no report yet
Structure: frame and members
NewRisk. Failure of rear suspension components, such as the rear control arm, can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
2020 Acura MDXProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 228 owner complaints about the 2020 Acura MDX, most often about the engine. It is covered by 8 safety recalls, and for recall 24V-064 the manufacturer reports only 55% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 6, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Bull-Doser, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2020 Acura MDX has problems
228 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
87Engine
42Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
37Forward collision avoidance1 crash/fire/injury
21Power train
19Lane departure
19Engine and engine cooling
15Fuel/propulsion system
14Vehicle speed control
14Service brakes
4515 other systems2 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 87 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 42 | 1 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 37 | 1 |
| Power train | 21 | 0 |
| Lane departure | 19 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 19 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 15 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 14 | 2 |
| Service brakes | 14 | 2 |
| 15 other systems | 45 | 2 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
8 recalls
2020 Acura MDX recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Occupant classification: front passenger
NewRisk. Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Exterior lighting
Risk. Vehicle lights that fail to illuminate can decrease visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Occupant classification: front passenger
Risk. An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Show 4 more recalls
repaired · 2026 Q3
Delivery: fuel pump
Risk. Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2025 Q4
Engine: hard parts internal/mechanical
Risk. A damaged engine may run improperly or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a fire, crash, or injury.
repaired · 2025 Q2
Foundation components: master cylinder
Risk. Brake master cylinder separation can cause a loss of brake function and increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2023 Q1
Delivery: fuel pump
Risk. Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Acura.
Best & worst years
2020 vs. every other MDX year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the MDX median. How we score
'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2020 Acura MDX safety ratings
2020 Acura MDX SUV AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (16.4% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Standard
- Lane departure warning: Standard
3 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2020 Acura MDX, and the recalls they led to.
- No Restart After Auto Start/Stop EngagesOpen
- Engine failureOpen
- Engine failureNo recall
In owners' words
What MDX owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
On XXX, while operating my vehicle, the engine suffered a catastrophic internal mechanical failure due to a broken connecting rod, rendering the vehicle completely disabled and creating a sudden loss of motive power. This vehicle is a 2020 Acura MDX Tech SH-AWD with a 3.5L V6 engine (Engine Code…
While stopped at a stop light the auto restart feature engaged and shut the engine off. When the light turned green and I released the brake pedal the engine did not restart and the battery warning light illuminated. As cars were honking I activated my hazards, had to place the car in park and shut…
My 2020 Acura MDX fails to restart after the Auto Idle Stop system shuts off the engine at stops. The vehicle stalls and will not restart in active traffic, including busy intersections and high-speed roads. This began about three years ago and now happens every day, leaving my family stranded in…
Own a 2020 MDX?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.