2011 Acura MDX problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 2011 Acura MDX sits mid-pack among MDX years: 87 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 124, with no recalls and no defect investigations.
Engine leads the complaint categories with 29 reports (33% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.
87
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
5
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
8
Injuries
0
Deaths
5
NCAP overall · of 5 stars
How does 2011 compare to other MDX years?
What are the most common 2011 Acura MDX problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 29 | 33% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 8 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Other | 8 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 8 | 9% | — flat |
| Airbags | 6 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 4 | 5% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 3 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 3 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 3 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 3 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 3 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 2 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 2 | 2% | — flat |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Driver Assistance | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“WHILE PARKING, THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AS IF THE ACCELERATOR WAS FLOORED, AND THE CAR ONLY CAME TO A STOP AFTER HITTING A BLOCK WALL. THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO REV UNTIL THE CAR WAS PUT INTO PARK AND THE ENGINE TURNED OFF. I COULD HEAR THE TIRE SCREECHING LIKE "BURNING RUBBER" WHEN IT…”
“WHILE PARKING, THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AS IF THE ACCELERATOR WAS FLOORED, AND THE CAR ONLY CAME TO A STOP AFTER HITTING A BLOCK WALL. THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO REV UNTIL THE CAR WAS PUT INTO PARK AND THE ENGINE TURNED OFF. I COULD HEAR THE TIRE SCREECHING LIKE "BURNING RUBBER" WHEN IT…”
“POWER WINDOWS AND SUNROOF STARED WORKING INTERMITTENTLY FOR A FEW DAYS AND THEN STOPPED WORKING ALL-TOGETHER. APPARENTLY, THERE IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH WIRES BREAKING INSIDE DRIVER DOOR SUB-WIRE, ACURA PART NUMBER 32757-STX-A01. MY CAR ONLY HAS 101,768 MILES. I DID SOME RESEARCH ONLINE AND I SAW…”
“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…”
“The contact owns a 2011 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the airbag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the driver's side airbag needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer…”
2011 Acura MDX — common questions
Is the 2011 Acura MDX reliable?
Its record is better than the model's norm: 87 NHTSA complaints, below the typical MDX year, with 0 recalls and no open investigations.
What are the most common 2011 MDX problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (29 complaints), transmission (8 complaints), other (8 complaints).
Does the 2011 Acura MDX have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2011 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.
How safe is the 2011 Acura MDX?
In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2011 Acura MDX earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.
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.