Is the 2011 Acura MDX reliable?

The 2011 Acura MDX has 87 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.8x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2011 Acura MDX?

Top problems: ENGINE (29 complaints, avg repair $500); TRANSMISSION (8 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (8 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2011 Acura MDX?

No recalls have been issued for the 2011 Acura MDX.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2011 Acura MDX?

The 2011 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 2011 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 2011 Acura MDX?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2011 Acura MDX is approximately $1,625/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.

2011 Acura MDX

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2011 Acura MDX has 87 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.8x the segment average of 105. The most common issue is engine problems (33% of all complaints), specifically: we are currently leasing a 2011 acura mdx and are experiencing a pinging or engine knock at lower rpm. i had a service technician test drive the car and he recognized the noise and stated that acura is aware of the problem but does not have a fix for the problem. when i asked if there was potential . ⚠️ 1 fire report filed.

1 fire report 4 crash reports 6 injuries

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

0.8x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

29 complaints

33%

• WE ARE CURRENTLY LEASING A 2011 ACURA MDX AND ARE EXPERIENCING A PINGING OR ENGINE KNOCK AT LOWER RPM. I HAD A SERVICE TECHNICIAN TEST DRIVE THE CAR AND HE RECOGNIZED THE NOISE AND STATED THAT ACURA IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT DOES NOT HAVE A FIX FOR THE PROBLEM. WHEN I ASKED IF THERE WAS POTENTIAL
• WHILE PARKING, THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AS IF THE ACCELERATOR WAS FLOORED, AND THE CAR ONLY CAME TO A STOP AFTER HITTING A BLOCK WALL. THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO REV UNTIL THE CAR WAS PUT INTO PARK AND THE ENGINE TURNED OFF. I COULD HEAR THE TIRE SCREECHING LIKE "BURNING RUBBER" WHEN IT ACCELERATE
• VEHICLE PURCHASED USED WITH 47K MILES ON IT. BY THE TIME I NOTICED THE OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEM (WHICH I CERTAINLY DIDN'T EXPECT) THE USED CAR WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. I AM CURRENTLY BURNING 1 QT OF OIL EVERY 1K MILES. AS THE VEHICLE HAS A FACTORY 70K POWERTRAIN WARRANTY I BROUGHT IT TO MY LOCAL ACURA D

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 1 crashes

“WE ARE CURRENTLY LEASING A 2011 ACURA MDX AND ARE EXPERIENCING A PINGING OR ENGINE KNOCK AT LOWER RPM. I HAD A SERVICE TECHNICIAN TEST DRIVE THE CAR AND HE RECOGNIZED THE NOISE AND STATED THAT ACURA IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT DOES NOT HAVE A FIX FOR THE PROBLEM. WHEN I ASKED IF THERE WAS POTENTIAL ”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2011 Acura MDX

Based on 55 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 56K 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+

TRANSMISSION

In line with typicalmedian 44K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

High-mileage issuemedian 90K mi · 15 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

High-mileage issuemedian 102K 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.

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 2011 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 2011 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

$1,625

Full coverage / month

$135

Liability only / year

$688

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 rating0.94x

× vehicle age0.85x

= Full coverage estimate$1625

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 2011 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

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 87 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: WE ARE CURRENTLY LEASING A 2011 ACURA MDX AND ARE EXPERIENCING A PINGING OR ENGINE KNOCK AT LOWER RPM. I HAD A SERVICE TECHNICIAN TEST DRIVE THE CAR AND HE RECOGNIZED THE NOISE AND STATED THAT ACURA IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT DOES NOT HAVE A FIX FOR THE PROBLEM. WHEN I ASKED IF THERE WAS POTENTIAL
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: WHILE LEAVING A PARKING LOT AND COMING TO A STOP PRIOR TO ENTERING TRAFFIC, THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD WHILE BRAKING. THIS HAS OCCURRED 3 ADDITIONAL TIMES SINCE THAT INITIAL EPISODE. CONCURRENTLY, THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO SHIFT ROUGHLY. I EXPERIENCED "MICRO LURCHES" WHILE ACCELERATING AND DECELERATI
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: I HAVE THE TECHNOLOGY PACKAGE WHICH INCLUDES A MONITOR ABOVE THE DASHBOARD FOR NAVIGATION AND REAR VIEW. THE REVERSE CAMERA FOR THIS VEHICLE DOES NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE VISIBILITY AT NIGHT. I PREVIOUSLY OWNED A 2004 MDX AND THE REAR VIEW CAMERA WORKED WELL. OTHER CARS I'VE BEEN SEEN ALSO ALLOW THE D
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: AT NIGHT TIME, THE BACKUP REAR CAMERA IS USELESS DUE TO INSUFFICIENT LIGHTING PROVIDED BY THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT. *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)