DecodedCars2008 Acura MDX
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD /Tech/Elite
- Engines
- 3.7L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 17 combined · 15 city / 20 hwy
- Length
- 190.6 in
- Curb weight
- 4,550 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 18 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Acura MDX is a SUV - offered with a 3.7L 6-cyl engine and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 191 inches long and 78 inches wide on a 108-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,550 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 17 MPG combined (15 city / 20 highway), 2% worse than the 2008 SUV - average of 17.4 MPG, for an estimated $4,850 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 24 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2008
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2007 MDX — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 MDX →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD /Tech/Elite | 190.6 in | 78.3 in | 68.1 in | 108.3 in | 68.5 / 67.7 in | 4,550 lb | 56/44 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MDX 4WD | 3.7L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 20 / 17 | -2% | $4,850 | 523 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Acura MDX under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Acura MDX (this car) | 17 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Land Rover Range Rover | 15 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Porsche Cayenne | 16 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2008 BMW X5 | 18 MPG | Not rated | 12 |
| 2008 Lexus RX | 25 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 Volvo XC90 | 16 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 Audi Q7 | 16 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Acura MDX.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2008 Acura MDX is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 Acura MDX buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Electrical System — 8 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Air Bags — 5 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Structure › Body — 4 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 100,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Acura MDX. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other MDX years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 MDX | 22 | 198.4 in | Not rated | 1 | 9 |
| 2025 MDX | 22 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 112 |
| 2024 MDX | 22 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 43 |
| 2023 MDX | 22 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 48 |
| 2022 MDX | 22 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 181 |
| 2020 MDX | 27 | 196.1 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 231 |
| 2019 MDX | 27 | 196.1 in | ★★★★★ | 9 | 198 |
| 2018 MDX | 27 | 196.1 in | ★★★★★ | 10 | 170 |
| 2017 MDX | 27 | 196.1 in | Not rated | 9 | 268 |
| 2016 MDX | 23 | 193.7 in | Not rated | 7 | 377 |
| 2015 MDX | 23 | 193.7 in | Not rated | 8 | 67 |
| 2014 MDX | 23 | 193.7 in | Not rated | 8 | 128 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Acura. How we calculate this →