2009 Acura MDX Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2009 Acura MDX has a complaint index of 37, ranking 13th out of 20 model years, with a Good verdict relative to other MDX years. NHTSA lists 52 complaints, no recalls, and electrical system issues make up 40% of reports.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 37/100
- #13 of 20 MDX years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 52
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 0
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 4
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 6
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 17
- 15 city / 20 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 6 / 0
Top 2009 Acura MDX problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System21 (40%)
- Engine16 (31%)
- Transmission & Powertrain8 (15%)
- Structure & Body5 (10%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires5 (10%)
- Airbags4 (8%)
- Other4 (8%)
- Steering2 (4%)
- Visibility & Wipers2 (4%)
- Brakes1 (2%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Vehicles reportedly experienced sudden unintended acceleration or loss of control while parking or maneuvering at low speed, leading to crashes into buildings or poles.
- Some owners described the engine compartment catching fire after the check engine light flashed while driving.
- One report described the instrument panel gauge failing, causing the vehicle to stall unexpectedly while driving.
- Owners noted the windshield wipers and washer fluid activating on their own at highway speed without driver input.
- A seat belt that hangs from the ceiling to the middle seat was reported to wrap around a child's neck in the rear seat.
- One owner reported the head restraint pushed the neck and head into an unnatural forward position, contributing to a reported neck injury.
2009 Acura MDX recalls
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
2009 Acura MDX fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 15 MPG
- Highway
- 20 MPG
- Combined
- 17 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,700
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2009 compared with other MDX years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2009 Acura MDX reliable?
- Relative to other MDX model years, 2009 rates Good, with a complaint index of 37 and rank 13 out of 20 years tracked. NHTSA lists 52 complaints and no recalls for this year.
- What is the most common problem with the 2009 Acura MDX?
- Electrical System complaints are the top problem area, making up 40% of the 52 complaints, followed by Engine issues at 31%.
- Does the 2009 Acura MDX have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists zero recalls for the 2009 Acura MDX.
- At what mileage do 2009 MDX problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure across all complaints is 55,000 miles, though Electrical System issues show a median of 70,000 miles and Structure & Body issues show 25,300 miles.
- How does the 2009 MDX compare to other MDX years?
- The 2009 MDX's complaint index of 37 is lower than years like 2016 (95) and 2025 (100), which carry Avoid verdicts, making 2009 one of the better years for the model.