Acura MDX Complaints (2022)

182 consumer complaints on file.

#11693280October 14, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The transfer case spline stripped preventing power to be sent to the rear wheels
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11691842October 7, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Upon normal highway driving a couple of months ago, began to notice shifting that was not smooth and rpm "surges" on hills despite constant throttle. Upon taking car to dealer, inspection revealed an internal spline failure between transmission and transfer case. Lead mechanic explained it was not the first he had seen of this model and that it was clearly internal and caused by a manufacturing and/or assembly defect. I caught the problem early enough to not have a complete car failure; however, left untreated, it would lead to a transmission failure. The remedy was a full transmission and transfer case replacement, with repair costs exceeding $13,000. Given car had 84,000 miles, it was not covered by 70,000 Power Train Warranty from Acura. Pictures of parts below.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11687084September 13, 2025
STEERING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
I was driving to work yesterday morning- busiest time of day on probably the busiest road in our area. My car started freaking out randomly. It popped up numerous errors. The steering wheel locked up. The brakes weren’t working well. I had a car behind me. THANKFULLY they were paying attention because they were very close to rear ending me. But they dodged me. I finally jerked the wheel and got it pulled over to the side of the road until someone could come get me and take me to work. There could have been a different outcome. After being hit head on in February of this year, this incident was NOT good for my PTSD!!!! My anxiety has been through the roof since this incident with a car that I bought SIX MONTHS AGO! As soon as I can trade this car off and get something else, I will be. We still don’t know what it’s wrong with it. We are going to have it towed somewhere on Monday. This was a major safety risk for me AND for the others on the road!!! If my kids had been in the car, I would’ve been even more upset over the situation.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11684462September 2, 2025
ENGINE
The engine suddenly shut off when the vehicle was waiting for traffic light and at full stop. The vehicle would not restart after multiple attempts and had to be towed to dealership. Mechanic at the dealership said the "Idle Stop" feature can drain the battery quickly and had to replace a new battery. We consider this a reportable safety hazard and a potential design defect because 1. The "Idle Stop" feature is turned on by default, though it can be manually turned off. 2. The incident occurred in a very abrupt and unpredictable fashion. The vehicle was started normally about 30-40 minutes before the incidents and has been driven normally in a typical city traffic condition till the incidents occurred. During this period, the computer system did not give off any warning related to a total battery failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11683062August 26, 2025
STEERING
When starting the vehicle, the steering column extends to the operating position. When it extends, there is a grinding vibration coming up from the base on the floor. This is a very troubling sound as the entire dashboard vibrates.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11681733August 19, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While driving our sunroof exploded. There was a loud pop, I thought a tire, my grand daughter thought a gun shot. We pulled off the road to find the sunroof had cracked down the sides and the back and a crack diagonally. We were traveling so we taped it up and when we returned home took the MDX to the Acura dealer.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679541August 9, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, STEERING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
While driving with my small children in the vehicle, my 2022 Acura MDX suddenly displayed multiple simultaneous system failures without warning and the steering wheel locked and the car slowed and the brakes didn't work well: •Brake System Problem – warning that braking performance may be reduced •Electric Power Steering Problem – “Do Not Drive” warning •Vehicle Stability Assist Problem •Hill Start Assist Problem •All Wheel Drive System Problem - •Adaptive Cruise Control Problem •Collision Mitigation Braking System Problem •Lane Keeping Assist System Problem •Trailer Stability Assist System Problem •Brake hold system problem •Vehicle Stability Assist Problem •Electric Power Steering System Problem •Low Speed Braking Control Problem •Road Departure Mitigation System Problem These failures created a serious risk to my life as well as my children's lives by simultaneously disabling braking, steering assist, stability control, and AWD traction. If this had occurred at highway speeds or in a location without space to maneuver, it could have caused a severe crash and even death. The vehicle was towed to the dealer immediately.The tow truck driver stated that he had transported another 2022 Acura MDX with identical failures earlier the same day, suggesting this may be a widespread defect. The dealer found no recalls and attributed the issue to a steering angle sensor malfunction. Given the severity and the risk of injury or death, I am reporting this to NHTSA. Request: NHTSA investigation into whether this is part of a broader safety defect affecting 2022 Acura MDX models, and whether a recall or manufacturer corrective action is warranted.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11678759August 6, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
“fuel door stuck,” “no manual override,” “can’t refuel.” As per Acura manual there is way to open a gas/fuel door/cap/lid when actual way of opening through electronically fails due actuators or some other reasons. There is a manual release pull cable behind a removable access panel in the driver’s side of the cargo area trim, near or behind the wheel well lining. manual fuel door release is inside the trunk (cargo area) in case the electronic fuel door release fails.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11678638August 5, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
I have experienced several incidents where I am driving on open road with no obstructions in front of my vehicle and the collision braking feature suddenly engages. This has led to vehicles behind me almost rear ending my car due to the unexpected, strong, and abrupt nature of the braking on open road.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11678636August 5, 2025
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I was driving my car on the interstate and momentarily stopped due to traffic congestion. My engine idle stop feature was on and engaged as expected for the short stop, but the vehicle then stalled when I attempted to drive. There seemed to be an electrical issue with various lights coming on the dash to indicate a problem. I could not get the car to restart and was stuck in the left lane with cars then going around my stalled vehicle. I called 911 for help after I could not restart the car after 3 attempts. After approximately 5 minutes, I pressed the ignition button again, and this time my car was able to restart and drive normally so that I could exit the highway.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11676506July 27, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
Acura Headquarters USA 1919 Torrence Boulevard Torrence, California 90501 Mr. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] Email: [XXX] Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing your company to the attention of whomever oversees the product development and design of the 2022 ACURA MDX and to warn them that certain system features and design flaws of this make and model vehicle will undoubtedly lead to the death of someone in the near future as was nearly the case with myself and spouse very recently. On Sunday [XXX], my spouse and I attended church services that morning. Fortunately, after services our Acura MDX did start as usual, and we began our journey home.Upom arriving home, we backed our car into our garage and during that process thankfully I had the wits to unlock the passenger and driver side door mechanisms. Once we enteredthe garage and at thta point, our car went absolutely DEAD. Our car stayed dead for the next 5 1/2 hours. Had I not unlocked those doors, we would have been trapped inside for that duration of time, only to be found dead fron suffocation and asphysxiation from being in a car with all the windows rolled up, no power to the vehicle and no way to get out, while beingdeprived of oxygen. AT that point, your manufactured vehicle became a death trap for us.We're the fortunate ones who lived through the experience and to be able to tell the story. Others may not be so lucky to tell theirs and there will be others. We wanted the manufacturer to understand the full implications of our letter and to stress in the strongest terms possible that this is a very serious matter that will eventually cost lives, as it nearly cost us ours. The vehicle in question is VIN# [XXX] and was last serviced at Vandergriff Acura in Arlington, Texas on 6/13/2025 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
#11671314July 5, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Many attempts in the last 5k miles made to diagnose unsafe uncomfortable front vibrations. Vehicle erratically shaking above 50mph. Returned vehicle to CarMax (where vehicle purchased), and 3 separate individual Acura dealers made attempts. Rotated and rebalanced tires several times with a scan tool connected as a technician drove vehicle with no results Finally Acura dealer an hour away from my home diagnosed faulty front transfer case pending anything further. Conveyed the shaft splines into transfer case and other end to transmission may be faulty, rounded out, and will report findings. After inspected, transmission output splines for shaft going to front transfer case have been found rounded out as well. Dealer reported this again under warranty and ordering transmission. Coming up on 30 days front transfer case, transmission, and possibility of further repairs. Compiling written documentation. Vehicle repair attempts at Carmax Newport News, VA, Southern Acura Newport News, VA, Hall Acura Virginia Beach, VA, and Crown Acura Richmond, VA.
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
#11665509June 7, 2025
STEERING
Incident happened on 2-JUN-2025 While driving home from work at around 45-50 mph, all of a sudden, every warning light on the dashboard illuminated, displaying various messages such as “Brake System Failure - See Your Dealer,” “Power Steering Failure - See Your Dealer,” “Road Departure Mitigation System Problem - See Your Dealer,” “Lane Keeping Assist System Problem - See Your Dealer,” and “Collision Mitigation Braking System Problem - See Your Dealer,” among others. The power steering became extremely difficult to turn, almost as if it had locked up, while the brakes were also stiff but seemed to function. The steering wheel completely locked, and I was fortunate enough to maneuver the car to the side of the road by forcing it. After turning the car off and on about three times, everything finally returned to normal on the third attempt. I immediately contacted the Acura dealership to report the issue and scheduled an appointment, feeling apprehensive about driving on the highway, fearing the problem might recur. After dropping off the vehicle, the Acura dealership diagnosed the issue, as a “Power Steering Rack/gearbox malfunction. Luckily it was covered under the extended warranty. Q.1) The components that failed or malfunctioned include the brake system, power steering system, road departure mitigation system, lane keeping assist system, and collision mitigation braking system. These components should be available for inspection upon request at the dealership where I reported the issue. Q.2) My safety and the safety of others were significantly at risk due to the sudden failure of multiple critical systems. The power steering became extremely difficult to operate, and the steering wheel locked up, making it challenging to control the vehicle. This could have resulted in an accident. Q.3) Yes, the problem was confirmed by the Acura dealership after I reported the issue and dropped off the vehicle for inspection. They diagnosed the malfunction.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11661340May 15, 2025
POWER TRAIN
We were at a stop sign. I went to hit the gas and then a warning flash on the screen that there is a problem with the rear axle of the all wheel drive and that it was switching to front drive only. During that 5-10 seconds we went through the intersection on creep mode, 2-5 mph max. I felt helpless. My wife has had it happen to her 2 times. My first experience was tonight and it could have been bad if there was a car on the road we were crossing.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660839May 14, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
Brake system warning light comes on and says reduced braking take to dealer. Auto hold brakes don't always hold. Rear brakes non stop squeal and grab un predictably. I am unsure when and if the brakes will work in the rear. The loud noise from the rear squeal has caused others in traffic to flag me down and warn me something is wrong. The noise is also made it impossible to have my Autistic nephew in the vehicle with me as it triggers episodes and scares him. I have asked the dealer to please repair the rear brakes several times. They refused and instead replaced the front brakes, then admitted it is the rear brakes but refused to repair them. Honda of America also refuses to repair rear brakes. Based upon false statements on the work order the statement from the dealer is the rear brakes on the MDX are supposed to be like this. This vehicle has issues with the warning light while stopped and moving, and the noise and unsafe braking is at all speeding from 1-60 mph. Forward and reverse is malfunctions. I asked Honda America to repair which they won't then I ask them is the official statement these brakes are okay and safe as is and they will not say that either. I have driven similar models of this vehicle and it does not do the same thing, no noise, or warning lights, and the brakes preform safely and consistently. Mine do not. Honda of America does not want to repair the brakes under the warranty. They also incorrectly stated on repair statement that humidity and car washes can make the brakes do this. I have been in northern non humid states during winter and never use a car wash. They just use this as an attempt to not repair the brakes.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11659888May 9, 2025
POWER TRAIN
driving on highway car suddenly lost power check engine light came on. was able to coast off to an exit on the highway. car eventually unable to move. the car was towed to the dealer. the transmission and power take off unit was replaced.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11651916March 31, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was stopped at a traffic light and my car just shut off for no reason. I had to keep trying to start it but it wouldn't turn back on. I finally got the car to completely turn off, sat a couple minutes and then restarted it. Thankfully I was able to get it back on before the light changed again.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11647996March 12, 2025
POWER TRAIN
My vehicle has 80,000 miles. It has a popping sound when accelerating from stop. Dealership found metal chunks in the transmission and transfer case. Luckily I brought the problem to them before catastrophic failure while driving. Both are needing complete replacements.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11647519March 10, 2025
POWER TRAIN
My transfer case went out at an unknown mileage with no indication on my dash that there was a failure. It converted the vehicle to front wheel drive while indicating it was still having the back wheel spinning on the all-wheel drive indicator on the dash. During a recent snowstorm, there were multiple instances when I pulled out from an intersection thinking I had good traction I'm pulled out and then my wheels started spinning almost causing an accident. I thought that was weird so I brought it to my local Acura dealer and explained what happened and they tested it and found that the transfer case splines were bad along with the splines that attached to the transmission. They replaced both the transmission and transfer case under warranty. No police or insurance representatives were involved as there were no accidents.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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