2011 Acura MDX
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2011 Acura MDX. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
70 complaints4 involved a crash1 involved a fire6 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine · Exterior lighting · Power train
Check engine light continues to come on after repair, lack of power and transmission skip at times. Reverse light dark, unable to see at all.
- Structure › Body · Unknown or other
The hazard warning switch on my 2011 Acura MDX Technology & Entertainment Package VIN [XXX] sticks. It is due to a manufacturing defect and not because of normal wear and tear. That is a safety concern because when it is pressed and sticks, such as when giving the right of way to an emergency…
The hazard warning switch on my 2011 Acura MDX Technology & Entertainment Package VIN [XXX] sticks. It is due to a manufacturing defect and not because of normal wear and tear. That is a safety concern because when it is pressed and sticks, such as when giving the right of way to an emergency vehicle, or in bad weather, it not possible to make it unstuck while driving, and requires a screwdriver to pry it back to unstuck position, and if that option is not available then the stuck hazard switch will drain the battery when the vehicle is shut down. Please refer to enclosed Acura ServiceNews Article B15070C. On 8/9/2025, for my service at Hendrick Acura, I requested this known safety issue be fixed. I demonstrated by pressing the hazard switch that got stuck and required a screwdriver to unstick it. But the dealer unreasonably wanted me to pay $99 diagnostic fee to troubleshoot an obvious issue and even when I showed them the Acura ServiceNews Article B15070C. So, I was forced to confirm the issue indirectly myself. On 8/11/2025, I ordered a replacement hazard switch part number 33510-STX-A02 from another Acura dealer Contemporary Cars, for $37.02, per enclosed, even though it was a waste of my money. I swapped out the hazard switch and as expected it still got stuck. I have enclosed two pictures of my DIY diagnostic. I then searched for replacement dashboard center panel online from the Acura dealers, but I am unable to find any available. I then contacted Acura Client Relations on 8/25/2025, and they opened a Case # [XXX]. Kevin from Acura Client Relations called and stated that B15070C does not apply to my VIN. But I disagree because B15070C states for 'Affected Vehicles' - "2010-13 MDX (All trim levels except base." Hence, I am contacting NHTSA to ask Acura to cover my VIN as a saftey recall, and either provide me a replacement center panel that does not have the same manufacturing defect, or ask Hendrick Acura to replace it free of cost. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION A
- Engine
Unknown
- Power train
The 2011 Acura MDX has a problem with the pistons in the engine which causes excessive oil consumption. This was subject of the matter of a class action suit described on the website entitled Acura Oil Consumption Settlement. This defect should be subject to recall and American Honda should be required to repair or replace this pistons.
- Engine · Exterior lighting
2011 Acura MDX Engine Oil Leak from Pan. Oil change and dip stick completely dry after 2 days. Many complaints of this common issue on 2011-2013 Acura MDX and no Recall. Reverse Lights not set properly When going in reverse it's remains dark and hard to see.
- Engine · Unknown or other
Vehicle lost power- all lights came on. After being towed to two separate mechanics, found out engine blew. Had to replace the following: Engine Radiator Motor mounts Timing belt Thermostat
- Engine
Engine excessively consumes oil. No issue to the engine whatsoever no smoke at exhaust no burning oil. Check my oil after about 1000 miles and I’m missing a quart of oil. There was once a recall for this issue but the window to get repaired has expired. That does help people that purchased this car after the window. Issue need to be a permanent recall and not a temporary.
- Unknown or other
Moonroof / Sunroof glass spontaneously exploded as while driving on Interstate at approximately 65mph. This caused many small peices of glass to break inward some of which entered into the cabin and onto passengers including the driver. The glass exploding was very loud and caused me to jerk my steering wheel. It scared the passenger as well. Also small slivers of glass can be felt in the skin.
- Visibility/wiper
My sunroof shattered and exploded While I was driving
- Unknown or other
While driving Moon roof shattered. Available for inspection. Our lives were put at risk by the sudden onset of loud shattering sound, distraction while driving. Shattered glass could have caused impairment.
- Seats
Driver side seat functions stop working: - up and down (tilt) - forward and back Acura had no explanation for it and to just replace the seat (which is costly). At your earliest convenience please advise if this suffice for a recall.
- Engine
This car burns oil at an insane rate. I have to go to Jiffy Lube after only 1500 miles, and they are in shock when they top me off each time. Two of the employees have said that my engine is at trial of exploding because this car burns through oil so fast. Your website says that there is no recall…
This car burns oil at an insane rate. I have to go to Jiffy Lube after only 1500 miles, and they are in shock when they top me off each time. Two of the employees have said that my engine is at trial of exploding because this car burns through oil so fast. Your website says that there is no recall, but there actually WAS a recall for this car, but I was NEVER NOTIFIED about this dangerous issue. Acura refuses to honor the recall because they say the window to get the car fixed has expired. This is ridiculous and unsafe.
- Air bags
The contact owns a 2011 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the airbag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the driver's side airbag needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer…
The contact owns a 2011 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the airbag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the driver's side airbag needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000. The VIN was unavailable.
- Engine
The SUV was taken to an Acura dealer Ponce P.R. for inspection due to the fact that the engine was consuming too much oil and they didn't bother to check it as they told me that the warranty period had expired. The MDX had 75,000 miles and 10 years when I took it for inspection.
- Air bags
Car airbag system check light is on all times, garage ran diagnostic check airbag inflator malfunction
- Engine
Excessive oil consumption. I have the oil changed when the maintenance minder gets to 10%. Usually this is about 5,000 miles between oil changes. I will add oil to the engine at 50% oil life or 2,500 miles. I have contacted Acura and they are unwilling to address this problem. These engines need to be recalled. This is a reoccurring event.
- Engine
Car was going at 75 miles down to 40 miles then engine died.
- Air bags · Seat belts
I have a 2011 acura MDX and just recently my airbag srs light has came on when I turned my vehicle on. I was told by the acura dealership that this was due to a malfunctioning airbag sensor. Due to this malfunction none of my airbags will deploy if I were to get into an accident. Which I think IS…
I have a 2011 acura MDX and just recently my airbag srs light has came on when I turned my vehicle on. I was told by the acura dealership that this was due to a malfunctioning airbag sensor. Due to this malfunction none of my airbags will deploy if I were to get into an accident. Which I think IS absolutely insane. when I took it to the dealer they stated it would cost over $1500 to fix it. As a single mother I am not able to afford to have this issue fixed. I called acura and the lady I spoke too was very rude and said that there was not any recalls regarding this issue and that acura would not help with the repairs. My car has never been in an accident and I always maintain the oil, tires, maintenance on this car. No one should ever have to worry about getting in the car with their children and feeling unsafe because of malfunction air bag sensor or computer. The acura dealership should be held responsible for this malfunctioning system.
- Engine
Burning excessive amount of oil. I check it every two weeks and every time I have to top off.
- Engine
Using oil, no leaks, no smoke. Less than 1000 miles putting more oil in. Need to recall these engines
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2011 acura MDX. The contact stated the air bag warning light illuminated intermittently. The contact also stated that while pressing on the horn pad, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to local dealer coggin acura of ft. Pierce located at 4400 US-1…
TL* the contact owns a 2011 acura MDX. The contact stated the air bag warning light illuminated intermittently. The contact also stated that while pressing on the horn pad, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to local dealer coggin acura of ft. Pierce located at 4400 US-1, fort pierce, fl 34982, (772) 742-4342, where it was diagnosed with needing the front driver's side air bag to be replaced. The vehicle was been repaired. The manufacturer was informed of failure. The failure mileage was 70,421. *Bf*jb*jb
- Engine
I change engine oil every 3,000 miles, but I have to change every 1,000 miles in the last year. explain to the technician every time that it IS because the oil circulates and does not return and burns out in the middle and disappears. so I check the amount of oil once a week and always replenish…
I change engine oil every 3,000 miles, but I have to change every 1,000 miles in the last year. explain to the technician every time that it IS because the oil circulates and does not return and burns out in the middle and disappears. so I check the amount of oil once a week and always replenish the amount. especially when driving over long distances, it's so anxious, you can't stop the anxiety that the oil burns out and stands on the street or the engine itself burns out and becomes useless.
- Engine
I've had a recurring problem with oil burning through at a much faster rate than expected. for example, in the last two months since my last oil change with an acura service/repair center, the oil indicator light has come on repeatedly. also, the 'check emissions system' has also displayed after…
I've had a recurring problem with oil burning through at a much faster rate than expected. for example, in the last two months since my last oil change with an acura service/repair center, the oil indicator light has come on repeatedly. also, the 'check emissions system' has also displayed after driving on the freeway. it smelled liked something was burning in the engine. I checked the oil only to find out no oil was empty. I addressed the oil indicator light to acura several months ago during a previous oil change. They told me everything IS fine. I talked to a separate mechanic and he stated he has seen problems with the MDX on other makes and models of cars where scratches on the cylinder wall were causing the increased oil usage. in order to fix it would cost around $4,000. I've been loyal to acura in servicing my car. none of them has stated that this could be an issue. also, shouldn't a problem like this warrant a recall? just looking for some answers on an issue I think IS wrong in the way customers have been informed and treated along with potentially a safety issue.
- Suspension
I own two acura mdxs. 2009 sport and 2011 advance. both these vehicles active damper systems have failed multiple times. Acura or american honda keeps replacing these failed parts with the same failed part # 51606-stx-a59. these parts are failing prematurely. we should not be replacing these…
I own two acura mdxs. 2009 sport and 2011 advance. both these vehicles active damper systems have failed multiple times. Acura or american honda keeps replacing these failed parts with the same failed part # 51606-stx-a59. these parts are failing prematurely. we should not be replacing these parts at 50,000 miles. This IS a suspension part and a real safety concern. I have replaced these ads struts now 5 times on my 2009. 3 fronts and 2 rears. I recently had 2 struts replaced on my 2011 MDX advance. I take the time now to point out this major glaring issue so the nhtsa can look into this matter further. please look at mdxer's and acurazine complaints on this issue. every person who owns these higher priced models IS having these same issues. many are driving around with this issue not knowing. I did for 20,000 miles on my 2009 MDX not knowing why my vehicle was making clunking noises and had a suspension like a truck. please look into this issue. acura sometimes covers these failed parts 100%, some 50%, but most they let the customer pay 100%. the glaring fact IS that these ads struts seem to fail just outside the vehicles warranty. acura knows this IS an issue, they extended the warranty on these longer because of this issue. I feel strongly that this IS a major issue and that all ads struts should be covered by american honda 100%. I urge you to look into this issue. I have replaced 7 ads struts ,so far, on both my mdxs which I still both own. please I urge you to look into this major issue
- Air bags · Engine
Check airbag warning light on at all times. car consumes way too much oil. Close to 3.5 quarts between oil changes
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10211608Special Tool Loan Program: Under TOOLS AVAILABLE FOR LOAN, the list has been updated.
- 10177599These 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 they do not meet CARB standards, but parts on vehicles are not effected.
- 10177598These 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 they do not meet CARB standards, but parts on vehicles are not effected.
- 10165772Service 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 bulletin (19-052) as a mechanism to cover clients that were not able to have repairs completed during the initial 6-month eligibility period on service bulletin (19-006).
- 10164476Dealer 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 consumption. Acura extended the powertrain warranty coverage to address engine issues related to excessive oil consumption from the original 6 years/70,000 miles to 8 years/125,000 miles, whichever comes first. In addition, all vehicles were provided a grace period until August 31, 2019 and were covered regardless of time in service or mileage.
- 10163804Service 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 can result in excessive engine oil consumption that may exceed client expectations.
- 10160547Service 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 can result in excessive engine oil consumption that may exceed client expectations.
- 10159442Service 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 can result in excessive engine oil consumption that may exceed client expectations. To increase client confidence, American Honda is extending the engine warranty related to oil consumption to 8 years from the original date of purchase or 125,000 miles, whichever comes first. This warranty extension does not apply to any vehicle that has ever been declared a total loss or sold for salvage by a financial institution or insurer, or has a branded or similar title under any states law. To check for vehicle eligibility, you must do a VIN status inquiry.
- 10153886Service 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 can result in excessive engine oil consumption that may exceed client expectations. To increase client confidence, American Honda is extending the engine warranty related to oil consumption to 8 years from the original date of purchase or 125,000 miles, whichever comes first. This warranty extension does not apply to any vehicle that has ever been declared a total loss or sold for salvage by a financial institution or insurer, or has a branded or similar title under any states law. To check for vehicle eligibility, you must do a VIN status inquiry.
- 10153515Owner 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 deposits restrict the control ring's ability to return oil from the cylinder walls to the crankcase, resulting in excessive engine oil consumption.
- 10152760Dealer 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 oil consumption. Acura is extending the powertrain warranty coverage to cover engine issues related to excessive oil consumption from the original coverage of 6 years/70,000 miles to 8 years/125,000 miles whichever tisfaction and condence, any aected vehicles from now until September 1, 2019 will be covered regardless of time in service or mileage.
- 10152759Service 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 can result in excessive engine oil consumption that may exceed client expectations.
- 10142625Service bulletin - The oil control rings may become clogged with carbon deposits. These deposits restrict the ability to scrape and return oil from the cylinder walls to the crankcase, which can result in engine oil consumption that may exceed client expectations.
- 10139576Dealer 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 passenger?s airbag inflators have failed internally.
- 10136440Service bulletin - The oil control rings may become clogged with carbon deposits. These deposits restrict the ability to scrape and return oil from the cylinder walls to the crankcase, which can result in engine oil consumption that may exceed client expectations.
- 10134383Service bulletin - The oil control rings may become clogged with carbon deposits. These deposits restrict the ability to scrape and return oil from the cylinder walls to the crankcase, which can result in engine oil consumption that may exceed client expectations.
- 10133041Service bulletin - The oil control rings may become clogged with carbon deposits. These deposits restrict the ability to scrape and return oil from the cylinder walls to the crankcase, which can result in engine oil consumption that may exceed client expectations.
- 10133026Service bulletin - The oil control rings may become clogged with carbon deposits. These deposits restrict the ability to scrape and return oil from the cylinder walls to the crankcase, which can result in engine oil consumption that may exceed client expectations.
- 10130041Servicenews article - Some clients may complain that the Low Oil Pressure indicator comes on, requiring engine oil to be added, while others who routinely check the oil level as recommended in their owner?s manual may find that oil consumption has exceeded their expectations.
- 10128881Service bulletin - The ACC/CMBS indicator is on with DTC 30 (brake light relay circuit malfunction). The control unit misinterprets inputs from the brake pedal position switch.
- 10128873Service bulletin - The VSA indicator or the trailer stability assist warning is on with DTCs 59-1, 66-1, 67-1, or 69-1, or you can?t move the shift lever out of Park. The symptoms may be intermittent, and you may not be able to duplicate them after clearing the DTCs.
- 10127355Servicenews article - Some clients may complain that the Low Oil Pressure indicator comes on, requiring engine oil to be added, while others who routinely check the oil level as recommended in their owner?s manual may find that oil consumption has exceeded their expectations.
- 10118196Service bulletin - There is a screech or squeak when the windows are raised or lowered. The lower seal on the door glass outer weatherstrip rolls over, causing a screech or squeak.
- 10118180Service bulletin - The vehicle?s body and steering wheel vibrates while it?s at idle or very low speed when turning the steering wheel. The high pressure demand from the steering gearbox on the power steering pump causes a vibration in the accessory drive belt system.
- 10118035Service bulletin - The steering wheel vibrates or there is a moan from under the hood while turning at slow speeds. The increase in steering pump torque causes the belt to slip on the alternator pulley.
- 10116793Reimbursement form - the front and rear active dampers may leak. While leaks on the rear active suspension are visible, the front active dampers are mounted in an inverted position and the leak is not visible on the exterior of the damper. If an excessive amount of damper oil has leaked, the active dampers may make a clunk or a bang sound when driving on rough roads or over speed bumps.
- 10116792Customer letter - owner notification for the front and rear active dampers may leak. While leaks on the rear active suspension are visible, the front active dampers are mounted in an inverted position and the leak is not visible on the exterior of the damper. If an excessive amount of damper oil has leaked, the active dampers may make a clunk or a bang sound when driving on rough roads or over speed bumps.
- 10116783Dealer 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 System(ADS) dampers from failures in cold regions. Basic Problem Dampers with ADS use metal particles in the damper oil to control movement/recoil. In cold temperatures the oil inside the dampers has reduced viscosity and a gap is generated between the main seal and the rod guide. The iron particulates in the ADS oil are then deposited in this gap blocking the path of the moving oil which damages the seal resulting in an oil leak. Cavitation occurs once enough oil is lost and the damper cannot keep up with operation of wheel up and down movement.
- 10116777Service bulletin - Warranty Extension: 2007?13 MDX and 2010?12 ZDX Rear Active Damper - 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 on rough roads or over speed bumps.
- 10116775Service bulletin - Warranty Extension: 2007?13 MDX and 2010?12 ZDX Front Active Damper - 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 damper. If an excessive amount of damper oil has leaked, the active dampers may make a clunk or a bang when driving on rough roads or over speed bumps.
- 10115771Techline summary article - Some clients may complain that the Low Oil Pressure indicator comes on, requiring engine oil to be added, while others who routinely check the oil level as recommended in their owner?s manual may find that oil consumption has exceeded their expectations.
- 10115221Service bulletin - For any TPMS-related warranty repairs, all recorded DTCs must now be entered into the warranty claim. Make sure your repair order includes those DTCs.
- 10108841Service bulletin - There is a screech or squeak when the windows are raised or lowered. The lower seal on the door glass outer weatherstrip rolls over, causing a screech or squeak.
- 10108104Techline summary article - some clients may complain that the low oil pressure indicator comes on, requiring engine oil to be added, while others who routinely check the oil level as recommended in their owners manual may find that oil consumption has exceeded their expectations.
- 10100505"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 active dampers are mounted in an inverted position and the leak IS not visible on the exterior of the damper. If an excessive amount of damper oil has leaked, the active dampers may make a clunk or a bang sound when driving on rough roads or over speed bumps."
- 10100504"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 active dampers are mounted in an inverted position and the leak IS not visible on the exterior of the damper. If an excessive amount of damper oil has leaked, the active dampers may make a clunk or a bang sound when driving on rough roads or over speed bumps."
- 10100462Service bulletin - navigation system information.
- 10100149"Techline summary article - some clients may complain that the low oil pressure indicator comes on, requiring engine oil to be added, while others who routinely check the oil level as recommended in their owners manual may find that oil consumption has exceeded their expectations. If you get a vehicle in your shop for an oil consumption concern, be sure to run an oil consumption test using the engine oil consumption test job aid in sis. If the oil consumption IS excessive, and youre not noticing anything mechanically wrong, the piston rings may be clogged from carbon buildup."
- 10100148Dealer messages - american honda (ahm) IS investigating certain 2010-2013 mdxs, 2011-2012 rls, 2009-2014 shawd tls & 2010-2013 zdxs with a client complaint of higher than expected engine oil consumption. To fully understand the cause of this condition, ahm would like to collect specific parts from the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.
- 10087445"Techline summary article - engine oil consumption may be exceeding client expectations. If you get a vehicle in for an oil consumption concern, be sure to run an oil consumption test using the engine oil consumption test job aid in sis. We anticipate a service bulletin with complete troubleshooting and repair info in the near future. In the meantime, contact tech line if you need any help with troubleshooting. And if the vehicle IS out of warranty, be sure to contact your dpsm for possible goodwill consideration."
Every Acura MDX model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.