Vehicle 1

Acura MDX

1,005 complaints · 32 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Honda Accord

3,563 complaints · 30 recalls

📊 Based on NHTSA owner complaint & recall data
Which Should I Buy?

Acura MDX vs Honda Accord: The MDX has 100.5 complaints per year vs Accord's 356.3, but both have similar recall counts (32 vs 30). The Accord has more forward collision avoidance complaints (702 vs 124). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

Lower numbers are better for complaints, recalls, and crashes.

3
Acura MDX
wins 3 of 4 categories
1
Honda Accord
wins 1 of 4 categories
CategoryAcura MDXHonda Accord
Total Complaints
All years combined
1,005
✓ lower
3,563
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
32
30
✓ lower
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
26
✓ lower
125
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
100.5
✓ lower
356.3

Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records. Lower is better.

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

Acura MDX

1. ENGINE280
2. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM203
3. POWER TRAIN175
4. UNKNOWN OR OTHER150
5. FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE124

Honda Accord

1. ENGINE770
2. FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE702
3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM644
4. UNKNOWN OR OTHER547
5. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM497
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Acura MDX has significantly fewer complaints per year (100.5) compared to the Honda Accord (356.3), suggesting lower overall owner-reported issues. However, both vehicles have a similar number of recalls, so neither is clearly more reliable based on complaints alone.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize fewer reported problems and lower complaint volume, the Acura MDX is the better choice. If you need a sedan with more space and lower purchase price, the Honda Accord may still be suitable, but be aware of its higher complaint rate, especially regarding forward collision avoidance and engine issues.

Key Differences
  • Acura MDX has 100.5 complaints per year vs Honda Accord's 356.3 per year.
  • Honda Accord has 702 forward collision avoidance complaints vs MDX's 124.
  • Acura MDX has 280 engine complaints vs Accord's 770.
  • Both have similar recall counts: MDX 32, Accord 30.
⚠ Watch on Acura MDX
  • Watch for engine and electrical system issues, which account for 280 and 203 complaints respectively.
  • Forward collision avoidance problems (124 complaints) may indicate sensor or calibration issues.
⚠ Watch on Honda Accord
  • Engine complaints are very high at 770, so check for any engine-related recalls or service history.
  • Forward collision avoidance issues (702 complaints) are common; test the system thoroughly.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check the vehicle's recall status and ensure all recalls have been performed.
  • Review the service history for engine and electrical system repairs.
  • Test the forward collision avoidance system on a test drive.
  • Look for any open NHTSA investigations or service bulletins for the specific model year.
  • Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

Acura MDXHonda Accord
2026
4
0
2025
56
0
2024
35
0
2023
35
0
2022
112
180
2021
0
190
2020
201
324
2019
175
617
2018
153
1736
2017
234
516
Acura MDX vs Honda Accord — comparison facts
Comparison
Acura MDX vs Honda Accord
Acura MDX total complaints
1,005
Honda Accord total complaints
3,563
Acura MDX total recalls
32
Honda Accord total recalls
30
Acura MDX avg complaints/year
100.5
Honda Accord avg complaints/year
356.3
More reliable overall
Acura MDX
Acura MDX top complaint area
ENGINE
Honda Accord top complaint area
ENGINE
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

Acura MDXReliability & Problems

1,005 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Honda AccordReliability & Problems

3,563 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific Acura MDX or Honda Accord?

Run a free VIN check to see that exact car's accident history, open recalls, and title records.