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2011 Acura MDX Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 2026
Ethan Miller
2011 Acura MDX Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2011 Acura MDX has 87 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve engine and power train.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

7.9/ 10

Based on 87 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

ENGINE

28 32.2%

POWER TRAIN

7 8%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

7 8%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

6 6.9%

AIR BAGS

6 6.9%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is ENGINE, accounting for 32.2% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 24 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2011 Acura MDX

The 2011 Acura MDX has 87 owner complaints in this dataset. ENGINE is the most common complaint category, representing about 32% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2011 Acura MDX are ENGINE (28), POWER TRAIN (7), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (7).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 51 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2011 Acura MDX?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2012 MDX complaints2013 MDX complaints2014 MDX complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 24 of 24 systems

ENGINE

28 Reports32% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHILE PARKING, THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AS IF THE ACCELERATOR WAS FLOORED, AND THE CAR ONLY CAME TO A STOP AFTER HITTING A BLOCK WALL. THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO REV UNTIL THE CAR WAS PUT INTO PARK AND THE ENGINE TURNED OFF. I COULD HEAR THE TIRE SCREECHING LIKE "BURNING RUBBER" WHEN IT ACCELERATED. PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT, I'VE BEEN EXPERIENCING THE CAR LURCH FORWARD WHILE DRIVING FOR THE PAST 2 WEEKS. BUT IT WAS HARD TO REPRODUCE, AND I WAS IN THE PROCESS OF TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHEN AND HOW IT HAPPENS. *TR

5/20/2013

VEHICLE PURCHASED USED WITH 47K MILES ON IT. BY THE TIME I NOTICED THE OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEM (WHICH I CERTAINLY DIDN'T EXPECT) THE USED CAR WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. I AM CURRENTLY BURNING 1 QT OF OIL EVERY 1K MILES. AS THE VEHICLE HAS A FACTORY 70K POWERTRAIN WARRANTY I BROUGHT IT TO MY LOCAL ACURA DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THIS WAS NORMAL AND ACCEPTABLE UNDER ACURA GUIDE LINES. I EXPLAINED IN MY 38 YEARS OF DRIVING MANY VEHICLES MOST OF THEM NEW THAT I HAD NEVER OWNED ANYTHING THAT BURNED OIL UNTIL I PURCHASED AN ACURA WHICH IS COMPLETELY CONTRARY TO WHY PEOPLE PURCHASE EXPENSIVE HIGH END VEHICLES FROM REPUTABLE CAR COMPANIES IN THE FIRST PLACE. THEY ARE CURRENTLY MONITORING THE CONSUMPTION NOW BUT I HOLD OUT LITTLE HOPE AS I HAVE READ ON DIFFERENT ACURA MDX FORUMS THAT ACURA IS DOING NOTHING ABOUT THIS. I DID READ WHERE HONDA WAS FORCED TO RECALL 1.6 MILLION 3.5L ENGINES FOR THIS VERY ISSUE AND ONLY OFFERED TO EXTEND THE FACTORY WARRANTIES AS A RESULT. THESE ENGINES ARE OF THE SAME BASIC DESIGN SAVE FOR THE ACURA 3.7L HAS NO CAST IRON SLEEVES HENCE THE LARGER DISPLACEMENT. I AM DEEPLY CONCERNED THAT THIS WILL CAUSE A PREMATURE FAILURE OF MY CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND SPARK PLUGS. I HAD BELIEVED THAT EMISSION REQUIREMENTS WERE TO STRICT TODAY TO ALLOW FOR ANY OIL CONSUMPTION (BURNING) UNDER THE EPA'S STRICT GUIDE LINES. I CAN NOT BELIEVE THAT IN THIS DAY AND AGE THAT THIS WOULD EVEN BE AN ISSUE IN SUCH A MARQUIS BRAND SUCH AS ACURA. SINCE HONDA WOULD FAR OUTSELL THE ACURA BRAND THERE WERE NO DOUBT FAR MORE COMPLAINTS FOR THE 3.5L ENGINE THEN THE SMALLER SELLING 3.7L ENGINE OF SIMILAR ARCHITECTURE. I HOPE THAT MORE CONSUMERS WITH THE SAME PREDICAMENT WILL COME FORWARD TO PROVE THAT THE SAME ISSUE EXISTS WITH THE SIMMILIAR ACURA ENGINE. PLEASE CALL OUT THIS MATTER WITH ACURA WHILE I CONTINUE TO HOPE FOR THE BEST OUTCOME WHICH WOULD FULLY NECESSITATE A NEW SHORT BLOCK.

12/24/2015

26 more complaints are available in this category.

POWER TRAIN

7 Reports8% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHILE LEAVING A PARKING LOT AND COMING TO A STOP PRIOR TO ENTERING TRAFFIC, THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD WHILE BRAKING. THIS HAS OCCURRED 3 ADDITIONAL TIMES SINCE THAT INITIAL EPISODE. CONCURRENTLY, THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO SHIFT ROUGHLY. I EXPERIENCED "MICRO LURCHES" WHILE ACCELERATING AND DECELERATING; UNDER 40MPH. THESE LURCHES WHILE SHIFTING ARE NOT PRESENT WHEN SPEEDS EXCEED 55 MPH. THE ACURA DEALER INITIALLY INDICATED THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS AS NO COMPUTER ANOMALIES WERE DETECTED. AFTER MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS, ACURA SENT A TECHNICIAN TO INVESTIGATE. HE EXPERIENCED THE "MICRO-LURCHES" ON A TEST DRIVE WITH ME AND AFTER CONSULTATION WITH ACURA, AGREED TO REPLACE THE TORQUE CONVERTER. HOWEVER, THEY MAINTAIN THAT THERE IS NO COMPUTER DATA TO EXPLAIN THE UNANTICIPATED ACCELERATIONS I EXPERIENCED AND THEREFORE ACURA DOES NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM. I BELIEVE THAT THESE INTERMITTENT EPISODES OF UNANTICIPATED ACCELERATIONS REPRESENT A SAFETY PROBLEM. DURING MY LAST CONVERSATION WITH ACURA (800382-2238 X 115185), I WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING FURTHER THEY PLAN TO DO. I INDICATED THAT I WOULD BE FILING A COMPLAINT WITH THE NHTSA. *TR

9/13/2011

WHILE PARKING, THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AS IF THE ACCELERATOR WAS FLOORED, AND THE CAR ONLY CAME TO A STOP AFTER HITTING A BLOCK WALL. THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO REV UNTIL THE CAR WAS PUT INTO PARK AND THE ENGINE TURNED OFF. I COULD HEAR THE TIRE SCREECHING LIKE "BURNING RUBBER" WHEN IT ACCELERATED. PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT, I'VE BEEN EXPERIENCING THE CAR LURCH FORWARD WHILE DRIVING FOR THE PAST 2 WEEKS. BUT IT WAS HARD TO REPRODUCE, AND I WAS IN THE PROCESS OF TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHEN AND HOW IT HAPPENS. *TR

5/20/2013

5 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

7 Reports8% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE SUNROOF EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE IN MORNING TRAFFIC GOING AT LEAST 65 MPH.

10/26/2017

I WAS TRAVELING ALONG AN INTERSTATE AND HEARD A DEAFENING SOUND. I LOST CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE, LEFT THE INTERSTATE AND WAS HEADING DOWN AN EMBANKMENT WHEN I FINALLY REGAINED CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE. I MADE IT BACK TO THE INTERSTATE AND PULLED OFF AT THE NEXT EXIT. I HEARD THE SOUND AS IF SOMETHING THAT WAS PERTAINING TO MY ROOF. WHEN I PULLED BACK THE INSIDE SUNROOF COVER GLASS STARTED COMING INTO MY CAR. I LOOKED AND MY SUNROOF HAD A LARGE HOLE IN IT AND FROM THE LOOK OF THE GLASS PUSHING OUTWARD IT EXPLODED. THERE WAS NOTHING AROUND ME AT THE TIME AND I WAS NOT UNDER AN OVERPASS OR UNDER ANY TREES WHICH ELIMINATED ANYTHING FALLING ON THE SUNROOF. THE QUESTION STILL REMAINED WHY DID THE GLASS APPEAR AS EXPLODE INSTEAD OF AN IMPLODE? I WENT TO A BODY SHOP AND THEY SAID THEY HAD HEARD OF SUNROOFS "EXPLODING". AFTER GOING THROUGH SEVERAL TECHNICIANS AT A LOCAL ACURA DEALERSHIP AND RESEARCHING THE INCIDENT ON THE INTERNET I CONFIRMED THAT MY SUNROOF DID ACTUALLY "EXPLODE". TO MY DEALERSHIPS CREDIT A MANAGER AGREED TO REPLACE THE SUNROOF FOR FREE. HOW MANY FATALITIES HAVE HAPPENED DUE TO "EXPLODING" SUNROOFS? IF I WOULD OF ROLLED MY CAR OR CRASHED AND DIED I DON'T THINK AN INVESTIGATION WOULD OF LED TO THE REAL SOURCE OF THE INCIDENT; ONE WOULD ASSUME THAT SUNROOF SHATTERED ON IMPACT OR ROLL OVER. CONSUMERS NEED TO BE AWARE OF THIS!! I HAVE PUT IT OUT ON SOCIAL MEDIA TO TRY TO MAKE THE PUBLIC AWARE. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM. I'M THANKFUL I DIDN'T HAVE MY GRANDSON OR ELDERLY PARENT WITH ME WHEN THIS HAPPENED. I GIVE GOD CREDIT FOR PROTECTING ME THROUGH A HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE. I HAVE PHOTOS ON MY IPHONE IF PROOF IS NEEDED.

11/17/2017

5 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

6 Reports7% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

VOLPE TECH REFRESH TEST

12/10/2011

AT NIGHT TIME, THE BACKUP REAR CAMERA IS USELESS DUE TO INSUFFICIENT LIGHTING PROVIDED BY THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT. *TR

3/26/2013

4 more complaints are available in this category.

AIR BAGS

6 Reports7% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

YELLOW CHECK AIRBAG SYSTEM APPEARS AFTER CAR IS STARTED.

9/6/2018

CHECK AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ON AT ALL TIMES. CAR CONSUMES WAY TOO MUCH OIL. CLOSE TO 3.5 QUARTS BETWEEN OIL CHANGES

2/11/2020

4 more complaints are available in this category.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

4 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

CAR EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION IN A SHOPPING CENTER PARKING LOT. 4TH TIME THIS HAS OCCURRED (VERY INTERMITTENT). CAR WAS STOPPED WHILE IN DRIVE WAITING FOR TRAFFIC IN FRONT OF ME WHEN THE ENGINE STARTING REVVING...HAD TO KEEP MY FOOT DOWN ON THE BRAKE TO AVOID HITTING THE FELLOW IN FRONT OF ME. FORCED THE GEAR SHIFT BACK INTO NEUTRAL THEN REVVING SUBSIDED. TOOK CAR TO DEALERSHIP WHO THOUGHT PROBLEM MIGHT BE RELATED TO INTERMITTENT DISRUPTION BETWEEN ELECTRONIC CONTROL MASTER AND POWER CONTROL MASTER MODULES..DEALER SAID THEY "RELEARNED" THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE TWO MODULES. *TR

1/31/2014

I HAVE NOTICED THAT WHEN UNDER HEAVY ACCELERATION (SUCH AS PASSING A CAR) I TEND TO GET A STRONG INTAKE OF MY X'S OWN EXHAUST FUMES IN THE CABIN. *TR

3/18/2014

2 more complaints are available in this category.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

3 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

AT NIGHT TIME, THE BACKUP REAR CAMERA IS USELESS DUE TO INSUFFICIENT LIGHTING PROVIDED BY THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT. *TR

3/26/2013

2011 Acura MDX Engine Oil Leak from Pan. Oil change and dip stick completely dry after 2 days. Many complaints of this common issue on 2011-2013 Acura MDX and no Recall. Reverse Lights not set properly When going in reverse it's remains dark and hard to see.

3/10/2025

1 more complaint is available in this category.

SUSPENSION

3 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 ACURA MDX. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM SEPARATED FROM THE BOLT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM AND THE KNUCKLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,000.

3/11/2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT HEARD NOISES COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED VIOLENTLY WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN SPEEDS OF 60-65 MPH OR HIGHER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,000.

1/12/2016

1 more complaint is available in this category.

STRUCTURE:BODY

3 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE REAR LIFT GATE WILL OPEN USING THE AUTOMATIC DOOR OPENER, BUT ONCE OPEN IT WILL NOT STAY OPEN. IN MY CASE, I OPENED THE REAR DOOR, BUT WHEN I WENT TO GET SOMETHING FROM THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE, THE DOOR CAME DOWN ON MY HEAD. NOT ONLY IS THIS DISAPPOINTING TO HAVE THIS ISSUE IN A CAR WITH LESS THAN 40,000 MILES, BUT IT IS ALSO VERY DANGEROUS.

5/10/2015

ON THE AFTERNOON OF MAY 11, 2011 I PUSHED THE BUTTON TO CLOSE MY CAR TRUNK HATCH AND MY 13 Y/O DAUGHTER RAN INTO A SHARP EDGE OF THE HATCH CUTTING HER FRONT RIGHT EYE LASH. THERE IS A MANUFACTURER-BUILT SHARP EDGE THAT CAUSED THE CUT. SHOULD THE EDGE HADN'T BEEN IN THAT LOCATION, SHE WOULDN'T HAVE CUT HER EYE LID. WE IMMEDIATELY TOOK MY DAUGHTER TO THE HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM TO STOP THE BLEEDING AND RESEAL HER EYE LID.

5/12/2019

1 more complaint is available in this category.

SEATS

2 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEATS WERE MADE WITH A DEFECTIVE LEATHER MATERIAL. AS A RESULT, A STRONG CHEMICAL ODOR WAS BEING RELEASED INTO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SUFFERED FROM HEADACHES AND RASHES DUE TO THE ODOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ODOR WAS DUE TO THE VEHICLE BEING NEW. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE ODOR WOULD NO LONGER PERSIST AFTER A FEW WEEKS. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 500. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

6/27/2011

Driver side seat functions stop working: - up and down (tilt) - forward and back Acura had no explanation for it and to just replace the seat (which is costly). At your earliest convenience please advise if this suffice for a recall.

12/23/2022

SEAT BELTS

2 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I WAS STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT WHEN A PICK UP TRUCK HIT MY CAR FROM BEHIND. I WAS WEARING MY SEATBELT AND MY SEAT WAS POSITIONED AT AN APPROPRIATE DISTANCE FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. AFTER MY HEAD FIRST HIT THE HEADREST FROM THE INITIAL IMPACT, MY HEAD FLEW FORWARD AND HIT THE STEERING WHEEL. I HAD A BUMP ON MY FOREHEAD AND A HEADACHE AFTERWARD (FOLLOWED BY A BLACK EYE THE NEXT DAY). FORTUNATELY, A CAT SCAN CONFIRMED THAT MY INJURY WAS NOT SERIOUS. BECAUSE I WAS CONCERNED ABOUT WHETHER MY SEATBELT WAS WORKING OR NOT, I TOOK MY ACURA TO MY LOCAL ACURA DEALER TO HAVE THE SEATBELTS CHECKED. THEY TOLD ME THAT MY SEATBELTS WERE WORKING AS THEY SHOULD. I AM STILL CONCERNED, HOWEVER, ABOUT MY SEATBELT'S RELIABILITY IN A COLLISION. I CAN'T SAY WHETHER OR NOT MY SEATBELT LOCKED AT SOME POINT DURING MY ACCIDENT BECAUSE IT HAPPENED SO QUICKLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY THAT I, FRANKLY, DON'T REMEMBER. BUT I DO KNOW THAT IT DIDN'T KEEP ME FROM HITTING MY STEERING WHEEL. *TR

8/17/2012

I HAVE A 2011 ACURA MDX AND JUST RECENTLY MY AIRBAG SRS LIGHT HAS CAME ON WHEN I TURNED MY VEHICLE ON. I WAS TOLD BY THE ACURA DEALERSHIP THAT THIS WAS DUE TO A MALFUNCTIONING AIRBAG SENSOR. DUE TO THIS MALFUNCTION NONE OF MY AIRBAGS WILL DEPLOY IF I WERE TO GET INTO AN ACCIDENT. WHICH I THINK IS ABSOLUTELY INSANE. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THEY STATED IT WOULD COST OVER $1500 TO FIX IT. AS A SINGLE MOTHER I AM NOT ABLE TO AFFORD TO HAVE THIS ISSUE FIXED. I CALLED ACURA AND THE LADY I SPOKE TOO WAS VERY RUDE AND SAID THAT THERE WAS NOT ANY RECALLS REGARDING THIS ISSUE AND THAT ACURA WOULD NOT HELP WITH THE REPAIRS. MY CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND I ALWAYS MAINTAIN THE OIL, TIRES, MAINTENANCE ON THIS CAR. NO ONE SHOULD EVER HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT GETTING IN THE CAR WITH THEIR CHILDREN AND FEELING UNSAFE BECAUSE OF MALFUNCTION AIR BAG SENSOR OR COMPUTER. THE ACURA DEALERSHIP SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS MALFUNCTIONING SYSTEM.

11/30/2020

SERVICE BRAKES

2 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

ON AN UNOBSTRUCTED ROAD NO TRAFFIC IN FRONT THE VEHICLE WILL APPLY BRAKES, ACTIVATE SEAT BELT RESTRAINS AND SIGNAL THAT AN OBJECT IS IN FRONT WHEN THERE IS NOTHING. IT IS TRIGGERED BY ROAD REPAIRS STEEL PLATES. DEALER SERVICE WAS ABLE TO REPRODUCE BUT CLAIMS THIS IS NORMAL AS PER MFG TECHNICAL DEPARTMENT. THIS IS NOT OUR FIRST VEHICLE WITH COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM THE OTHER VEHICLE DOES NOT GETS THESE ERROR MESSAGES UNDER WET OR ICY/SNOW CONDITIONS THIS COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS. *TR

10/10/2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO PARK HER VEHICLE, BUT WHEN SHE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO HER HOME. THE RPMS CONTINUED TO INCREASE UNTIL SHE ENGAGED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR CUTS AND BRUISES BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION BUT THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

7/18/2013

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

2 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

CAR EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION IN A SHOPPING CENTER PARKING LOT. 4TH TIME THIS HAS OCCURRED (VERY INTERMITTENT). CAR WAS STOPPED WHILE IN DRIVE WAITING FOR TRAFFIC IN FRONT OF ME WHEN THE ENGINE STARTING REVVING...HAD TO KEEP MY FOOT DOWN ON THE BRAKE TO AVOID HITTING THE FELLOW IN FRONT OF ME. FORCED THE GEAR SHIFT BACK INTO NEUTRAL THEN REVVING SUBSIDED. TOOK CAR TO DEALERSHIP WHO THOUGHT PROBLEM MIGHT BE RELATED TO INTERMITTENT DISRUPTION BETWEEN ELECTRONIC CONTROL MASTER AND POWER CONTROL MASTER MODULES..DEALER SAID THEY "RELEARNED" THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE TWO MODULES. *TR

1/31/2014

I HAVE NOTICED THAT WHEN UNDER HEAVY ACCELERATION (SUCH AS PASSING A CAR) I TEND TO GET A STRONG INTAKE OF MY X'S OWN EXHAUST FUMES IN THE CABIN. *TR

3/18/2014

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

2 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE GLASS SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODED UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS WHILE AT FREEWAY SPEED OF 65-70 MPH. THE NEAREST VEHICLE IN FRONT OF US WAS OVER 300 YARDS AHEAD, NOTHING HIT THE SUNROOF TO CAUSE IT TO EXPLODE OUTWARD (FROM THE INSIDE OUT). IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS INCIDENTS OF THIS HAPPENING DUE TO ATMOSPHERIC CONDITIONS BETWEEN THE SUNROOF AND THE INTERIOR SCREEN WITH TEMPERATURE CHANGES. IF THE GLASS WAS LAMINATED, THIS MIGHT NOT HAPPEN. IT CERTAINLY WOULD NOT BE AS DANGEROUS AS THE POTENTIAL FOR GLASS TO SHOWER DOWN ON OCCUPANTS, ESPECIALLY THE DRIVER WHILE AT HIGHWAY SPEED. *TR

1/15/2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED AND CAUSED THE GLASS TO FRACTURE. THE SLIDER WAS CLOSED, WHICH PREVENTED GLASS FROM ENTERING THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND INJURING THE CONTACT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT EACH DEALER ACTED INDEPENDENTLY; THEREFORE, IT WOULD BE AT THEIR DISCRETION TO REPLACE THE SUN ROOF GLASS. THE DEALER (MAC CHURCHILL ACURA, 3125 NE LOOP 820, FORT WORTH, TX 76137, 1-(817) 232-2872) ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CALL THE MANUFACTURER AND NOT TO REPLACE THE PART. THE MANUFACTURER EXPECTED THE CONTACT TO CALL SEVERAL DEALERS TO DETERMINE IF THEY WOULD REPLACE THE PART INSTEAD OF JUST REPLACING THE PART. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,225. *TT

5/17/2018

STEERING

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

I LEASE A 20111 ACURA SUV MDX VEHICLE FROM THE KAREN BRADLEY DEALERSHIP IN WOOD BRIDGE VIRGINIA ON THE 15 JULY 2011. AFTER PICKING UP THE VEHICLE, WHILE DRIVING ON MY WAY HOME I FELT VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE STEERING WHEEL FELT LOOSE. I CALLED THE SALES PERSON TO REPORT THE MATTER HE TOLD ME TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN THE NEXT DAY 16 JULY 2011 TEST DRIVE ANOTHER NEW MDX AND COMPARE IT TO MINE, I DID SO AND IT DID NOT HAVE ANY VIBRATION NOR WAS THE STEERING WHEEL LOOOSE. THE SERVICE PERSON CHECKED THE TIRE PRESSURE ON MY VEHICLE AND SAID THERE YOU GO IT IS GOOD/FIX NOW. THE PROBLEM WAS NOT FIXED. I CALLED THE SALES PERSON AGAIN TO INFORM HIM THAT THE PROBLEM WAS NOT FIXED HE SAID THAT IT WAS TOO LATE THE SERVICE SHOP IS CLOSED AND WILL NOT BE OPENED UNTIL MONDAY 18 JULY 2011. HE TOLD ME TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN ON THE 18 JULY 2011. I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN ON 18 JULY 2011 THEY DID THE REPAIR AND SAID IT IS FIXED UNFORTUNATELY THE PROBLEM WAS NOT FIXED. I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN ON 19 JULY 2011 THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THEY DID THE REPAIR AND SAID IT IS FIXED UNFORTUNATELY THE PROBLEM WAS NOT FIXED. THEY TOLD ME THEY NEED MORE TIME TO ASSESS THE VEHICLE AND DO THE REPAIR. THEY ASKED ME TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN ON 23 JULY 2011, THIS IS THE FOURTH TIME. THEY GAVE ME THE MOST DISGUSTING UNSAFE VEHICLE TO DRIVE AS A LOANER VEHICLE WHILE FIXING MY VEHICLE. THEY KEPT THE VEHICLE UNTIL THE 28 JULY 2011. ON THE 28 JULY 2011 THEY CALLED ME TO COME AND PICKED UP MY VEHICLE AND TOLD ME THAT THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED. THE PROBLEM IS NOT FIXED I MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO CONTACT THE SALES PERSON AND THE SERVICE PERSON; I ALSO SEND THE SALES PERSON SEVERAL TEXTS MESSAGES NEITHER OF THEM RETURNED MY CALL. MY FAMILY AND I ARE IN FEAR, TRAUMATIZED, AND AFRAID TO USE AND RIDE IN THIS VEHICLE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND I AM REQUESTING THAT THE VEHICLE BE EXCHANGE OR MY MONEY BACK. *TR

9/6/2011

WHEELS

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

I LEASE A 20111 ACURA SUV MDX VEHICLE FROM THE KAREN BRADLEY DEALERSHIP IN WOOD BRIDGE VIRGINIA ON THE 15 JULY 2011. AFTER PICKING UP THE VEHICLE, WHILE DRIVING ON MY WAY HOME I FELT VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE STEERING WHEEL FELT LOOSE. I CALLED THE SALES PERSON TO REPORT THE MATTER HE TOLD ME TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN THE NEXT DAY 16 JULY 2011 TEST DRIVE ANOTHER NEW MDX AND COMPARE IT TO MINE, I DID SO AND IT DID NOT HAVE ANY VIBRATION NOR WAS THE STEERING WHEEL LOOOSE. THE SERVICE PERSON CHECKED THE TIRE PRESSURE ON MY VEHICLE AND SAID THERE YOU GO IT IS GOOD/FIX NOW. THE PROBLEM WAS NOT FIXED. I CALLED THE SALES PERSON AGAIN TO INFORM HIM THAT THE PROBLEM WAS NOT FIXED HE SAID THAT IT WAS TOO LATE THE SERVICE SHOP IS CLOSED AND WILL NOT BE OPENED UNTIL MONDAY 18 JULY 2011. HE TOLD ME TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN ON THE 18 JULY 2011. I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN ON 18 JULY 2011 THEY DID THE REPAIR AND SAID IT IS FIXED UNFORTUNATELY THE PROBLEM WAS NOT FIXED. I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN ON 19 JULY 2011 THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THEY DID THE REPAIR AND SAID IT IS FIXED UNFORTUNATELY THE PROBLEM WAS NOT FIXED. THEY TOLD ME THEY NEED MORE TIME TO ASSESS THE VEHICLE AND DO THE REPAIR. THEY ASKED ME TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN ON 23 JULY 2011, THIS IS THE FOURTH TIME. THEY GAVE ME THE MOST DISGUSTING UNSAFE VEHICLE TO DRIVE AS A LOANER VEHICLE WHILE FIXING MY VEHICLE. THEY KEPT THE VEHICLE UNTIL THE 28 JULY 2011. ON THE 28 JULY 2011 THEY CALLED ME TO COME AND PICKED UP MY VEHICLE AND TOLD ME THAT THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED. THE PROBLEM IS NOT FIXED I MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO CONTACT THE SALES PERSON AND THE SERVICE PERSON; I ALSO SEND THE SALES PERSON SEVERAL TEXTS MESSAGES NEITHER OF THEM RETURNED MY CALL. MY FAMILY AND I ARE IN FEAR, TRAUMATIZED, AND AFRAID TO USE AND RIDE IN THIS VEHICLE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND I AM REQUESTING THAT THE VEHICLE BE EXCHANGE OR MY MONEY BACK. *TR

9/6/2011

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

WE ARE CURRENTLY LEASING A 2011 ACURA MDX AND ARE EXPERIENCING A PINGING OR ENGINE KNOCK AT LOWER RPM. I HAD A SERVICE TECHNICIAN TEST DRIVE THE CAR AND HE RECOGNIZED THE NOISE AND STATED THAT ACURA IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT DOES NOT HAVE A FIX FOR THE PROBLEM. WHEN I ASKED IF THERE WAS POTENTIAL DAMAGE HAPPENING TO THE ENGINE, I WAS TOLD NOT TO BE CONCERNED. WEEKS AND MONTHS LATER THE NOISE IS STILL APPARENT "SOUNDS LIKE A DIESEL TRUCK" AND I AM BEGINNING TO FEEL A LACK OF POWER. I CONTACTED ACURA CUSTOMER SERVICE DIRECTLY AND I SPOKE TO A CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE AT ACURA THAT TOLD ME THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT THERE IS STILL NO FIX FROM THEIR ENGINEERS. I AM REPORTING THIS ISSUE TO HOPEFULLY GAIN SOME TRACTION FOR THE ACURA ENGINEERS TO FOCUS THEIR EFFORTS ON CREATING A SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM. I HAVE HAD GREAT SUCCESS WITH THE ACURA BRANDIN THE PAST. HOWEVER I AM DISAPPOINTED THAT I AM BEING TOLD THAT I HAVE TO DEAL WITH A PREMIUM SUV THAT SOUNDS LIKE A DIESEL TRUCK. *TR

9/13/2011

BACK OVER PREVENTION:WARNINGS:EXTERNAL/PEDESTRIAN ALERT

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

I HAVE THE TECHNOLOGY PACKAGE WHICH INCLUDES A MONITOR ABOVE THE DASHBOARD FOR NAVIGATION AND REAR VIEW. THE REVERSE CAMERA FOR THIS VEHICLE DOES NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE VISIBILITY AT NIGHT. I PREVIOUSLY OWNED A 2004 MDX AND THE REAR VIEW CAMERA WORKED WELL. OTHER CARS I'VE BEEN SEEN ALSO ALLOW THE DRIVER TO SEE CLEARLY THROUGH THE REVERSE CAMERA IN THE DARK. I'VE BEEN TO THE DEALER TWICE ON THIS MATTER AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THIS IS THE WAY THE CAMERA WAS MANUFACTURED. I WAS TOLD THAT MANY OTHER OWNERS HAVE ALSO COMPLAINED. *TR

3/23/2012

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

I HAVE THE TECHNOLOGY PACKAGE WHICH INCLUDES A MONITOR ABOVE THE DASHBOARD FOR NAVIGATION AND REAR VIEW. THE REVERSE CAMERA FOR THIS VEHICLE DOES NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE VISIBILITY AT NIGHT. I PREVIOUSLY OWNED A 2004 MDX AND THE REAR VIEW CAMERA WORKED WELL. OTHER CARS I'VE BEEN SEEN ALSO ALLOW THE DRIVER TO SEE CLEARLY THROUGH THE REVERSE CAMERA IN THE DARK. I'VE BEEN TO THE DEALER TWICE ON THIS MATTER AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THIS IS THE WAY THE CAMERA WAS MANUFACTURED. I WAS TOLD THAT MANY OTHER OWNERS HAVE ALSO COMPLAINED. *TR

3/23/2012

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY THE CAR THE BEGAN SHAKING FOLLOWED BY A BOOMING SOUND- SIMILAR TO A TIRE EXPLOSION - AND EVENTUALLY TIRES LOCKED UP CAUSING VEHICLE TO SKID. DEALER REPAIR SHOP DIAGNOSED AS A "REAR DIFFERENTIAL FAILURE" AND REPAIRED. HOWEVER, TWO DAYS AFTER THE REPAIR, THE PROBLEM MANIFESTED AGAIN, THIS TIME THERE WAS NO "SHAKING" AND WHEELS SEEMED TO LOCK UP WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH CAUSING DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL AND CAR TO SKID. *JB

6/26/2012

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

ON AN UNOBSTRUCTED ROAD NO TRAFFIC IN FRONT THE VEHICLE WILL APPLY BRAKES, ACTIVATE SEAT BELT RESTRAINS AND SIGNAL THAT AN OBJECT IS IN FRONT WHEN THERE IS NOTHING. IT IS TRIGGERED BY ROAD REPAIRS STEEL PLATES. DEALER SERVICE WAS ABLE TO REPRODUCE BUT CLAIMS THIS IS NORMAL AS PER MFG TECHNICAL DEPARTMENT. THIS IS NOT OUR FIRST VEHICLE WITH COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM THE OTHER VEHICLE DOES NOT GETS THESE ERROR MESSAGES UNDER WET OR ICY/SNOW CONDITIONS THIS COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS. *TR

10/10/2012

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

OUR IGNITION TURNED OFF WHILE DRIVING. THE SWITCHBLADE KEY WAS ENGAGED. WE WERE ABLE TO STEER THE CAR AND PULL OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. WE TOOK EVERYTHING OFF THE KEY RING AND RESTARTED THE IGNITION. THE SWITCH BLADE KEY MECHANISM APPEARS TO HAVE STARTED TO BEND OVER TIME. I AM CONCERNED THE IGNITION MAY HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AS THE CHEVY CARS. *JS

4/13/2014

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 38,000.

7/10/2014

VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

My sunroof shattered and exploded While I was driving

4/26/2023

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2011 Acura MDX?

The most reported complaint category for the 2011 Acura MDX is ENGINE, with 28 owner reports. That is about 32% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER.

Are complaints about the 2011 Acura MDX a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 51 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2011 Acura MDX?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2011 Acura MDX severe?

51 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Acura MDX: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
87
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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