looking at a 2020 MDX- Questions

1672 Views 25 Replies 18 Participants Last post by AcuraJim2540, 4 d ago

Efin

Discussion Starter · 2 mo ago (Edited)

I am looking at trading in my 2019 Silverado for a 2020 MDX with 16000 miles. After reading some posts on this page it seems like there are a lot of issues with the MDX. I like the size over the Lexus 350. Is it common to have issues with the MDX. I wanted a Honda/Acura because I have always heard that they run forever. Any suggestions on what I should look for when MDX shopping?

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datechboss101

· #2 · 2 mo ago

Efin said:
I am looking at trading in my 2019 Silverado for a 2020 MDX with 16000 miles. After reading some posts on this page it seems like there are a lot of issues with the MDX. I like the size over the Lexus 350. Is it common to have issues with the MDX. I wanted a Honda/Acura because I have always heard that they run forever. Any suggestions on what I should look for when MDX shopping?

Interesting trade lol.

Each vehicle has its own problems. Since you are looking at a 2020, all the issues found in the 2014-2019 MDXs has been either addressed by TSBs or with better fixes.

To give you an understanding, my 2017 MDX with nearly 110k miles on the odo has been trouble-free for me. If anything, its mostly user caused issues, cuz I’m a young curious car enthusiast.

Since its 3 yrs old and only 16k miles, just see the maintenance history of the vehicle and try to feel the transmission. Also double check the Navi and the Android Auto/Carplay systems (these do have some threads here iicr). If the car has that horrible auto start-stop system, there is another thread discussing issues about it. Just do a thorough inspection of everything possible. Also brake fluid should be changed this year due to the 3 year /no mileage limit interval.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

mrgold35

· #3 · 2 mo ago

Any specs on the 2020 MDX you are looking at?
Base
Tech
Aspec
Adv
Hybrid
fwd
sh-awd
CPO/non CPO
any accessories like hitch/harness, side steps, all weather mats, etc...

mdxstang

· #4 · 2 mo ago

Efin said:
Is it common to have issues with the MDX.

I've had my 2014 MDX since new. It's now almost 10 years old and 105K miles and has had 'zero' issues. Nothing at all has gone wrong with it. None of the other new vehicles I've purchased have that kind of track record (Ford, Dodge, Jeep, Hyundai).

If you go to a car forum you're going to see posts skewed towards people experiencing some problem hence why they're here in the first place. Many of those posters pop in, ask about some problem, receive responses from some of us, then are never heard from again. It may make it appear the vehicles are fraught with problems even when the majority are not.

If I was in the market for a slightly used vehicle right now I wouldn't hesitate a bit from considering a 2020 MDX.

Reactions: 3

Efin

Discussion Starter · #5 · 2 mo ago

mrgold35 said:
Any specs on the 2020 MDX you are looking at?
Base
Tech
Aspec
Adv
Hybrid
fwd
sh-awd
CPO/non CPO
any accessories like hitch/harness, side steps, all weather mats, etc...

I am looking at a few different 2020 Certified MDXs. As of now, my main want is for it to be certified, AWD and hitch. Any suggestions wold be helpful. Thanks

mvl

· #6 · 2 mo ago (Edited)

That leaves you with 3 choices of base awd, tech, and advance. (Hybrid transmission can't tow).

See below for a feature grid to help narrow down your choices:

acuranews.com

2020 Acura MDX Specifications & Features

2020 Acura MDX Specifications

acuranews.com

My recommendation is when in doubt go up a trim, as pricing differences in cpo are often very small per trim level.

18-20 are essentially unchanged, so I would rather go up a trim and an earlier year as I am one that cares more for features, as long as it stays CPO.

Reactions: 1

mrgold35

· #7 · 2 mo ago

A CPO MDX has an 182 point inspection to ensure all the maintenance is up to date, any recalls or TSB have been applied, the exterior/interior are to CPO standards, wearable items like brakes/tires are within a certain % (if not, replaced), and the vehicle is given an extended warranty for 100,000 miles. The extended warranty increases the 4 yr/50,000 mile basic to 6 yrs/100,000 miles with some restrictions. The standard 6 yr/70,000 mile powertrain warranty is increased to 7 yrs/100,000 miles. No change for the MDX Sport Hybrid EV component 8 yr/100,000 mile warranty for CPO or non-CPO vehicles.

The OEM hitch/7-pin harness will fit on all MDXs I listed above and you can replace the donut spare with a full size spare with the hitch on. The 3.5L fwd/sh-awd is rated for 3500lbs MAX from the factory and you have to add the ATF trans cooler to the sh-awd to get the full 5000lbs of towing (can't add ATF cooler to fwd MDX). The hybrid isn't rated for towing; but, you can add the same hitch/harness/full size spare for bike rack or swing out cargo carrier. The Aspec and Sport Hybrid MDXs are the only one from the bunch that has sh-awd standard.

I've seen prices +/- $1500 to install the OEM hitch/harness and ATF cooler. You can save a little $$$ if you DYI. Only the sh-awd come with the spare tire hoist, tools, and donut spare. The fwd and hybrid MDXs only come with an air compressor and tire goo. Some aftermarket hitches you find at uHaul or eTrailer sit below the MDX bumper and might be too narrow for a full size spare. Very hard to find a MDX with the OEM hitch/harness because it is so expensive to add.

The 18-20 MDXs are pretty much identical with minor changes in standard equipment and trim pieces. The 18 MDXs are probably over the basic warranty period if they are not CPO. The 19 MDXs are extremely close to the end of the 4yr/50,000 miles basic warranty period because of time (my 19 MDX 4/50k expired in March/2023). You should still be good for another 12-18 months with the 2020 MDX depending on when it was originally sold/leased. A low miles CPO 2019 MDX with the 100,000 mile CPO warranty might be a better deal compared to a non-CPO 2020 MDX with the same mileage. You also have the option to add Acuracare extended warranty as long as the 4yr/50,000 basic is active for up to 5 additional years or 120,000 miles for around $2500 on-line.

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Efin

Discussion Starter · #8 · 2 mo ago

mrgold35 said:
A CPO MDX has an 182 point inspection to ensure all the maintenance is up to date, any recalls or TSB have been applied, the exterior/interior are to CPO standards, wearable items like brakes/tires are within a certain % (if not, replaced), and the vehicle is given an extended warranty for 100,000 miles. The extended warranty increases the 4 yr/50,000 mile basic to 6 yrs/100,000 miles with some restrictions. The standard 6 yr/70,000 mile powertrain warranty is increased to 7 yrs/100,000 miles. No change for the MDX Sport Hybrid EV component 8 yr/100,000 mile warranty for CPO or non-CPO vehicles.

The OEM hitch/7-pin harness will fit on all MDXs I listed above and you can replace the donut spare with a full size spare with the hitch on. The 3.5L fwd/sh-awd is rated for 3500lbs MAX from the factory and you have to add the ATF trans cooler to the sh-awd to get the full 5000lbs of towing (can't add ATF cooler to fwd MDX). The hybrid isn't rated for towing; but, you can add the same hitch/harness/full size spare for bike rack or swing out cargo carrier. The Aspec and Sport Hybrid MDXs are the only one from the bunch that has sh-awd standard.

I've seen prices +/- $1500 to install the OEM hitch/harness and ATF cooler. You can save a little $$$ if you DYI. Only the sh-awd come with the spare tire hoist, tools, and donut spare. The fwd and hybrid MDXs only come with an air compressor and tire goo. Some aftermarket hitches you find at uHaul or eTrailer sit below the MDX bumper and might be too narrow for a full size spare. Very hard to find a MDX with the OEM hitch/harness because it is so expensive to add.

The 18-20 MDXs are pretty much identical with minor changes in standard equipment and trim pieces. The 18 MDXs are probably over the basic warranty period if they are not CPO. The 19 MDXs are extremely close to the end of the 4yr/50,000 miles basic warranty period because of time (my 19 MDX 4/50k expired in March/2023). You should still be good for another 12-18 months with the 2020 MDX depending on when it was originally sold/leased. A low miles CPO 2019 MDX with the 100,000 mile CPO warranty might be a better deal compared to a non-CPO 2020 MDX with the same mileage. You also have the option to add Acuracare extended warranty as long as the 4yr/50,000 basic is active for up to 5 additional years or 120,000 miles for around $2500 on-line.

Thank you for all the great information.

Efin

Discussion Starter · #9 · 2 mo ago

Is it true that you need the tech or Advance package to get a factory remote start?

mrgold35

· #10 · 2 mo ago

I think Acura made the remote start standard on the 19-20 Aspec MDXs also. No remote start with the Acuralink smartphone app like you can with the newest +19 RDX or +22 MDX vehicles.

Reactions: 1

mvl

· #11 · 2 mo ago

2018-2020 base and 2018 aspec didn't have factory remote start, all other trims did. You can also dealer install the oem remote start system to trims that didn't have it from factory.

Icculus

· #12 · 2 mo ago

There are not a lot of issues with these cars. Keep in mind that when you browse these forums you only hear about the issues, and not the hundreds of thousands of people who don't have any issues. Plus there's a lot of speculation and over-cautiousness that really mean nothing (like "I heard a tiny squeak, maybe I have replace my entire suspension"). If it was well taken care of and not a lemon, then a 16k mile car is like new and should last.

Reactions: 2

wasjr

· #13 · 2 mo ago

Efin said:
Is it true that you need the tech or Advance package to get a factory remote start?

I looked at the Fact Sheet for my 2020 Advance and you are correct that you need at least the Tech trim to get the remote start.
I've had five MDXs with no significant issues.
Make sure you want to trade. I sold my 2020 2500 last year, and while it was an extra vehicle, I sure do miss it! But then in 1996 I went from a Ranger to a Yukon so I know that needs change.

hwrab154

· #14 · 2 mo ago

Efin said:
I am looking at trading in my 2019 Silverado for a 2020 MDX with 16000 miles. After reading some posts on this page it seems like there are a lot of issues with the MDX. I like the size over the Lexus 350. Is it common to have issues with the MDX. I wanted a Honda/Acura because I have always heard that they run forever. Any suggestions on what I should look for when MDX shopping?

A common problem in all years has been a crappy shifting transmission. Not smooth. Even downshifting you feel each gear.

Icculus

· #15 · 2 mo ago

hwrab154 said:
A common problem in all years has been a crappy shifting transmission. Not smooth. Even downshifting you feel each gear.

True. But it’s not a “defect” or a reliability issue. It’s just the unfortunate characteristic of the transmission. I have a 2018 and honestly it’s not terrible. I image a 2019 and 2020 are further improved.

Reactions: 1

bill_mt

· #16 · 2 mo ago

Efin said:
I am looking at a few different 2020 Certified MDXs. As of now, my main want is for it to be certified, AWD and hitch. Any suggestions wold be helpful. Thanks

Don't get too concerned about a hitch. They are not expensive from places like etrailer. The car is already beautifully preferred for one. It's a simple and fast bolt in.

Reactions: 2

bill_mt

· #17 · 2 mo ago

Don't get too concerned about a hitch. They are not expensive from places like etrailer. The car is already beautifully preferred for one. It's a simple and fast bolt in.

mmmmark

· #18 · 2 mo ago

We have a 2020 AWD Advance and LOVE it. Trouble free and enjoyable. I’ve forgotten a lot of the differences with trims, but would be happy to answer any questions about this one.

Ive heard people diss the 9-spd transmission, but I believe they have ironed out the issues. Mine is butter smooth both up and down the gears. I’ve been really impressed at its smooth behavior and the mileage it’s helped achieve—high 20s on the highway.

Keep in mind that people come to forums to complain. And they usually outnumber happy people 10 to 1. Use complaints as resources, but don’t assume it’s normal.

Good luck!

Reactions: 2

rsimonel

· #19 · 2 mo ago

I have a 2020 CPO Tech package and it had 3800 miles on it when I bought in 2020. I have 42,000 miles on it now and have had no issues. I had the dealer instal the factory hitch as it looks a lot cleaner on the MDX vs aftermarket ones. Also, I added the factory fog lights on it too. I really like the look of them on the MDX. If they had an advance package when I bought mine, I probably wouldn’t gotten that one because of the additional features it has.

2018_MDX

· #20 · 2 mo ago

I had a 2014 MDX with the bad cylinder issues that caused it to drink a quart of oil every few weeks. Well documented and Honda issued a fix for those affected - replacement of pistons an rings. With 100K mile on mile, I refused it since I knew it would lead to other issues needing to be fixed and I didn't want to poor money into it so it was sold. I bought a new 2020 Tech a few years ago and have over 20K miles on it. No issues thus far. It's a comfortable ride.

I'd suggest putting enough time test driving the used car you are interested in to make sure it's good for you and you are feeling, hearing or seeing any potential concerns. I'd go as far as test driving it, stopping, and going on a second test drive over a variety of conditions...streets, freeway, etc to really get a feel of it. If you are limited in being able to drive it where you want, I'd walk away.

Get the CPO package and you should be good. Tech or Advance package is advised. As for hitch, when I got mine new, it didn't come with one so I called some local dealers and found one for a few hundred - they vary in price based on dealers or if you buy online and have it shipped to you. A dealer (Acura or otherwise) will install it for like a $100 if you shop around. It's really simple. You can even find plenty of YT vids of the process if you are mechanically inclined. It's literally 4 bolts. I got the Acura hitch since it's pretty clean, but I've purchased aftermarket in the past as well. Either work fine.

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