and binding gears.
The risk: Corroded and binding steering gears can result in a loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the electric power steering rack, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are LHU and FHT.
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022…
The risk: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH,…
The defect: Honda (America Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023 Civic, Acura RDX, Acura Integra, and 2022 Honda Accord vehicles. A ball valve in the vehicle stability assist (VSA) modulator may leak brake fluid, which can result in unintended vehicle movement when the brake hold feature is engaged or an…
The risk: Unintended vehicle movement or an unexpected increase in brake pedal travel can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the VSA modulator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 24, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are OEJ, XEK, AEY, XEX and OEW.
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022…
The risk: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH,…
Buyer analysis
Acura MDX or Acura RDX: which should you buy?
The Acura RDX has a slightly lower average annual complaint rate (114.7 vs. 118.0) and fewer recalls (22 vs. 45) than the MDX. However, the RDX has one reported death while the MDX has none. In practice, the MDX's higher recall count and engine/power train complaints may mean more frequent shop visits, while the RDX's theft and window issues are different but serious concerns.
Key differences
- The MDX has 45 recalls versus 22 for the RDX, meaning more potential safety fixes to track.
- MDX owners frequently report engine and power train failures causing sudden power loss, while RDX complaints center on roof noises, window shattering, and theft.
- The RDX has one reported death in the data, while the MDX has zero, though both have similar crash-related counts (28 vs. 29).
- RDX electrical issues include vehicle thefts, a pattern not seen in the MDX sample.
- During a test drive, check for any hesitation or warning lights related to the auto idle-stop system, as sudden power loss is a common complaint.
- Ask for service records to see if the transmission has shown any signs of failure, such as delayed engagement or slipping.
- Inspect the panoramic roof for popping or creaking noises over bumps, and check the rear window for any cracks or signs of shattering.
- Test the windshield wipers in heavy rain simulation and verify that the vehicle cannot be started or driven without the key fob present.
Before you buy
- Run a VIN check to confirm all recalls have been remedied, especially for the MDX's brake and airbag recalls and the RDX's steering and airbag recalls.
- Take a lengthy test drive that includes highway speeds, rough roads, and stop-and-go traffic to replicate conditions that trigger complaints.
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine, transmission, and electrical systems for the MDX, and the roof, windows, and security system for the RDX.
- Ask the seller for all maintenance records and specifically inquire about any prior incidents of power loss, limp mode, or theft attempts.
- Check for any aftermarket security devices or updates that might address the RDX theft concerns.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Acura MDX | Acura RDX |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 | 1 |
| 2025 | 107 | 30 |
| 2024 | 40 | 11 |
| 2023 | 39 | 23 |
| 2022 | 153 | 31 |
| 2021 | 0 | 114 |
| 2020 | 222 | 346 |
| 2019 | 188 | 437 |
| 2018 | 168 | 77 |
| 2017 | 256 | 77 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Acura MDX or Acura RDX in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Acura MDX vs Acura RDX
- Acura MDX total complaints
- 1,180
- Acura RDX total complaints
- 1,147
- Acura MDX total recalls
- 45
- Acura RDX total recalls
- 22
- Acura MDX avg complaints/year
- 118.0
- Acura RDX avg complaints/year
- 114.7
- More reliable overall
- Acura RDX
- Acura MDX top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Acura RDX top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER