VehicleVerdict

2010 Acura MDX problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2010 Acura MDX is among the quieter years of the MDX on NHTSA's books: 63 complaints (49% below the model's median year), a single recall, and no open investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (11), electrical system (10), and steering (6), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

63

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

8

Crash-involved

7

Fires reported

8

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2010 compare to other MDX years?

MDX NHTSA complaints by model year, 2010 highlighted510 complaints2001: 266 complaints2002: 242 complaints2003: 259 complaints2004: 243 complaints2005: 244 complaints2006: 121 complaints2007: 126 complaints2008: 62 complaints2009: 74 complaints2010: 63 complaints2011: 87 complaints2012: 97 complaints2013: 46 complaints2014: 247 complaints2015: 97 complaints2016: 510 complaints2017: 370 complaints2018: 268 complaints2019: 304 complaints2020: 342 complaints2021: 0 complaints2022: 191 complaints2023: 52 complaints2024: 61 complaints2025: 112 complaints2026: 6 complaints
MDX NHTSA complaints by model year, 2010 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all MDX years to avoid →

What are the most common 2010 Acura MDX problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1117%
Electrical System1016%
Body & Structure610%
Steering610%
Other58%
Transmission58%
Seat Belts46%
Airbags35%
Brakes35%
Seats23%
Lighting23%
Latches & Locks23%
Fuel System23%
Suspension12%
Visibility & Wipers12%

Does the 2010 Acura MDX have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

10V002000AirbagsJanuary 4, 2010 · 644 units

Defect

HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR ACURA 2010 MDX VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN OCTOBER 7, 2009 AND NOVEMBER 14, 2009. A BOLT USED TO ATTACH AN INTERIOR TRIM PIECE TO EITHER THE DRIVER'S OR PASSENGER'S SIDE A-PILLAR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN INSTALLED DURING MANUFACTURING.

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH RESULTING IN SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, THE TRIM PIECE MAY NOT REMAIN PROPERLY SECURED TO THE A-PILLAR, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE DRIVER AND/OR FRONT SEAT PASSENGER.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE INTERIOR TRIM PIECE OF THE A-PILLAR AND IF A BOLT IS MISSING IT WILL BE INSTALLED FREE OF CHARGE. FOUR VEHICLES WERE PURCHASED BEFORE THE STOP-SALE WAS ISSUED AND ALL THE VEHICLES HAVE BEEN INSPECTED AND REPAIRED IF NECESSARY.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“My wife went to the grocery store and turned the car off. And upon doing so the car started smoking and she opened the hood and it was on fire. She opened the hood and put out the fire. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 26, 2023 · fire

“My wife went to the grocery store and turned the car off. And upon doing so the car started smoking and she opened the hood and it was on fire. She opened the hood and put out the fire. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 26, 2023 · fire

“ON 2 DIFFERENT TIMES MY VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. THE FIRST TIME WAS ON OR ABOUT MAY 24, 2011. I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE OF AN APARTMENT COMPLEX. IT WAS AROUND 5:30 PM. I WAS DRIVING SLOWLY (BETWEEN 2-3 MPH) AS THERE WAS A CONSTRUCTION CREW WORKING DIRECTLY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · May 24, 2012 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 ACURA MDX. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, AN ABNORMAL CRANKING SOUND WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT NOTICED SPARKS COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. ON THE THIRD ATTEMPT TO START THE VEHICLE, IT FAILED TO OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · May 30, 2017 · fire

“SO my car had a torque converter recall at some point i was not notified of it to get it fixed. as such i drove it across the us and ended up making the transmission slip so bad that it would not go into gear anymore. since this i have taken it a dealership where the recall was performed after the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 19, 2025

2010 Acura MDX — common questions

Is the 2010 Acura MDX reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 63 NHTSA complaints, below the typical MDX year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2010 MDX problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (11 complaints), electrical system (10 complaints), steering (6 complaints).

Does the 2010 Acura MDX have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2010 Acura MDX. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.