Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified
Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.
| At 160,000 mi | Universal Vehicle Operation (inspect idle speed) |
Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2013 MDX.
The 2013 Acura MDX is an SUV driven by a powertrain pairing a six-speed automatic (S6) transmission with an engine requiring 4.5 quarts of 5W-20 API oil, delivering EPA fuel economy of 16 city, 21 highway, and 18 combined mpg. While the vehicle carries a single recall and 29 total owner complaints predominantly centered on the electrical system, this marks a distinct contrast to the model's broader reliability timeline. Within a complaint history spanning 2001 to 2026—where the peak hits 359 complaints in 2016 and the floor sits at just 6 in 2026—the 2013 iteration represents a notably quiet chapter, signaling fewer reliability hurdles for researchers compared to the model's most problematic years.
Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.
Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.
From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 24F · 630 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Transmission | Automatic (S6) |
| Overall length | 190.9 in |
| Overall width | 78.3 in |
| Overall height | 68.1 in |
| Wheelbase | 108.3 in |
| Curb weight | 4577 lb |
| Track (front / rear) | 67.7 / 67.7 in |
| Weight distribution (front / rear) | 56/44 |
| EPA city / highway / combined | 16 / 21 / 18 mpg |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive |
| Recommended fuel | Premium Gasoline |
0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.
Independent road tests for the MDX of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.
| Year | Trim / engine | 0–60 | ¼ mile | HP | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | SH-AWD Advance & Entertainment Package 3.7L V6 | 6.70 sec | 15.20 sec | 300 hp | AWD |
| 2010 | SH-AWD Advance & Entertainment Package 3.7L V6 | 6.60 sec | 15.10 sec | 300 hp | AWD |
| 2010 | SH-AWD Advance & Entertainment Package 3.7L V6 | 6.80 sec | 15.30 sec | 300 hp | AWD |
| 2007 | SH-AWD Sport & Entertainment Package 3.7L V6 | 7.00 sec | 15.50 sec | 300 hp | AWD |
| 2007 | SH-AWD Sport & Entertainment Package 3.7L V6 | 7.30 sec | 15.70 sec | 300 hp | AWD |
| 2007 | SH-AWD Sport & Entertainment Package 3.7L V6 | 7.60 sec | 16.00 sec | 300 hp | AWD |
| 2007 | SH-AWD Sport & Entertainment Package 3.7L V6 | 8.10 sec | 16.40 sec | 300 hp | AWD |
Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.
This engine holds 4.5 qt of 5W-20 API engine oil, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 94 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 29.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-4-2-5-3-6.
| Automatic Transmission Fluid | ATF |
| Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity | 3.3 |
| Brake Fluid | DOT 3 |
| Differential Gear Oil Capacity | 5.3 Pints |
| Engine Oil | 5W-20 · API |
| Engine Oil Capacity | 4.5 qt |
| Engine Flywheel Bolts | AT: 54, MT: 76 ft-lbs |
| Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts | 16 ft-lbs |
| Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts | 23 ft-lbs |
| Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts | In three steps: 16 ft-lbs |
| Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts | 23 ft-lbs |
| Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug | 29.0 ft-lbs |
| Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs | 9 ft-lbs |
| Engine Valve Cover Bolts | 8.9 ft-lbs |
| Driveshaft Flange to Transmission | 53.0 ft-lbs |
| Lug Nuts | 94 ft-lbs |
| Transfer Case Fill Plug | 35.0 ft-lbs |
| Transfer Case Drain Plug | 35.0 ft-lbs |
| Front Wheel Hub | 242 ft-lbs |
| Rear Wheel Hub | 181 ft-lbs |
| Cylinder Firing Order | 1-4-2-5-3-6 |
| Curb Idle Speed (No Load) | 710 rpm |
| Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load) | 50 rpm |
| Spark Plug Manufacturer | NGK |
| Spark Plug Gap | 0.039-0.043 in |
| Spark Plug Torque | 13.0 ft-lbs |
| Refrigerant | R134a |
| Refrigerant Capacity | 1.25-1.40 lbs |
| Oil Group | PAG |
| Oil Type | 46 |
| Oil Capacity | 4.22-4.65 oz |
| Standard BCI Group Number | 24F |
| Standard BCI Cranking Performance | 630 cca |
| Pressure Test | 14-18 psi |
| Radiator Cap Pressure Relief | 14-18 psi |
| Thermostat Opening Temperature | 169-176 °F |
| Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum) | 55.0 |
| Engine Compression | 135 minimum PSI. 28 maximum variation PSI. |
| Engine Oil Pressure | 10 psi @ Idle, 50 psi @ 3000 rpm psi |
| Intake Valve Lash | 0.008-0.009 in |
| Exhaust Valve Lash | 0.011-0.013 in |
| Torque Caliper to Bracket | 53 ft-lbs / 27 ft-lbs |
| Torque to Knuckle | 101 ft-lbs / 65 ft-lbs |
| Minimum Pad Thickness | 0.063 in |
| Rotor Max Parallel Variation | 0.0006 in |
| Rotor Runout Limit | 0.0016 in |
| Rotor Nominal Thickness From | 1.098 in / 0.429 in |
| Rotor Nominal Thickness To | 1.106 in / 0.437 in |
| Rotor Discard at or Under | 1.024 in / 0.354 in |
| 1 | 14 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90 | 14 ft. lbs |
| 1 | 47 ft. lbs, step 2: 60 | 47 ft. lbs |
Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.
| At 160,000 mi | Universal Vehicle Operation (inspect idle speed) |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
The 2013 Acura MDX is the final year of the second generation (2007–2013) and stands out as the most reliable model within that generation, with only 29 complaints—the lowest of any second-gen year and a sharp drop from the 76 complaints in 2012. This year also carries just one recall and zero investigations, continuing the generation’s trend of minimal safety actions, while the 88 TSBs suggest Acura was proactively addressing minor issues rather than reacting to widespread failures. In contrast, the preceding first generation (2001–2006) averaged over 180 complaints and multiple recalls per year, and the subsequent third generation (2014–2020) saw a dramatic spike, with 2014 alone recording 168 complaints and 9 recalls. The 2013’s top complaint areas—Electrical System, Power Train/Engine, and Engine—each had only three reports, and there were no crash complaints, though three fire complaints were noted. Overall, the 2013 MDX is a strong buy for a used SUV, as it represents the most refined and trouble-free iteration of its generation, with far fewer reported issues than both earlier and later model years.
All 29 complaints on record, top 8 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
Showing 1 of 1 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
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… Remedy: 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…
Showing 5 of 88 bulletins on record with NHTSA.
| Bulletin | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| DOR-M9J4S-07 | 2020-06-03 | Engine And Engine Cooling | These SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication… |
| B19-052 | 2019-10-02 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Service Bulletin - Due to high demand for repairs under this warranty extension, pistons… |
| BBOM08312019 | 2019-08-31 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Dealer Message - On January 16, 2019, Acura announced a warranty extension for certain… |
| B19-006 | 2019-08-10 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Service Bulletin - The oil control rings may become clogged with carbon deposits. These… |
| B19-006 | 2019-05-18 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Service Bulletin - The oil control rings may become clogged with carbon deposits. These… |
The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.
Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.
Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.
Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.
4.5 qt of 5W-20 API, per the factory manual.
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.
EPA figures are 16 city / 21 highway / 18 combined mpg.