Is the 2017 Acura MDX SPORT HYBRID reliable?

The 2017 Acura MDX SPORT HYBRID has 13 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.4x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: TRANSMISSION problems.

What are common problems with the 2017 Acura MDX SPORT HYBRID?

Top problems: TRANSMISSION (5 complaints, avg repair $500); FUEL SYSTEM (2 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (2 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2017 Acura MDX SPORT HYBRID?

Yes, there are 3 recall(s): EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS. Contact any Acura dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to insure a 2017 Acura MDX SPORT HYBRID?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2017 Acura MDX SPORT HYBRID is approximately $2,014/year (sedan-luxury class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2017 Acura MDX SPORT HYBRID

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2017 Acura MDX SPORT HYBRID has 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.4x the segment average of 9. The most common issue is transmission problems (38% of all complaints), specifically: unintended acceleration - while coasting, the vehicle accelerates on its own up to 30mph. this has occurred while approaching traffic lights, stop signs, parking lots, crosswalks and parking in the garage. this has happened on several occasions with two different drivers and even the dealer has e. There are 3 recalls issued for this model year.

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

1.4x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 7)

TRANSMISSION

5 complaints

38%

• UNINTENDED ACCELERATION - WHILE COASTING, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATES ON ITS OWN UP TO 30MPH. THIS HAS OCCURRED WHILE APPROACHING TRAFFIC LIGHTS, STOP SIGNS, PARKING LOTS, CROSSWALKS AND PARKING IN THE GARAGE. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WITH TWO DIFFERENT DRIVERS AND EVEN THE DEALER HAS E
• VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY BREAKS DOWN WITH "POWER SYSTEM" AND "AWD" WARNING LIGHTS TRIGGERING SAFE MODE OPERATION. SAFE MODE LIMITS POWER AND POTENTIALLY CREATES UNSAFE CONDITION AS CAR CANNOT BE OPERATED AT FULL POWER. ACURA REFUSES TO REPAIR. PROBLEM OCCURS BOTH WITH IN MOTION AND WHEN AT IDLE.
• TRANSMISSION WILL JERK HEAVILY WHEN DRIVING AND HAS A CONTINUOUS SHIFTING SOUND LIKE IT STAYS NEUTRAL. WILL JUDDER WHEN THE VEHICLE STOPS AND ON ACCELERATION. THE CAR NEEDS TO BE TURNED OFF AND BACK ON TO RESET. I CAN'T USE ALL DRIVE SETTINGS AS IT HAPPENS MORE FREQUENTLY IN THE SPORT MODES. THE ISS

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“UNINTENDED ACCELERATION - WHILE COASTING, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATES ON ITS OWN UP TO 30MPH. THIS HAS OCCURRED WHILE APPROACHING TRAFFIC LIGHTS, STOP SIGNS, PARKING LOTS, CROSSWALKS AND PARKING IN THE GARAGE. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WITH TWO DIFFERENT DRIVERS AND EVEN THE DEALER HAS E”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2017 Acura MDX SPORT HYBRID

Based on 12 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 15K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (3)

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS28/03/2019

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Acura MDX and 2017-2019 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid vehicles. Moisture may enter the tailgate lid lights, possibly causing a loss of the tailgate lid lights and the taillights.

Risk: Loss of the taillights reduces the vehicle's visibility, increasing the risk of crash.

Fix: Acura will notify owners, and dealers will modify the tailgate lid lights and install updated gaskets and a wiring sub-harness or will replace both tailgate lid lights. The repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2019. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is M49.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2017 Acura MDX SPORT HYBRID

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$2,014

Full coverage / month

$168

Liability only / year

$668

vs US avg

+20%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-luxury)1.28x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$2014

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Acura MDX SPORT HYBRID Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

60K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

Uses Maintenance Minder — actual intervals adjust based on driving conditions. Values shown are typical.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Acura New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

4 yr / 50K mi

Powertrain

6 yr / 70K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

4 yr / 50K mi

Includes 3 years complimentary maintenance for 2025+

These are the terms for a new Acura. If you're buying a used 2017 MDX SPORT HYBRID, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Acura dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS(~50K mi)

$500

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 13 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
TRANSMISSION: UNINTENDED ACCELERATION - WHILE COASTING, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATES ON ITS OWN UP TO 30MPH. THIS HAS OCCURRED WHILE APPROACHING TRAFFIC LIGHTS, STOP SIGNS, PARKING LOTS, CROSSWALKS AND PARKING IN THE GARAGE. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WITH TWO DIFFERENT DRIVERS AND EVEN THE DEALER HAS E
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
FUEL SYSTEM: THIS CAR HAS SERIOUS ISSUES. THE PREVIOUS BRAKING COMPLAINT IS ABSOLUTELY VALID! THE FIRST TWO ISSUES OUTLINED BELOW ARE MOST PROBLEMATIC AT HIGHWAY SPEED WITH THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL SET. THAT BEING SAID, PROBLEM NUMBER ONE IN PARTICULAR OCCURS ON A REGULAR BASIS WHENEVER THE CRUISE CONTROL
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY BREAKS DOWN WITH "POWER SYSTEM" AND "AWD" WARNING LIGHTS TRIGGERING SAFE MODE OPERATION. SAFE MODE LIMITS POWER AND POTENTIALLY CREATES UNSAFE CONDITION AS CAR CANNOT BE OPERATED AT FULL POWER. ACURA REFUSES TO REPAIR. PROBLEM OCCURS BOTH WITH IN MOTION AND WHEN AT IDLE.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS: THIS CAR HAS SERIOUS ISSUES. THE PREVIOUS BRAKING COMPLAINT IS ABSOLUTELY VALID! THE FIRST TWO ISSUES OUTLINED BELOW ARE MOST PROBLEMATIC AT HIGHWAY SPEED WITH THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL SET. THAT BEING SAID, PROBLEM NUMBER ONE IN PARTICULAR OCCURS ON A REGULAR BASIS WHENEVER THE CRUISE CONTROL
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 3 recalls have been completed — free at any Acura dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)