Acura MDX Complaints

3,381 consumer complaints on file.

#11711323January 16, 2026
STEERING, SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I was driving in the far right lane on the Van Wyck Expressway when suddenly my steering wheel locked up on me along with the following error messages displayed on the odometer: 1. Collision mitigation braking system problem. See your dealer 2. Road Departure mitigation problem. See your Dealer 3. Low Speed braking control problem. See your Dealer. 4. Electric Power Steering problem. Steering assist not available. Do not drive. 5. All wheel drive system problem. Only front wheels may be powered. See your Dealer. 6. Brake system problem. Brake performance may be reduced. See your dealer. 7. Brake hold problem. Apply brake when stopped. See your dealer. 8. Vehicle stability assist system problem. Reduced traction and handling. See your dealer. 9. Hill start assist problem. Vehicle may roll upon brake release. See your dealer. Thankfully I was approaching an exit ramp and I was able to steer my MDX safely off the expressway. I parked my car on the service road, turned my hazards on and then turned the car off. When I restarted the car the error messages were gone and power steering worked as if nothing happened. Acura will be hearing from me I could’ve been in a serious accident.
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
#11711246January 15, 2026
ENGINE
I was driving my Acura MDX(2016 7900 miles) on a multi-lane highway, the vehicle experienced a sudden and significant loss of engine power without prior warning. This occurred during normal traffic conditions and reduced the vehicle’s ability to accelerate and maintain speed, creating a safety risk for my family and surrounding vehicles. After the loss of power, a rattling/knocking noise from the engine became apparent. A check engine light appeared after the initial event which later went away. The vehicle was first inspected by an authorized dealer, who recommended replacement of spark plugs and later a timing belt as part of the diagnostic process. These actions did not address the underlying issue. The vehicle was subsequently inspected by an independent repair facility. The independent mechanic confirmed internal engine damage by finding metal shavings in the oil and diagnosed rod bearing failure, requiring complete engine replacement. The failed engine is available for inspection upon request. The independent mechanic also referenced an Acura/Honda technical service bulletin related to rod bearing failures affecting similar engines and model years. The vehicle has been routinely serviced at authorized Acura dealerships, including regular oil changes, prior to the failure. No external damage, misuse, or lack of maintenance was identified during the inspection by the dealership. The issue was later inspected by the manufacturer’s authorized dealer. The manufacturer declined assistance, stating the failure was not considered a defect. There were no warning lamps, messages, or noticeable symptoms prior to the initial loss of power.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710838January 14, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Sunroof exploded while driving on the interstate. A loud noise and glass was everywhere inside the truck on my passenger and I. The distraction caused me to slam on brakes injuring my foot in which I’m out of work for 4 weeks
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11710401January 12, 2026
ENGINE
The engine failed and acura tech said it was connecting rod failure. There is a Safety recall from Acura 23-036 and an investigation by NHTSA # RQ24013. Acura stated my VIN is not part of the recall although it's the same issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710451January 12, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The vehicle is experiencing a catastrophic mechanical failure of the transfer case/transmission splines, resulting in a 'Loss of Motive Power.' On two occasions while merging into high-speed highway traffic, the engine revved to high RPMs, but the vehicle failed to accelerate for approximately 5 seconds (Mechanical Neutral Drop). These incidents resulted in near-collisions. The vehicle also exhibits violent torque steer and unpredictable handling. The issue was initially reported to an authorized dealer at 70,320 miles but was misdiagnosed as 'no codes were present.' Subsequent inspection by a second dealer confirmed a mechanical failure of the drive splines. This is a purely mechanical failure that does not trigger dashboard warning lights or Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), leaving the driver unaware of the impending drivetrain failure until power is lost. First signs of a problem: Late August 2025 First loss of motive power incident: Early October 2025 Second loss of motive power incident: [XXX] Initial Dealer Report: October 28, 2025 (MetroWest Acura) Confirmation video from Acura of Boston: [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
#11710340January 12, 2026
ENGINE
When stopped at a red light on a busy off ramp to a busy highway, the car's engine idle function turned the engine off (as anticipated), but then upon releasing the brake, the car did not turn on. I was stalled in the middle of traffic, which is a significant safety issue. I had to turn the car completely off, wait a few seconds, and turn back on. this car is marketing for families with its third row and stalls when stopped. there are numerous reports of this on online forums.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709817January 9, 2026
ENGINE
On my way home from work one evening, the car started making a loud knocking noise, then the car started losing power, the rpms jumping up and down and the dashboard lit up with warnings of all kinds. The traffic was somewhat heavy and and cars were speeding pass me, brakes screeching, horns blowing and my car steadily losing power. I was afraid, I didn't know what to do. I was trying to find a safe place to pull off the road. It was a traumatic experience as a large truck swerved into the other lane of traffic to avoid hitting me, almost causing an accident. Luckily I made it home safely. I had a mechanic look at it the next day and he said the engine needed to be replaced. Not convinced of the diagnosis, I had the car towed to another mechanic who confirmed the engine would have to be replaced. I had no issues with the car or the mechanics of the car prior to this. I could not for the life of me understand how my 2017 Acura MDX with only 74,000 miles on it, could possibly need a new engine unless it was defective. So I then towed the car to the Acura dealership where they confirmed, the engine needed to be replaced. However, when I asked about the engine recall, I was told my VIN is not included in the recall although it is the same exact issue. Acura did offer a one time goodwill assistance for 25% of the repair costs if performed at Acura. Admission of guilt knowing my car has a defective engine is what that says to me about Acura's offer of 25%! Since the car was useless without a engine, I have since had it repaired by an independent mechanic. I'm very disappointed in Acura.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709835January 9, 2026
ENGINE
I was merging onto the interstate from another interstate when my car suddenly became limp and would not accelerate. I had zero warning there was anything wrong with my car, only 67,150 miles. I had to coast to the side of the road and it wasn't driveable. I was forced to have it towed to Acura to find out it's a rocker arm oil pressure switch that apparently goes out after 60,000-100,000 miles. Without warning, this is a huge safety issue. There should be a backup switch and notification to get it to a dealer. I had 3 kids in the car, traveling 65 when it suddenly decided to stop accelerating. ZERO warning. It was terrifying. I could have been hit by another car on the interstate, with 3 kids in the car, zero warning to cars behind me that my speed went from 65 to almost nothing instantly. I've always owned Honda cars and this is the first vehicle I've ever had this happen in. Dealership confirmed it was a faulty switch, nothing to do with low oil, dirty oil and I have that in writing. Acrua/Honda should figure out how to alert users that there is an issue before there is an issue. Or put this on the maintenance schedule because I'm terrified to drive this car now. Or how will I know if it's ready to do it again. Again, some type of backup switch that works for a bit until you can get it to dealer. I had to be towed to dealer. Kids had to be picked up. All things that could have been avoided if Honda did a better job.
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
#11710005January 9, 2026
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Front camera not working triggered multiple warning lights on
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709567January 8, 2026
ENGINE
NHTSA Incident Report Vehicle: 2016 Acura MDX Date of Incident: [XXX] Location: Oregon (Oregon Coast to Portland) Mileage: 110, XXX Incident: During a 60-mile road trip, the vehicle unexpectedly shut off and shifted into neutral. The car coasted safely to a stop. Earlier, we had noticed a slight knocking sound when starting the engine, but no other issues were present. A tow truck attempted to jump-start the vehicle without success. Ron Tonkin Acura later confirmed engine failure. The vehicle has been regularly maintained, with documentation, and had no prior engine problems. Acura has stated that this failure is not part of their rod bearing recall. No warning lights appeared before or during the incident. Safety Concern: The sudden engine shutdown created a serious safety risk while driving. Requested Action: Investigation into potential defect causing unexpected engine shutdown in the 2016 Acura MDX. 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
#11709364January 7, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Front windshield camera went bad due to overheating. When malfunction it gives multiple warning lights, everything that has to deal with front windshield camera does not work. Ive hearing multiple and multiple stories online and in person that they too is affected by camera malfunctioning. There needs to be a recall on it as it is affecting way too many people. My car is a 2019 with ONLY 47000 miles pretty much still new. Parts plus labor and camera calibration is $2200
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709254January 6, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I have a 2016 MDX. The big red light on my tailgate on the passenger side stopped working. I had been driving at night and only found out when a friend mentioned it to me. I al concerned driving due to safety issues with being less visible to other drivers. I tried changing the bulb with two new ones (correct size 7440) and it still does not work. I noticed online that there is a safety recall for such lighting issues, though it is not showing as recall for my VIN. I called Chevy Chase Acura to ask about the recall and they said there are no recalls listed for my vehicle. I made an appointment for 1/7/26 at 1:15pm anyway to have it looked at. Following that, I called Honda's recall department and they said there previously had been a recall in effect but it expired on 11/30/25. I have been out of town caring for my mother who had cancer and recently passed on 12/18/25. I was not previously aware of the recall. From my reading online, due to this being a safety recall, it should still be eligible for recall repairs up to 15 years of the car's age. I am hoping for some assistance in getting this matter resolved.
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
#11708583January 3, 2026
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Dear Acura, My MDX is showing many lights on the dashboard (LKAS, ACC, Break System, CMBS, RDM) associates with the code U3000-49 and all those features are deactivated due to the failure mentioned. I was searching on the website for this error and found many Acura MDX oweners experiencing the same issue which apparently the Windshield Lane Departure Camera. Honestly, Acura should take a look into this since this issue is getting worse and those are safety features on the vehicle. Regards,
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708571January 3, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Autostart (stop/start) stopped engine but failed to restart car. Had to shut down computer and restart computer and then car started. Cars were coming around blind corner serving to avoid us. Has since happened multiple times just starting up vehicle (not involving autostart). Taken to Acura dealership 3 times to fix, but they have been unable to resolve issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708191January 1, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Automatic transmission. The car does not go to park when selecting park, it goes into neutral mode. It does not park at all.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708181January 1, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Google on-board gives a persistent error that the MMI and car driving technology firmware cannot be completed. Service center says it’s known and they can’t do anything. The car is supposed to have voice control over vehicle temperature and functionality — it does not. It frequently will not automatically connect to a wireless Apple Car Play or Google Auto connection. Firmware is also supposed to communicate w car speed, etc. to make Acura Assist driving more safe.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708120December 31, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
Multi purpose camera stops working while in use causing safety features to stop working. Has almost caused a serious accident.Acura is stating it is not an issue they feel obligated to fix.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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