Acura · Known Issues

2013 Acura MDX Problems: 3 Known Issues

2013 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated August 2026

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2013 Acura MDX has 3 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is J37 Oil Consumption, Spark Plug Fouling, and Active Motor Mount Failure ($400-$3,500 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $200 to $3,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Acura MDX problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2013 Acura MDX has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: J37 Oil Consumption, Spark Plug Fouling, and Active Motor Mount Failure, Torque Converter Lock-Up Clutch Judder at 20-60 mph (2012-2015 MDX), Power Steering High-Pressure Hose Cracking and Rack 'Morning Sickness' — Generation-Specific Fitment. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Acura MDX reliable?

The 2013 Acura MDX has 3 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 1 issue is rated critical: J37 Oil Consumption, Spark Plug Fouling, and Active Motor Mount Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Acura MDX problems?

Repair costs for known Acura MDX issues range from $200 to $3,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, J37 Oil Consumption, Spark Plug Fouling, and Active Motor Mount Failure, typically costs $400-$3,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2010-2013 Acura MDX J37 Oil Consumption, Spark Plug Fouling, and Active Motor Mount Failure?

The 2010–2013 MDX J37A1 can develop oil consumption and spark-plug fouling from piston-ring or cylinder sealing problems. Separately, its front and rear active hydraulic engine mounts can leak or collapse, causing idle vibration and a clunk when shifting. Diagnose these as separa… Repairs typically run $400-$3,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2012-2015 Acura MDX Torque Converter Lock-Up Clutch Judder at 20-60 mph (2012-2015 MDX)?

Owners of the 6-speed 2012-2015 MDX feel a rhythmic 'rumble-strip' judder between roughly 20 and 60 mph during light/steady throttle. Honda's investigation found the torque converter itself is not damaged; the lock-up clutch judders due to ATF deterioration combined with calibrat… Repairs typically run $200-$1,200. Severity: medium.

What is the 2001-2013 Acura MDX Power Steering High-Pressure Hose Cracking and Rack 'Morning Sickness' — Generation-Specific Fitment?

First- and second-gen MDX power-steering high-pressure hose deteriorates and cracks at the metal-to-rubber crimp, weeping Honda PSF onto the subframe and causing whine, low-fluid warnings, and eventually pump damage. Internally, the rack develops 'morning sickness' - stiff steeri… Repairs typically run $350-$1,800. Severity: medium.

2013 Acura MDX Problems: 3 Known Issues

All 3 Known Issues

2012-2015 Acura MDX: Torque Converter Lock-Up Clutch Judder at 20-60 mph (2012-2015 MDX)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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2001-2013 Acura MDX: Power Steering High-Pressure Hose Cracking and Rack 'Morning Sickness' — Generation-Specific Fitment#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What you need to fix it

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Other Acura Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Acura MDX problems?

Is the Acura MDX reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Acura MDX problems?

What is the 2010-2013 Acura MDX J37 Oil Consumption, Spark Plug Fouling, and Active Motor Mount Failure?

What is the 2012-2015 Acura MDX Torque Converter Lock-Up Clutch Judder at 20-60 mph (2012-2015 MDX)?

What is the 2001-2013 Acura MDX Power Steering High-Pressure Hose Cracking and Rack 'Morning Sickness' — Generation-Specific Fitment?

All 3 Known Issues

2010-2013 Acura MDX: J37 Oil Consumption, Spark Plug Fouling, and Active Motor Mount Failure#

2012-2015 Acura MDX: Torque Converter Lock-Up Clutch Judder at 20-60 mph (2012-2015 MDX)#

2001-2013 Acura MDX: Power Steering High-Pressure Hose Cracking and Rack 'Morning Sickness' — Generation-Specific Fitment#

Other Acura Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Acura MDX problems?

Is the Acura MDX reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Acura MDX problems?

What is the 2010-2013 Acura MDX J37 Oil Consumption, Spark Plug Fouling, and Active Motor Mount Failure?

What is the 2012-2015 Acura MDX Torque Converter Lock-Up Clutch Judder at 20-60 mph (2012-2015 MDX)?

What is the 2001-2013 Acura MDX Power Steering High-Pressure Hose Cracking and Rack 'Morning Sickness' — Generation-Specific Fitment?