Same engine and transmission problems
The 2017 MDX has a high complaint rate, led by rod bearing failures and transmission faults.
Updated November 2026 · based on 269 owner complaints and 9 recalls
490 1.5x the MDX average
9 free to fix at a dealer
Every MDX year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Known problems on the 2017 MDX
Top problems and what they cost
Rod bearing failure
Engine knock and failure.
Fix: Free under recall if eligible
Engine
Transmission and 'Shift to Park'
Shifting faults and park messages.
Fix: Software or switch $150 to $600
Transmission and drivetrain
Recalls
Reduced fuel pump performance can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of crash.
Loss of the taillights reduces the vehicle's visibility, increasing the risk of crash.
A reduction of braking performance increases the risk of a crash.
A damaged engine may run improperly or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a fire, crash, or injury.
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Vehicle lights that fail to illuminate can decrease visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
Show all 9 recalls
Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
Failure of rear suspension components, such as the rear control arm, can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The misrouting can cause the hoses to be damaged from contact with other components, potentially resulting in a fuel leak.
Complaints by part
Before you buy a 2017 Acura MDX
- Listen for knocking.Knocking, ticking or rattling from the engine, especially when cold, can mean worn bearings, lifters or a stretched timing chain. These are engine-out repairs costing thousands.Owners filed 59 complaints about engine rod bearing failure on the 2017 MDX, one of the worst years for it.
- Check by VIN for open engine recalls.A recall is a safety fix the carmaker must do for free, even for later owners. Typing the 17-character VIN (on the dashboard and driver door) into nhtsa.gov/recalls shows any that were never done. Codes like 18V332 are recall numbers.The 2017 MDX has 9 recalls on record, listed below.
Questions
Is the 2017 Acura MDX reliable?
Same engine and transmission problems. The 2017 MDX has a high complaint rate, led by rod bearing failures and transmission faults.
How many recalls does the 2017 Acura MDX have?
9 recalls. Recall repairs are free at any Acura dealer, even for later owners. Enter the VIN on the free government recall lookup to see which are still open on a specific car.
What are the most common 2017 Acura MDX problems?
Rod bearing failure; Transmission and 'Shift to Park'.
Crash rating shown for the 2017 Acura MDX SUV FWD. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.