2011 Acura MDX problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 26 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Acura MDX, most often about engine. There are 0 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
26
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Median mileage
113,500 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Engine is the most-reported problem area, named in 14 of 26 complaints (54%).
  • Airbags (5) and transmission & drivetrain (3) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 113,500 mi.
  • It ranks 15th of 21 Acura MDX model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
  • That is 117% more complaints than the 2010 model year (12).

2011 Acura MDX problems by category

  • Engine
    14 complaints
  • Airbags
    5 complaints
  • Other / Unknown
    4 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    3 complaints
  • Lighting
    2 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts
    2 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    1 complaints
  • Suspension
    1 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Engine14
Air bags5
Unknown or other4
Power train3
Exterior lighting2
Visibility/wiper1
Seat belts1
Seats1

When problems happen (mileage)

Under 10k10k–30k130k–60k260k–100k5100k–150k150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2011 Acura MDX complaints that list mileage.

2011 Acura MDX recalls (0)

No recalls on file.

Recent 2011 Acura MDX complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Sep 17, 2025CAEngineLightingTransmission & Drivetrain
    Check engine light continues to come on after repair, lack of power and transmission skip at times. Reverse light dark, unable to see at all.
    NHTSA complaint #11687765 · source
  2. Filed Sep 11, 2025NCBody & StructureOther / Unknown
    The hazard warning switch on my 2011 Acura MDX Technology & Entertainment Package VIN [XXX] sticks. It is due to a manufacturing defect and not because of normal wear and tear. That is a safety concern because when it is pressed and sticks, such as when giving the right of way to an emergency vehicle, or in bad weather, it not possible to make it unstuck while driving, and requires a screwdriver to pry it back to unstuck position, and if that option is not available then the…
    NHTSA complaint #11686570 · source
  3. Filed Apr 28, 2025SCTransmission & Drivetrain
    The 2011 Acura MDX has a problem with the pistons in the engine which causes excessive oil consumption. This was subject of the matter of a class action suit described on the website entitled Acura Oil Consumption Settlement. This defect should be subject to recall and American Honda should be required to repair or replace this pistons.
    NHTSA complaint #11657296 · source
  4. Filed Mar 10, 2025CAEngineLighting
    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.
    NHTSA complaint #11647285 · source
  5. Filed Nov 22, 2024AZEngineOther / Unknown
    Vehicle lost power- all lights came on. After being towed to two separate mechanics, found out engine blew. Had to replace the following: Engine Radiator Motor mounts Timing belt Thermostat
    NHTSA complaint #11626892 · source
  6. Filed Dec 16, 2023TXEngine
    Engine excessively consumes oil. No issue to the engine whatsoever no smoke at exhaust no burning oil. Check my oil after about 1000 miles and I’m missing a quart of oil. There was once a recall for this issue but the window to get repaired has expired. That does help people that purchased this car after the window. Issue need to be a permanent recall and not a temporary.
    NHTSA complaint #11560490 · source
  7. Filed Jun 26, 2023FLOther / Unknown
    Moonroof / Sunroof glass spontaneously exploded as while driving on Interstate at approximately 65mph. This caused many small peices of glass to break inward some of which entered into the cabin and onto passengers including the driver. The glass exploding was very loud and caused me to jerk my steering wheel. It scared the passenger as well. Also small slivers of glass can be felt in the skin.
    NHTSA complaint #11528882 · source
  8. Filed Mar 21, 2023CAOther / Unknown
    While driving Moon roof shattered. Available for inspection. Our lives were put at risk by the sudden onset of loud shattering sound, distraction while driving. Shattered glass could have caused impairment.
    NHTSA complaint #11513136 · source

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Other 2011 Acura models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology