2011 Acura MDX recalls & problems
The 2011 Acura MDX has no safety recalls on file with NHTSA, and 70 owner complaints. The most-reported problem area is engine (28 complaints).
Safety recalls
No safety recalls have been filed for the 2011 Acura MDX.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Crash test ratings
2011 Acura MDX SUV AWD
| Overall | ★★★★★ |
|---|---|
| Frontal crash | ★★★★★ |
| Side crash | ★★★★★ |
| Rollover | ★★★★★ |
| Rollover risk | 14% |
Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: No
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
Fuel economy
MDX 4WD
| City / highway | 16 / 21 mpg |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Premium Gasoline |
3.7 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S6) · All-Wheel Drive · about $4,550/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
| Problem area | Complaints | Typical mileage* |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 28 | 91,106 mi |
| Power train Driveline › Differential unit | 8 | 44,390 mi |
| Electrical system Ignition | 7 | 101,700 mi |
| Unknown or other | 7 | 73,876 mi |
| Air bags | 6 | 107,000 mi |
| Vehicle speed control | 4 | 5,000 mi |
| Exterior lighting | 3 | — |
| Fuel system, gasoline Delivery › Fuel pump | 3 | 38,000 mi |
| Suspension | 3 | 50,000 mi |
| Structure Body | 3 | — |
| Seats | 2 | — |
| Seat belts | 2 | — |
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
- Aug 30, 2025Engine
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. - Aug 9, 2025Structure › Body
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 stuck hazard switch will drain the battery when the vehicle is shut down. Please refer to enclosed Acura ServiceNews Article B15070C. On 8/9/2025, for my service at Hendrick Acura, I requested this known safety issue be… - Jun 1, 2025Engine
Unknown - Apr 27, 2025Power train
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. - Jan 1, 2023Engine
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. - Dec 3, 2022Engine
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 - Dec 16, 2023Engine
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 Iâm 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. - Jun 24, 2023Unknown or other
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.
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.