Free. Instant. No signup. Pulls recalls and complaints for your exact vehicle.
Couldn't find that VIN. Check the digits and try again.
ProblemsByVinFile / 2006-ACURA-MDXNHTSA data synced 4 days ago
2006 · Acura
Acura MDX problems
87 owner complaints and 2 active recall campaigns on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, what a working mechanic would actually do about it.
Reliability score
7.4 / 10
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
0
Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2006 MDX?
Avoid — the powertrain
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the powertrain was repaired or replaced.
Powertrain: 37 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 58,000–86,172 mi
Reliability score 7.4/10 — around the segment average
2 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Embed this reliability snapshot
Free to use on your site, post, or video — keep the link back. Preview the widget →
What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2006 MDX· electrical
Acura a division of Honda has know for many years now about a defective draw on the battery from the hands free bluetooth in this vehicle even when the vehicle is shut off with the ignition key out of the ignition. I have read numerous complaints from the 2004 to 2012 models of…
The car started leaking water every time it rains in the drivers side of the car into the floor and the passenger side floor. I have found several posts about the same issue with Acura and Honda.
2006 Acura mdx with 34000 miles, start to have intermittent transmission "shudder" around 40mph, bring to thomas Acura dealer to check for two times and was told to change the converter because of "normal"stress of the transmission. In addition, dealer suggest to change…
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Acura mdx. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14v351000 (air bags). The contact stated that the vehicle was unable to be repaired within a reasonable amount of time. The dealer was contacted, but did not provide an estimated…
Had a problem with your 2006 Acura MDX?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Honda is recalling certain model year 2005 Pilot vehicles manufactured July 29, 2004, through August 29, 2005; model year 2005-2006 Acura MDX vehicles manufactured September 16, 2004, through September 22, 2005; and model year 2005 Acura RL vehicles manufactured March 1, 2004, through June 29, 2005
Sudden inadvertent braking, especially without illumination of the brake lights, may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix: Owners will be notified and instructed to take their vehicles to a dealer of their respective brand. The dealer will install a partial wiring harness containing a capacitor for the VSA modulator, free of charge. The affected model year 2005 Pilots will have their ground connection tightened. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Honda owners may contact Honda Automobile Customer Service at 1-800-999-1009, and select option 4 or go to www.recalls.honda.com; Acura owners may contact 1-800-382-2238, and select option 4, or go to www.recalls.acura.com.
Honda is recalling certain model year 2003 and 2004 Pilot and Odyssey and 2003 through 2006 Acura MDX passenger vehicles manufactured from November 26, 2001, through August 30, 2006
Removal of the ignition key when the gear selector of a vehicle with an automatic transmission has not been shifted to the park position can allow the vehicle to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Honda will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicle to a Honda or Acura dealer. The dealer will install an updated shift interlock lever and, if necessary, replace any necessary part of the ignition switch, free of charge. The recall began on February 22, 2013. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
Under investigation
2 open at NHTSA
EAAir Bags › Frontal · opened September 2021
NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. EA21002 on NHTSA →
EAAir Bags › Frontal · opened February 2015
NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. EA15001 on NHTSA →
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.4 out of 10 based on 87 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2006 Acura MDX is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2006 Acura MDX?
On the NHTSA data, the 2006 Acura MDX is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the powertrain was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: Powertrain: 37 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 58,000–86,172 mi; Reliability score 7.4/10 — around the segment average; 2 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What's the most common problem on the 2006 Acura MDX?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 37 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 79,935 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 79,935 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Acura MDX has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2006 Acura MDX?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 87 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 4 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/Acura/MDX.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
We are not affiliated with Acura. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we
may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.