2014 Acura MDX
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2014 models.

- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD/Tech/Elite
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 20 city / 28 hwy
- Length
- 193.7 in
- Curb weight
- 4,343 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 8 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
- Many owner complaints128 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 17 for similar models — most often about the steering.
- 8 recallsMore than similar models (about 2). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 17 similar 2014 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2014 Acura MDX is a small SUV offered with a 3.5L 6-cyl engine and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 194 inches long and 77 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,343 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 28 highway), 0% better than the 2014 small SUV average of 23.1 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 8 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 128 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.
What changed for 2014
- New body dimensions: 2.8 in longer, wheelbase +2.7 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
- Engine added: 3.5L 6-cyl
- Engine dropped: 3.7L 6-cyl
- Best combined MPG up from 18 to 23
- Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 5 stars overall
Compared with 2013; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2013 MDX →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD/Tech/Elite | 193.7 in | 77.2 in | 67.3 in | 111 in | 66.5 / 66.1 in | 4,343 lb | 58/42 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MDX 2WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 23 | 0% | $3,550 | 390 |
| MDX 4WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 21 | -4% | $3,900 | 418 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2014 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 Acura MDX SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.5% |
| 2014 Acura MDX SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 16.4% |


Similar 2014 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 Acura MDX (this car) | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 8 |
| 2014 Porsche Cayenne | 23 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2014 BMW X5 | 26 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2014 Cadillac Escalade | 16 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2014 Lexus RX | 29 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2014 Volvo XC90 | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2014 Audi Q7 | 22 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (8)
Structure › Frame And Members · Jun 4, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V365000 · 965,561 vehicles
- Problem
- American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Honda Pilot, 2017-2023 Ridgeline, 2019-2023 Passport, and 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles that were sold in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. The rear subframe may corrode at the suspension mounting points, which can result in rear suspension component failure.
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect the rear subframe and install a rear subframe reinforcement kit and, as necessary, repair or replace the rear subframe components, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in the fall of 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are AOU and AOT. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning June 10, 2026.
Interior Lighting · Apr 17, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V259000 · 152,800 vehicles
- Problem
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles. Moisture may enter the tailgate lid light assembly and wiring harness, which can cause the interior and exterior lights to fail, including the lid lights, position lights, license plate lights and taillights.
- Risk
- Vehicle lights that fail to illuminate can decrease visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect the wiring and install a fuse harness, replace the lid light, and repair the body dust sealer, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 30, 2025. Owners may contact Acura's customer service at 1-800-382-2238. Acura's number for this recall is FLI. Vehicles included in this recall that were previously repaired under NHTSA recall number 19V-256 will need to have the new remedy completed.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Dec 18, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V858000 · 2,490,460 vehicles
- Problem
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
- Risk
- Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
Exterior Lighting · Mar 28, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V256000 · 322,897 vehicles
- Problem
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Acura MDX and 2017-2019 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid vehicles. Moisture may enter the tailgate lid lights, possibly causing a loss of the tailgate lid lights and the taillights.
- Risk
- Loss of the taillights reduces the vehicle's visibility, increasing the risk of crash.
- Fix
- Acura will notify owners, and dealers will modify the tailgate lid lights and install updated gaskets and a wiring sub-harness or will replace both tailgate lid lights. The repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2019. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is M49.
Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner · Jul 1, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V417000 · 106,439 vehicles
- Problem
- American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Acura MDX and MDX AWD vehicles manufactured April 23, 2013, to December 16, 2014. The affected vehicles have air conditioning compressor clutch drive bolts that may not have received the proper anti-corrosion coating.
- Risk
- If a bolt was not coated, it may corrode and break as a result. If the bolt breaks, the compressor clutch plate may separate from the vehicle, possibly becoming a road hazard.
- Fix
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air conditioning compressor clutch drive bolt and install a new clutch plate if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on August 7, 2015. Owners may contact Acura client relations at 1-800-382-2238. Honda's number for this recall is JQ7.
Forward Collision Avoidance › Crash Imminent Braking · May 20, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V301000 · 19,502 vehicles
- Problem
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Acura MDX 2WD and AWD, RLX and 2014 Acura RLX Hybrid vehicles. In certain driving conditions, the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) may incorrectly interpret certain roadside objects such as metal fences or metal guardrails as obstacles and unexpectedly apply the brakes.
- Risk
- If the CMBS unexpectedly applies emergency braking force while driving, there is an increased risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the CMBS software, free of charge. The recall began on July 6, 2015. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-800-382-2238. Honda's numbers for this recall is JQ4, JQ5 and JQ6.
Seat Belts · Oct 10, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V639000 · 43,481 vehicles
- Problem
- American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Acura MDX vehicles manufactured April 23, 2013, to August 25, 2014, and 2014 Acura RLX vehicles manufactured November 5, 2012, to November 25, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the driver and front passenger seat belt may not extend or retract in low temperatures.
- Risk
- A seatbelt that does not function increases the risk of injury in a crash.
- Fix
- Honda has notified owners, and dealers will replace the driver and front passenger seat belts, free of charge. The recall began in November 2014. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-800-382-2238. Honda's number for this recall is JK7 for the MKX, and JK8 for the RLX.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Nov 14, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V571000 · 19,197 vehicles
- Problem
- American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2014 Acura MDX AWD vehicles manufactured May 6, 2013, through October 14, 2013. The bolts that attach the drive shaft to the automatic transmission transfer assembly may not have been properly tightened. As a result, the bolts could loosen possibly allowing the shaft to detach.
- Risk
- If the drive shaft detaches while driving it could cause excessive noise and possibly damage the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the drive shaft attaching bolts as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on July 3, 2014. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009 or visit their website at www.recalls.honda.com. Honda's recall number is JC8.
Not every 2014 Acura MDX is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2014 Acura MDX buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 8 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Steering — 27 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Power Train — 22 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 18 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 40,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2014 Acura MDX. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other MDX years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 MDX | 22 | 198.4 in | Not rated | 1 | 9 |
| 2025 MDX | 22 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 114 |
| 2024 MDX | 22 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 43 |
| 2023 MDX | 22 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 48 |
| 2022 MDX | 22 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 181 |
| 2020 MDX | 27 | 196.1 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 231 |
| 2019 MDX | 27 | 196.1 in | ★★★★★ | 9 | 199 |
| 2018 MDX | 27 | 196.1 in | ★★★★★ | 10 | 170 |
| 2017 MDX | 27 | 196.1 in | ★★★★★ | 9 | 268 |
| 2016 MDX | 23 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 377 |
| 2015 MDX | 23 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 67 |
| 2013 MDX | 18 | 190.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 24 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Acura. How we calculate this →