2011 Acura MDX Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Sep 17, 2025 · 70 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other MDX years
Fewer complaints than other years 18th of 26 for complaints
Safety recalls
None on file
NHTSA crash rating
5 out of 5 stars

Owners have filed 70 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Acura MDX. That ranks 18th out of 26 MDX model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is engine (28 complaints, 40%), typically at around 91,107 miles. Complaints mention 4 crashes, 1 fire, 6 injuries. There are no safety recalls on file for this model year.

Acura MDX
Twin Cities Auto Show Minneapolis Convention Center Minneapolis, Minnesota April 2023 **************************************************************************. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2011 Acura MDX problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Engine28 · ~91,107 mi
Power Train8 · ~44,390 mi
Electrical System7 · ~101,700 mi
Unknown or Other7 · ~73,876 mi
Air Bags6 · ~107,000 mi
Vehicle Speed Control4 · ~5,000 mi
Exterior Lighting3 · ~33,000 mi
Fuel System, Gasoline3 · ~38,000 mi
Structure3 · ~86,200 mi
Suspension3 · ~50,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Engine2840%91,107——
Power Train811%44,390——
Electrical System710%101,700——
Unknown or Other710%73,876——
Air Bags69%107,000——
Vehicle Speed Control46%5,000——
Exterior Lighting34%33,000——
Fuel System, Gasoline34%38,000——
Structure34%86,200——
Suspension34%50,000——
Seat Belts23%78,000——
Seats23%500——
Service Brakes23%18,057——
Visibility23%93,613——
Back Over Prevention11%———
Electronic Stability Control (esc)11%16,114——
Engine and Engine Cooling11%1,000——
Equipment Adaptive/mobility11%———
Steering11%45——
Visibility/wiper11%———
Wheels11%45——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2017, with 9 complaints
2011: 5201152012: 442013: 3201332014: 442015: 5201552016: 222017: 9201792018: 442019: 8201982020: 992021: 3202132022: 442023: 4202342024: 112025: 520255

n = 70 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2011 Acura MDX recalls (0)

No safety recalls are on file for the 2011 Acura MDX.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

Check engine light continues to come on after repair, lack of power and transmission skip at times. Reverse light dark, unable to see at all.

Engine · received Sep 17, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11687765

The hazard warning switch on my 2011 Acura MDX Technology & Entertainment Package VIN [XXX] sticks. It is due to a manufacturing defect and not because of normal wear and tear. That is a safety concern because when it is pressed and sticks, such as when giving the right of way to an emergency…

Structure · received Sep 11, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11686570

Unknown

Engine · received Aug 26, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11683178

The 2011 Acura MDX has a problem with the pistons in the engine which causes excessive oil consumption. This was subject of the matter of a class action suit described on the website entitled Acura Oil Consumption Settlement. This defect should be subject to recall and American Honda should be…

Power Train · received Apr 28, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11657296

2011 Acura MDX Engine Oil Leak from Pan. Oil change and dip stick completely dry after 2 days. Many complaints of this common issue on 2011-2013 Acura MDX and no Recall. Reverse Lights not set properly When going in reverse it's remains dark and hard to see.

Engine · received Mar 10, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11647285

Other Acura MDX years

← 2010 MDX · 2012 MDX →

See all Acura MDX problems by year, every Acura model, or the Acura VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Acura MDX?

Owners most often report engine, power train, electrical system problems. The top one, engine, accounts for 28 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2011 Acura MDX?

No safety recalls are on file for this model year.

Was the 2011 Acura MDX a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other MDX model years, the 2011 has fewer complaints than most years, and NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.