DecodedCars2013 Acura MDX
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD/Tech/Elite
- Engines
- 3.7L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 18 combined · 16 city / 21 hwy
- Length
- 190.9 in
- Curb weight
- 4,577 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 18 MPG combined, 16% below the 2013 small SUV average of 21.4 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 21 similar 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2013 Acura MDX is a small SUV offered with a 3.7L 6-cyl engine and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 191 inches long and 78 inches wide on a 108-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,577 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 18 MPG combined (16 city / 21 highway), 16% worse than the 2013 small SUV average of 21.4 MPG, for an estimated $4,550 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 24 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2013
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2012 MDX — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2012; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2012 MDX →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD/Tech/Elite | 190.9 in | 78.3 in | 68.1 in | 108.3 in | 67.7 / 67.7 in | 4,577 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 (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 21 / 18 | -16% | $4,550 | 500 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 Acura MDX.
Similar 2013 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Acura MDX (this car) | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2013 Porsche Cayenne | 23 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2013 BMW X5 | 22 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2013 BMW X3 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2013 Lexus RX | 29 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2013 Volvo XC90 | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Audi Q7 | 22 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (1)
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Dec 18, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V858000 · 2,490,460 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- 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.
Not every 2013 Acura MDX is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2013 Acura MDX buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 8 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 6 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 4 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 68,200 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 2013 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 →