Is the 2010 Acura MDX reliable?

The 2010 Acura MDX has 63 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.6x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2010 Acura MDX?

Top problems: ENGINE (11 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (9 complaints, avg repair $500); SEATS/RESTRAINTS (6 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2010 Acura MDX?

Yes, there are 1 recall(s): AIR BAGS. Contact any Acura dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2010 Acura MDX?

The 2010 Acura MDX gets 18 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2667. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

Is the 2010 Acura MDX often stolen?

Theft risk tier for the Acura MDX: low. HLDI insurance loss data suggests lower-than-average theft claims for this model.

How much does it cost to insure a 2010 Acura MDX?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2010 Acura MDX is approximately $1,729/year (suv-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.

2010 Acura MDX

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2010 Acura MDX has 63 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.6x the segment average of 105. The most common issue is engine problems (17% of all complaints), specifically: exhaust entering cabin while under acceleration or under load. the exhaust entered cabin especially when the hvac system was in "recirc" the dealer and acura were unable to find the problem after multiple visits. i documented that carbon monoxide was building up inside to alarming levels using a re. There is 1 recall issued for this model year. ⚠️ 5 fire reports filed.

5 fire reports 6 crash reports 6 injuries

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.6x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

11 complaints

17%

• EXHAUST ENTERING CABIN WHILE UNDER ACCELERATION OR UNDER LOAD. THE EXHAUST ENTERED CABIN ESPECIALLY WHEN THE HVAC SYSTEM WAS IN "RECIRC" THE DEALER AND ACURA WERE UNABLE TO FIND THE PROBLEM AFTER MULTIPLE VISITS. I DOCUMENTED THAT CARBON MONOXIDE WAS BUILDING UP INSIDE TO ALARMING LEVELS USING A RE
• I AM WRITING WITH RESPECT TO A DEFECT IN A 2010 ACURA MDX (VEHICLE ID #: [XXX]) THAT I PREVIOUSLY LEASED. ON AUGUST 27, 2012, MY WIFE WAS DRIVING SAID VEHICLE ON THE MERRITT PARKWAY IN CT. THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND ENGINE OF THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION AND MY WIFE
• I WANTED TO REPORT A RECENT INCIDENT ON AUG 23RD IN WHICH THE ENGINE OF MY MDX CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED WHILE I WAS DRIVING AT 7:30 PM. I HAD TO PULL THE CAR OVER AND DIALED 911. SUBSEQUENTLY THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT USING A FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. ALL OF THIS HAPPENED WITHIN THE SPACE

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 2 fire reports

“EXHAUST ENTERING CABIN WHILE UNDER ACCELERATION OR UNDER LOAD. THE EXHAUST ENTERED CABIN ESPECIALLY WHEN THE HVAC SYSTEM WAS IN "RECIRC" THE DEALER AND ACURA WERE UNABLE TO FIND THE PROBLEM AFTER MULTIPLE VISITS. I DOCUMENTED THAT CARBON MONOXIDE WAS BUILDING UP INSIDE TO ALARMING LEVELS USING A RE”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2010 Acura MDX

Based on 44 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 56K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 30-60K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SEATS/RESTRAINTS

Reported earliermedian 18K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 55K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BODY/STRUCTURE

In line with typicalmedian 56K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 89K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

STEERING

Later than typicalmedian 78K mi · 5 reports

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 (1)

AIR BAGS04/01/2010

HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR ACURA 2010 MDX VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN OCTOBER 7, 2009 AND NOVEMBER 14, 2009. A BOLT USED TO ATTACH AN INTERIOR TRIM PIECE TO EITHER THE DRIVER'S OR PASSENGER'S SIDE A-PILLAR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN INSTALLED DURING MANUFACTURING.

Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH RESULTING IN SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, THE TRIM PIECE MAY NOT REMAIN PROPERLY SECURED TO THE A-PILLAR, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE DRIVER AND/OR FRONT SEAT PASSENGER.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE INTERIOR TRIM PIECE OF THE A-PILLAR AND IF A BOLT IS MISSING IT WILL BE INSTALLED FREE OF CHARGE. FOUR VEHICLES WERE PURCHASED BEFORE THE STOP-SALE WAS ISSUED AND ALL THE VEHICLES HAVE BEEN INSPECTED AND REPAIRED IF NECESSARY.

Low theft risk

Low theft rates typically correlate with lower comprehensive-coverage insurance premiums.

Source: NICB Hot Wheels 2025 report + HLDI theft loss studies. Model-year ranking; not all years of this model have identical risk.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2010 Acura MDX

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,667

Per month

$222

Per mile

22.2¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$3,001/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$2,286/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2010 Acura MDX

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

$1,729

Full coverage / month

$144

Liability only / year

$732

vs US avg

+3%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-luxury)1.35x

× theft risk0.90x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.85x

= Full coverage estimate$1729

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

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Acura MDX 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 2010 MDX, 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

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

SEATS/RESTRAINTS(~50K mi)

$500

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 63 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: EXHAUST ENTERING CABIN WHILE UNDER ACCELERATION OR UNDER LOAD. THE EXHAUST ENTERED CABIN ESPECIALLY WHEN THE HVAC SYSTEM WAS IN "RECIRC" THE DEALER AND ACURA WERE UNABLE TO FIND THE PROBLEM AFTER MULTIPLE VISITS. I DOCUMENTED THAT CARBON MONOXIDE WAS BUILDING UP INSIDE TO ALARMING LEVELS USING A RE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: IGNITION KEY CAN BE REMOVED WHEN ENGINE IS TURNED OFF BUT CAR IN IS IN A GEAR OTHER THAN PARK. IT HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE PAST MONTH AND THE DEALER SERVICE TECH WAS ABLE TO REPLICATE IT TODAY. I WAS QUOTED A REPAIR COST OF OVER $550 TO REPLACE KEY CYLINDER AND REKEY THE DOOR CAR TO MA
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
SEATS/RESTRAINTS: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE SITTING AT A STOP LIGHT ANOTHER VEHICLE GOING 65MPH CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF HER VEHICLE. THE SEAT BELT DID NOT HOLD HER IN, AND HER FACE HIT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CAUSING LACERATIONS TO HER EYES AND TWISTING OF HER BACK. THE AMBULANCE TO
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
STEERING: IN THE MIDDLE OF MY ROADTRIP FROM TAMPA TO BUFFALO, IN ONE OF THE REST AREAS CLOSE TO FLORENCE, SC ON I-95 MY STEERING WHEEL WAS HARD TO TURN, REALIZED THAT THE POWER STEERING RESERVOIR WAS EMPTY DUE TO A LEAK IN MY NEW ACURA MDX 2011( ~7000 MILES). FILLED IT UP WITH POWER STEERING FLUID AND DROV
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 1 recall have been completed — free at any Acura dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)