2009 Acura MDX Problems
Compared with other Acura MDX years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
0/100 0.2× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.2× that of a typical Acura MDX year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 12 of its 52 complaints were filed by the end of 2011.
- Most reported problem: Check engine or dashboard warning lights (12 complaints, median 74,000 mi).
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 52filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 55,000miles, 37 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 17 mpgcombined, 3.7L 6-cyl 4WD/AWD · 15 city / 20 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2009 Acura MDX (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe battery drain, often linked to the Bluetooth hands-free unit, and stalls or shutdowns while driving. Several complaints also describe sudden or unresponsive acceleration, airbag warning lights, and check engine messages, with mileage ranging from about 3,400 to 150,000 miles. The data lists no recalls for this model year, and headlight and wiper complaints appear in smaller groups.
- Electrical system
Battery drains, often tied to Bluetooth unit
- 9 complaints (17%)
- median 66,200 mi at 8.6 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
- filed 2012–2022
Owners describe the battery draining while the car is off, sometimes needing jump starts or towing, and in some cases a replaced battery did not stop the drain. Several owners link the drain to the Bluetooth hands-free unit, which they say runs hot, stops working, or cannot be replaced because the part is on back order. Some describe a fire concern or worry the drain could shut the car off while driving, and one says a dealer representative called it a common problem. Where mileage is listed, reports range from about 45,000 to 110,000 miles, and some complaints do not list mileage.
What to check: Ask whether the Bluetooth hands-free module has been checked or replaced, and have a shop measure the battery drain with the car off before buying.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Hfl module # 39770-stx-a011-m1 stopped working preventing connection to my cell phone. 2009 MDX with 92,004 miles. Called all the dealerships in my area and others on the internet and no one has the module. I was told by them it's on national back order for sone time now ( 2/5/2020 ) . …”
NHTSA complaint #11307646, filed 2020-02, 95,000 miles“My MDX has only 62,400 miles and today I got a message check starter system due to the hfl module is draining the battery. Luckily the car was in my garage at the time. I had to charge the battery so I could start the car. All the info I have read online states the the hfl module gets real hot and can cause fire. My garage is under my bedroom. This is a part made by johnson controls, Acura needs to recall this item.”
NHTSA complaint #10905961, filed 2016-09, 62,400 miles - Electrical system
Stalls or shutdowns while driving
- 9 complaints (17%)
- median 12,389 mi at 2.0 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- filed 2010–2022
Owners describe the car stalling while driving, sometimes needing a tow, and in some cases the car would not restart afterward. Some repairs focused on the throttle, with the dealer replacing a throttle body after a stall, and another stall was traced by the dealer to an instrument gauge. Other stalls came with lost electrical power, dashboard lights going out, or all power shutting off after warning lights came on. Where mileage is listed, reports range from about 3,400 to 60,000 miles, and some complaints do not list mileage.
What to check: Ask the dealer what was found for any past stall, including whether a throttle body or instrument gauge was replaced, and check for stored codes with a scan tool.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving on the brooklyn-queens expressway (I 278 e)at a high rate of speed the car stalled nearly causing an accident, truck and tractor trailers came barreling down towards my stalled vehicle and abruptly changing lanes to avoid crashing into my car. I dialed 911 and the nypd highway unit sent a towtruck immediately to avoid accidents (I was petrified waiting for the tow) the dealer identified a throttle failure, replaced the throttle again for the second time.”
NHTSA complaint #10313708, filed 2010-02, 12,389 miles“Bluetooth stopped working and a few weeks later, my car wouldn't start. I replaced the battery and a few days later the car stalled on me as I was pulling out of my spot!!!!! I went to the Acura dealer and explained to the guy that my battery kept draining. He asked me if my bluetooth stopped working, I was shocked because I hadn't mentioned any issues with my bluetooth but I let him know that in fact, the bluetooth had stopped. The rep said it's a common problem in my vehicle. Had to replace the bluetooth and paid $600!!!! …”
NHTSA complaint #10823427, filed 2016-02, 60,000 miles - Electrical system
Check engine or dashboard warning lights
- 12 complaints (23%)
- median 74,000 mi at 6.5 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2010–2024
Owners describe check engine or dashboard warning messages that come on while starting or driving, and sometimes the car must be pulled over and towed. The dealer has pointed to a faulty sensor or a rodent-damaged NOx sensor harness, and one owner says the warning has happened several times. One complaint describes a check engine light flashing before the engine compartment caught fire, and another says so many codes appeared that the car could not be driven. Where mileage is listed, reports range from about 45,000 to 130,000 miles, and some complaints do not list mileage.
What to check: Have a scan tool read the stored codes before buying, and ask whether any NOx sensor or harness repair has been done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The battery has been drained on three separate occasions this year (2021). I replaced the battery after the first occurrence. Each time I have had to use a battery jump to restart the vehicle which sufficed to get it operating and return home. On the last occasion, the car started to display dash board warning messages before arriving at home after driving only 15 miles. This came with a fully charged battery installed to get the car restarted. …”
NHTSA complaint #11427483, filed 2021-08“I just got this car in September and it is now throwing all kinds of different codes to the point where I can’t drive it sh-awd /check charging station / emission light etc”
NHTSA complaint #11596234, filed 2024-06 - Vehicle speed control
Sudden acceleration or unresponsive accelerator
- 8 complaints (15%)
- median 55,000 mi at 5.5 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2010–2022
Owners describe unintended acceleration while parking, reversing, or pulling into a space, and several say the vehicle sped up and crashed into a store or building. An owner says the accelerator did not respond when approaching a stop sign, and the car only responded slowly after shifting to neutral and back to drive. According to complaints, the manufacturer declined to send an inspector in one case and reportedly found no manufacturing problem in another, and airbags deployed in one crash. Where mileage is listed, reports range from about 55,000 to 150,000 miles.
What to check: Ask whether the throttle or pedal system has been inspected or repaired, and have a scan tool check for stored codes before buying.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“On june 30th 2019 after leaving from work I was on my way to pier 1 which is approximately 2 miles away. I turned into the parking lot parked in front of pier 1 and all of a sudden my car accelerated out of control. It jumped the curb crashed through pier 1 window into the store and didn't stop until it hit a wall. At this time I'm in shock glass is every where and I could move I hear people in the background telling me to get out of the car but I was frozen from what just happened. …”
NHTSA complaint #11230173, filed 2019-07, 150,000 miles“The contact owns a 2009 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and approaching a stop sign, the accelerator pedal was depressed however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact shifted the vehicle to neutral and back to drive and the vehicle responded slowly. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,061.”
NHTSA complaint #11423124, filed 2021-07, 150,061 miles - Air bags
Airbag warning light and airbag faults
- 7 complaints (13%)
- median 54,000 mi at 7.1 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2014–2025
Owners describe an airbag warning light that comes and goes, and the dealer advised not to bring the car in until the light stays on. In another case the dealer's scan returned an airbag code, and the owner says a replacement part was not readily available and no loaner was offered. An owner says the driver airbag deployed while driving with no impact, and another asks whether airbags need replacing after a television report, noting there is no official recall. Mileage is often not listed, and where it is, the figure is about 21,000 miles.
What to check: Ask the dealer to scan the airbag system for stored codes and confirm whether any repair is covered, and check the VIN for open recalls on the NHTSA website.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“On Jan 21, 2025 the drivers side air bag deployed as I was driving. I did not hit or get hit by anyone or anything, I did not run over anything either the airbag deployed on drivers side from the front to the back of my Acura MDX it was sudden it was random Nd damn scary. I was injured from the impact of the air bag ... I have had my car approximately 6 months I am purchasing from Drive now in Wichita, KS and am still making payments on this vehicle..”
NHTSA complaint #11639624, filed 2025-01“Was told on today show (nbc) that could check to see if Acura air bags need to ne replaced even though not an official recall. Please let me know if these airbags are the ones that are to be replaced and if so, when. Many thanks.”
NHTSA complaint #10788358, filed 2015-11
Buying note. Buyers should ask whether the Bluetooth hands-free module has been checked or replaced and have the battery drain measured before buying, since battery and stalling complaints are common in this sample. A pre-purchase inspection that reads stored codes and checks the airbag warning light and throttle system can help.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 51 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 52 consumer complaints for the 2009 Acura MDX. 37 of the complaints include a mileage, and 43% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 55,000 miles. Of all complaints, 4 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 6 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 35 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 14 Acura MDX model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 0 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system18 35%
- Engine8 15%
- Exterior lighting6 12%
- Vehicle speed control5 9.6%
- Air bags4 7.7%
- Engine cooling3 5.8%
- Other or unknown3 5.8%
- Wheels3 5.8%
Also reported: Seats (2), Steering (2), Suspension (2), Tires (2), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Electronic stability control (1), Equipment (1), Interior lighting (1), Seat belts (1), Body and structure (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “I have accura MDX 2009.unable to open car door using my key.could not open trunk.both sides light signals do not work.called aaa service to open door.vehicle was stationary”
NHTSA complaint #11292143, filed 2019-12, 92,000 milesEngine: “I brought the car into the dealer because I was having transmission problems or power steering problems. I indicated that the car makes a whine at about 1500 RPM. The dealer chose to treat it as a power steering problem. The power steering pump was replaced. There was still a whine although less. The car RPM hangs up on deceleration to a stop. Some times when going down hill the car does not upshift until the car is accelerated even though the road slope is zero. …”
NHTSA complaint #10480630, filed 2012-10, 34,095 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “I took my 2009 MDX into Acura dealer for shudder at 35-45 MPH at 68k. Service tech wrote up repair order as PCM update. They did not document the shudder complaint. Even tho I drove with service tech and then he drove also, verifying shudder. I had to go back 2nd time as PCM didn't take according to dealer and that's why shuddering continued after 1st PCM update. Now at 107k, shudder is back. Mdx out of extended warranty by 2000 miles and Acura/honda refuses goodwill repair. This is my second MDX. The torque converter needed replaced in my 2003 MDX. …”
NHTSA complaint #10627116, filed 2014-08, 68,735 milesExterior lighting: “The windshield wipers would just come on and not shut off. We tried several things but the wipers would not stop. I had to take the fuse out so it cause further damage.”
NHTSA complaint #10713004, filed 2015-04, 90,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
43% of the 37 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 21,000 and 90,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2009 Acura MDX. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MDX · sedan AWD | not rated | 5 / 5 | — | — | 4 · 14.0% risk |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2009 Acura MDX version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MDX 4WD | 3.7L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 15 | 20 | 17 | $4,850 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2009 Acura MDX in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 35 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10237044May 17, 2023Electrical system. Service News - The navigation clock and date are incorrect. This is due to a limited GPS receiver capacity resulting in rollover of internal chip memory. The rollover occurred on January 1, 2022 at…
- 10207004Jan 25, 2022Electrical system. ServiceNews Article - The clock shows the incorrect time. This issue is due to a limited GPS receiver capacity resulting in "rollover" of the internal chip memory; the "rollover" will occur on…
- 10177598Jun 3, 2020Engine cooling. These SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no longer be sold as…
- 10139576May 24, 2018Air bags, Equipment. Dealer message - Today, May 24, 2018, Acura is announcing a warranty extension for 2002-17 Acura vehicles. This warranty extension applies in cases where any of the replacement driver?s and/or front…
- 10100462Nov 23, 2016Equipment. Service bulletin - navigation system information.
- 10100505Nov 21, 2016Suspension. "reimbursement form - on some 200713 mdx and 201012 zdx vehicles located in cold areas, the front and rear active dampers may leak. While leaks on the rear active suspension are visible, the front…
- 10100504Nov 21, 2016Suspension. "customer letter - on some 200713 mdx and 201012 zdx vehicles located in cold areas, the front and rear active dampers may leak. While leaks on the rear active suspension are visible, the front…
- 10099141Nov 17, 2016Suspension. Service bulletin - in cold areas, the rear active dampers may be susceptible to leaking. If an excessive amount of damper oil has leaked, the active dampers may make a clunk or a bang when driving…
- 10099129Nov 17, 2016Suspension. "service bulletin - in cold areas, the front active dampers may be susceptible to leaking. Since these dampers are mounted in an inverted position, the leak is not visible on the exterior of the…
- 10116783Nov 8, 2016Equipment. Dealer message - Today, November 8, 2016 Acura is announcing four warranty extensions for model years 2007-2013 Acura MDX and model years 2010-2012 Acura ZDX vehicles to address Active Damper…
Other model years of the Acura MDX
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 9 | 1,800 | 1 | 5 | 22 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 115 | 14,000 | 3 | 5 | 22 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 41 | 9,810 | 2 | 5 | 22 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 43 | 32,454 | 2 | 5 | 22 | 13 · Fewer | Too new |
| 2022 | 158 | 60,000 | 2 | 5 | 22 | 51 · Typical | Rising |
| 2020 | 226 | 44,500 | 8 | 5 | 23 | 69 · More | Rising |
| 2019 | 191 | 21,114 | 9 | 5 | 23 | 73 · More | Rising |
| 2018 | 169 | 40,000 | 10 | 5 | 23 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2017 | 260 | 37,000 | 8 | 5 | 23 | 75 · More | Rising |
| 2016 | 377 | 37,884 | 7 | 5 | 23 | 94 · More | Rising |
| 2015 | 71 | 23,000 | 8 | 5 | 23 | 52 · Typical | Rising |
| 2014 | 172 | 23,412 | 8 | 5 | 23 | 86 · More | Stable |
| 2013 | 30 | 50,000 | 1 | 4 | 18 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2012 | 76 | 62,500 | 1 | 4 | 18 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2011 | 70 | 66,000 | 0 | 5 | 18 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2010 | 45 | 67,000 | 1 | — | 18 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2009 | 52 | 55,000 | 0 | — | 17 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 49 | 40,000 | 0 | — | 17 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 99 | 92,500 | 0 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 87 | 76,000 | 9 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 180 | 82,197 | 11 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 171 | 94,000 | 8 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2003 | 206 | 108,000 | 11 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 205 | 98,000 | 4 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 224 | 100,000 | 4 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All Acura MDX model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Acura MDX?
Owners of this model year most often describe battery drain, often linked to the Bluetooth hands-free unit, and stalls or shutdowns while driving. The issues reported most often: Battery drains, often tied to Bluetooth unit; Stalls or shutdowns while driving; Check engine or dashboard warning lights.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2009 Acura MDX have?
NHTSA recorded 52 consumer complaints for the 2009 Acura MDX as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2009 Acura MDX is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 18 complaints (35% of the total), followed by engine with 8.
Has the 2009 Acura MDX been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2009 Acura MDX get?
The EPA rates the 2009 Acura MDX (MDX 4WD, 3.7L 6-cyl) at 17 mpg combined, 15 city and 20 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,850 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2009 Acura MDX reported?
Among the 37 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 55,000 miles and the middle half falls between 21,000 and 90,000 miles; 43% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.