The Most Common 2013 Acura MDX Problems

The 2013 Acura MDX has a few different reported problems, including transmission issues and burning through oil very quickly.
Written by Liz Jenson
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
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The most common problems with the 2013 Acura MDX include oil consumption issues, engine problems, and electrical malfunctions.
Unfortunately, many critics recommend that you avoid the 2010 to 2013 model years of the Acura MDX. While the MDX is a good family-friendly vehicle, these model years in particular have issues like burning oil and transmission problems that can be expensive to fix—particularly since these model years are no longer protected by Acura’s warranty.
Still, is it worth it to buy and fix a used MDX? That’s what
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Acura MDX insurance costs
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The most common 2013 Acura MDX problems

Before we start discussing the issues that make the 2013 Acura MDX a model year to avoid, it’s worth mentioning that this vehicle is still a very comfortable SUV that handles well. This means that, even if it has some problems, the 2013 MDX is still often pleasant to drive.
However, this model year is also known to burn through oil, which can cause other serious engine problems if it’s not addressed. Older MDX models are also known to suffer from transmission issues, which can often be expensive to fix. These transmission problems may include problems shifting, shifting into third gear when going uphill, and grinding or grating when shifting gears.
On their own, these problems are certainly concerning, but they’re even more frustrating on the 2013 model since it is no longer protected under Acura’s warranty. The warranty only lasts for 125,000 miles or eight years (whichever comes first).
If you’re thinking about buying a used 2013 MDX, it’s worth taking the vehicle for a
test drive
first to make sure it’s functioning properly. If you’re buying from a private seller, you should also make sure to have the vehicle inspected before finalizing the sale.

Is the 2013 Acura MDX reliable?

Although you should certainly watch out for these issues, the 2013 MDX actually has decent reliability ratings overall. RepairPal gives the 2013 MDX a four out of five for reliability, which is pretty good compared to other luxury SUVs from 2013.
J.D. Power gives the 2013 MDX an 83 out of 100 for reliability, which places the vehicle at the very bottom of the “Great” category and still places the vehicle above average for its class.
These good reliability ratings are probably due to the fact that repair frequency is pretty average compared to similar vehicles. Additionally, repair costs for the 2013 MDX are about $604 per year, which is pretty good for a luxury SUV.
Overall, while the most common problems with the 2013 Acura MDX are more serious than those that other vehicles might experience, they occur at an average rate and don’t cost more than the typical car might cost to repair. Just remember to check for these issues before buying a used MDX, particularly from a private seller who may or may not have had the vehicle inspected first!

Finding Acura car insurance

When shopping for a new vehicle, it’s also important to find new
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