Acura MDX Complaints

3,381 consumer complaints on file.

#11735372May 3, 2026
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vehicle is equipped with start stop system and we have had multiple instances where we come to a stop , and the car will not restart. In the latest instance, we pulled up to stoplight, the start stops system engaged shutting off the engine then wouldn't restart. Car also wouldn't turn completely off, so I had to hit the flashers at the busy intersection, try to get the car into park, then shut completely down, then restart the car. It also struggled to restart as if the battery was dying. In this instance most dash lights come on, but it appears to be an engine, electrical, and software issue. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealer multiple times, and in once instance they said the issue was caused by a bad battery, mind you the car is slightly over a year old. This latest time, they claimed that the battery was good and no issues were found. This issue continues to put me and my family at risk by leaving us disabled in the middle of traffic especially when it has happened near exiting the freeway,
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11735169May 1, 2026
STEERING
The contact owns a 2025 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while having routine maintenance, the power steering was making an unknown abnormal noise. The steering was turning on and off. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 15,027.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11735131May 1, 2026
ENGINE
I am reporting a serious safety defect involving repeated engine stalling and failure to restart associated with the auto idle stop/start system on a 2025 Acura MDX. The vehicle was leased in December 2024. Beginning in late summer and early fall of 2025, the vehicle intermittently shut off at stops and failed to restart when releasing the brake. This resulted in the vehicle becoming unresponsive in active traffic conditions, creating a significant safety hazard. The vehicle was presented to an authorized dealer for this issue on multiple occasions: August 15, 2025 September 9, 2025 October 31, 2025 After repeated unsuccessful attempts to diagnose and repair the condition, the dealer ultimately replaced the starter on October 31, 2025. This repair did not permanently resolve the issue. In April 2026, the vehicle again began exhibiting hesitation and delayed engine restart following auto idle stop events. On April 30, 2026, the vehicle stalled again, demonstrating that the defect persists despite prior repair efforts. This condition is intermittent and unpredictable, which increases the risk, as the vehicle may fail to restart when entering or crossing intersections or when moving with traffic. The inability of the vehicle to reliably restart creates a clear safety concern. Given the repeated repair attempts and recurrence of the defect, this appears to be a systemic issue rather than an isolated component failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734918April 30, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Our infotainment system stopped working and when we took it one of Acura’s authorized dealers they told us that back half of the car is flooded and that has shot down all the electronics including the infotainment system. They also gave me a bill of $10K USD to fix the leak and replaced damaged electronics. Their argument is that the car was parked outside and that caused this issue. This has never come up in any of our previous maintenance visits where Acura certified dealerships always check our car and tell us that everything is okay.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734615April 29, 2026
AIR BAGS, SERVICE BRAKES, STRUCTURE:BODY
Iam having numerous problems with the start stop function of my 2022 MDX. See attached letter and documentation for full details. I also attached the documentation from my dealership for the repair order history. There have been numerous of times that this problem occurred that I didn't bring it in for service. The dealership acknowledges that there is a problem, but they are unable to correct. They also have told me that they know of this problem with the Acura MDX, but there is still no recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734545April 29, 2026
ENGINE
The vehicle is designed to shut off at a stoplight and restart when your foot leaves the brake, or the steering wheel is moved. On multiple occasions, the vehicle turns itself off (typically at a red traffic light) only to not restart. Driver must manually put the vehicle into park, and try to restart it using the traditional push button (IN TRAFFIC). This is horribly dangerous even if it takes just a few seconds to do. The Acura dealership maintains that there is nothing they can do. Simple internet searches indicate that it's a wider issue than my own vehicle, so I am reporting my issue to you.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734327April 28, 2026
ENGINE
Interstate driving 70mph. Sudden engine power loss, vehicle slowed to 50mph. Check engine light came on. Engine knocking noises. Drove car 2 miles to our Acura dealership. Service dept says we have rod bearing failure. Currently deciding how to proceed...used or Reman motor repalcement.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734210April 28, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
—The floor harness has failed due to poor design & location of the harness as it creates a trap for moisture. —Yes, this component is available for inspection upon request. —The safety of myself was in moderate jeopardy due to the air struts malfunctioning. —Yes, the problem has been reproduced by a dealer. —To my knowledge, the vehicle or component has NOT been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representative or others. —Yes, there were warning lamps & error messages appearing on the daahboard. These error messages & warning lamps would appear anywhere from 15-30 minutes after vehicle was in motion.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11733928April 27, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Car jerked badly on highway when trying to accelerate. It puckered to a stop after a few hours. But started in a few mins and we got home. Mechanic suggested that fuel pressure is low. No repair done. But problem did not surface again for a little bit. Now emissions problem light has come on. This is the third time in 4 months. Once again mechanic suggested low fuel pressure and also pointed to the recall. Writing to request being included
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734011April 27, 2026
ENGINE
My 2016 Acura MDX (purchased new January 2016) has a confirmed failure of the 9-speed automatic transmission warmer (ATF warmer), causing engine coolant and ATF fluid to cross-contaminate. The failed warmer is still in the vehicle and available for inspection. In the last week of March 2026, I noticed the engine cooling fan continuing to run after shutting off the vehicle — an abnormal symptom that prompted me to bring the car in for service. No check engine or transmission warning lights were illuminated. On March 28, 2026, Blue Sky Tire and Auto (Cumming, GA) performed a diagnostic inspection confirming coolant and ATF cross-contamination. The technician also physically inspected the transmission warmer manufacturing date stamp, confirming it falls within the defective manufacturing date range identified in Acura Service Bulletin 17-009 (October 6, 2017), which states that improperly manufactured warmers allow coolant and ATF to mix, potentially causing permanent engine and transmission damage. The vehicle has not been inspected by an Acura dealership for this failure. However, an American Honda Customer Relations case has been opened (Case # XXX) with a case manager assigned to evaluate the warranty claim under the 10-year/unlimited mileage warranty extension issued by American Honda for this exact defect. This failure poses serious safety risks — loss of transmission lubrication can cause sudden transmission failure at speed, and coolant-ATF mixing can cause engine overheating, both potentially resulting in loss of vehicle control. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11733865April 26, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Transfer case failure limiting all wheel drive system. Needs new transmission and transfer case at 83000 miles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11733788April 25, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
The multipurpose front camera on my 2017 Acura MDX failed with DTC U3000‑49, disabling LKAS, ACC, CMBS, and FCW. Acura issued Service Bulletin 23‑008 acknowledging a software defect, but my VIN was denied eligibility despite matching the bulletin’s criteria. This is a safety‑critical failure affecting many owners, and Acura is forcing consumers to pay for camera replacement instead of providing the software fix. My 2017 Acura MDX (VIN [XXX] ) is experiencing a failure of the multipurpose front camera, which controls several collision‑avoidance systems including: Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) Forward Collision Warning (FCW) All of these systems became disabled, and the vehicle displays multiple warning lights. The diagnostic code stored is U3000‑49 (FCW/LDW Camera Unit Malfunction). Acura issued Service Bulletin 23‑008, which states that: “A problem exists with the detection logic in the multipurpose camera software.” The bulletin applies to all 2017–2018 Acura MDX trims, and the corrective action is a software update to the camera module. My vehicle matches the exact symptoms described in the bulletin. However, Acura and the dealership informed me that my VIN is “not eligible” for the update, even though the bulletin explicitly lists my model year and trim. Instead, I was told I must pay for a full camera replacement, costing over $1,200, despite Acura acknowledging the issue is software‑related. This leaves me with a disabled safety system and no manufacturer‑supported remedy. The failure is widespread among 2017 MDX owners, and many report identical symptoms and identical denials of coverage. Because this defect disables multiple federally relevant safety systems simultaneously, I believe this should be treated as a safety recall, not a customer‑paid repair. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue and require Acura to provide the software update.Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION A
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11733707April 24, 2026
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Emissions System Failure Warning Power Shifting / Power Shifting See Dealer All Wheel Drive (AWD) Power may be reduced - see dealer
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11733361April 23, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On April 17 2026 while driving my 2022 Acura MDX at very low speed in a parking lot, the vehicle suddenly accelerated forward without warning and surged into bushes before I could stop it. I did not mistake the gas for the brake pedal. This felt like a sudden unintended acceleration event. I was preparing to park in a stall and the vehicle lunged forward unexpectedly. I applied the brake, but the braking did not immediately stop the forward surge. Earlier, I experienced another unusual event in which the vehicle abruptly auto-braked, jerked, and made a warning sound while I was slowing for a red light. I noticed the car felt as if it was surging a bit on residential streets and was about to mention it during the next service. This incident has caused me to lose confidence in the safety of the vehicle. I contacted Niello Acura who has been very cooperative. I was told the issue would need to be duplicated or that they could only inspect it if a code had been stored once the car is repaired. The car is currently being repaired with close to 7,000 in front end damage. I am reporting this because a sudden unintended acceleration presents a serious safety risk and could easily have caused a more severe crash or injury. I did research on this issue and have found various reports of unintended accelerations in the Acura MDX forums from various years but was unable to find any recalls or outcomes with these reports My concern is this will be dismissed as "operator error" or a phantom incident that cannot be reproduced.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11732981April 22, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Issues with the sunroof frame. I've notice popping from the car roof Acura is aware of this issue they've put out a bulletin but only covering cars that have less than 50k miles and are under 4 years old. After researching I see a lot of people are having similar issues where the screws come lose and the sunroof frame breaks causing some sunroof to shatter.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11732707April 21, 2026
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The main issue is engine knocking and ticking also winding noise. There has been an issue with electrical with rear passengers getting burnt due to heat coming out of rear when rear system is off.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11732431April 20, 2026
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
We have had multiple incidents when the car is at a stop light with the idle stop not active, the vehicle engine will just die. The light turns green and the vehicle is not running, it will take multiple times pushing the start button for it to start back up. This has resulted in multiple almost rear end incidents due to other drivers assuming we would go when light turned green. More recently this weekend on a trip from Columbus OH to St. Louis MO; stopped to get gas east of Indianapolis, after pumping gas the vehicle would not restart. It took multiple tries to get it to restart; this happened again the following day at a stop during the day at a shopping center, we ran in to get subs for lunch, came back out, would not start, I have a video of the sound and flashing lights but I can't upload a video here.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11732226April 19, 2026
ENGINE
I was driving down the interstate, the engine started making noise, a saw big puff of Blue smoke in the vehicle. Lost all power
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11731756April 17, 2026
ENGINE
A rod bearing inside the engine failed and created metal shavings inside the engine. The vehicle has not been fixed yet, so it is available for inspection currently, but I will be having the engine replaced in the next 2 weeks. With the metal shavings inside the engine it could cause a catastrophic failure of the engine while driving at any point The dealer has inspected and diagnose it as a rod bearing failure I reached out to Acura customer service to make them aware and ask for assistance in reviewing for coverage in the ongoing recall, but since my vehicle was not manufactured in the plant covered under the recall, they are unable to help. I asked for a good will credit and after they conferred with the dealer they stated the failure was not due to a manufacturing defect, therefore they cannot help. There were no warning lamps or messages from the vehicle. The only symptom was a ticking sound, that got louder at higher RPMs, coming from the front of the engine on the passenger side. I’ll also add that based on CARFAX report and our service records since we bought the vehicle, all recommended maintenance has been performed as recommended by the manufacturer.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11731547April 16, 2026
SUSPENSION, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
RIGHT AND LEFT REAR STROKE SENSOR AND AFTER MARKET CONNECTOR WITH PIGTAILS FOUND CORROSION NEE REAR STROKE SENSOR CONNECTOR CAUSING DTC C1646-F0=== $872.13 right + $872.13 left They are using after market parts with this new Suspension system for Acuras MDX TYPE S. Any car wash or rain storm or snow storm this parts gets corrosion!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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