2009 Acura MDX problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 2009 Acura MDX sits mid-pack among MDX years: 74 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 123, with no recalls and no defect investigations.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (18), engine (11), and transmission (8), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
74
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
6
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
7
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2009 compare to other MDX years?
What are the most common 2009 Acura MDX problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 18 | 24% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 11 | 15% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 8 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 7 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 5 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 4 | 5% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 4 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Seats | 3 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Other | 3 | 4% | — flat |
| Suspension | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Latches & Locks | 2 | 3% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 2 | 3% | — flat |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 1% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“ACURA MDX 2009 HAPPENED TWO TIMES WITHIN 3 WEEKS. WHILE DRIVING CAR LOST ALL ELECTRIC, ENTIRE DASHBOARD WENT DEAD, NO HEADLIGHTS, NO DOOR/TRUNK LOCKS, NO NAVIGATION, NO DVD, NO RADIO, CAR STALLED AND COULDN'T BE STARTED AGAIN. HAD TO BE TOWED. SECOND TIME SAME THING HAPPENED WHILE APPROACHING AN…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 ACURA MDX. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR FLASHED. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO A SHOULDER LANE AND EXITED THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CATCHING FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE…”
“ENGINE OIL PUMP (PREMATURE FAILURE) - I OWN A 2001 TL AND 2009MDX. ON THE MDX, I HAVE FOUND PREMATURE FAILURE OF OIL PUMP. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DRIVEN LESS THAN 8000 MILES PER YEAR AND FAILED AT 85000 MILES. A LEAK OVER TIME COULD RESULT IN ENGINE CEASING. ON THE TL, IT TOOK 225000 MILES TO REPLACE…”
“MY HEADLIGHTS IN MY 2009 MDX ARE GETTING VERY FOGGY LIKE THEY TURNNIG WHITE IN OUTSIDE SURFACE IS HARD TO SEE AT NIGHT TIME WHIT THE LOW BEANS I USE THE HIGH BEANS TO BE ABLE TO SEE I TAKE IT TO A REPAIR SHOP AND THEY CANNOT DO NOTHING I THINK THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD I SEE OTHERS ACURA WHIT THE…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 ACURA MDX. WHILE THE CONTACT'S SPOUSE WAS DRIVING 5 MPH PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE INADVERTENTLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A STORE. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE IF ANY WARNING INDICATORS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR…”
2009 Acura MDX — common questions
Is the 2009 Acura MDX reliable?
Its record is better than the model's norm: 74 NHTSA complaints, below the typical MDX year, with 0 recalls and no open investigations.
What are the most common 2009 MDX problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (18 complaints), engine (11 complaints), transmission (8 complaints).
Does the 2009 Acura MDX have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2009 Acura MDX.
Which Acura MDX years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the MDX years to avoid are 2016, 2017, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2001, 2003, 2014, 2005, 2004, 2002, 2022, 2006, 2025, 2024, 2023, 2021. The cleanest record among MDX years belongs to 2026.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.