NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2025 Acura MDX Safety Ratings
The 2025 Acura MDX scores 79 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 63 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2025 Acura MDX carries a NHTSA Safety Index of 79/100, positioning it in the Average band. Strong crash-test results are a key contributor to this score. However, a notably weak avoidance-tech sub-score and three active recall campaigns temper the overall assessment. Consumers considering this model should verify all recalls are resolved prior to purchase.
The 2025 Acura MDX received an overall 5-star crash-test rating from NHTSA and a NHTSA Safety Index of 79/100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test, recall, and complaint data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 153 SUVs from 2025 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2025 Acura MDX ranks 142 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 79 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.1% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 63 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 142 of 153 SUVs tested for 2025 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2025 Acura MDX?
The 2025 Acura MDX registers an Average 79 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index, a 9-point decrease from the 2024 model year's Strong 88. This decline is largely attributable to a low 2 out of 10 for avoidance technology. The vehicle's crash protection sub-score, at 61 out of 70, reflects strong NHTSA star performance. Its defect record sub-score of 16.25 out of 20 is respectable but is now complicated by three active recall campaigns. One recall, specific to the 2025 model year, addresses a touchscreen blank-out that disables the backup display. Further recalls impacting this model year include a brake pedal linkage issue for 2023-2025 MDX units and a broad airbag sensor recall. Owner complaints total 63 filings, with Engine and Electrical System noted as the primary alleged problem areas. The 2025 MDX combines robust passive safety with a diminished active safety suite and an increased recall burden.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2025 Acura MDX perform in crash tests?
The 2025 Acura MDX achieved an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA, anchored by a flawless 5-star score in side-impact crash testing. Frontal crash protection and rollover resistance both rated at 4 out of 5 stars. The vehicle's rollover risk stands at 15 percent, with the dynamic tip test concluding favorably with a "No Tip" designation.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20068
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2025 Acura MDX have any recalls?
Yes, three recall campaigns cover the 2025 Acura MDX. The first addresses an airbag occupant-classification sensor affecting a broad multi-year range of Acura models. The second targets hydraulic brake pedal and linkage components on 2023-2025 MDX units. The third, specific to 2025 MDX vehicles, involves a software defect that can cause the center-console touchscreen to go blank, impairing the backup camera. No do-not-drive order appears in the data, but all three campaigns warrant prompt VIN verification.
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
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE25V032000
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the center information display unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2025. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is RKZ.
Reported 2025-01-23
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2025 Acura MDX?
A total of 63 owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2025 Acura MDX. These are unverified consumer allegations. The most frequently cited components are the Engine, alleged in 40 reports, followed by the Electrical System with 28 alleged reports. One reported crash and one reported injury appear in the complaint data.
63 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2025 Acura MDX?
For the 2025 Acura MDX, three recall campaigns have been issued. Any prospective owner should verify that all recall remedies have been completed by an authorized dealer, confirming this in writing before purchase.
- The 2025 MDX Safety Index fell 9 points year over year, dropping from the 2024 model's Strong band score of 88/100 to an Average band score of 79/100, largely because of a 2-out-of-10 avoidance-tech sub-score.
- A 2025-model-year-specific recall covers a touchscreen software defect that can blank the center-console display and disable the backup camera, a direct safety concern tied to the back-over prevention system.
- The brake pedal linkage recall applies specifically to 2023-2025 Acura MDX units, meaning 2025 vehicles are squarely within scope and owners should confirm remedy completion.
- NHTSA received 63 unverified owner complaint reports for this model year, with Engine and Electrical System accounting for the highest alleged complaint volumes at 40 and 28 reports respectively.
RANKINGSWhere the 2025 Acura MDX places
The 2025 Acura MDX qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2025 Acura MDX safety questions
Was the 2025 Acura MDX crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2025 Acura MDX, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 79 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2025 Acura MDX crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2025 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 2025 Acura MDX have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2025 Acura MDX. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2025 Acura MDX?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 63 owner complaints are on file for the 2025 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 (2025)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Lexus Rz 300e | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Tesla Model X | 96/100 | not rated | 3 |
| 2025 Acura ADX | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2025 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20068), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Acura MDX 2025.
- 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 142 of 153 in the SUV class for 2025.
- 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.