2010 Acura MDX Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2010 Acura MDX has a complaint index of 32, ranking 14th out of 20 model years, with a Good verdict. NHTSA lists 45 complaints, 1 recall, 6 crashes, 4 fires, and 8 injuries, with Electrical System and Engine tied as top problem areas.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 32/100
- #14 of 20 MDX years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 45
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 6
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 4
- Injuries
- 8
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 18
- 16 city / 21 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 8 / 0
Top 2010 Acura MDX problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System11 (24%)
- Engine11 (24%)
- Structure & Body8 (18%)
- Steering6 (13%)
- Other5 (11%)
- Transmission & Powertrain5 (11%)
- Brakes4 (9%)
- Seat Belts4 (9%)
- Airbags3 (7%)
- Fuel System2 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report the steering wheel suddenly locking mid-turn, making it impossible to straighten the vehicle.
- Some describe sparks or an abnormal cranking sound coming from the steering wheel column while starting the car.
- Engine compartment fires were reported while driving, sometimes requiring a fire extinguisher and fire department response.
- Electrical fires have also started after the vehicle was parked and shut off, with smoke coming from under the hood.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in a frontal crash, leading to injuries.
- Owners describe the ignition key being removable even when the transmission was not in park.
2010 Acura MDX recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 10V002000Jan 4, 2010Airbags644 vehicles
Air bags
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.
Remedy: 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.
2010 Acura MDX fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 16 MPG
- Highway
- 21 MPG
- Combined
- 18 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,450
- 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.
2010 compared with other MDX years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2010 Acura MDX reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2010 MDX a complaint index of 32 and a Good verdict relative to other MDX model years, ranking 14th out of 20 years tracked.
- What problems does the 2010 Acura MDX have?
- The top reported problem areas are the Electrical System and Engine, each accounting for 24% of complaints, followed by Structure & Body issues at 18%.
- Does the 2010 Acura MDX have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists one recall for the 2010 MDX, involving a missing bolt on an interior trim piece at the A-pillar that could pose a hazard.
- How does the 2010 Acura MDX compare to other years?
- With a complaint index of 32, the 2010 MDX ranks better than years like 2016, 2017, and 2020, which carry Avoid verdicts and much higher complaint indexes.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2010 Acura MDX?
- The 2010 MDX is EPA-rated at 18 mpg combined (16 city / 21 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,450.