2005 Acura MDX Life Expectancy

With proper care and light usage, a 2005 Acura MDX can last twenty years or more. But it is notorious for having powertrain issues, so you need to keep an eye out for that.
Written by James Ellaby
Reviewed by Amy Bobinger
background
The 2005
Acura MDX
is a crossover SUV that has had real staying power in terms of its popularity, and when looked after properly, it’s also got the capability of lasting for up to 250,000 miles on the road. However, this model also has reports of transmission failure, amongst other issues to look out for.
  • An average Acura MDX should last between 250,000–300,000 miles.
  • One Acura MDX was reported to last over 900,000 miles.
  • To extend the life expectancy of your 2005 Acura MDX, take care of routine maintenance, drive it fewer than 14,000 miles a year, and avoid accidents.
  • Be aware that this model sometimes suffers from powertrain issues and brake problems.

How many miles can a 2005 Acura MDX last?

There’s no definitive answer to this question because every car’s life expectancy depends on how it has been maintained and how it has been driven. That said, an average 2005 Acura MDX has the potential to last between 250,000 and 300,000 miles.
With most US drivers covering around 14,000 miles a year in their cars, an MDX that has done this kind of mileage should therefore last around 15–20 years.

How long does an Acura MDX engine last?

The 2005 Acura MDX comes with a 265-horsepower V6 engine, delivering a steady—but hardly impressive—EPA rating of 17 mpg combined between city and highway driving. If you maintain your engine, it should last for more than 250,000 miles.
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Can an Acura MDX last 500,000 miles?

There are stories online of Acura MDX vehicles that have
lasted for more than 900,000 miles
when used as taxis, so it is certainly possible to reach 500,000 with the right maintenance and plenty of regular usage—but this is still a rare feat for any vehicle. 

Average life expectancy for an Acura MDX

So far we’ve talked about how long a 2005 Acura MDX could potentially last and have seen that at least one 2001 model made it up to beyond 900,000 miles. Certainly, the MDX has a good reputation for longevity, with an iSeeCars study in 2022 placing it in the top 20 SUVs for greatest potential lifespan, saying it would last 228,472 on average
But according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the average lifespan of a passenger car in the United States is only around 11 years. So if you want your MDX to defy this meager average lifespan, its longevity will rely on factors such as: 
  • Mileage: If you’re regularly driving your MDX much more than the average annual mileage, the chances are that wear and tear will be accelerated and it won’t last as long. 
  • Regular maintenance: Like anything else, an MDX will last longer if you look after it, so sticking to the maintenance schedule should go a long way to ensuring that it will at least last as long as the average life expectancy.
  • Accident history: Accidents can happen to the best of us, but every bad smash your MDX is involved with will have a negative impact on the essential components that keep it running smoothly.
So if you come across a used 2005 Acura MDX with around 100,000 miles on the clock, you should be able to be confident that it could last for at least another 100,000 miles. Meanwhile one with more than 200,000 miles notched up already would have a shorter expected lifespan ahead of it. 
However, it’s advisable to get either of them checked out by a trusted mechanic to look for any hidden issues that could affect their life expectancy.
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How to extend a 2005 Acura MDX’s life expectancy

If you’ve already got a 2005 Acura MDX, it’s already beyond the average life expectancy in terms of years, so what can you do to make sure it continues to run smoothly? The most important thing is to keep it up to date with its maintenance schedule, like arranging regular oil changes and flushing out and replacing other essential fluids. 

Common 2005 Acura MDX problems to watch out for

The 2005 Acura MDX had good reviews and excellent safety ratings, but owners have also reported plenty of problems over the years. Here are some of the most common: 
  • Powertrain: The most common complaint with the NHTSA is for powertrain issues, like the MDX suddenly braking, going into neutral, or suffering transmission failure while driving. As well as being potentially dangerous, this can also cost over $1,000 to get fixed.
  • Airbags: Another common issue and potentially dangerous problem with this model involves the airbags. These have been known to deploy unexpectedly, which in itself isn’t an expensive fix but getting hit in the face with an airbag on the freeway could lead to plenty of other issues. There have been several recalls based on this issue.
  • Brakes: The MDX has also had recalls due to braking problems, particularly sudden inadvertent braking, including without the brake lights showing. Needless to say, this has the potential for the real danger of causing a crash and can cost over $1,000 to repair.
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FAQs

Only 0.03% of cars get to 300,000 miles, but we have already seen that Acura MDXs can achieve it. With the right care and attention, yours could potentially do it too.
The MDX is the Acura vehicle with the longest life expectancy at an average of 228,472 miles. There are stories online of MDX models reaching more than 946,000 miles and 634,000 miles respectively.
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