2013 Acura MDX Problems
Compared with other Acura MDX years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
0/100 0.1× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.1× 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.
- 9 of its 30 complaints were filed by the end of 2015.
- Most reported part: Engine (9 complaints, median 14,592 mi).
- 1 recall campaign on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
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
- 30filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 50,000miles, 19 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns 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
- 4 / 5stars overall
- EPA fuel economy
- 18 mpgcombined, 3.7L 6-cyl AWD · 16 city / 21 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2013 Acura MDX (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 30 consumer complaints for the 2013 Acura MDX. The part named most often is engine, with 9 complaints (30% of the total), followed by electrical system (8) and other or unknown (5). 19 of the complaints include a mileage, and 47% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 50,000 miles. Of all complaints, 3 a fire, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 88 technical service bulletins for this model year. Engine complaints overlap with 22 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Electrical system complaints overlap with 10 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. 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.
- Engine9 30%
- Electrical system8 27%
- Other or unknown5 17%
- Exterior lighting3 10%
- Steering3 10%
- Fuel system2 6.7%
- Air bags1 3.3%
Also reported: Electronic stability control (1), Engine cooling (1), Equipment (1), Seat belts (1), Seats (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Engine: “I received notification of excessive oil consumption affecting my vehicle from Acura (2013 MDX) I took the car as instructed to bridgewater Acura and they performed an oil consumption test. According to the manufacturer the car had to consume at least 1 quart of oil per 1,000 miles. The dealer stated that my car showed that my car consumed 1 quart at the first 1,000 miles, and 1/2 quart each time at the following 3 -1,000 mile mark. So Acura would not pay for the repair necessary to correct the problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #11291712, filed 2019-12, 13 milesElectrical system: “Per the mechanic many Acura's having issues with handsfreelink bluetooth which doesn't turn off resulting draining battery. We just replaced our battery and issue still persists. I called Acura and they said they are aware of the issue but can not do anything since our VIN is not part of the recall. This can be a big safety issue since people have experienced cars stopped mid road due to no power. Please help since Acura is ignoring safety of their consumers! Reference link for the issue which has been reported by many people. …”
NHTSA complaint #11389302, filed 2021-01, 80,000 milesOther or unknown: “As I pulled the car into the parking lot slowly and was about to put it in park I realised the car suddenly accelerated and jerked up on the curb/walkway. As there was no place for me to manouver I tried to turn it to the left and hit a wall to stop the car. During this whole process the engine never stopped.”
NHTSA complaint #10970361, filed 2017-04, 50,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “Torque converter problem...... I bought a used 2012 MDX with 4300 miles 5 months later I had this issue. I took the car to a Acura dealer and they fixed it but I did feel safe so I traded it in for a newer model thinking it would be better...long behold the 2013 MDX I got did the same thing 5 month later. The dealer never told me after bring the first car back that this was an issue with these cars. …”
NHTSA complaint #10882413, filed 2016-07, 69,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
47% of the 19 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 22,567 and 80,000 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 2013 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 · SUV 4WD | ★★★★☆ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 · 14.0% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2013 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning not available, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2012: same overall rating; 2014: 5 stars overall. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2013 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 | 6-speed automatic | 16 | 21 | 18 | $4,550 |
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
- 23V858000Dec 18, 2023Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pumpCovers: Acura MDX 2013–2020, Honda Accord 2013–2023, CR-V 2013–2023 +17 more
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda…
Recall details for the 2013 Acura MDX → · Check a 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. 88 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10177599Jun 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…
- 10165772Oct 2, 2019Engine cooling. Service Bulletin - Due to high demand for repairs under this warranty extension, pistons and rings required to complete this repair are currently backordered. Acura has provided this service…
- 10164476Aug 31, 2019Engine cooling. Dealer Message - On January 16, 2019, Acura announced a warranty extension for certain 2009-14 Acura vehicles equipped with a 3.7L V6 engine to address client concerns related to excessive oil…
- 10163804Aug 10, 2019Engine cooling. Service Bulletin - The oil control rings may become clogged with carbon deposits. These deposits restrict the ring's ability to scrape and return oil from the cylinder wall to the crankcase, which…
- 10160547May 18, 2019Engine cooling. Service Bulletin - The oil control rings may become clogged with carbon deposits. These deposits restrict the ring's ability to scrape and return oil from the cylinder wall to the crankcase, which…
- 10159442Apr 30, 2019Engine. Service Bulletin - The oil control rings may become clogged with carbon deposits. These deposits restrict the ring's ability to scrape and return oil from the cylinder wall to the crankcase, which…
- 10153886Feb 21, 2019Engine. Service Bulletin - The oil control rings may become clogged with carbon deposits. These deposits restrict the ring's ability to scrape and return oil from the cylinder wall to the crankcase, which…
- 10153515Feb 14, 2019Engine cooling. Owner Notification Letter - On certain 2009-14 Acura vehicles equipped with the 3.7L V6 engine, the oil control rings may become clogged with carbon deposits during normal engine operation. These…
- 10152760Jan 16, 2019Engine. Dealer message - Today, January 16, 2019, Acura is announcing a warranty extension for certain 2009-14 Acura vehicles equipped with the 3.7L V6 engine to address client concerns related to excessive…
- 10152759Jan 16, 2019Engine, Engine cooling. Service bulletin - The oil control rings may become clogged with carbon deposits. These deposits restrict the ring's ability to scrape and return oil from the cylinder wall to the crankcase, which…
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
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2013 Acura MDX have?
NHTSA recorded 30 consumer complaints for the 2013 Acura MDX as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2013 Acura MDX is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 9 complaints (30% of the total), followed by electrical system with 8.
Has the 2013 Acura MDX been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2013 Acura MDX do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2013 Acura MDX 4 out of 5 stars overall. Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Acura MDX get?
The EPA rates the 2013 Acura MDX (MDX 4WD, 3.7L 6-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 16 city and 21 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2013 Acura MDX reported?
Among the 19 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 50,000 miles and the middle half falls between 22,567 and 80,000 miles; 47% 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.