2022 Acura Mdx Safety Report

2022 Acura MDX: Strong crash ratings, but significant powertrain and airbag recall concerns.

105Complaints
1Recalls
55/100Reliability Score
4Crash Reports
2Fire Reports
4Injuries
Most reported components: Power Train (27)Unknown Or Other (9)Steering (7)Service Brakes (5)Forward Collision Avoidance (5)Fuel/Propulsion System (4)Suspension (3)Electrical System (3)Structure (2)Engine (2)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2022 Acura Mdx

The 2022 Acura MDX presents a mixed safety picture. While its crash test performance is generally strong with a 4-star frontal and 5-star side rating from NHTSA, the overall safety rating is N/A, indicating some tests may not have been completed or published. The vehicle has accumulated 105 total complaints, including 4 crashes, 2 fires, and 4 injuries, which is a notable number for a relatively new model year. A significant concern is the single recall issued for 'AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER,' which could lead to unintentional airbag deployment and increased injury risk, affecting a broad range of Honda/Acura models from 2020-2022. The most prominent complaint pattern revolves around the POWER TRAIN, accounting for 27 complaints. This category frequently details catastrophic failures of the transfer case and transmission splines, leading to a loss of all-wheel-drive capability and, in some cases, complete loss of motive power. Owners report issues such as the vehicle reverting to front-wheel drive only, loud clunking noises, and significant repair costs (e.g., $13,000-$16,000 for replacement). These failures often occur at mileages between 50,000 and 80,000 miles, indicating a potential design or manufacturing flaw. Beyond the powertrain, other notable complaint areas include UNKNOWN OR OTHER (9 complaints), STEERING (7 complaints), SERVICE BRAKES (5 complaints), and FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (5 complaints). Specific issues mentioned include suspension system warnings due to corroded sensors and wiring, battery drain problems, infotainment system failures linked to water leaks, and issues with low-speed braking control. The high number of powertrain complaints, coupled with the airbag recall, suggests that while crash protection is good, reliability and certain component safety aspects warrant close attention.

Reliability Score

The 2022 Acura Mdx receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2022 Acura Mdx

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2022 Acura Mdx:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Transfer Case/Transmission Spline Failure
Catastrophic failure of transfer case and transmission splines, leading to loss of all-wheel-drive functionality and potential loss of motive power. Often requires expensive replacement.		 High Common 50000-80000 miles
Airbag Occupant Classification Sensor Recall
Recall for front passenger occupant classification sensor, which may cause unintentional airbag deployment during a crash, increasing injury risk.		 High Common N/A miles
Suspension System Malfunctions
Warnings and failures related to suspension stroke sensors and wiring, often due to corrosion, leading to adaptive air suspension problems.		 Medium Occasional 60000-70000 miles
Battery Drain Issues
Frequent battery drainage requiring multiple replacements, potentially linked to electrical components like the infotainment system staying active.		 Medium Occasional N/A miles
Infotainment System Failure
Loud pop from stereo followed by infotainment screen failure, potentially caused by water leak from sunroof drain plug.		 Medium Rare N/A miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2022 Acura Mdx:

Power Train 25% of complaints

Frequent reports of transfer case and transmission spline failures, leading to loss of AWD and significant repair costs.

Unknown Or Other 8% of complaints

A variety of miscellaneous issues not fitting into other categories, including general vehicle malfunctions.

Steering 6% of complaints

Complaints related to steering system performance or malfunctions.

Service Brakes 4% of complaints

Issues with brakes becoming stuck, failing to respond, or low-speed braking control system engaging unexpectedly.

Forward Collision Avoidance 4% of complaints

Malfunctions or unexpected behavior of the forward collision avoidance system.

Fuel/Propulsion System 3% of complaints

Problems related to the fuel delivery or propulsion system.

Suspension 2% of complaints

Warnings and failures of the adaptive air suspension system, often due to sensor or wiring corrosion.

Electrical System 2% of complaints

Issues such as battery drain and infotainment system failures.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2022 Acura Mdx

Is the 2022 Acura MDX safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2022 Acura MDX has strong crash test ratings (4-star frontal, 5-star side), but an overall safety rating is N/A. There is one significant recall for the airbag occupant classification sensor, and a high number of complaints (105 total, with 4 crashes and 4 injuries) for a relatively new model, particularly concerning powertrain failures.

What are common problems with the 2022 Acura MDX?

The most reported issues for the 2022 Acura MDX are catastrophic POWER TRAIN failures, specifically transfer case and transmission spline issues leading to loss of AWD (27 complaints). Other common problems include suspension system malfunctions, battery drain, and issues with the service brakes and forward collision avoidance system.

Are there any recalls for the 2022 Acura MDX?

Yes, there is one recall for the 2022 Acura MDX (NHTSA Campaign Number 21V-938) concerning the AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER. This recall addresses a potential issue where the occupant classification system sensor may crack, leading to an unintentional airbag deployment during a crash.

How does the 2022 Acura MDX perform in crash tests?

The 2022 Acura MDX received a 4-star rating for frontal crash protection and a 5-star rating for side crash protection from NHTSA. The overall safety rating is N/A.

What should I know about the 2022 Acura MDX's powertrain?

The powertrain is a significant area of concern for the 2022 Acura MDX, with 27 complaints. Many owners report catastrophic failures of the transfer case and transmission splines, often resulting in the loss of all-wheel-drive capability and requiring expensive repairs, sometimes exceeding $13,000.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the strong crash test performance but significant powertrain reliability concerns and an active airbag recall, potential buyers should prioritize a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the transfer case and transmission, and ensure all recall work has been completed.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2022 Acura Mdx

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2022 Acura Mdx. The data includes 105 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 4 reported crashes, 2 fire incidents, 4 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.