Is the 2014 Acura MDX reliable?

The 2014 Acura MDX has 246 complaints filed with NHTSA (2.3x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: STEERING problems.

What are common problems with the 2014 Acura MDX?

Top problems: STEERING (39 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (27 complaints, avg repair $500); TRANSMISSION (26 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2014 Acura MDX?

Yes, there are 9 recall(s): EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: CRASH IMMINENT BRAKING, EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER, SEAT BELTS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS. Contact any Acura dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2014 Acura MDX?

The 2014 Acura MDX gets 23 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2087. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

Is the 2014 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 2014 Acura MDX?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2014 Acura MDX is approximately $1,759/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.

2014 Acura MDX

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2014 Acura MDX has 246 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 2.3x the segment average of 105. The most common issue is steering problems (16% of all complaints), specifically: tl* the contact owns a 2014 acura mdx. the contact heard an intermittent noise behind the dashboard. while making a turn at various speeds, the power steering seized and caused temporary loss of control. initially, the dealer could not duplicate the failure. the dealer later discovered that the. There are 9 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 5 fire reports filed.

5 fire reports 17 crash reports 18 injuries

246

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

2.3x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

STEERING

39 complaints

16%

• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT HEARD AN INTERMITTENT NOISE BEHIND THE DASHBOARD. WHILE MAKING A TURN AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE POWER STEERING SEIZED AND CAUSED TEMPORARY LOSS OF CONTROL. INITIALLY, THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE DEALER LATER DISCOVERED THAT THE
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT HEARD AN INTERMITTENT NOISE BEHIND THE DASHBOARD. WHILE MAKING A TURN AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE POWER STEERING SEIZED AND CAUSED TEMPORARY LOSS OF CONTROL. INITIALLY, THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE DEALER LATER DISCOVERED THAT THE
• ON HIGHWAY GOING DOWNHILL AND CURVES, THE STEERING WHEEL HORRIBLY SHAKES AND VEHICLE FEELS VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE (WOBBLY). FELT ALMOST LIKE IF BRAKES WERE BAD BUT IT IS NOT THE BRAKE (BRAKES HAVE ALMOST DECENT AMOUNT OF PADS). TIRES ARE GOOD TOO. *TR AFTER THE INCIDENT, EQUIPPED TELESCOPING STEERI

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT HEARD AN INTERMITTENT NOISE BEHIND THE DASHBOARD. WHILE MAKING A TURN AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE POWER STEERING SEIZED AND CAUSED TEMPORARY LOSS OF CONTROL. INITIALLY, THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE DEALER LATER DISCOVERED THAT THE”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2014 Acura MDX

Based on 173 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

102

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

STEERING

In line with typicalmedian 18K mi · 29 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 13K mi · 23 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

In line with typicalmedian 9K mi · 22 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 12K mi · 20 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

In line with typicalmedian 28K mi · 18 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SPEED CONTROL

In line with typicalmedian 14K mi · 13 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 (9)

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.

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 2014 Acura MDX

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,087

Per month

$174

Per mile

17.4¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,401/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,715/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 2014 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

$1,759

Full coverage / month

$147

Liability only / year

$688

vs US avg

+5%

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 age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1759

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 2014 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

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 246 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
STEERING: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT HEARD AN INTERMITTENT NOISE BEHIND THE DASHBOARD. WHILE MAKING A TURN AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE POWER STEERING SEIZED AND CAUSED TEMPORARY LOSS OF CONTROL. INITIALLY, THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE DEALER LATER DISCOVERED THAT THE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: MY BRAND NEW MDX HAS HAD ISSUES WITH MULTIPLE WARNING LIGHTS APPEARING ON THE VEHICLE WHEN STARTING THE ENGINE. THIS INCLUDES CHECK ENGINE WARNING, LANE DEPARTURE WARNING FAILURE, POWER STEERING ISSUE AND POSSIBLY ADDITIONAL WARNINGS. THE VEHICLE DID THIS THE FIRST TIME WHEN I TOOK DELIVERY OF THE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: YESTERDAY, AFTER BACKING UP, STEPPING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP, SHIFTED INTO "PARK" WITH MY FOOT STILL ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE ENGINE UNEXPECTEDLY REVVED UP TO WHAT SOUNDED LIKE FULL THROTTLE! I PUSHED THE IGNITION BUTTON TO STOP THE ENGINE. AFTER THIS ONE INCIDENT, THE C
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: WHEN COMING TO A SUDDEN STOP THE BRAKE LIGHT WILL FLASH ON THE DASHBOARD ACCOMPANIED BY A BEEPING SOUND FOR APPROXIMATELY 3 SECONDS. I HAVE BROUGHT IT INTO THE DEALERS SHIP IN METAIRIE LOUISIANA AND AM TOLD THAT THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THIS HAS OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY 4 TIMES INTERMITTEN
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 9 recalls have been completed — free at any Acura dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)