NHTSA has 49 owner complaints on file for the 2008 Acura MDX[1]. Structure and the electrical system lead the list with 8 complaints each[2][3].
Most reported problems
Owners report trouble in several parts of this SUV, and these are the groups from largest to smallest.
- Structure. 8 complaints[2]. Owners describe a hood that shakes at speed, a window that broke while parked, and a loose spare tire cable under the rear. One report describes a fire.
- Electrical System. 8 complaints[3]. Owners describe batteries that keep going flat, often tied by dealers to the phone link module. Some describe lights flickering and power cutting out while driving.
- Brakes. 6 complaints[5]. Owners describe a soft, spongy pedal with long travel. Others mention squeaking pads and one new vehicle with contaminated fluid.
- Suspension. 6 complaints[6]. Owners describe the adaptive damper system failing, with clicking or clunking from the front and costly shock and strut repairs.
- Engine. 5 complaints[7]. One report describes a fire.
- Air Bags. 5 complaints[8].
- Steering. 4 complaints[9].
- Speed Control. 3 complaints[10].
Recalls
NHTSA's records show 0 recalls for the 2008 MDX[11].
Fuel economy
EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.
| Version | City / highway / combined MPG | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|
| MDX 4WD, 3.7L 6-cyl, Automatic (S5), Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive[4] | 15 / 20 / 17 | $4,850 |
Safety ratings
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 DR AWD[12] | n/a | n/a | n/a | 4 | 14.0% |
How 2008 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 224 | 4 |
| 2002 | 205 | 4 |
| 2003 | 206 | 11 |
| 2004 | 171 | 8 |
| 2005 | 180 | 11 |
| 2006 | 87 | 9 |
| 2007 | 99 | 0 |
| 2008 | 49 | 0 |
| 2009 | 52 | 0 |
| 2010 | 45 | 1 |
| 2011 | 70 | 0 |
| 2012 | 76 | 1 |
| 2013 | 30 | 1 |
| 2014 | 172 | 8 |
| 2015 | 71 | 8 |
| 2016 | 377 | 7 |
| 2017 | 268 | 9 |
| 2018 | 170 | 10 |
| 2019 | 198 | 9 |
| 2020 | 229 | 8 |
| 2022 | 180 | 3 |
| 2023 | 48 | 3 |
| 2024 | 43 | 3 |
| 2025 | 111 | 4 |
| 2026 | 9 | 1 |
NHTSA's counts for the MDX show 49 complaints and 0 recalls for 2008[11]. Among the 25 model years listed, 5 have fewer complaints than 2008 and 19 have more[11]. The fewest complaints are for 2026 (9) and the most are for 2016 (377)[11]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide. The chart above shows every year.
Should you buy a used 2008 MDX?
These are unverified reports sent to NHTSA, and the counts are not adjusted for how many were sold[1]. The 2008 MDX has 0 recalls in our data[11]. The complaints cluster in structure, electrical system, brakes and suspension[2][3][5][6]. If you shop for one, check the battery, the brake pedal feel and the suspension on a test drive. Read the recall and fuel sections on this page for the rest.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 Acura MDX?
- Structure and the electrical system have the most complaints on file, with 8 each[2][3]. Brakes and suspension follow with 6 each[5][6].
- Does the 2008 Acura MDX have recalls?
- Our data shows 0 recalls for this model year[11]. The Recalls section on this page lists whatever applies.
- How many complaints are there for the 2008 Acura MDX?
- NHTSA has 49 owner complaints on file[1]. They are unverified and not adjusted for sales.
- What is the gas mileage of the 2008 Acura MDX?
- See the Fuel Economy section on this page.
Keep exploring
Other model years of the Acura MDX
Compare all model years of the Acura MDX
Other Acura models from 2008
Similar cars from 2008: suvs
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 49 owner complaints on file for the 2008 Acura MDX (2 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 1 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 8 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 68,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 8 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA rating for MDX 4WD, 3.7L 6-cyl, Automatic (S5), Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 20 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,850. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 6 complaints name the brakes component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 17,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 6 complaints name the suspension component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 82,136). NHTSA vehicle records
- 5 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 125,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 5 complaints name the air bags component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 4 complaints name the steering component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 3 complaints name the speed control component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Acura MDX model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR AWD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 14.0%. NHTSA vehicle records