Currently it seems that I am going to have to switch vehicles sooner than I'd hope due to some major issues, and the MDX was already on my list of considerations. I wanted a 2022, but due to, I might have to look at 18-20. I figured it be best to come back to this forum to ask owners and enthusiast what their observations are and things you have learned along the ownership journey. I see a few recalls about rod bearings and fuel pumps, but are there any other things I should be aware of and taking note of in these years? Transmission issues? Water pumps pulley belt known issues? Infotainment freezes or loops in loading etc?
I know the mileage will likely be 55k upwards to maybe 75k, if that helps to give me any information I might need.

I was a a previous 3G TL owner so I know this form rocks, and looks like I might be coming back to Acura if things can work out in my favor. Thanks!

 

The '18-'20 models should make for awesome used car purchases overall: Carplay/AA, sorted out ZF9 transmission programming, and a solid 3.5L V6 engine. I have a 2017 FWD Advance and I'm still happy with the level of equipment, style, and features. Now that I'm teaching my son to drive in it, I realized it has pretty much every safety feature and driver aid that new cars have.

I was unaffected by the rod bearing recall, and recently did the Timing Belt/Water Pump service at 88K miles due to an odd noise the TB tensioner was making. I also had to replace the front lower control arms about a year ago, where they identified that the front passenger side strut was leaking. I've read a lot of complaints about premature strut failure (some even within Acura's 4-year warranty) so definitely check to see if the struts have been replaced. The vehicle rides fine so I am holding off on that $2K service :-D. There aren't good strut assembly options (no KYB, for example) so unless you're comfortable with a spring compressor, you'll have to rely on a shop to do the work.

Otherwise, nothing other than tires and consumables (oil, filters, brake fluid). For some reason the rear brake pads are wearing faster than the fronts, so those are on my list to replace in the Spring. Fuel economy has been just OK (like 18 mpg even with a heavy dose of highway driving) which may be a combination of needing spark plugs soonish and cold weather gas formulation.

My biggest gripe is the ZF9 transmission. It's not bad now that I paid to have it reprogrammed (and '18+ models apparently came with the programming already set) but I still see complaints about harsh shifting at low speeds. I suggest testing its behavior in a parking lot or neighborhood: accelerate up to 15-20 mph, then release the gas pedal. Before the reprogramming, the car would "kick" into another gear, but now it's cleared up almost completely.

Given the level of comfort, performance, features, and reliability, the MDX is the best family hauler we've owned. Best of luck with your search!

 

Thank you!

I've been doing some reading and I think though there are some recalls and such I see mentioned, considering I have to make a change sooner than later, that year range should be a safe bet. I am a former Acura owner so I love the brand, but I was a little unsure do to the hard shifting comments, and some of the recalls. I guess my best bet would be to have them advise about the recalls to make sure they all have been completed, and let that be my driving point for negotiation on price.

I will try and make a note of all the recalls - and the other things you mentioned in your ownership experience at least as a baseline.

Thanks!

 

I agree with looking for an 18-20 MDX because of improvements with info-tainment and another year of the 9AT TSB improvements. The only downside is you are mostly likely going to fall into the fuel pump and rod bearing VIN recall range.

To narrow down the selection even further, I like the 19-20 MDX in tech, Aspec, or Advance trims all with sh-awd (both 19-20 model years are 100% identical with zero changes). Acura added some upgrades like additional software/mechanical changes with the 9AT to smooth out the shifting, increased wood trim to certain modes, larger rim/tire combo for 3.5L Adv, remote start key fob for tech model, or front/rear sonic sensors. Plus, you have a few more models to pick from with the 19-20 model run:
- Base (fwd/sh-awd)
- Tech (fwd/sh-awd
- Aspec (sh-awd only, sporty body style, 265/45/20 tire/rim combo, ventilated front seats, etc...)
- Adv (fwd/sh-awd, 265/45/20 rim/tire combo, wide screen rear entertainment available, 360 camera, ventilated front seats, cpt chair option)
- Sport Hybrid, 321hp, 26-27mpg, 425-450 miles range per 19.4 gal gas tank (Tech or Adv trims, part of fuel pump recall; but, not included with the rod bearing recall)
- PMC MDX (Aspec+Advance together with special red paint job)

I have a 19 MDX Adv Sport Hybrid since new (+72,000 miles now and planning to take +120,000 miles). It has been mostly scheduled services, 12v battery, tires, rotation/balance/alignment, and wipers. The only TSB fixes I applied was the 7DCT software update and fuel pump replacement recall (zero issues before/after TSB fix). Many other 19-20 3.5L and Sport Hybrid owner have similar experiences with their MDXs.

Side Note: Only the 3.5L with sh-awd comes with a donut spare with tools. The fwd and sport hybrid only come with air compressor and tire goo. You can add the spare tire kit and there is enough room under the MDX to upgrade the donut to a full size spare.

 

Thank you for this. I have heard about the fuel pump recall and the rob bearing, along with the hard shifting issue. But it seems you all are saying 17-18 is more inclined to have some of those issues - more than possibly a 19-20? I did see something about a break pedal issue and timing belt recall but that might be in the 17s and corrected in the later models also.

I just need to find one with a low(ish) mileage in the price and color I want.

 

Question, Is there a way that you can check the VIN online against these recalls? There is a 2017 FWD with Tech Package local to me with a mileage that's at the top of my range, colors that I like, that the price isn't too bad. It is listed as Acura Precision so I guess that's like a certified used Acura which is also a good thing.

Might go give it a look in the next day or two.

 

I would say the best way is to find the VIN and sign up for the Acura Owner's site. You just have to put in the VIN and it should give you the open recalls, down load owner's manual, look up Navi/Radio codes, and service history of the Acura or Honda vehicle. It will not list the maintenance history if the vehicle was serviced at home or by a local shop.

https://owners.acura.com/home

 

Thank you. I placed a Vin in the website and it said:

2020 MDX Safety Recalls

This website provides information about safety recalls announced in the past 15 calendar years; older recalls are not included.There are currently no active recalls for this vehicle based on model and year provided. (Last Updated: 02/28/2025)

Does this mean that there were never any recalls applicable or there might have been but they have been addressed?

 

From my experience, the Acura owner's site matched what my dealership had on records. My 19 MDX Sport Hybrid wasn't included with the original fuel pump recall. I called my dealership to double-check and they said it wasn't on the list by VIN range. Probably about +18 months later my MDX's VIN range was included for the fuel pump recall and the dealership had my vehicle added to their list of local owners. The particular MDX you are interested in "could" be included at a later date for a recall; but, isn't included at this time with any current recalls. There should be a section on the Acura Owner's website for previous service calls at the dealership and that would show if the recall was completed (not shown means it wasn't needed).

 

Thanks...
As of now 2 locally exist. 2017 vs 2020 - both technology packages - mileage is like 2,000 miles different. Cost is about $1,500 different. One interior color I like more than the other - All other things pretty much the same. The 2020 I see had some recall repairs done, I looked at the service records and it's more detailed than the '17. The '17 shows like oil changes and tires, but a few services don't have any details shown. Both do have a good bit of dealer services, and seem to have always been in state cars since ownership.

One is just at a dealership 10 mins from me and the other is like 40 minutes away... lol
As an owner - what do you think is the direction I should place my focus?

 

I like the 19-20 model years (with sh-awd). I think you get a few more goodies with the 19-20 tech like natural wood trim, fob remote engine start, front/rear sonic sensors, update 4G module if you want to add Acuralink, updated info-tainment with Carplay (I think you can have the old 3G Acuralink module on certain 2017). The added bonus of the 2020 9AT with software and hardware updates for smoother shifting. Both vehicles come with a timing belt. I stick with the 105,000 mile M.I.D. service notification or 9-10 year range max to replace the TB if under mileage. The 2017 might be ready for a timing belt in 2026/2027 compared to 2030 for the 2020 MDX if you under 105,000 miles (can range $1800-$2500 depending on local shop, Honda dealership, or Acura dealership).

Here is link to old Acura Brochures if you want to check out different model years: https://www.auto-brochures.com/acura.html