Acura MDX · model year

2006 Acura MDX

121 NHTSA complaints, 16 crash reports, and 11 recall campaigns listed for this cohort. A VIN lookup is required to determine whether a specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

Complaints
121
Recalls
11

The verdict

The 2006 Acura MDX posts below-average complaint volume among its own model-year siblings.

Top 44%
fewest complaints, own model years
11
recall campaigns

The 2006AcuraMDX carries 121 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 16 crashes, 0 fires, 11 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

The most frequently selected component label in reports for the 2006 MDX is power train with 19 filings, followed by power train:automatic transmission (17) and air bags (15). Complaint categories reflect owner reports and intake categorization; they do not establish a defect pattern or cause. This cohort has 11 NHTSA recall campaigns listed below. Enter a VIN in NHTSA's official recall lookup to determine whether a specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

NHTSA currently has 2 investigation files overlapping the 2006 MDX. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should read the complaint-by-year trend as report volume, not a causal diagnosis. Use the related-complaint feed and the official recall lookup when researching a specific vehicle.

121
Complaints
16
Crashes
0
Fires
11
Injuries
0
Deaths
F
PlainCars Safety Score
0/100
2006 Acura MDX

PlainCars' own composite of NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings and rollover-risk assessment, each dimension normalized against the federal scale or the full national model-year corpus. Not an official NHTSA figure, and not a substitute for a specific vehicle's VIN-level recall check.

NHTSA Overall Rating N/A
Not rated
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program overall crash-test rating.
Front Crash N/A
Not rated
Frontal barrier crash-test rating.
Side Crash N/A
Not rated
Side barrier and pole crash-test rating.
Rollover Resistance N/A
Not rated
Static stability factor + dynamic rollover test rating.
Rollover Risk N/A
Not reported
NHTSA single-vehicle rollover probability, dynamic test.

Total Complaints

121 filings

Crashes Reported

16 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
POWER TRAIN19
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION17
AIR BAGS15
ENGINE9
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM8
SERVICE BRAKES8
UNKNOWN OR OTHER7
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)7
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL4
STRUCTURE:BODY3
SEATS2
STEERING2
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER2
VISIBILITY/WIPER2
EXTERIOR LIGHTING1

Recalls (11)

15V32000028/05/2015

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2001-2007 Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2001-2004 Honda Civic GX, 2003-2005 Honda Civic Hybrid, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2006 Ridgeline, 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2003-2006 Acura MDX, and 2002-2003 Acur

19V49900027/06/2019

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2003-2006 MDX, 2001-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot and 2006 Ridgeline vehicles. The

19V50100027/06/2019

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2012 RL, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles.

06V27000026/07/2006

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MOTORCYCLES, THE OWNER'S MANUALS CONTAIN INCORRECT CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S (NHTSA) VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE.

16V34400023/05/2016

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2011 Acura RL, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2006-2011 Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or that have ever been registered, in Alabama, Calif

13V09200014/03/2013

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

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.

12V57300011/12/2012

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

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. The interlock lever of the ignition switch may deform, which can allow the interlock function of a vehicle with an a

19E06800010/10/2019

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain Accelerator Pedal Assemblies part numbers 699-114 and 825-5029-1, sold as replacement parts for 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2004-2008 Acura TL and TSX, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2007-2011 Honda Element, 2005-2008 Honda Pilot and 2006-

17V02900010/01/2017

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Acura MDX and Honda CR-V vehicles, 2005-2011 Honda Element vehicles, 2005-2012 Acura RL vehicles, 2006-2012 Honda Ridgeline vehicles, 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles and 2005-2008 Honda Pilot vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, i

19V18200006/03/2019

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV

08E01300005/02/2008

EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:CARRIER/RACK

HONDA IS RECALLING 2,032 HITCH STYLE BIKE RACKS SOLD AS AFTERMARKET FOR USE ON MY 2003-2007 AND SOME MY 2008 HONDA PILOT, RIDGELINE, AND ACURA MDX VEHICLES. A PINCH BOLT EXISTS BETWEEN THE BIKE ARM BRACKET AND THE UPRIGHT ASSEMBLY OF THE "HITCH" STYLE BICYCLE RACK.

Recent Complaints

20240610ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

There is a paracytic battery drain causing new batteries to fail. Troubleshooting says Hands Free Link system may be reason for drain/ dead battery. Or, the Navigation system. There are endless electrical issues within 5 fuse boxes. I’ve done this manually, it’s slow. I know a diagnostic meter would help! So, I’ve installed a battery switch inside car. Must turn off each night! You’d think I’d have a mobile battery charger by now. But thankfully road side service has been a life saver. Although, I was not permitted to sign up for ERS with my insurance after so many battery calls for a year or more. AAA same! It’s ridiculous. Today, had to call ERS again. Ugh. Fortunately I’ve been reinstated. Its been slow-like-molasses-paced.. One fuse disconnected after another. This leaves the vehicle operating without the necessary compenents, helpful features. Examples: x miles per gallon of gas driving city/freeway. . The stereo system completely out, no back up camera, and n

20240216ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Car battery constantly draining resulting in having to jumpstart the car now every time to turn it on. Had the hands free system disconnected by the dealership over a year ago due to them stating it was drawing on battery however it has not changed and went from occasional need to jumpstart to every time you need to turn on car. Have had two new batteries installed and car looked at by dealership and only issue they found was hands free link drawing on battery so disconnected it.

20240216ENGINE

Car battery constantly draining resulting in having to jumpstart the car now every time to turn it on. Had the hands free system disconnected by the dealership over a year ago due to them stating it was drawing on battery however it has not changed and went from occasional need to jumpstart to every time you need to turn on car. Have had two new batteries installed and car looked at by dealership and only issue they found was hands free link drawing on battery so disconnected it.

20221230ENGINE

The contact owns a 2006 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and became stiff. In addition, the vehicle stalled, and the brake lights failed to illuminate. The contact stated that the instrument panel warning lights illuminate on and off. The gear stick would not shift gear as needed. In addition, the vehicle stability assist (VSA) warning light was the only warning light that remained illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 281,800.

Mileage: 281,800

20221230SERVICE BRAKES

The contact owns a 2006 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and became stiff. In addition, the vehicle stalled, and the brake lights failed to illuminate. The contact stated that the instrument panel warning lights illuminate on and off. The gear stick would not shift gear as needed. In addition, the vehicle stability assist (VSA) warning light was the only warning light that remained illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 281,800.

Mileage: 281,800

20221230ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

The contact owns a 2006 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and became stiff. In addition, the vehicle stalled, and the brake lights failed to illuminate. The contact stated that the instrument panel warning lights illuminate on and off. The gear stick would not shift gear as needed. In addition, the vehicle stability assist (VSA) warning light was the only warning light that remained illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 281,800.

Mileage: 281,800

20221108ENGINE

UNKNOWN VEHICLE WILL NOT TURN ON

20221108FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

UNKNOWN VEHICLE WILL NOT TURN ON

20221108ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

UNKNOWN VEHICLE WILL NOT TURN ON

20220422UNKNOWN OR OTHER

On several occasions the vehicle will come to a stop and from that stop will begin to stall-at that point almost completely loosing power and an indicator light on dash indicates that an undefined problem *exclamation mark* Each time, the car almost completely slows to almost a stall out, and the car behind me comes dangerously close to hitting me from behind.

20201124UNKNOWN OR OTHER

THE TRANSMISSION IN THIS CAR HAS ISSUES WITH ACCELERATION AND DECELERATION. I NOTICE THAT THERE IS TRANSMISSION JUDDER BETWEEN 20-45 MPH

Mileage: 139,000

20200214SERVICE BRAKES

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS RELEASED AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST (VSA) WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V092000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) WITH THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LOS GATOS ACURA LOCATED AT 16151 LOS GATOS BLVD, LOS GATOS, CA 95032, AND THE DEALER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 148,000. *DT CONSUMER ALSO STATED WHILE DRIVING PARTIAL BRAKE FORCE WAS APPLIED BY THE VEHICLE WITHOUT BRILLANCE OF THE BRAKE LIGHTS, EVEN WHEN BRAKES ARE NOT IN USE. CONSUMER'S MECHANIC DIAGNOSED FAILURE TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA RECALL NUMBER:13V-092. CONSUMER STATED MANUFACTURE REFUSED TO DIAGNOSE AND REPAIR WITHOUT PRETENSE OF PAYING UPFRONT NON RELAT

Mileage: 148,000

20191229STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

20191229UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

20191118CrashSEAT BELTS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2006 ACURA MDX. WHILE THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS IDLING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, IT WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT FRACTURED IN HALF. ALSO, THE SEAT BELT BECAME DETACHED DURING THE IMPACT. THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE LEFT KNEE, BACK, NECK, AND HIP. THE CONTACT WAS TRANSPORTED VIA AMBULANCE TO THE HOSPITAL FOR MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT WAS CURRENTLY SEEING A CHIROPRACTOR AND RECEIVING TREATMENT FOR HER BACK AND NECK. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN AND WAS TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000. *MP *DL

Mileage: 145,000

20191118CrashSEATS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2006 ACURA MDX. WHILE THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS IDLING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, IT WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT FRACTURED IN HALF. ALSO, THE SEAT BELT BECAME DETACHED DURING THE IMPACT. THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE LEFT KNEE, BACK, NECK, AND HIP. THE CONTACT WAS TRANSPORTED VIA AMBULANCE TO THE HOSPITAL FOR MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT WAS CURRENTLY SEEING A CHIROPRACTOR AND RECEIVING TREATMENT FOR HER BACK AND NECK. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN AND WAS TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000. *MP *DL

Mileage: 145,000

20190712AIR BAGS

I'M LOOKING OVER RECALLS ON KELLEY BLUE BOOK SITE

Mileage: 147,000

20190712SERVICE BRAKES

I'M LOOKING OVER RECALLS ON KELLEY BLUE BOOK SITE

Mileage: 147,000

20190712ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

I'M LOOKING OVER RECALLS ON KELLEY BLUE BOOK SITE

Mileage: 147,000

20190711SERVICE BRAKES

AS I WAS DRIVING IN A PARKING LOT, I WENT TO APPLY MY BRAKES AS I AM TURNING MY CAR. THE BRAKES FELT HARD ALL OF A SUDDEN EVEN THOUGH I BARELY APPLIED PRESSURE. THE BREAK PETAL HAD A GRINDING SOUND AND APPLIED EXTREME PRESSURE TO BREAK MY CAR BY ITSELF. IT FELT AS IF MY CAR WAS BEING THROWN FROM SIDE TO SIDE. THIS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES IN PARKING LOTS. THIS HAS ALSO HAPPENED ABOUT 3 TIMES ON THE HIGHWAY. WHILE DRIVING AND GOING DOWN A SMALL HILL ON THE HIGHWAY I BARELY APPLIED THE BREAK BUT THE CAR BREAK FELT HARD AND WEIRD AS I BARELY PRESSED IT. IT FELT AND SOUNDED LIKE A GRINDING LOUD NOISE AND CAUSE MY CAR TO PULL VERY HARD TO THE RIGHT AS IF IT WAS GOING TO THROW ME OFF THE HIGHWAY. THANKFULLY EACH OF THOSE FEW TIMES I WAS DRIVING AROUND 30 MPH. EACH OCCASION THE VSA LIGHT CAME ON AND/OR STARTED BLINKING. I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO THE GARY FORCE ACURA DEALERSHIP IN BRENTWOOD, TN ON AUGUST 9, 2019. THEY PROCEEDED TO DO BREAKDOWN OF MY CAR AND TOLD ME I NEEDED A NEW WIRING HARNESS A

Mileage: 98,000

Compare 2006AcuraMDX to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Vehicle Safety Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2006 Acura MDX have?
The 2006 Acura MDX has 121 NHTSA complaints, 16 crashes, 0 fires, 11 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2006 Acura MDX?
Yes, the 2006 Acura MDX has 11 recall(s). The most common affected component is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Acura MDX?
The most-complained component for the 2006 Acura MDX is POWER TRAIN with 19 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION and AIR BAGS.
Is the 2006 Acura MDX safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Data vintage: August 2026. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.

Every figure on PlainCars is rendered directly from NHTSA complaint and safety data, no number is typed in by an editor. This year-specific record is rendered from NHTSA ODI, recall, and NCAP rows for the 2006 Acura MDX; no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error. Data current as of August 2026.