Acura MDX Complaints (2020)

231 consumer complaints on file.

#11721310March 1, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST, BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
Add Auto High Beam problem to the above Adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and collision mitigation. Suddenly got several warning popups and persistent warning lights on related to the identified issues. We just replaced the battery a few months ago, and didn't have any of these problems until this week. Now, it happens every time we start the vehicle. We did the Recall software upgrade. I suspect these problems are related to that software upgrade. Many people online report identical problems without solutions. Please advise RE next steps for how to resolve.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11720934February 27, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
I start getting every kind of warning on my dashboard - Collision mitigation system problem -Auto Crues Control Problem -Brake system Light on - The Car apply brake on the miidle of street/Highway
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11718591February 17, 2026
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
The contact owns a 2020 Acura MDX. The contact stated that the front windshield camera became inoperable. There were unknown warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the control arms failed. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The windshield was replaced with an aftermarket part at an auto body shop. The control arm was replaced at the local dealer. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11716875February 9, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
I was driving on a normal sunny day when every light on my dashboard came on. I initially panicked thinking my car was going to shutoff while I was driving it. This is in conjunction with the car stalling out when the auto shutoff feature malfunctions. After researching the issue, I realized the safety camera was no longer working and a major concern. A malfunctioning front camera can prevent the vehicle from automatically braking or maintaining lanes, hence increasing the risk of collision. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate the front multi-purpose camera system on the 2020 Acura MDX for potential defect and safety hazard.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11716378February 7, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER
The windshield washer fluid does not come out of the nozzles. On a wintry day, there was a lot of dirt and grime kicked up from other vehicles and I was unable to see out of the windshield and it caused a very dangerous situation. Acura knows this is an issue but does not want to accept responsibility. There is plenty of fluid in the reservoir and I made sure the nozzles were clear of debris. The vehicle has not been inspected by the dealership or anyone else. There are no warning lights.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11712781January 22, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
The following issues occur on a 2020 Acura MDX with low 50k miles, maintenance was done regular whenever a maintenance schedule appear. For the past few years after purchasing the vehicle we started getting a non-start engine with the key fobs and automatic side mirrors did not open or close when parked. Brand new batteries were replace for the key fob and later the Car Battery and the issue occurs intermittently, this was brought to the attention of the dealership and each time (documented) that they were not able to reproduce when they turned off the vehicle, this was mid 2024 06-13-2024 and sporadically continues till this year 2026. The dealership did not test or trace the electrical system as they were told to reproduce the issue first as it will happen at that moment. A new recent event 2025 has also occur and was brought to the dealerships attention, a warning message indicating - Electric Parking Brake Problem follow by a Emissions System Problem will appear. This was also "reset" by the dealership and indicated it was safe to drive but event reoccurs every few months. A 2nd opinion to another mechanic indicated it can be the emergency brake system to be faulty and driving the vehicle when the message appears may cause an immediate stop, advised us to have the dealership reach out to the manufacture. No word from either for the past year. Any open recall for my VIN was done once we were notified and a New Car Battery replaced and new batteries in key fobs - issue continues. Please assist Thank you
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711358January 16, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Car started to accelerate randomly and 2 seperate occasions while driving, Car started to decelerate / Brake randomly while driving
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711475January 16, 2026
ENGINE
On December 4th I noticed a rattling sound when I was driving. It worsened when my car would rev above 2RPMs and before shifting. It also would make a terrible grinding sound when I started the car. I had about 1/4 of a tank of gas and thought that maybe that was part of the issue. After filling up, the sound was not as loud, but was still present when I started the car and upon accelerating. I took my car to my Acura dealership on December 5th. Within an hour of having the car they called to tell me that the engine needed to be replaced due to a connecting rod failure. They told me that the car is no longer safe to drive and that the repairs would be required in order to continue to use the vehicle safely. There was no warning sign. My only other concern is that the downshifters of this vehicle have never worked properly. I have mentioned this to the dealership multiple times and even drove the vehicle with their representative to recreate the issue. The car would accelerate and lurch forward upon utilizing the downshift feature. This would also cause the vehicle to over-rev which I am concerned was problematic to the connecting rod failure. Additionally, the vehicle has always made a grinding noise upon starting the engine, but the dealership assured me this was normal. Acura is unwilling to cover the full cost of replacement even though this vehicle has been maintained per the manufacturer's recommendations. There are approximately 90,000 miles on this vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711138January 15, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, ENGINE
I was at a red light with the idle stop automatically triggered. When the light turned green, and I pressed the accelerate pedal, the car would not move. I looked and saw the car had shifted itself to N (neutral) when it should have stayed at D (drive). I pressed the "D" button to drive but it stayed in N. There was a green light around the N button indicating the selected button. I had to turn off the car, turn on the car two times before the car recognized I wanted to press the "D" button. The screen by the steering wheel had some sort of message but I don't recall what it said. The word "accessory" might have been part of the message. This is absolutely a safety risk for myself and others. I had cars behind me at the green light honking. I had to turn on the hazard lights and wave to them out the window. If the driver before me did not pay attention, they could have hit me. This is the second time this has happened.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709878January 9, 2026
ENGINE, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
There was a couple times where the car stalled at a red light. Also, there are a lot of times when I press the push to start, it will not start, advising me to place the key fob near the push to start. I find this to be dangerous when driving and very annoying when attempting to start and it doesn't start.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708481January 3, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
This is a safety-related defect involving the multipurpose front camera used for Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) on the 2020 Acura MDX. The multipurpose front camera failed without warning, resulting in the simultaneous loss of multiple ADAS safety features, including (but not limited to) Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Mitigation Braking, and Road Departure Mitigation. These features are integral to the vehicle’s active safety systems and driver awareness. The failure required full replacement of the front camera assembly. The total repair cost was approximately $2,300, which I was required to pay out of pocket because no recall or extended warranty coverage was available. This failure creates a significant safety concern because: * The loss of ADAS functions occurred suddenly and without driver fault. * The driver may rely on these systems for collision avoidance, lane control, and adaptive braking. * The vehicle remains drivable, but with materially degraded safety capabilities compared to its certified design. * There is a risk that drivers may not immediately recognize the loss of functionality or may assume partial systems are still operational. After experiencing this issue, I discovered numerous reports from other Acura MDX owners describing identical multipurpose front camera failures, often at similar mileage, with similarly high repair costs. This suggests a potential systemic defect rather than isolated wear or misuse. I respectfully request that NHTSA review this issue to determine whether this represents a safety-related defect requiring investigation and possible recall. Given the role this component plays in multiple safety systems, I believe this issue warrants formal evaluation.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707264December 27, 2025
EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Intermitted Flashing Dash Lights, Headlights, and Car Alarms. Steering wheel moving up and down. Looks like the same issue as Service Bulleting 21-055.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705877December 18, 2025
SEATS
The rear seats for my 2020 MDX are making a loud squeaky noise. The car has all of 47,000 miles and this should not be happening. American Honda wants $4,467 to replace the rear seat that is in a newer car from 2020. I’ve already had to spend over $2,000 last year to replace the drivers seat motor. I’d like to know if this problem is prevalent in the 2020 MDX with other owners? I’d appreciate your insight. Thank you. [XXX] cell [XXX] and [XXX] 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
#11704183December 10, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
I drove my car in the morning and parked it in the lot for about an hour. After I came back and started my car, the following multiple safety systems displayed on my dashboard at the same time: - Lane Keeping Assist Problem - Collision Mitigation System Problem - Road Departure Mitigation System Problem - Auto High Beam Problem - Adaptive Cruise Control Problem When I took it to the dealership on the same day to diagnose this, they came back and said it was an internal failure with the camera and quoted me around $2200 to replace and recalibrate the camera. These lights just came on out of nowhere, I had no repairs or modifications with my windshield and there were no accidents of any sort. This appears to be a widespread problem among 2020 Acura MDX vehicles with similar camera modules. A malfunctioning front camera can prevent the vehicle from automatically braking or maintaining lanes, hence increasing the risk of collision. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate the front multi-purpose camera system on the 2020 Acura MDX for potential defect and safety hazard.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11702079November 30, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The Auto Start-Stop Technology is malfunctioning. I bought my 2020 Acura MDX in 2022 and with the first 2 weeks of having it, it turned completely off while in a drive through line. It only does this when the Auto start- stop is on. I took it back to the dealership and of course they found nothing wrong. This happens frequently and sometimes the car doesn’t want to start back up. Sounds like I am not the only one with the same issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11702117November 30, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
All the sensors are blinking with no damage done to the vehicle no Cruz Control no abs no lane departure and more all sensor is not working
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11701938November 28, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
While driving my 2020 Acura MDX with 29,647 miles, all AcuraWatch safety systems suddenly failed at once, including Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Keeping Assist, Road Departure Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Automatic High Beams. Multiple warning messages appeared simultaneously. This disabled forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure/lane keeping functions, creating a serious safety risk. The dealer inspected the vehicle and confirmed an internal failure of the multipurpose front camera/radar unit, and recommended replacement of the entire assembly. The repair estimate is $2,200. The dealer stated the component has failed and cannot be repaired. This issue is widely reported by many Acura owners of similar model years, and appears to be a recurring defect. The failure occurred without any impact, damage, or modification. The vehicle is available for inspection. The symptoms began suddenly and all warnings appeared at the same time. Because this failure disables critical collision-avoidance and lane-keeping systems, it presents a significant risk to the driver and others on the road. I believe this should be investigated as a safety defect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11700564November 20, 2025
ENGINE
My 2020 model Acura MDX is experiencing unexpected engine shutdowns while braking during motion. The issue has been reported multiple times to the vehicle manufacturer and their authorized dealers; however, their responses have been consistently unhelpful and have not resolved the problem. I currently have an open complaint with American Honda Motor Co., Inc. since December 2023 Case Number: 14329512 Additionally, I have found numerous reports online from other owners of the same model experiencing the same issue, as documented here: 🔗 2020 Acura MDX Engine Complaints – CarComplaints.com This recurring malfunction presents a serious safety risk, especially in moderate traffic conditions, where sudden engine failure during braking could lead to collisions or injuries.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11700169November 18, 2025
ENGINE
I was driving on the interstate when suddenly the check engine light began to flash and the car lost power. I was traveling at 70 mph and the sudden loss of power caused the vehicles behind me to move into the other lane to prevent rear ending me. While there was no accident, there could have been if the other drivers were not reactive. There was no advanced warning. This could have been deadly for me and my family. I was several miles from home and needed to have the vehicle towed to a mechanic who stated it sounded like a rod bearing and suggested we take it to an Acura dealer. We are yet to have a resolution.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11698353November 8, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Electric parking break and emissions light keep popping up. They says it’s the catalytic converter many people having the same issue
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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