This page covers 8 recalls, 201 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2020 Acura MDX.
22–27 mpg combined
8.7–10.7 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 3 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Engine complaints dominate the 2020 MDX owner reports, with the engine category drawing the highest volume by a wide margin. Owners frequently describe engine knocking that develops while driving, sometimes accompanied by a check engine light and sometimes without any warning lights at all. The most serious reports involve connecting rod bearing failure or crankshaft damage that results in sudden power loss, often with little or no prior indication of trouble, some owners describe the engine failing abruptly at highway speeds. Forward collision avoidance is the second most-reported system, where owners describe the front-facing camera or related sensors going offline, disabling adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking simultaneously. A smaller cluster of electrical system complaints rounds out the picture. On the engine side, the bearing and knocking complaints appear consistently enough that it's worth asking a pre-purchase inspection to specifically check for signs of internal engine wear.
201
Total Complaints
2
Crash-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2020 Acura MDX has 8 recalls, the most serious being a group of engine, brake, and suspension defects that can each cause a loss of vehicle control: a connecting rod bearing that can seize and stall or damage the engine, a brake master cylinder that can separate and cause complete brake failure, and rear suspension components that can corrode and fail in certain northern and mid-Atlantic states.
The front passenger seat sensor has a defect that can cause the airbag to deploy unexpectedly during a crash, raising the risk of injury to the occupant. On the fuel system side, the low-pressure fuel pump inside the tank can fail and stall the engine while driving. These fuel pump recalls reflect two separate campaigns covering overlapping model years, and prior repair attempts may not have fully resolved the issue for all affected vehicles. There is also a moisture issue with the tailgate lid light assembly, where water intrusion can knock out the taillights, license plate lights, and position lights, reducing the vehicle's visibility to other drivers.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear subframe can corrode at suspension attachment points, potentially causing rear suspension components to fail.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the rear subframe, install a reinforcement kit, and repair or replace components as needed at no cost.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and create an electrical short, potentially causing airbags to deploy unexpectedly during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger seat weight sensor at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Moisture can seep into the tailgate lid light assembly and wiring, causing interior and exterior lights to stop working, including lid lights, position lights, license plate lights, and taillights.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the wiring, install a fuse harness, replace the lid light, and repair the body dust sealer as needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which could prevent the front passenger air bag from deactivating when it should.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger seat weight sensors at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail, potentially stopping fuel delivery to the engine.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel pump module at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A manufacturing error may cause the connecting rod bearing in the engine to wear and seize, which damages the engine.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the engine and repair or replace it as necessary at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fastener connecting the brake booster to the brake master cylinder may have been improperly assembled, allowing the master cylinder to separate from the booster.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and repair the brake booster assembly at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail, potentially stopping fuel delivery to the engine.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
