MODEL
Acura Mdx
NHTSA safety across every Acura Mdx model year we cover.
Across the 7 model years of the Acura Mdx we cover (2019 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2024 at 88 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2025 at 79. 27 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Acura MDX is a three-row midsize luxury SUV that has anchored Acura's lineup for over two decades. Aimed at upscale family buyers who want premium refinement alongside genuine utility, the MDX competes in one of the most contested segments in the American market. Our coverage spans the 2019 through 2025 model years, a window that bridges two distinct generations and gives us a meaningful dataset on how this vehicle performs where it counts most.
The Acura MDX posts a best NHTSA Safety Index of 88 out of 100, achieved in the 2023 model year, which places it in the Strong band and represents a genuinely competitive result for the segment. The crash-test profile tells a nuanced story: a 5-out-of-5 side-impact rating is excellent and reflects well on the MDX's structural integrity in the most survivable crash type, but the 4-out-of-5 frontal and rollover scores are respectable without being class-leading. Shoppers should note that the safety index fluctuates across model years, with some years landing in the Average band rather than Strong, so year-specific research matters here. The recall picture is the area that deserves the most scrutiny. Twenty-six recalls across the 2019 to 2025 coverage window is a meaningful number for a single nameplate, running above what a safety-conscious buyer would ideally want to see. That said, recalls exist precisely to correct known issues, and verifying that any used MDX has had open recalls resolved should be a firm requirement before purchase. Owner complaints total 649 across covered years, with 17 alleged crashes, 5 fire-related reports, and 16 injury claims noted in the NHTSA database. These are unverified allegations, but the fire-related complaints in particular are worth monitoring as you research specific model years. The MDX earns a cautious recommendation on safety grounds, strongest when you target the 2023 model year specifically.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Acura MDX as one of the more polished and driver-focused entries in the three-row luxury SUV segment, praising its handling composure and interior quality relative to rivals. Most consider it a strong choice for buyers who prioritize a more engaging driving character, though some note the third row is best suited for occasional rather than everyday use.
- The 2023 MDX represents the safety high-water mark in our coverage window with an 88 out of 100 NHTSA Safety Index in the Strong band. If safety scores are a primary factor, targeting that model year specifically is the data-backed move.
- Twenty-six recalls across 2019 to 2025 is an elevated count. Before buying any MDX in this range, run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool at nhtsa.gov to confirm all outstanding recalls have been completed by a dealer.
- The side-impact crash rating of 5 out of 5 is the strongest result in the MDX's test profile, but frontal and rollover ratings of 4 out of 5 mean the overall crash-test picture is solid rather than exceptional. Some model years score in the Average band rather than Strong.
- The NHTSA complaint database includes 5 fire-related allegations and 17 crash allegations across covered years. These are unverified owner reports, but reviewing the complaint details for the specific model year you are considering at nhtsa.gov is a worthwhile step in your due diligence.
Most-recalled year on record: 2019 Acura Mdx with 9 recalls.