Standard / Technology / A-Spec / Type S / Type S Ultra (4th gen YD3, 2022–present)
Low Risk
The 4th-gen MDX is the best MDX ever made — longer, wider, lower, with a gorgeous interior and optional Type S performance variant. The naturally-aspirated 3.5L is the same proven engine in many Honda/Acura products; no VCM on this generation. SH-AWD standard on Technology and above. Very young platform with no established failure modes. Main checks: SH-AWD fluid service, infotainment update, and warranty status.
Items to check
8
Open recalls
1
NHTSA complaints
75
Top concern
Minimal — new platform
Powertrain
3.5L V6 — no VCM on 4th gen
Low Risk
Acura removed VCM from the 4th-gen MDX — the motor mount vibration issue from 3rd gen is gone. Clean, reliable engine.
Cold-start: smooth idle. No motor mount vibration.
Est. cost: Routine maintenanceSource: Acura MDX 4th gen engineering change
Type S 3.0T V6 — performance but complex
Low Risk
Twin-turbo V6 is new but no widespread issues. Higher maintenance cost at Acura dealer.
Both turbos should build boost cleanly. No smoke under load.
Est. cost: Higher maintenance costSource: Acura Type S reliability data
SH-AWD
SH-AWD coupling fluid service
Low Risk
SH-AWD differential fluid every 15–30k miles. Young vehicle — confirm service if 30k+ miles.
Parking lot tight turn. No vibration expected.
Est. cost: $150–$300 serviceSource: Acura SH-AWD standard
Documentation
Warranty status + service records
Low Risk
Young vehicle. Verify Acura warranty coverage at dealer.
Confirm warranty status. Request service records.
Est. cost: n/aSource: AutoVetting editorial
What the VIN tells you
The 4th-gen MDX (2022+) splits into two very different engines, and the buyer-critical decode is whether you are actually looking at a Type S. The mainstream 3.5L SOHC i-VTEC V6 (J35Y6, 290 hp, 10-speed automatic) is the proven Honda/Acura V6 with no VCM cylinder deactivation on this generation — the motor-mount vibration issue from the 3rd gen is gone. The Type S uses a unique 3.0L twin-scroll turbo V6 (J30-series, 355 hp) with forged internals, the 10-speed automatic, standard SH-AWD, and markedly higher running costs. Honda/Acura encode the engine across VDS positions 4-8 rather than one clean letter, so confirm the build at vPIC — though the Type S is also unmistakable by its quad exhaust, wider fenders, larger brakes, and Type S badging, so engine ID is rarely ambiguous in person. If you are paying the Type S premium, verify the VIN truly decodes to the 3.0T and that SH-AWD is present. 10th digit N = 2022 (P = 2023). Run the full VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and decode at autovetting.com/decode before purchase.
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