NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Acura MDX Safety Ratings
The 2023 Acura MDX scores 88 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 34 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Acura MDX achieves a full 10/10 for its crash-avoidance technology, contributing to its NHTSA Safety Index of 88/100, placing it in the Strong band. This midsize SUV further solidifies its safety credentials with a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA's crash tests. Its recall and owner complaint records align with expectations for a well-supported safety choice.
The 2023 Acura MDX received a 5-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 88/100, based on NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 139 SUVs from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Acura MDX ranks 52 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 | 88 / 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 | 34 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 52 of 139 SUVs tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Acura MDX?
The 2023 Acura MDX marks a measurable step forward from the prior model year, with its NHTSA Safety Index rising from 83/100 to 88/100, a five-point gain within the Strong band. That improvement is driven by the defect record component, which scores 16.5 out of 20, and a perfect 10/10 for crash-avoidance technology, reflecting the standard fitment of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control on this year's configuration. Crash protection contributes 61 of a possible 70 points, anchored by the 5-star overall NHTSA result and the clean No Tip outcome in the rollover dynamic test. The two active recalls introduce a meaningful flag: the brake pedal and linkage campaign specifically names 2023-2025 MDX units, meaning this exact model year is squarely within scope. The occupant classification recall spans a wider Acura lineup but still applies here. The 34 owner-reported complaints, while unverified, concentrate notably on Service Brakes and Electrical System, categories that partially echo the recall activity. Forward Collision Avoidance also appears among the top complaint components, a detail worth noting given the system's standard-equipment status this year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Acura MDX perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Acura MDX received a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, achieving the highest possible mark in the side-crash test. In frontal crash protection, the MDX earned 4 out of 5 stars, matching its 4-star rollover rating. The risk of rollover for this model is 15 percent, with the dynamic tip test registering a "No Tip" outcome.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 17041
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Acura MDX have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover the 2023 MDX. The first targets the front-passenger occupant classification sensor in the air bag system, affecting a broad range of Acura models including this year. The second, issued more recently, addresses hydraulic service brake pedals and linkages on 2023-2025 MDX units. Neither has been designated a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN.
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
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES25V391000
Risk: A brake pedal that shifts out of position can prevent the driver from applying the brakes as intended, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the brake pedal assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 29, 2025. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are FLX and XLY.
Reported 2025-06-12
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Acura MDX?
Owners have filed 34 unverified allegations with NHTSA for the 2023 MDX. The most frequently reported components are Service Brakes and the Electrical System, each cited 8 times, followed by Power Train and Forward Collision Avoidance at 6 alleged incidents each. Two reported crashes and two reported injuries are included in those filings.
34 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Acura MDX?
Two open recalls directly affect the 2023 MDX: one addresses the air bag occupant sensor, and the other concerns the brake pedal linkage. Prospective owners should verify remedy completion for both via NHTSA's VIN lookup tool.
- The 2023 MDX Safety Index of 88/100 represents a five-point gain over the 2022 model year's 83/100, the largest single-year movement in the current generation's tracked history on this platform.
- A 2025-issued recall specifically names 2023-2025 MDX vehicles for a hydraulic service brake pedal and linkage defect, making this one of the most directly applicable active campaigns for buyers of this exact year.
- Owner-reported complaints to NHTSA show Service Brakes and Electrical System as the top two alleged problem areas, each with 8 filings, alongside 6 unverified allegations involving the Forward Collision Avoidance system.
- The 2023 MDX achieved a perfect 10/10 avoidance-technology score in the Safety Index, reflecting standard equipment across all three tracked systems: forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Acura MDX places
The 2023 Acura MDX qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Acura MDX safety questions
Was the 2023 Acura MDX crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Acura MDX, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 88 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 2023 Acura MDX crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 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 2023 Acura MDX have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Acura MDX. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Acura MDX?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 34 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Acura MDX. 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 years
Rivals in SUV (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Tesla Model X Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2023 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 17041), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Acura MDX 2023.
- 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 52 of 139 in the SUV class for 2023.
- 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.