Acura MDX Complaints

3,381 consumer complaints on file.

#11700361November 19, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Turned on my car last night and many lights appeared including emissions system problem, electronic brake problem and SH-AWD malfunctioning. All the lights came on at once. According to forums, this is happening with many Acura RDX, MDX models and manufacturer does not have a clear way to repair or resolve the issue. My car has had all the routine maintenance and is scheduled for the 2 recalls to be repaired next week.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11700349November 19, 2025
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2026 Acura MDX with Acura Factory A Spec issued plastic floor mats. Accelerator pedal gets stuck behind the floor mat resulting in uncontrolled wide open throttle. Had to physically put my foot behind the pedal and pull pedal away from floor. Afterwards tried a few times to repeat the issue, 3/5 times was able to reproduce stuck pedal. Top of the drivers plastic floor mats, right side, has a U cut out for the accelerator pedal. This needs to be trimmed another 1/2” or more to stop the issue. Could result in severe or fatal consequences.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11700150November 18, 2025
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
When car is started, attempting to slowly accelerate in reverse or forward you will experience a loss of drive power, transmission does nothing. Then all of a sudden transmission responds and you lurch forward or reverse. Very unsafe situation. Other cars not sure if your moving or stationary.
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
#11700212November 18, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
I want to say that the engine or transmission is faulty. Sometimes while at a complete stop, the car will not advance and tries to stall or lose power. It takes about 2 or 3 seconds to finally go after I push the accelerator pedal almost 3/4 throttle. No it has not been reproduced at the dealer. I took it May of 2024 for the engine recall repair. They said that the repairs should fix the problem but it has maybe even worsened. No warning lamps appear when the problems happen.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11700100November 18, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
AC / DEFROSTER / HVAC I am reporting a potential safety and health defect involving the HVAC system in my 2024 Acura MDX. When operating the air conditioning or the front windshield defroster, a strong musty odor enters the cabin. The dealer informed me that resolving the odor requires an EVAP core cleaning, replacement of the cabin filter, and the use of a disinfectant that will be circulated throughout the ventilation system to kill mold, mildew, and other contaminants. I was told this is the “first step” in addressing the issue and that the estimated cost is $440 out of pocket. This is extremely concerning because the presence of mold or bacterial contamination inside the HVAC evaporator and ventilation system affects the air my children and I breathe inside the vehicle. Mold exposure can cause respiratory irritation, allergic reactions, headaches, and other symptoms, especially in enclosed spaces. The HVAC system in this vehicle is a sealed, manufacturer-controlled system which the owner cannot access or service, so this type of contamination should not be considered routine maintenance. I have researched this issue and found that Honda/Acura vehicles have a documented history of HVAC mold and mildew odors, and Honda has previously issued internal investigative bulletins requesting dealers to collect parts from vehicles with musty HVAC smells. There are also mold-related complaints already filed with NHTSA for the 2024 MDX model year. This suggests the possibility of a broader engineering or design issue. I need this issue addressed immediately for health reasons, and I may have to initially pay out of pocket to ensure my family’s safety. However, I believe this is a safety-related defect that Acura should be responsible for correcting, not the customer, especially on a relatively new vehicle still under warranty. I am requesting that NHTSA document this case and consider evaluating whether a pattern of HVAC mold contamination exists in newer Acura vehicles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11699865November 17, 2025
ENGINE
Started hearing a "knocking" sound from the engine compartment, whose frequency clearly was proportional to engine RPM. Took vehicle to local trusted mechanic who diagnosed that it was likely related to known crankshaft bearing issue, which is the subject of a widespread recall on Acura vehicles. Found that the vehicle does not fall within the recall window. Sent vehicle by tow truck to nearest dealer who confirmed diagnosis. They claim poor maintenance, but all required maintenance, and definitely all engine oil changes were completed at required intervals with proper fluids and filters. Since dealer is 60 miles away, most maintenance was done with local trusted mechanic, although some oil changes were done personally or at a quick lube service. The vehicle is a 2016 model year, consistent with the model years affected by the known defect and recall. Dealer is advising that a new engine is required. There is no reason a properly maintained vehicle with only 150,000 miles should have a failed engine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11699892November 17, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
Electrical, brake and car acceleration problems.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11699328November 14, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2017 Acura MDX. The contact stated that the dealer recommended that the timing belt be replaced. After the timing belt was replaced, there was a ticking sound coming from the vehicle while being started. The sound occurred while driving at various speeds or while the vehicle was idling. The check engine warning light was illuminated while driving approximately 60 MPH. The contact pulled over, turned off, and restarted the vehicle, and the warning light was no longer illuminated. The vehicle was returned to the dealer, who diagnosed that the short block, bearings, and the oil pan needed to be replaced. The dealer recommended that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact learned of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11699117November 13, 2025
ENGINE
I have a 2016 Acura MDX with 87,000 miles that has bad rod knock. Service Bulletin 23-036 talks about it. Even though my MDX's VIN is not listed in the recall, I am having the exact same problem the recall is supposed to be for. I feel this recall should be expanded to cover my vehicle as it is listed in several places that the recall is for all 2016 Acura MDX's which is what my vehicle is. ------------------------ Subject: Safety Recall: 2015–20 Multi-Model Connecting Rod Bearing Stop Sale. Affected vehicles: Certain 2015–2020 Acura TLX V6 and 2016–2020 Acura MDX models. Cause: A manufacturing defect in the crankshaft can lead to connecting rod bearing wear due to lack of lubrication and excessive heat, potentially causing engine damage and failure. Action: The bulletin initiates a stop-sale order for affected vehicles and provides instructions for inspection and repair, which may include replacing the connecting rod bearings, crankshaft, or short/long block. Status: The bulletin has been revised. Version 1 was issued on November 9, 2023, and was replaced by Version 2 on February 9, 2024. Parts Availability: Parts and repair kits became available in early 2024, with repairs being prioritized for vehicles showing symptoms like engine rod knock or stalling.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11699180November 13, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
The start/stop switch stalls the vehicle and will not restart after several tries for up to 5 minutes. We get a message during this time to "continue to drive, depress brake pedal and push switch" and even after then it still will not start for several tries. This has happened several times. One time my wife was on a heavily traveled two lane farm road at a four-way stop and it did it and was almost hit by 18 wheelers trying to navigate around her. This was not only a safety issue for her but also those trying to get around her with all the traffic coming in all direction. Took back to the dealer but it did not do it while they tried to recreate the issue. No warnings prior to the issue of dying and not re-starting. This was the latest occurrence, it had happened a couple of times before.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11698973November 12, 2025
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When at a complete stop at a stop light or stop sign and ready to press the gas to accelerate, there’s a delay for the car to even start moving. It doesn’t want to go when pressed on. Which can cause the person behind me to hit the back of the car. It nearly came to that. There’s sudden fast movement when accelerating to get the car to move forward. It’s been happening numerous times where the gas pedal isn’t recognizing the acceleration part. I’ve read plenty forums about this issue with this vehicle and still not enough complaints for a recall? Can we look into this as this is a safety issue. The car won’t accelerate when you want it to.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11699027November 12, 2025
ENGINE
The MDX drove perfectly until out of sudden there as a stall, knocking and ticking sound in the Engine. It is diagnosed with the connecting rod failure and needs a new engine replacement. The car was well and regularly maintained with oil changes and services as recommended. The following codes were pulled from the ECM: Code P0301, P32638
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11698958November 12, 2025
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2025 Acura MDX Aspec Advanced - Experienced 3 instances of failure to restart after engine idle shutoff or normal shutoff. Periodically starting the vehicle makes a buzzing or resistance type of sound, but usually will start. 1) 8/8/2025 Returning from shopping turned off vehicle in driveway to open hatch to unload items. Upon re-entering the vehicle (~5 mins) the push start failed to start - engine sounded sluggish first attempt and failed to start. Subsequent button presses just made a clicking sound. Had to fully turn off vehicle and back on and it started. 2) 10/10/2025 Returning from a wedding and getting off the expressway to a traffic light the auto stop/idle stop turned off the engine. Once the light turned green the vehicle failed to restart multiple times. Had to fully turn off vehicle and back on to get it to start 3) 10/30/2025 After parking for shopping, upon returning to the vehicle it failed to start from off. Any subsequent repress of the start button would make a click and starter failed to engage. after turning off vehicle and back on it started Vehicle was taken to dealership and notified of issues - they checked the battery and it was fine, no trouble found.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11698703November 11, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The transfer case is blown, with metal debris collected in it. This has caused the all wheel drive to not work because the transfer case is not sending any power to the rear wheels. The car dashboard doesn't register that that transfer case isn't working, so it it thinks the all wheel drive is working, when it isn't. A bad transfer case can cause the car to lose control or traction when it needs to use the all wheel drive system or completely stop while on a highway because it can lead to damage to other parts of the power train. This has been confirmed by an independent service center. There are no warning lights telling me the transfer case is blown or that there are any issues with the power train. The only sympton I noticed was a high pitched sound when driving. These symptoms first appeared about 3 weeks ago.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11698756November 11, 2025
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
When you press the accelerator pedal there is a significant delay in the pedal response particularly at low speed. As you press accelerator pedal nothing happens for a second or two. Then the vehicles accelerates not a gradual rate but at the rate of where the accelerator pedal is at when the vehicle begins to speed up. This causes sudden and hard acceleration. This delay and or sudden acceleration is dangerous when trying to pull into traffic. The Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Was brought to dealer and after a very short inspection, was told nothing was wrong. They did do a transmission software update. This did not change anything. This is an issue reported in on-long blogs frequently. No warning lamps to error codes related to this issue according to the dealer. This has been an ongoing issue for as long I have owned the vehicle but gets worse as the vehicle gets older.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11698786November 11, 2025
ENGINE
2026 Acura MDX with 3.5 L V6 (J35Y-series) experienced connecting-rod bearing failure and total engine loss at 1,920 miles. Vehicle currently at dealer. Appears identical to failures under NHTSA PE25-008 (2016-2020 models)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11698742November 11, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
When the auto idle stop system is enabled my Acura will shut down completely when the vehicle comes to a complete stop and the idle stop system will not reengage as it should when your foot comes off the brake and the car shuts completely off and goes into park. This has happened 3 times, the last one occurring on a very busy highway, and I'm thankful I wasn't rear ended by the car behind me. Traffic had to go around me which caused quite a hazard pulling out into a fast moving lane. It finally responded, restarted and I was able to move forward. It was taken into the dealership and they weren't able to recreate the occurrence for the short time that they had it (one week). There was no warning prior to failure. I have called Acura Client Relations and they turned it over to their Management team, gave me a case number and I haven't heard from them as of this complaint. Reading your website I see many others having and reporting this same dangerous experience with their 2025 Acura MDX.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11698515November 10, 2025
WHEELS
While driving the vehicle on the road, the front driver's side wheel came off.
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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