Acura ZDX Reliability by Year
Best & Worst Years, Problems & Recalls β NHTSA Data
Comparing used Acura ZDX options? We analyzed 7 model years (2010β2026) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
Model-year trends show patterns. Run a VIN check for the exact Acura ZDX you plan to buy.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Acura ZDX has 58 owner complaints and 36 safety recalls across model years 2010β2026. The most reported issue area is FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE. 2024 drew the most complaints; 2013 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Acura
- Model
- ZDX
- Model years analyzed
- 2010β2026 (7 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 58
- Safety recall campaigns
- 36
- Crash-related complaints
- 3
- Fire-related complaints
- 0
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2024 (46 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2013 (0 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Reliability signal
- Average
Acura ZDX: Which Years to Avoid & Which to Buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used β lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record β lower risk starting points.
β NHTSA NCAP Crash Test Ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
AverageThe ACURA ZDX has 58 NHTSA complaints and 36 recalls on record. 3 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 58 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 36 federal recall campaigns
- 3 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
π NHTSA Safety Recalls
36 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
Safety Recall
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Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2010β2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
π§ Most-Reported Problem Areas
Based on component keywords extracted from all 58 NHTSA complaints.
π NHTSA Complaint Reports
58 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
WHEN THE ZDX IS PARKED OVERNIGHT AND USED THE NEXT DAY, THE CAR WILL NOT MOVE DESPITE THE ENGINE STARTING AND SHIFTING THE VEHICLE INTO DRIVE OR REVERSE. ALL INDICATORS CONVEY THE CAR IS SHIFTED, WHEN GAS PEDAL IS DEPRESSED, THE ENGINE REVS AND ROARS LIKE THE CAR IS IN NEUTRAL WHEN IT'S NOT! ONLY AFTER SHIFTING THE CAR BACK AND FORTH INTO PARK ABOUT 2-3TIMES AT ABOUT 5 SEC INTERVALS DOES THE CAR DRIVE LIKE NORMAL. ONCE THE CAR IS GOING FOR THE DAY NO FURTHER ISSUES ARE HAD UNTIL THE NEXT DAY OR DAY AFTER IT'S BEEN RESTING OVERNIGHT. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 ACURA ZDX. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE STRUT MADE A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED VIBRATION THAT ENTERED INTO THE FLOORBOARD AND TRAVELED UP THROUGH THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MIKE HAIL ACURA IN SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH AND STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS A COMMON ISSUE, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT REFERENCED SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER: 16-020 AS THE DESCRIPTION OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SERVICE BULLETIN DID NOT INCLUDE THE CONTACT'S VIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000.
TAKATA RECALL: AMERICAN HONDA/ACURA HAS FAILED TO ADDRESS THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG IN A TIMELY MANNER AND IS REFUSING TO PROVIDE A LOANER CAR IN THE MEAN TIME.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2010 ACURA ZDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IN AN UNDERGROUND PARKING GARAGE ON THE SECOND LEVEL AND ATTEMPTING TO PARK WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL APPLIED, THE VEHICLE UNINTENDED ACCELERATED RAPIDLY CAUSING IT TO CRASH INTO A CEMENT WALL. THE DRIVERS SIDE STEERING WHEEL AIR BAG PARTIALLY DEPLOYED WITH FORCE AS A GRAY SUBSTANCE EMITTED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED BACK PAINS, NECK PAINS, BURN MARKS TO THE BODY, RIGHT LEG, ARM AND HAND PAINS WHICH REQUIRED FURTHER MEDICAL TREATMENT. THE SUBSTANCE CAUSED PROBLEMS WITH A SORE THROAT. AN INCIDENT REPORT WAS FILED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY TOWED THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER (KING ACURA: 1687 MONTGOMERY HWY, HOOVER, AL 35216, 1-(888) 468-0553) WHERE IT WAS DEEMED AS A TOTAL LOSS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE CRASH AND THE OWNER WAS WAITING TO DETERMINE A RESPONSE TO INVESTIGATE THE CAUSE OF THE CRASH. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT PRIOR TO THE CRASH THE ENGINE OIL LOW WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND AN UNKNOWN RECALL RELATED TO THE FAILURE WAS RECEIVED FOR OIL CONSUMPTION. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,913.
TAKATA RECALL. NO OPEN RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE. PRIOR RECALL WORK ON AIR BAGS WAS COMPLETED IN DEC 2016. CURRENTLY WITH NO ONE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT FOR PASSENGER AIR BAG ACTIVATION IS OFF, MEANING THE AIR BAG IS ACTIVE. I'VE SEEN IT LIGHT UP AS OFF WITH A PASSENGER IN THE PASSENGER SEAT.
TAKATA RECALL AIRBAG WENT OFF AFTER A MINOR BUMP BY MY GARAGE DOOR. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION BUT AT A SLOW SPEED. VEHICLE ONLY HAS LIABILITY COVERAGE AND UNINSURED COVERAGE, SO NO CLAIM WAS FILED.
ACURA IS NOT STANDING BY ITS BRAND WITH THE KNOWN FAULTY ACTIVE DAMPER SYSTEM ON CERTAIN ACURA YEARS/MODELS. ACURA REFUSES TO PAY CLAIMS AGAINST ITS OWN POLICY ON THE TSB RELEASED. MY VEHICLE HAS AN ISSUE WITH THE ACTIVE DAMPERS AND ALL 4 STRUTS NEED REPLACING AT A COST OF ABOUT $4000. ACURA WILL NOT HELP ME STATING THE EXTENDED WARRANTY EXPIRED MAY 8, 2017. HOWEVER THEY INCLUDE VERBIAGE OF 7 YEARS AFTER PURCHASE REGARDLESS OF DATE, MY CAR WAS ORIGINALLY PURCHASED FEB 2011 WELL WITHIN THE 7 YEAR TIME FRAME. AT ANY SPEED GOING OVER BUMPS THE CAR MAKE CLUNKY SOUNDS FRONT AND REAR AND FEELS BOATY, LESS STABLE. THE CONDITION WAS HAPPENING SINCE WINTER, 3 OF 4 STRUTS ARE BLOWN. CAUSING A NEED FOR ALL 4 STRUTS TO BE REPLACED. DIAGNOSED 7/7/2017 BECAUSE I WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE EXTENDED WARRANTY AND FIGURED I'D WAIT UNTIL MY NEXT OIL CHANGE TO DRIVE THE 20 MILES TO MY ACURA DEALER. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND ACURA REFUSES CLAIMS FOR REIMBURSEMENT FOR MOST PEOPLE WITHOUT CAUSE OR JUSTIFICATION. ACURA TREATS THE EXTENDED WARRANTY OF AN ACURA OEM PART KNOWINGLY FAULTY AS A FAVOR TO CUSTOMERS AND NOT A RIGHT TO SAFETY.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 ACURA ZDX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V346000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
WHEN WILL THE AIR BACK RECALL BE REPLACED. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING THE DEFECTED CAR FOR A WHILE SINCE I GOT THE NOTICE THROUGH THE MAIL. CAN YOU ENFORCE THE LAW BY PUTTING A LOT OF PRESSURE ON THE COMPANY. OUR LIFE IS ON THE LINE WHEN WE DRIVE THE CAR.BELOW IS THE FIRST RECALL LETTER DATE.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 ACURA ZDX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V061000 (AIR BAGS) AND 16V346000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 09/23/16*LJ UPDATED 10/05/16.*JB
THERE HAS BEEN A THUMPING NOISE AND OTHER FORMS OF INSTABILITY. EVER SINCE PURCHASE, THIS CAR HAS APPEARED UNSTABLE AND A BIT WOBBLY, WHEN RUNNING OVER A SMALL POTHOLE OR A SMALL BUMP. BUT I ATTRIBUTED THIS TO ITS HEAVY WEIGHT. THE STRUT ASSEMBLY, A VERY EXPENSIVE COMPONENT IN THIS ELEPHANT OF A CAR LEAKS, AS DO HUNDREDS OF OTHER SUCH CARS, ESPECIALLY EARLIER MDX, WITH WHICH IT SHARES MANY PARTS.
MY DOOR HANDLE ON FRONT PASSENGER SEAT INSIDE MEDAL PART CAME LOOSE AND CURED UP SHARP EDGES LIKE A KNIFE. THE MEDAL MELTING DANGEROUSELY ROSE UP BY ITSELF . NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS. IT CUT MY MOTHER FINGER YESTERDAY. THANK GOD SHE IS OK IF IT WAS SOMEONE ELSE THEY MAY SUED ME. I CONTACT THE ACURA RELATIONS AND THE DEALERSHIP GARY FORCE ACURA AT 1634 WESTGATE CR. BRENTWWOD TN 37027 TO REPORT THIS INCIDENT. I HOPE MY WARRANTLY STILL COVERED . PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS SITUATION , IT CAN BE SERIOUSLY BE DANGER TO OTHERS. HELP ME TAKE CARE OF THIS . NEED YOU. NO RECALL
This is the most recent time that the automatic brake on my car kicked in for no reason. It has happened several times and I have made Acura aware of it, but this is the first time it has almost caused an accident because the car behind me almost rear-ended me. A Similar incident happened last year and I brought it in and they did nothing since they could not replicate it. I let the dealership know that there is a recall associated with this and they said that my VIN number does not match any recalls. I made it very clear to them that it is a safety issue and that it needs to be looked into in more depth in the only response they gave me was that sometimes the automatic brakes can be triggered by items that look like bicycles or people. In this case, there was a car in front of me and a car behind me, neither of which look like a bicycle or a person. It happened so quickly and so suddenly that I am not sure if any lights came on. The Acura client relations team so far has not been able to get a hold of a manager at the dealership and this remains unresolved.
The contact owns a 2024 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 10 MPH and coming to a stop, the ABS activated unexpectedly and released brake pressure in the service brake system. The contact stated that the vehicle unexpectedly came to a complete stop. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V614000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,080.
Was trying to unlock the vehicle but it wouldnβt unlock the doors with the remote. Had to crawl through the trunk to access the car. Got a βdoor latch system serviceβ maintenance error on the screen after the dealership had βfixedβ it. This is a huge safety concern as this car is electric and if it does not unlock from the inside, can cause the passengers to be stuck in the car.
Incident Date: [XXX] Location: Miami, FL, USA What happened: On [XXX], in Miami, Florida, I brought my 2024 Acura ZDX to a complete stop on a flat surface, applied the brake, and then selected Park (the βPβ indicator was illuminated on the instrument panel). After selecting Park, I opened the driverβs door and exited the vehicle. While I was outside the vehicle and no one was in the driverβs seat, the vehicle moved backward on its own and struck another car. I did not press Reverse or command any additional gear change after selecting Park. The vehicle had been fully stopped before Park was selected. No injuries occurred, but property damage resulted. This incident created a significant safety concern because the vehicle moved while unattended after Park was selected. I am reporting this event for safety documentation and investigation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
My husband was driving on a small road and we were going about 25mph when he tapped the brakes the car jumped forward and the brakes did not catch. We lunged forward almost crashing into another car. No warning lights appeared. Driving conditions were normal, dry roads. Brought it into the dealership again for the same issue that we brought it in for less than 30 days ago.
On Sunday, February 15th at approximately 9:00 AM EST, I took my vehicle to Wash Co Car Wash (1020 Dolsontown Road, Middletown, NY 10940). This was the first and only time I have taken this vehicle through a car wash since beginning my lease in July 2025. It is important to note that this specific car wash is one for which my local Acura dealership provides service coupons during routine maintenance visits. As a loyal Acura customer, this reasonably implied that the facility is appropriate and safe for Acura vehicles. While inside the automatic wash tunnel, the roof-mounted shark-fin antenna assembly detached completely. There were no prior issues, no visible damage, and no warning signs before entering the wash. The following day, February 16th, I brought the vehicle to my local Acura dealership for inspection. After diagnostics, I was presented with an estimated $1,700 repair cost. This incident is particularly concerning because it is not the first issue I have experienced with this vehicle. Since beginning my lease in July, I have brought this ZDX to the dealership for service on three separate occasions to address different concerns. For a vehicle that is less than a year into its lease term, this pattern of service visits raises legitimate concerns about quality, durability, and reliability. Given the severity of the cost and the nature of the failure, I contacted Acura Client Relations in an effort to resolve the matter directly and professionally. After more than 48 hours, I was assigned a case manager named Lisette, who declined to provide her last name when asked. During our conversation, I found her demeanor dismissive and unwilling to meaningfully investigate the concern. The resolution I was given was that there is βno defectβ and that the failure was effectively my fault.
2024 Acura ZDX Collision Mitigation Brake System will activate without warning engaging the parking brake. Has occurred intermittently while driving forward or in reverse. Dealership claims there are no codes and has advised that both front and rear systems should be disabled. Manufacturer states there are no software updates to address this issue. Failure milage approx. 100.
I was driving my 2024 Acura ZDX at approximately 50 mph on a rainy day and activated the rear windshield wiper. Upon activation, the rear wiper assembly detached from the vehicle and flew off while the vehicle was in motion. Fortunately, there were no nearby vehicles at the time; however, the detached wiper could have struck another vehicle or created a road hazard. The failure also resulted in loss of rear visibility during inclement weather. I contacted the authorized Acura dealer immediately. The dealer declined to inspect the vehicle or perform a warranty repair, stating that they could not proceed because the detached part could not be produced. The part was lost as a direct result of the failure. I provided photographs showing the location on the vehicle from which the wiper detached. The incident occurred less than six months after purchase, with fewer than 2,000 miles on the vehicle. I then contacted Acura corporate support. After an extended review period, Acura offered only a partial βcourtesyβ discount rather than a warranty repair for what appears to be a safety-related defect. I am reporting this incident due to the risk of detached exterior components becoming road debris and the associated safety hazard to other motorists.
Showing 20 of 58 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Before You Buy, Check the Exact Acura ZDX
These pages show model-year patterns across 7years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
π Understanding This Data
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is β but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Acura ZDX has 58 complaints on record across 7 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Acura ZDX has 36 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 3 of the Acura ZDX's 58 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions β a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Average) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable β simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Acura ZDX vehicles on the road β not any specific car. Two Acura ZDX vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage β NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Acura ZDX has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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