NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Acura MDX Sport Safety Ratings
The 2020 Acura MDX Sport scores 86 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 8 recalls, and 207 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid achieved a Safety Index score of 86 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. This represents a meaningful five-point improvement over the 2019 model's 81. While NHTSA crash tests yielded top marks in most categories, the vehicle's defect record sub-score of 10 out of 20 indicates a notable area for consumer attention. Eight active recall campaigns have been issued for this model year, and it is imperative that prospective owners confirm all outstanding issues have been addressed.
The 2020 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid earned an NHTSA 5-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test, recall, and complaint data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 107 SUVs from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Acura MDX Sport ranks 40 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 86 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.4% |
| Recalls on file | 8 |
| Owner complaints | 207 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 40 of 107 SUVs tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Acura MDX Sport?
What sets the 2020 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid apart from its immediate predecessor is a five-point Safety Index gain, moving from 81 to 86 out of 100, both within the Strong band but with the 2020 reading sitting noticeably higher. That improvement is driven by a crash protection sub-score of 66 out of 70 and a perfect 10 out of 10 for avoidance technology, where forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all come standard. The drag on the overall index is the defect record component, which lands at 10 out of 20, reflecting eight recall campaigns. Those campaigns span structurally significant areas such as the frame and members and the front-passenger air bag occupant classification sensor, as well as the fuel delivery pump and exterior lighting moisture intrusion. The rollover star rating of 4 out of 5, paired with a 16 percent rollover risk figure and a No Tip dynamic result, rounds out the picture: this vehicle performs strongly in controlled crash scenarios but carries a recall portfolio that buyers must track carefully by VIN.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Acura MDX Sport perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid achieved a 5 out of 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Its frontal and side crash protection both earned 5-star ratings. The rollover assessment, with a 4-star rating and a 16 percent risk of rollover, represents the one area where the vehicle did not achieve the highest possible score; however, the dynamic tip-test resulted in No Tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14489
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Acura MDX Sport have any recalls?
Eight recall campaigns cover this model year. Documented components include the structural frame and members, the front-passenger occupant classification sensor tied to air bag deployment, exterior lighting where moisture may enter the tailgate lid light assembly, and the gasoline fuel delivery pump. No data in the current record designates a park-outside or do-not-drive directive, but buyers should confirm remedy status for every open campaign by VIN before purchase.
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS26V365000
Risk: Failure of rear suspension components, such as the rear control arm, can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear subframe and install a rear subframe reinforcement kit and, as necessary, repair or replace the rear subframe components, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are AOU and AOT. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in thi
Reported 2026-06-04
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER26V332000
Risk: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 6, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers
Reported 2026-05-21
EXTERIOR LIGHTING25V259000
Risk: Vehicle lights that fail to illuminate can decrease visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the wiring and install a fuse harness, replace the lid light, and repair the body dust sealer, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 30, 2025. Owners may contact Acura's customer service at 1-800-382-2238. Acura's number for this recall is FLI. Vehicles included in this recall that were previously repaired under NHTSA recall number 19V-256 wi
Reported 2025-04-17
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER24V064000
Risk: An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024, October 18, 2024, and August 2025. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.
Reported 2024-02-01
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP23V858000
Risk: 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.
Reported 2023-12-18
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL23V751000
Risk: A damaged engine may run improperly or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a fire, crash, or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair, or replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 28, 2024. 2016-2017 Acura MDX owner letters were mailed November 1, 2024. 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed in mid-December 2024. Honda began mailing owner notification letters as of March 18, 2024. 2015-2016 Acura owner letters are expected to be mailed mi
Reported 2023-11-13
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER23V458000
Risk: Brake master cylinder separation can cause a loss of brake function and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the brake booster assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are VEU, AEV, and ZET.
Reported 2023-06-29
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP21V215000
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 18, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-314.
Reported 2021-03-25
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Acura MDX Sport?
NHTSA has logged 207 unverified owner allegations for this model year. Reported problem areas include the Engine (77 allegations), Unknown Or Other (38), Electrical System (37), Forward Collision Avoidance (35), Power Train (20), and Lane Departure (16). These are unverified consumer reports, not established defects.
207 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Acura MDX Sport?
Eight distinct recall campaigns have been issued for this model year. Prospective owners of this six-year-old vehicle should verify that all recall remedies have been completed on the specific unit under consideration. Unaddressed campaigns, particularly those relating to the air bag sensor and the vehicle's structural frame, present safety implications that require resolution before the vehicle changes ownership.
- The 2020 Safety Index of 86/100 represents a five-point year-over-year gain versus the 2019 model's 81/100, the largest single-year improvement visible in this model's recent history.
- Eight active recall campaigns affect this specific model year, covering components as varied as the structural frame, the front-passenger occupant classification sensor for air bag deployment, the fuel delivery pump, and tailgate exterior lighting moisture intrusion.
- The defect record sub-score of 10 out of 20 is the single largest drag on the 2020 index, meaning recall resolution is the most actionable safety variable for any buyer of this specific year.
- NHTSA logged 207 unverified owner allegations, with the Forward Collision Avoidance system drawing 35 reported complaints, a notable figure given that the avoidance technology sub-score is otherwise rated perfect at 10 out of 10 based on equipment presence rather than field performance.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Acura MDX Sport places
The 2020 Acura MDX Sport qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Acura MDX Sport safety questions
Was the 2020 Acura MDX Sport crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Acura MDX Sport, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Acura MDX Sport crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Acura MDX Sport earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 16.4%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Acura MDX Sport have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 8 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Acura MDX Sport. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Acura MDX Sport?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 207 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Acura MDX Sport. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other MDX Sport years
Rivals in SUV (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Infiniti Qx50 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-3 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-30 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 3 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T5 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T6 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T8 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14489), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Acura MDX Sport 2020.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 40 of 107 in the SUV class for 2020.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.