2013 Acura MDX: problems, recalls and what it’s worth
Known weak spot on this generation: J-series V6 with VCM — oil burn, plug fouling, mounts. 1 recall campaign to confirm with a dealer. Few owner complaints for this year.
Scan for misfire codes, ask when the rear plugs were last done, feel for a shudder at idle in gear (worn mounts). Many owners fit a 'VCM disabler' — ask.
Known problems on the 2013 Acura MDX
J-series V6 with VCM — oil burn, plug fouling, mounts $600–$2,500 to fix
The 3.5L V6 with Variable Cylinder Management burns oil and fouls the rear bank of spark plugs (misfire codes P0300/P030x), and the VCM-induced vibration kills engine mounts early. A class action was settled with an extended plug/mount warranty.
Check for: Scan for misfire codes, ask when the rear plugs were last done, feel for a shudder at idle in gear (worn mounts). Many owners fit a 'VCM disabler' — ask.
Basis: Honda spark-plug/VCM class-action settlement; NHTSA complaints
Known patterns for this year and model, not findings about one car. A well-kept example may already have had the fix. Costs are rough US shop prices.
2013 Acura MDX recalls
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2013 Acura MDX. Repairs are free at a dealer for the brand, and a dealer can confirm by VIN which were already done.
- Fuel system
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Details 23V858000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
2013 Acura MDX safety investigations and free repairs
No open safety investigations.
Free repairs to ask about (warranty extensions):
- Engine: The oil control rings may become clogged with carbon deposits.
- Airbags: Acura is announcing a warranty extension for 2002-17 Acura vehicles.
- Warranty extension: Acura is announcing four warranty extensions for model years 2007-2013 Acura MDX and model years 2010-2012 Acura ZDX vehicles to address Active Damper System(ADS) dampers from failures in cold regions.
- Warranty extension: 2007?13 MDX and 2010?12 ZDX Rear Active Damper - In cold areas, the rear active dampers may be susceptible to leaking.
- Warranty extension: 2007?13 MDX and 2010?12 ZDX Front Active Damper - cold areas, the front active dampers may be susceptible to leaking.
A dealer for the brand can check these by VIN.
Source: NHTSA, Sep 24, 2026.
2013 Acura MDX safety and fuel
From NHTSA’s crash tests and the EPA’s fueleconomy.gov.
What owners complain about
29 complaints filed with NHTSA for this year and model, which is few.
Share of complaints that mention each area. One complaint can mention several.
Other Acura MDX years
2010 2011 2012 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2022 2023 2024
Printable inspection checklist · Out-the-door price calculator