Acura MDX Complaints

3,381 consumer complaints on file.

#11671068July 3, 2025
STEERING
The contact owns a 2023 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and turning the steering wheel, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions; however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated that the failure worsened, and the vehicle remained with the dealer for three weeks for an extensive diagnostic test. The contact stated that after three weeks the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11670253June 30, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
On [XXX] I headed out for an event. I had been driving for 8 minutes when I lost the ability to steer, the Brake, TSA, and Steering system warning lights flashed on the dashboard and I immediately turned onto a side street. One message stated to contact dealership immediately, DO NOT DRIVE. The car was towed to Mungenast St Louis Acura. It was scheduled for service on Monday, June 23, already, so this was perfect. It was determined the battery failed. My concern is that prior to this event the vehicle's warning system gave no indication the battery needed attention, was low in power, or anything else related to the battery. I was on a busy street however, this event could have been very much different had I decided to take the highway to my event. 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
#11669581June 26, 2025
ENGINE
While driving southbound on I-5 from San Francisco to Anaheim, the vehicle began making rattling and squeaking noises from the engine compartment. Within minutes, multiple warning systems activated, including alerts for power steering, brake system, ABS, and other critical components. The vehicle quickly lost power and could no longer shift gears. We were forced to exit the highway near Kettleman City, but the engine completely shut off as we were exiting. Brake pressure was lost, and the vehicle could not be stopped using the primary braking system. We had to use the emergency brake to avoid a collision. The vehicle was towed by roadside assistance to a dealership for inspection. The dealer confirmed that the engine had spun a connecting rod bearing in cylinders #3 and #4, which caused piston damage and full engine seizure. The service department acknowledged this failure matched a known recall (Recall No. 23V-751), but stated the vehicle was not eligible for repair due to its VIN not being listed. Despite this, the failure is identical in cause and outcome to those covered by the recall and poses the same safety risks.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668968June 24, 2025
EXTERIOR LIGHTING, INTERIOR LIGHTING
The contact owns a 2020 Acura MDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V259000 (Exterior Lighting, Interior Lighting); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668974June 24, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS
The contact owns a 2023 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, on a rough road, the "Brake" warning light illuminated, then several warning lights illuminated. In addition, the contact stated the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the steering wheel failed to function as intended. The contact was able to pull into a parking lot. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and was diagnosed that the wheel sensor had failed, and the calibration was not fully completed by the manufacturer. The vehicle was calibrated, and test driven with a 67-mile drive, and an unknown sensor was replaced. The contact picked up the vehicle and became aware that the "Lane Departure Warning / Drift Lane Assistance" sensor was deactivated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving 40 MPH, the failure occurred. The vehicle went LIMP Mode and failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The contact was informed that the vehicle needed two system updates. The contact was unsure if the updates had been performed. The contact picked up the vehicle and became aware that the "Blind Spot Sensor" had been deactivated. The contact had not given permission for the deactivation. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 14,907.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668505June 22, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Car stalled in traffic and would not restart, and couldn’t figure out how to put in neutral. We had good samaritans that wanted to push it out of the way, but no one could figure out how to put the car in neutral. Even the police and tow truck driver couldn’t figure out how to put it in neutral. I found out after research that to put it neutral when it will not start requires a special tool that has to be installed by opening the hood. Acura doesn’t even include this special tool.It costs extra. So if you’re are in traffic and your car stalls there is no way to push it out of the way. This is incredibly dangerous in a traffic situation.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668367June 21, 2025
POWER TRAIN
At only 44,318 miles, my 2019 Acura MDX began showing clear transmission problems in the lower gears — including delayed acceleration, gear slipping, and jerky movement when starting or turning at low speed. These symptoms posed an immediate safety risk, especially when merging into traffic or making turns across oncoming vehicles. I first brought the car to Oakland Acura, which incorrectly diagnosed it as a transfer case issue. Their misdiagnosis delayed the repair process and added unnecessary cost and time. I then had the vehicle evaluated at Acura Concord, where it was correctly diagnosed as transmission failure in the lower gears. An independent, certified mechanic also confirmed the same diagnosis. Despite multiple confirmations of premature transmission failure — and a full maintenance history — American Honda offered only a $900 discount on a $9,600 repair, citing the vehicle being just outside the time warranty (but with low mileage well under 50K). I believe this is a manufacturer defect, not a wear-and-tear issue. Safety Concern: This transmission failure is not just inconvenient — it is dangerous. The vehicle hesitates when accelerating from stops or low speeds, which can lead to accidents at intersections, highway merges, or left turns. The misdiagnosis further delayed identifying and addressing this issue. I am filing this complaint to urge NHTSA to investigate whether this is part of a broader pattern with Acura MDX transmissions, and to help prevent similar risks for other drivers and families.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668249June 20, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Unknown
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668053June 20, 2025
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Washer fluid pump is fail its a common problem in this vehicle after fluid go low and you refill the reservoir pump will not work anymore a lot of complain have be files again this problem
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668168June 20, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Rear differential SWD light came on was told it was my tires but in fact it is water corrosion in the rear differential oil pump and subframe wiring harness. Acura is aware of the issue but will not warranty the work. This should be a recall
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11667706June 18, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
MALFUNCTION: ROAD MITIGATION SYSTEM FAILED (RDM), LANE KEEPING ASSIST SYSTEM (LKAS) FAILED, and CRUSE CONTROL FAILED, after investigating the issue this is happening with multiple vehicles. SAFETY: YES, these all failed at the same time, poses significant safety issues for the diver, passengers, and other drivers due to nature of failure. CONFORMATION: at this time no inspection of the vehicle has transpired. NO OTHER WANING LAMPS OR MESSAGES, prior to suddenly showing up today 6/18/25
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11667443June 17, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
All of a sudden the brakes are automatically applied with collision avoidance amber coming on dash heads up display while I am on freeway approximate speed 30-40 mph with no apparent vehicle in front.this has also happened at lower speeds in local driving roads.Braking is pretty severe and dangerous could be rear ended by other vehicles ..This is a Collision mitigating system falsely coming on with no vehicle in front very dangerous.It has happened about 3 times intermittently. Taking in vehicle to local Acura dealer on 24 th June 2025 for check up
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11667009June 15, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Phone: [XXX] VIN: [XXX] Vehicle : 2017 Acura MDX Dealership: DCH Montclair Acura, Bloomfield NJ 07103 Warranty: Extended Warranty Active Previous Case No: [XXX] Subject : Formal Complaint-Dashboard Errors and Inadequate Warranty Support Dear Acura Client Relations, I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding ongoing dashboard error messages in my 2017 Acura MDX and the poor handling of the situation by both your Customer service and DCH Montclair Acura in Bloomfield, NJ. The errors occur intermittently during my work commute. When I contacted customer service, I was told by Case Manager (Andrew) on [XXX] @ [XXX] pm that nothing could be done unless I brought the vehicle in while the warning lights were actively on. This is unrealistic and dismissive. It is not always possible or safe to divert immediately to a dealership and I do not believe that Acura expects its customers to drive around hoping a warning light stays on long enough to be seen by a technician. I understand that modern vehicles like the MDX store fault codes even after warning lights disappear. That Is the purpose of diagnostic equipment. Denying a warranty repair based on whether a technician witnessed an error live undermines the value of the extended warranty i paid for raises serious concerns about safety and accountability. I plan to visit DCH Montclair and attempt to schedule an appointment in advance. I expect a full diagnostic scan to be performed, with no fee applied unless the issue is clearly outside of warranty. I am requesting the following: A complete diagnostic of stored fault codes, regardless of whether the dashboard errors are active at the time of service. Full written documentation of the findings and action taken A clear explanation of any charges and why they would apply under my extended warranty. If this matter is not resolved appropriately, I will escalate it through the BBB 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
#11667053June 15, 2025
ENGINE
When idle stop is on and I come to a stop, the car shuts off and switches to neutral. It has to be put in park to start it back up. This is a safety concern because the vehicle is essentially stalled until you're able to put it in parked and restart it, which could cause an accident. The dealer is aware of the problem as it's been discussed the last two times that I've taken my vehicle in for recalls. According to the dealer, there is a recall for this issue but it's not for 2020 MDX, it's for 2022-2025.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11666729June 13, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2018 Acura MDX. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle jerked and hesitated and failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. No warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while exiting a parking lot and driving 5 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated. The contact stated that several minutes later, the vehicle functioned as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired after the most recent failure. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11666753June 13, 2025
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
5 waning lights on : Adaptive Cruise Control , Lane Departure Warning , Lane Keeping Assistance , front light, and the emergency braking . Service crew at Acura Dealer told me that the front multipurpose camera has internal error. It is very dangerous since all these functions must be fixed before I can drive it on road.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11666861June 13, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I was driving on the road and an electronic parking error light came up, along with emissions error. I pulled over to the side and I could not start the vehicle and the gears won’t shift
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11666323June 11, 2025
ENGINE
The engine has developed rapidly increasing knocking sound. Acura has been notified and has suggested I get an official diagnosis from dealer. I have done so at a cost of $1,300. The dealer's head mechanic has confirmed that I have an engine failure which exactly resembles the connect rod bearing recall found on the same engine type and of vehicles of the same year. Acura has denied any assistance in resolving this, even after receiving a written opinion from a dealer. I am lucky to have taken the steps to diagnose, prior to failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11666330June 11, 2025
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I am writing to formally express my concern regarding a recurring issue with the Auto Start/Stop feature in my 2020 Acura MDX. This feature, which is intended to improve fuel efficiency, has instead caused unexpected and unsafe engine shutoffs while the vehicle is in operation. On multiple occasions, the vehicle has failed to restart promptly after the engine shuts off at a stoplight or in traffic, creating a serious safety hazard. The delay or failure to restart can leave the car temporarily disabled in active traffic, placing both myself and other drivers at risk.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11666192June 10, 2025
ENGINE
At 101,841 miles, noticed ticking coming from the engine as it was idling. Acura of Limerick dealership diagnosed the issue coming from the bottom of the engine as a rod knock. They feel the problem is internal to the engine and suggest replacing the engine at my, I the owner's cost. After reviewing blogs and information on recalls on the internet, this issue seems in line with other rod bearing issues with this 3.5L V6 engine. But my Vin is not identified as having the recall issue? This seems incorrect as my Vin should be covered as it seems to be the same problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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