VehicleVerdict

2013 Acura MDX problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2013 Acura MDX is among the quieter years of the MDX on NHTSA's books: 46 complaints (63% below the model's median year), a single recall, and no open investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (10), engine (10), and other (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

46

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2013 compare to other MDX years?

MDX NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 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, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all MDX years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Acura MDX problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1022%
Electrical System1022%
Other511%
Transmission49%
Steering37%
Driver Assistance37%
Lighting37%
Speed Control37%
Visibility & Wipers12%
Fuel System12%
Seat Belts12%
Seats12%
Airbags12%

Does the 2013 Acura MDX have recalls?

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

23V858000Fuel SystemDecember 18, 2023 · 2,490,460 units

Defect

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Consequence

Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“Internal vehicle fire started around front passenger seat and burned for an unknown amount time before it extinguished on its own while vehicle was off and parked. Fire department was contacted upon fire discovery and they confirmed it was out, could be electrically related, and disconnected my…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 4, 2021 · fire

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, SMOKE STARTED TO EMIT FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE AND INTO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MERGED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 30, 2015 · fire

“Internal vehicle fire started around front passenger seat and burned for an unknown amount time before it extinguished on its own while vehicle was off and parked. Fire department was contacted upon fire discovery and they confirmed it was out, could be electrically related, and disconnected my…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · November 4, 2021 · fire

“The 2013 Acura MDX has a problem with the pistons in the engine which causes excessive oil consumption. This was the subject matter of a class action suit described in the website entitled Acura Oil Consumption Settlement. This defect should be subject to a recall and American Honda should be…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 8, 2019

“During driving, Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) will activate and "BRAKE" light will blink, indicating that you should apply brakes. This happened multiple times. Finally the CMBS warning light came on permanently. I took my car to Acura Dealership for repairs. They informed me that it…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · July 14, 2022

2013 Acura MDX — common questions

Is the 2013 Acura MDX reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 46 NHTSA complaints, below the typical MDX year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2013 MDX problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (10 complaints), engine (10 complaints), other (5 complaints).

Does the 2013 Acura MDX have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2013 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.

How safe is the 2013 Acura MDX?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2013 Acura MDX earned an overall rating of 4 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.