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2013 Acura MDX problems

The most common problem on the 2013 Acura MDX is engine and cooling. It has fewer complaints than a typical MDX model year.

Fewer complaintsAmong the best years of this model
Year score
93/100
Owner complaints
30
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
88
Worst area
Engine
Crash rating
4/5
Fuel economy
18mpg

The worst 2013 Acura MDX problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Engine
    10
  • Electrical
    8
  • Transmission
    4
  • Acceleration
    3
  • Driver assistance
    3

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Engine
    10
  • Electrical
    8
  • Transmission
    4
  • Acceleration
    3
  • Driver assistance
    3
  • Lights
    3
  • Steering
    3
  • Fuel system
    2
  • Airbags
    1
  • Seat belts
    1
  • Seats
    1
  • Visibility
    1

Recalls 1

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pumpReported December 18, 2023 · 2,490,460 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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 CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Risk
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of the federal safety agency recall numbers 21V‑215 and 20V‑314.

Recall number 23V858000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2013 Acura MDX

Technical service bulletins for the 2013 Acura MDX 88

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 88 bulletins for the 2013 Acura MDX

2013 Acura MDX crash test ratings

Government 5-star crash tests. Higher is safer. Each row is a body style and drivetrain that was tested.

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
Acura MDX SUV 4WD4454

2013 Acura MDX fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.7L 6‑cylAWD162118

What 2013 Acura MDX owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 28, 2026 · Fuel system · 161,500 miles · TN

The contact owns a 2013 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact was able to steer the vehicle to the side of the road. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated during the failure. The contact disconnected the negative battery terminal and replaced the battery, and the vehicle restarted an hour later; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to three independent mechanics to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the fuel pump module had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while driving at various speeds. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 161,500.

Filed Jun 14, 2026 · Driver assistance, Lights · MI

The car is giving external right head light issue. The light turns off suddenly at night which we need to turn on again after 2 minutes. This happens frequently and we have to turn on the lights very often. The dealer examined the issue and he expressed regret in repairing the vehicle and estimated price of $2.500.The Service Manager though stated that the issue is same as it pertains to the rear lighting issue for Acura 2014 to 2020 Models. We paid $100 just to examine the lighting issue to the dealer. We are senior citizens at advanced stage and it is becoming increasingly difficult to take out the cars at evenings for fear of proper and reliable lighting in the car.

Filed Jun 20, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · AR

Unknown

Filed Jan 21, 2025 · Airbags · DE

Warning message appeared 1/17/25. Inspected by Price Acura service department 1/20/25. Checked online recall for airbags. Multiple airbag recalls are mentioned for Acura, including my make and model. This vehicle has approximately 92,000 miles and I am the original owner. Would like to know if this $1800 charge would be covered under recalls already listed as this is apparently a problem existing in many other similar vehicles.

Filed Nov 7, 2023 · Electrical · 158,000 miles · OH · fire

The contact owns a 2013 Acura MDX. The contact stated that he was about to drive the vehicle when he noticed the front passenger-side headlight was flickering. The contact stated he decided not to drive the vehicle. The contact stated when he looked at the vehicle again he noticed the vehicle was on fire from the passenger side headlight. The contact stated a fire report was filed and the contact was informed that the fire origin was due to an electrical malfunction. There were no injuries reported. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 158,000.

Filed May 24, 2023 · Engine, Transmission · NJ

The 2013 Acura MDX has a problem with the pistons in the engine which causes excessive oil consumption. This was the subject matter of a class action suit described in the website entitled Acura Oil Consumption Settlement. This defect should be subject to a recall and American Honda should be required to repair or replace the pistons.

Filed Nov 7, 2022 · Engine · CA

I changed the oil in my car with synthetic 4k miles ago. About 1k miles ago I started getting an error that said low oil level. I went back into the lube shop to see what was going on, they said there was no leakage or issues there but there was hardly any oil in my car and that it was probably burning oil. I searched for issues with my 2013 MDX burning oil and an issue in 2019 with clogged oil control rings came up but said that the warranty extension would only be good to 2021. I found out this will be $5k to fix. I was never alerted of this issue and would like to submit a complaint about not being notified that this was even an issue in my car. I would like Acura to fix my vehicle since I never received the alert that this was a known issue in my car.

Filed Oct 25, 2022 · Engine · CT

It is having oil consumption issues .

Filed Jul 25, 2022 · Driver assistance, Electrical · TX

During driving, Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) will activate and "BRAKE" light will blink, indicating that you should apply brakes. This happened multiple times. Finally the CMBS warning light came on permanently. I took my car to Acura Dealership for repairs. They informed me that it was a software issue and update of the software should resolve this problem.

Filed Nov 7, 2021 · Electrical, Seats · VA · fire

Internal vehicle fire started around front passenger seat and burned for an unknown amount time before it extinguished on its own while vehicle was off and parked. Fire department was contacted upon fire discovery and they confirmed it was out, could be electrically related, and disconnected my battery Vehicle is available for inspection for the time being (pending insurance). If I or any passenger was in the vehicle they could've been seriously injured or died. There were no warning lamps or issues of any prior problem.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2013 Acura MDX before you buy

Compare the 2013 Acura MDX

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Other model years

2001200220032004200520062007200820092010201120122013201420152016201720182019202020222023202420252026

Questions about the 2013 Acura MDX

Is the 2013 Acura MDX reliable?

Owners have filed 30 complaints about the 2013 Acura MDX, fewer than a typical MDX model year.

What is the 2013 Acura MDX year score?

The 2013 Acura MDX scores 93 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 2013 Acura MDX?

Engine and cooling, with 10 complaints. Next is electrical (8).

How many recalls does the 2013 Acura MDX have?

1 recall, covering fuel system, gasoline.

Is the 2013 Acura MDX safe in a crash?

In government crash tests the 2013 Acura MDX scored 4 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 (105 complaints) and 2017 (97 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2013 Acura MDX get?

Official estimates for the 2013 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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