Which years should I avoid for the Acura MDX and GMC Acadia?

For the Acura MDX, avoid 2016, 2017, 2020, 2022 and 2025. For the GMC Acadia, avoid 2008, 2009, 2014, 2017 and 2019, based on NHTSA complaint and recall data.

Which has more complaints, the MDX or the Acadia?

The Acadia has 5,551 total NHTSA complaints across 19 model years (292 per year) versus the MDX's 2,466 complaints across 20 model years (123 per year). NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these totals are not adjusted for how many of each were sold.

What are the top problem areas for each model?

On the MDX, Engine complaints lead at 853 (35%), followed by Transmission & Powertrain at 542 (22%) and Electrical System at 513 (21%). On the Acadia, Transmission & Powertrain leads at 1,372 (25%), followed by Electrical System at 1,287 (23%) and Engine at 919 (17%).

Which model gets better fuel economy?

The GMC Acadia averages 20.3 mpg combined across its model years versus 19.8 mpg combined for the Acura MDX.

How many recall campaigns does each model have?

The Acura MDX has 34 total recall campaigns across its lineup, while the GMC Acadia has 37 total recall campaigns.

Acura MDX vs GMC Acadia: Which Years to Avoid

The Acura MDX logs 2,466 total complaints (123 per model year, 34 recalls) with 2016, 2017, 2020, 2022 and 2025 to avoid. The GMC Acadia logs 5,551 total complaints (292 per model year, 37 recalls) with 2008, 2009, 2014, 2017 and 2019 to avoid. Totals aren't sales-normalized, so raw counts don't prove one is less reliable.

Head to head

Acura MDX

Model years: 2005–2025 (20)
NHTSA complaints: 2,466
Per model year: 123
Recall campaigns: 34
Years to avoid: 2016, 2017, 2020, 2022, 2025
Best years: 2012, 2013
Top problem area: Engine
Avg. EPA combined MPG: 19.8
Avg. NHTSA overall rating: 4.9 ★

GMC Acadia

Model years: 2007–2025 (19)
NHTSA complaints: 5,551
Per model year: 292
Recall campaigns: 37
Years to avoid: 2008, 2009, 2014, 2017, 2019
Best years: 2013, 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024
Top problem area: Transmission & Powertrain
Avg. EPA combined MPG: 20.3
Avg. NHTSA overall rating: 5.0 ★

Year by year

Complaint Index is relative within each model (0 = that model’s best year, 100 = its worst). Complaints and recalls are raw counts.

Year	MDX				Acadia
Year	Verdict	Complaints	Recalls	MPG	Verdict	Complaints	Recalls	MPG
2005	Caution	180	11	17	—	—	—	—
2006	Caution	87	9	17	—	—	—	—
2007	Good	99	0	17	Caution	428	5	18.5
2008	Good	49	0	17	Avoid	854	5	18.5
2009	Good	52	0	17	Avoid	331	7	19
2010	Good	45	1	18	Caution	343	4	19
2011	Good	70	0	18	Caution	269	5	19
2012	Best	76	1	18	Caution	296	5	19
2013	Best	29	1	18	Best	135	3	18.5
2014	Caution	170	8	22	Avoid	462	6	18.5
2015	Caution	71	8	22	Good	243	4	19
2016	Avoid	374	7	22	Good	236	4	17.5
2017	Avoid	255	8	22	Avoid	703	4	20.5
2018	Caution	165	10	22	Caution	395	2	22
2019	Caution	188	9	22.5	Avoid	386	2	21.5
2020	Avoid	221	8	22.5	Best	104	6	23
2021	—	—	—	—	Good	149	2	23
2022	Avoid	152	2	21	Best	49	3	23
2023	Good	39	2	21	Best	43	4	23
2024	Caution	39	2	21	Best	60	0	22
2025	Avoid	105	3	21	Good	65	0	22

Complaint Index by year

Frequently asked questions

Which years should I avoid for the Acura MDX and GMC Acadia?: For the Acura MDX, avoid 2016, 2017, 2020, 2022 and 2025. For the GMC Acadia, avoid 2008, 2009, 2014, 2017 and 2019, based on NHTSA complaint and recall data.
Which has more complaints, the MDX or the Acadia?: The Acadia has 5,551 total NHTSA complaints across 19 model years (292 per year) versus the MDX's 2,466 complaints across 20 model years (123 per year). NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these totals are not adjusted for how many of each were sold.
What are the top problem areas for each model?: On the MDX, Engine complaints lead at 853 (35%), followed by Transmission & Powertrain at 542 (22%) and Electrical System at 513 (21%). On the Acadia, Transmission & Powertrain leads at 1,372 (25%), followed by Electrical System at 1,287 (23%) and Engine at 919 (17%).
Which model gets better fuel economy?: The GMC Acadia averages 20.3 mpg combined across its model years versus 19.8 mpg combined for the Acura MDX.
How many recall campaigns does each model have?: The Acura MDX has 34 total recall campaigns across its lineup, while the GMC Acadia has 37 total recall campaigns.