Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 170 complaints with NHTSA about the 2014 Acura MDX, and it carries 9 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 22 | 13% |
| Power train | 18 | 11% |
| Service brakes | 11 | 6% |
| Unknown or other | 10 | 6% |
| Exterior lighting | 9 | 5% |
| Engine | 8 | 5% |
| Electrical system | 8 | 5% |
| Structure | 7 | 4% |
| Vehicle speed control | 6 | 4% |
| Suspension | 4 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
The contact owns a 2014 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed an abnormal sound, the vehicle lost motive power, and the contact noticed a fuel odor inside the vehic
NHTSA complaint: Fuel system
Recall/Campaign Reference: Rear subframe/rear suspension safety recall, ~880,000+ Acura MDX vehicles (MY 2014–2020), due to risk of rear suspension component failure causing loss of vehicle control. Complaint Narrative
NHTSA complaint: Suspension
I discovered my back taillight is foggy and the lights are not seen. Capital City Honda provided an estimate: driver side taillight assembly replacement. Foggy taillight assembly affecting brightness and visibility. Co
NHTSA complaint: Structure
OnXXX I was sold an “As is” vehicle under a Christmas special that was deemed unsafe to drive by a licensed mechanic a week later because of the rear subframe is bent from premature corrosion the dealer denied knowing a
NHTSA complaint: Steering
A connecting rod bearing is failing in my 2014 Acura MDX which could have led to complete engine failure while driving my family. Absolute Auto Center of Berlin, CT confirmed the issue and noted that Acura has recalled 2
NHTSA complaint: Engine
Car jerked badly on highway when trying to accelerate. It puckered to a stop after a few hours. But started in a few mins and we got home. Mechanic suggested that fuel pressure is low. No repair done. But problem did not
NHTSA complaint: Fuel/propulsion system
This car is consistently garaged. It was pulled out one morning and a large sheet of paint peeled off roof while it was sitting in the driveway. This is a major concern as I don't feel comfortable driving the car for fe
NHTSA complaint: Structure
my daughter drove the vehicle for an appointment. Parked it went in and upon return, started it but could not turn the steering wheel. It was nearly impossible to turn the wheel. When turned with force, it would vibrate.
NHTSA complaint: Steering
NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for the 2014 Acura MDX. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Acura MDX and 2017-2019 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid vehicles. Moisture may enter the tailgate lid lights, possibly causing a loss of the tailgate lid lights and the taillights.
Risk: Loss of the taillights reduces the vehicle's visibility, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix: Acura will notify owners, and dealers will modify the tailgate lid lights and install updated gaskets and a wiring sub-harness or will replace both tailgate lid lights. The repairs will be performed
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Acura MDX 2WD and AWD, RLX and 2014 Acura RLX Hybrid vehicles. In certain driving conditions, the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) may incorrectly interpret certain roadside objects such as metal fences or metal gu
Risk: If the CMBS unexpectedly applies emergency braking force while driving, there is an increased risk of a crash.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the CMBS software, free of charge. The recall began on July 6, 2015. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-800-382-2238. Honda's numbers f
American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Acura MDX and MDX AWD vehicles manufactured April 23, 2013, to December 16, 2014. The affected vehicles have air conditioning compressor clutch drive bolts that may not have received the proper anti-corrosion coating.
Risk: If a bolt was not coated, it may corrode and break as a result. If the bolt breaks, the compressor clutch plate may separate from the vehicle, possibly becoming a road hazard.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air conditioning compressor clutch drive bolt and install a new clutch plate if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on August 7, 2015.
American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Acura MDX vehicles manufactured April 23, 2013, to August 25, 2014, and 2014 Acura RLX vehicles manufactured November 5, 2012, to November 25, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the driver and front passenger seat belt may
Risk: A seatbelt that does not function increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix: Honda has notified owners, and dealers will replace the driver and front passenger seat belts, free of charge. The recall began in November 2014. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-800-3
| Reliability raw | 51 | average |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 68 | good |
| Maintenance | 79 | good |
| Depreciation | 64 | average |
| Performance | 67 | good |
| Efficiency | 37 | below average |
| Safety | 93 | excellent |
Percentile ranks against other SUVs in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 170 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and steering is the most reported area with 22 of them (13%). There are 9 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 51/100 (average) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 68/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2014 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 65/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.