Which Acura MDX years should I avoid?

NHTSA data points to 2016, 2020, 2022, and 2025 as the MDX years to avoid, based on higher complaint index values relative to other MDX years. The 2016 model has the highest complaint count at 374, with Engine listed as its top problem area.

Which GMC Acadia years should I avoid?

The Acadia years with the most reported problems are 2014, 2017, 2018, and 2019. The 2017 model year stands out with 703 complaints and a complaint index of 100, the highest of any Acadia year, with Transmission & Powertrain as the top issue.

Does the MDX or Acadia have more complaints overall?

The Acadia has more total complaints, 3,937 versus the MDX's 1,999, and a higher per-model-year average of 246 versus 133. NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these totals are not adjusted for how many of each model were sold.

How do the MDX and Acadia compare on fuel economy?

Both models average 20.7 mpg combined across their model years. Individual year figures vary, with the MDX ranging from 18 to 22.5 mpg combined and the Acadia ranging from 17.5 to 23 mpg combined.

How many recalls does each model have?

The Acura MDX has 22 total recall campaigns across its covered years, while the GMC Acadia has 31. Neither model shows any do-not-drive recalls in the data.

Acura MDX vs GMC Acadia: Which Years to Avoid

Acura MDX years to avoid are 2016, 2020, 2022 and 2025; GMC Acadia years to avoid are 2014, 2017, 2018 and 2019. The MDX logs 1,999 total complaints across 15 model years (133 per year) versus the Acadia's 3,937 across 16 years (246 per year), though totals aren't sales-adjusted. Combined MPG averages 20.7 for both models.

Head to head

Acura MDX

Model years: 2010–2025 (15)
NHTSA complaints: 1,999
Per model year: 133
Recall campaigns: 22
Years to avoid: 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025
Best years: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
Top problem area: Engine
Avg. EPA combined MPG: 20.7
Avg. NHTSA overall rating: 4.9 ★

GMC Acadia

Model years: 2010–2025 (16)
NHTSA complaints: 3,937
Per model year: 246
Recall campaigns: 31
Years to avoid: 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019
Best years: 2013, 2020, 2022, 2023
Top problem area: Electrical System
Avg. EPA combined MPG: 20.7
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
2010	Best	45	1	18	Caution	342	4	19
2011	Best	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	Good	71	8	22	Good	243	4	19
2016	Avoid	374	7	22	Good	236	4	17.5
2017	Caution	255	8	22	Avoid	703	4	20.5
2018	Caution	165	10	22	Avoid	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	Good	39	2	21	Good	60	0	22
2025	Avoid	105	3	21	Caution	65	0	22

Complaint Index by year

Acura MDX

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

GMC Acadia

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Frequently asked questions

Which Acura MDX years should I avoid?: NHTSA data points to 2016, 2020, 2022, and 2025 as the MDX years to avoid, based on higher complaint index values relative to other MDX years. The 2016 model has the highest complaint count at 374, with Engine listed as its top problem area.
Which GMC Acadia years should I avoid?: The Acadia years with the most reported problems are 2014, 2017, 2018, and 2019. The 2017 model year stands out with 703 complaints and a complaint index of 100, the highest of any Acadia year, with Transmission & Powertrain as the top issue.
Does the MDX or Acadia have more complaints overall?: The Acadia has more total complaints, 3,937 versus the MDX's 1,999, and a higher per-model-year average of 246 versus 133. NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these totals are not adjusted for how many of each model were sold.
How do the MDX and Acadia compare on fuel economy?: Both models average 20.7 mpg combined across their model years. Individual year figures vary, with the MDX ranging from 18 to 22.5 mpg combined and the Acadia ranging from 17.5 to 23 mpg combined.
How many recalls does each model have?: The Acura MDX has 22 total recall campaigns across its covered years, while the GMC Acadia has 31. Neither model shows any do-not-drive recalls in the data.