NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2022 Acura MDX Safety Ratings
The 2022 Acura MDX scores 83 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 126 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
Two active recall campaigns, both concerning the front-passenger air bag occupant classification sensor, represent the primary caution for buyers of the 2022 Acura MDX. Despite this, the model achieved an overall 5-star crash rating from NHTSA, supported by standard crash-avoidance technology across all variants. Its Safety Index registers at 83/100, placing it in the Strong performance band.
The 2022 Acura MDX received a 5-star overall crash rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 83 out of 100, based on NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 135 SUVs from 2022 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2022 Acura MDX ranks 76 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 | 83 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.1% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 126 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 76 of 135 SUVs tested for 2022 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2022 Acura MDX?
The 2022 Acura MDX earns an overall 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA, yet its recall record bears closer examination. Two distinct recall campaigns address the front-passenger air bag occupant classification sensor. A malfunction in this system carries significant safety implications, potentially leading to incorrect air bag deployment or a complete failure to deploy for a front-seat passenger in a collision. This flaw is a critical safety concern, not a minor operational issue. The vehicle's NHTSA Safety Index stands at 83 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. This assessment includes a crash-protection sub-score of 61 out of 70 and a perfect 10 out of 10 for avoidance technology. The defect record sub-score, however, is a more modest 12 out of 20, reflecting the impact of the aforementioned recalls. Owner complaints for the 2022 MDX total 126. A substantial number of these complaints, 42, concern the Power Train, with another 17 related to Forward Collision Avoidance. While these are unconfirmed allegations, their volume and concentration warrant attention. The robust standard avoidance technology package, including forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, bolsters the MDX's overall safety profile, contributing to its strong index score and 5-star overall NHTSA rating.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2022 Acura MDX perform in crash tests?
The 2022 Acura MDX earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Its side protection was a standout, also receiving 5 stars. Frontal and rollover protection were each rated at 4 stars. The rollover risk for the MDX was measured at 15 percent, and the dynamic tip test concluded with a No Tip result. All crash-test categories received a rating for this model year.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15924
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2022 Acura MDX have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover the 2022 Acura MDX, both targeting the air bag occupant classification sensor for the front passenger position. One campaign was issued in 2024 and a second in 2026, each involving American Honda Motor Co. and spanning multiple Acura and Honda nameplates. Neither recall has been designated a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign in the available data, but owners should verify remedy completion by VIN immediately.
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 were mailed July 7, 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 (VINs) involve
Reported 2026-05-21
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. 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
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2022 Acura MDX?
NHTSA has received 126 unverified owner complaints for the 2022 Acura MDX. Alleged problem areas include Power Train (42 reports), Electrical System (19), Unknown or Other (19), Steering (18), Service Brakes (18), and Forward Collision Avoidance (17). These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects. Six crashes and four injuries are alleged among the reports.
126 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2022 Acura MDX?
The 2022 Acura MDX has two outstanding recall campaigns concerning its airbag sensors; any prospective buyer should confirm the remedy status of a specific vehicle through the NHTSA VIN lookup tool.
- Two separate NHTSA recall campaigns specifically affect 2022 MDX units, both targeting the front-passenger air bag occupant classification sensor, a safety-critical component that governs air bag deployment for that seating position.
- The 2022 MDX earned a perfect 10 out of 10 in the avoidance technology sub-score, reflecting standard equipment of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control on this model year.
- The defect record sub-score of 12 out of 20 is the weakest component of the 83-point index for this year, driven by the two active recall campaigns and the volume of unverified owner complaints reaching 126 reports.
- Alleged Forward Collision Avoidance complaints number 17 for this model year, a detail worth noting given that the system scored perfectly in the avoidance technology rating category, which measures presence of the feature rather than consumer satisfaction with it.
RANKINGSWhere the 2022 Acura MDX places
The 2022 Acura MDX qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2022 Acura MDX safety questions
Was the 2022 Acura MDX crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2022 Acura MDX, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 83 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 2022 Acura MDX crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2022 Acura MDX earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 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 15.1%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2022 Acura MDX have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2022 Acura MDX. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2022 Acura MDX?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 126 owner complaints are on file for the 2022 Acura MDX. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other MDX years
Rivals in SUV (2022)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Tesla Model Y 5-Seat | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2022 Infiniti Qx55 | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2022 Buick Encore GX | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2022 Buick Envision | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2022 Nissan Murano | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2022 Buick Enclave | 94/100 | 4 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15924), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Acura MDX 2022.
- 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 76 of 135 in the SUV class for 2022.
- 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.