NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Acura MDX Safety Ratings
The 2026 Acura MDX scores 82 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 4 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 Acura MDX achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 82/100, placing it in the Strong band. This assessment reflects consistent crash-test performance across federal metrics and a clean record regarding defects for the model year. The MDX demonstrates a solid safety profile for consumers evaluating vehicles based on published data.
The 2026 Acura MDX holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 82 out of 100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 143 SUVs from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Acura MDX ranks 126 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 82 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.1% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 4 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 126 of 143 SUVs tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Acura MDX?
What distinguishes the 2026 Acura MDX in the safety record is a meaningful three-point climb in the NHTSA Safety Index, rising from 79 out of 100 in the Average band for 2025 to 82 out of 100 in the Strong band for 2026. That shift is not cosmetic. The crash-protection subscore of 61 out of 70 anchors the index, supported by a near-perfect defect record subscore of 19 out of 20, reflecting just one active recall campaign. The one area where this year's index leaves room for improvement is avoidance technology, which scored 2 out of 10, a notably low contribution given that forward collision warning and lane departure warning are listed as standard and optional equipment. That gap suggests the scoring methodology weighs the depth and standardization of tech deployment, not just its presence. The single recall targeting the occupant classification sensor in the front passenger air bag system is shared across a broad Honda and Acura lineup spanning multiple model years, so it is not unique to the 2026 MDX, but it is active and consequential. The overall 5-star NHTSA rating and a side-crash perfect score round out a picture that is genuinely strong by federal data standards for this specific model year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Acura MDX perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Acura MDX earned a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's side-crash assessment, its strongest safety performance in testing. This result contributes to an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. Frontal impact protection was rated at 4 out of 5 stars. The MDX also scored 4 out of 5 stars for rollover protection; its rollover risk was measured at 15 percent, and no dynamic tip occurred during testing.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20891
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Acura MDX have any recalls?
One recall affects this model year. American Honda Motor Co. is recalling certain 2026 MDX units for a front passenger occupant classification sensor issue within the air bag system. This type of defect can affect whether a passenger air bag deploys correctly. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive was noted in the available campaign data, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN at NHTSA.
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
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Acura MDX?
Four unverified owner allegations have been reported to NHTSA for the 2026 MDX. Top components cited include Unknown or Other, the Electrical System, Forward Collision Avoidance, Vehicle Speed Control, and the Engine. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are alleged in these reports. All accounts are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
4 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Acura MDX?
The 2026 Acura MDX has an active recall regarding its air bag occupant classification system. Shoppers should verify that this recall has been addressed or scheduled for remedy by checking the vehicle's VIN through NHTSA's lookup tool. This step is crucial for any unit, new or used.
- The 2026 MDX Safety Index rose three points over the 2025 model year, moving from the Average band into the Strong band, a year-over-year improvement grounded in crash-protection and defect-record subscores.
- One active recall targets the front passenger air bag occupant classification sensor across a broad Honda and Acura lineup that includes the 2026 MDX. Owners and buyers should verify remedy completion by VIN at NHTSA.
- The avoidance technology subscore of 2 out of 10 is the weakest component of this year's index despite forward collision warning and lane departure warning being listed as available, indicating a gap in how fully those systems are standardized across configurations.
- Four unverified complaints have been filed with NHTSA for this model year, touching the electrical system, forward collision avoidance, vehicle speed control, and engine. No crashes, injuries, or deaths are alleged in those reports.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Acura MDX places
The 2026 Acura MDX qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Acura MDX safety questions
Was the 2026 Acura MDX crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Acura MDX, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 82 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 2026 Acura MDX crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 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 2026 Acura MDX have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2026 Acura MDX. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 Acura MDX?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 4 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 Acura MDX. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other MDX years
Rivals in SUV (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 350e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 550e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander MHEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20891), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Acura MDX 2026.
- 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 126 of 143 in the SUV class for 2026.
- 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.