Never Buy These Used Acura MDX Model Years if You Don’t Want to Burn a Bunch of Oil
The Acura MDX is a luxury midsize SUV built to last for more than 250,000 miles. In fact, there’s a two-year wait for the redesigned 2022 models due to unprecedented demand. But despite this three-row SUV’s popularity, you should avoid certain Acura MDX years.
That’s because many owners have experienced excessive oil consumption. The problem is not only bothersome but can also cause severe engine problems over the vehicle’s life.
Avoid these used cars that burn oil
Consumer Reports recently took a look at vehicles built within the past decade that burn oil at disproportionate rates compared to similar models.
CR says, “For the most part, manufacturers fixed or discontinued the problem engines in later model years. But there are still a lot of individual vehicles on the road that burn oil.”
Vehicles that have never been modified and are still burning too much oil include BMW models with a 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 engine and certain General Motors four-cylinder SUVs. For example, GMC Terrain and Equinox SUVs with 2.4-liter engines now have an extended factory warranty to remedy the issue.
However, most older vehicles are out of warranty, so used car shoppers should beware of these “at-risk” cars. Frequent oil monitoring might become necessary to avoid catastrophic engine damage.
Consumer Reports calls the following vehicles “oil burners” and warns consumers to avoid these model years:
- 2010 to 2013 Acura MDX
- 2010 to 2012 Audi S4
- 2010 to 2015 Audi Q5
- 2012 to 2019 BMW M5
- 2010 to 2013 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain
- 2010 to 2013 Mini Cooper
- 2012 to 2013 Subaru Impreza
- 2010 to 2015 Subaru Forester and Outback
- 2010 to 2015 Subaru Legacy
- 2010 to 2014 Subaru Tribeca
- 2011 to 2014 Volvo XC60
- 2011 to 2014 Volvo XC70 T6
Problems with the 2010 to 2013 Acura MDX
You should avoid Acura MDX vehicles from the 2010 to 2013 model years. Albeit a comfortable SUV with good handling, its excessive oil consumption should be a sure sign for potential buyers to steer clear.
This family-focused SUV’s second generation has been having problems with burning too much oil for years. Acura is aware of the problem and extended the warranty on more than 200,000 vehicles with the 3.7-liter V6. The warranty extension is for eight years or 125,000 miles, whichever comes first.
But 2010 to 2013 Acura MDX SUVs are now out of warranty, with more than a decade of wear and tear on the engine.
According to CarComplaints.com, Acura owners experiencing problems with oil consumption and inaccuracies with the “Maintenance Minder” filed a class-action lawsuit.
In May 2020, the owners settled with Honda, Acura’s parent company, although the automaker denies any wrongdoing. The automaker agreed to reimburse eligible owners for out-of-pocket expenses with valid documentation.
If a qualified vehicle is found to be using more than one quart of oil every 1,000 miles, Acura will pay for the cost of repairs for excessive consumption. The caveat is the vehicle must still be within the powertrain warranty period or warranty gap period.
Consumer Reports suggests this alternative to 2010 to 2013 Acura MDX models
Most drivers don’t want to deal with the cost of repairs for a 2010 to 2013 Acura MDX, especially if Honda denies the claim.
Consumer Reports suggests a better alternative with a lot less headache involved: the 2013 Lexus RX. “A used Lexus RX in good condition should provide many miles of relatively trouble-free service,” CR says.
Priced around $17,975 to $19,225, the RX offers an equally or more comfortable ride and boasts good reliability.
Best of all, this used Lexus SUV shows no signs of excessive oil consumption.
RELATED: Acura Settles After Class-Action Lawsuit Over Expensive Oil Problem
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