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.
The worst 2011 Acura MDX problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine29
- Transmission8
- Electrical7
- Airbags6
- Acceleration4
- Body3
- Fuel system3
- Lights3
- Suspension3
- Visibility3
- Brakes2
- Driver assistance2
- Seat belts2
- Seats2
- Steering1
- Wheels1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2011 Acura MDX
Recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Technical service bulletins for the 2011 Acura MDX 59
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
2011 Acura MDX crash test ratings
Government 5-star crash tests. Higher is safer. Each row is a body style and drivetrain that was tested.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acura MDX SUV AWD | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
2011 Acura MDX fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.7L 6‑cyl | AWD | 16 | 21 | 18 |
What 2011 Acura MDX owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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 the federal safety agency 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
Unknown
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
My sunroof shattered and exploded While I was driving
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.
Compare the 2011 Acura MDX
MDX vs BMW X5MDX vs Volvo XC90MDX vs Audi Q7MDX vs Lexus RXMDX vs Mercedes-Benz GLE 350MDX vs Cadillac XT5
Other model years
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Questions about the 2011 Acura MDX
Is the 2011 Acura MDX reliable?
Owners have filed 70 complaints about the 2011 Acura MDX, fewer than a typical MDX model year.
What is the 2011 Acura MDX year score?
The 2011 Acura MDX scores 85 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Acura MDX: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2011 Acura MDX?
Engine and cooling, with 29 complaints, typically around 90,213 miles. Next is transmission (8).
How many recalls does the 2011 Acura MDX have?
No recalls on record.
Is the 2011 Acura MDX safe in a crash?
In government crash tests the 2011 Acura MDX scored 5 out of 5 stars overall.
What year does the Acura MDX have bad engine?
The Acura MDX model years with the most engine complaints are 2016 (173 complaints), 2020 (104 complaints) and 2017 (97 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2011 Acura MDX get?
Official estimates for the 2011 Acura MDX range from 18 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.7L 6-cyl, AWD) gets 16 city and 21 highway.
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