2014 Acura MDX
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Steering is the leading concern among 170 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 10th highest complaint count among 24 MDX model years with reports.
Of the 2014 reports, 10 involved a crash and 3 involved a fire. 9 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Structure, frame and membersJun 4, 2026
American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Honda Pilot, 2017-2023 Ridgeline, 2019-2023 Passport, and 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles that were sold in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. The rear subframe may corrode at the suspension mounting points, which can result in rear suspension component failure.
Failure of rear suspension components, such as the rear control arm, can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Dealers will inspect the rear subframe and install a rear subframe reinforcement kit and, as necessary, repair or replace the rear subframe components, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in the fall of 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are AOU and AOT. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning June 10, 2026.
Campaign 26V365000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingApr 17, 2025
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles. Moisture may enter the tailgate lid light assembly and wiring harness, which can cause the interior and exterior lights to fail, including the lid lights, position lights, license plate lights and taillights.
Vehicle lights that fail to illuminate can decrease visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect the wiring and install a fuse harness, replace the lid light, and repair the body dust sealer, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 30, 2025. Owners may contact Acura's customer service at 1-800-382-2238. Acura's number for this recall is FLI. Vehicles included in this recall that were previously repaired under NHTSA recall number 19V-256 will need to have the new remedy completed.
Campaign 25V259000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpDec 18, 2023
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
Campaign 23V858000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, tail lightsMar 28, 2019
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Acura MDX and 2017-2019 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid vehicles. Moisture may enter the tailgate lid lights, possibly causing a loss of the tailgate lid lights and the taillights.
Loss of the taillights reduces the vehicle's visibility, increasing the risk of crash.
Acura will notify owners, and dealers will modify the tailgate lid lights and install updated gaskets and a wiring sub-harness or will replace both tailgate lid lights. The repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2019. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is M49.
Campaign 19V256000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, appliance, air conditionerJul 1, 2015
American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Acura MDX and MDX AWD vehicles manufactured April 23, 2013, to December 16, 2014. The affected vehicles have air conditioning compressor clutch drive bolts that may not have received the proper anti-corrosion coating.
If a bolt was not coated, it may corrode and break as a result. If the bolt breaks, the compressor clutch plate may separate from the vehicle, possibly becoming a road hazard.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air conditioning compressor clutch drive bolt and install a new clutch plate if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on August 7, 2015. Owners may contact Acura client relations at 1-800-382-2238. Honda's number for this recall is JQ7.
Campaign 15V417000 on NHTSA.gov
Forward collision avoidance, crash imminent brakingMay 20, 2015
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Acura MDX 2WD and AWD, RLX and 2014 Acura RLX Hybrid vehicles. In certain driving conditions, the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) may incorrectly interpret certain roadside objects such as metal fences or metal guardrails as obstacles and unexpectedly apply the brakes.
If the CMBS unexpectedly applies emergency braking force while driving, there is an increased risk of a crash.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the CMBS software, free of charge. The recall began on July 6, 2015. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-800-382-2238. Honda's numbers for this recall is JQ4, JQ5 and JQ6.
Campaign 15V301000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat beltsOct 10, 2014
American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Acura MDX vehicles manufactured April 23, 2013, to August 25, 2014, and 2014 Acura RLX vehicles manufactured November 5, 2012, to November 25, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the driver and front passenger seat belt may not extend or retract in low temperatures.
A seatbelt that does not function increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Honda has notified owners, and dealers will replace the driver and front passenger seat belts, free of charge. The recall began in November 2014. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-800-382-2238. Honda's number for this recall is JK7 for the MKX, and JK8 for the RLX.
Campaign 14V639000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmissionNov 14, 2013
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2014 Acura MDX AWD vehicles manufactured May 6, 2013, through October 14, 2013. The bolts that attach the drive shaft to the automatic transmission transfer assembly may not have been properly tightened. As a result, the bolts could loosen possibly allowing the shaft to detach.
If the drive shaft detaches while driving it could cause excessive noise and possibly damage the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the drive shaft attaching bolts as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on July 3, 2014. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009 or visit their website at www.recalls.honda.com. Honda's recall number is JC8.
Campaign 13V571000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical systemJul 22, 2013
American Honda Motor Co. is recalling certain Trailer Hitch Harness Kits, Part Number 08L91-TZ5-200. These kits are for use in 2014 model year Acura MDX vehicles. The trailer hitch kit has a subharness that is incorrectly wired such that there may be no power supplied to an accessory trailer brake controller.
If the trailer brake controller is not powered, when towing a trailer, longer stopping distances could be required, increasing the risk of a crash.
Honda will notify owners and Acura dealers will correct the trailer hitch subharness wiring, free of charge. The recall began on August 23, 2013. Owners may contact Acura Customer Service at 1-800-382-2238. Honda's number for this campaign is JB2.
Campaign 13E040000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: steering
38 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Suspension, Structure, Jun 13, 2026
OnXXX I was sold an “As is” vehicle under a Christmas special that was deemed unsafe to drive by a licensed mechanic a week later because of the rear subframe is bent from premature corrosion the dealer denied knowing anything about it but i submitted a case with FLHSMV because under the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA): For consumer sales, even in "as-is" transactions, sellers must disclose known material defects that substantially impact the vehicle’s value or safety but the claim was denied and ruled non-jurisdictional so im in the process of going civil. The total price the licensed mechanic gave me was 3,246 so ive been trying to mitigate this for months but i recently just seen a Major recall was just issued which is the NHTSA campaign #26V367000 which is the same exact problem my vehicle that was sold to me was & is currently experiencing but my state which is [XXX] was excluded from the Recall list because it isn’t classified as a Salt bath state but since im experiencing the same issue and i don’t live in one of those states im just making this formal complaint to see if i can get some help to mitigate this situation to get the recall extended to more states since its not just affecting the north united states its down south as well so if someone could please help me or get back to me to point me in the right direction to get this situation mitigated it’ll be greatly appreciated thank you and have a great day. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Dec 17, 2025
my daughter drove the vehicle for an appointment. Parked it went in and upon return, started it but could not turn the steering wheel. It was nearly impossible to turn the wheel. When turned with force, it would vibrate. Message popped up stating "Power Steering System (EPS) Problem". I had it towed to my mechanic who identified the problem but wasn't able to obtain the parts due to non-availability. I had the vehicle towed to the dealership (McGrath Acura of Libertyville) where it still remains. It has been there for about two weeks as of Dec. 17, 2025 and still not updates on when the issue would be fixed. I made a phone call complaint to Honda of America three days ago. They left a message today asking me to call back stating a recall (I don't find any EPS recalls while I've found others who have had the same issue. The dealer did quote me a cost of $1247.25 to fix the problem the day after I dropped it with them. Since then absolutely no response. I called Honda of America to follow up on their call but was not able to talk to the person as it went to their voicemail. I left a message and will follow up again tomorrow. I am the original owner of the vehicle and the vehicle has always been serviced on time based on the manufacturer's recommendations with the dealer and an independent mechanic. Thank you.
Steering, Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 25, 2025
Upon startup the following warning lights come on and remain active: Brake System Problem, Power Steering Problem, Hill Start Assist Problem, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) Problem, Anti-Lock Break System Problem. Additionally, intermittingly a loud grinding noise can be heard from the button of the vehicle.
Steering, Power train, Engine, Mar 6, 2025
The car is un safe to drive, the RPM fluctuations, gos up and down at low speed, doesn’t potential problems with the torque converter clutch, is juddering and unstable RPMs, noticeable during acceleration or deceleration
Steering, Jan 13, 2025
The EPS system failed while driving on a major highway. I was in the passing (left) lane, and had to manually steer the vehicle. I had to have the vehicle towed to the dealership. The service department has had the vehicle for almost 2 weeks. They said that when they ran the diagnostic, there was a code. They cleared the code, and drove the vehicle. They were unable to duplicate the incident. The service advisor said it may have been a “glitch.” That’s an extremely dangerous “glitch.” I have read that many other people have had the same issue with the same vehicle. This may have fatal consequences. If I had not been strong enough to steer the vehicle, I may have experienced a relatively high-speed collision.
Steering, Electrical system, Sep 3, 2024
Upon engine start noticed vibration buzz noise and steering wheel locked, very difficult to steer. Turned off the ignition and waited 20 min, steering wheel was back to normal. Upon driving in the road for approximately 5-10 min, the wheel locked up with notification alert of "Electrical Power Steering Failure" It was very difficult to maneuver the steering wheel and manage to pull into a parking lot. Turned the ignition off and waited again another 5min and Upon restart, wheel was back to normal. As we were on our way home, the same alert came with steering wheel locked and difficult to turn. We managed to get home with difficulty turning. Car was towed to Acura Plesanton and was reported no recalls for this issue.
Steering, May 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving at 15 MPH, the steering wheel jerked to the left. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
Steering, Oct 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Acura MDX. The contact stated that when starting the vehicle, she heard an abnormally loud noise and the steering column was inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.
Steering, Lane departure, Sep 1, 2022
On numerous occasions the Electric Power Steering, Lane Departure Warning, and Lane Keeping Assist problem lights illuminate on the dash and I lose all power steering. My car becomes extremely difficult to turn, particularly at lower speeds. This is a major safety hazard and warrants a recall. Had my wife been driving when this occurred she would not be able to turn the vehicle. This has happened on several occasions over the past 2 weeks. The car is being taken to the dealership tomorrow. Note: it appears that Acura and Honda have extended the warranty on several models for a similar issue, but not the 2014 Acura MDX.
Steering, Feb 21, 2021
WHILE PARALLEL PARKING, THE POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING (CAR WAS STOPPED OR GOING <3 MPH). IT WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TURN THE WHEEL. NO WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. I CHECKED TO BE SURE NOTHING WAS STUCK IN THE WHEEL WELLS OR OTHERWISE BLOCKING THE TIRES. AFTER PULLING OUT OF THE PARKING SPOT, POWER STEERING RETURNED TO NORMAL. IT HAPPENED AGAIN WHEN RE-TRYING TO PARALLEL PARK, BUT THEN POWER CAME BACK TO NORMAL. I HAVEN'T TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER YET. IT STARTED ALL OF THE SUDDEN TODAY AND APPEARS TO HAVE RESOLVED SPONTANEOUSLY. BUT I WORRY THAT IT WILL RETURN, PERHAPS LEADING TO AN ACCIDENT.
Steering, Aug 6, 2020
ON 7/22/2020, AFTER FILLING UP AT GAS STATION, STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED AND EPS LIGHT CAME ON. RESTARTED CAR 4 TIMES AND STILL LOCKED. WHEN TOW TRUCK ARRIVED AN HOUR LATER, CAR DROVE AND STEERED FINE. TOWED TO BERGMAN ACURA IN APPLETON, WI AND THEY FOUND NO PROBLEMS. PICKED UP CAR ON 7/27/2020. IT DROVE FINE FOR 2 DAYS. AFTER BEING PARKED IN A FRIEND'S DRIVEWAY FOR 2 HOURS ON 7/29/2020, UPON STARTING STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND EPS LIGHT CAME ON. HAD IT TOWED AGAIN TO BERGSTROM ACURA AND THEY SAID EPS SYSTEM WAS FRIED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Wheels, Jul 28, 2020
THE STEERING AND THE WHEELS LOCK WHEN TURNING. IT GOES INTO NEUTRAL WHILE DRIVING
Steering, Mar 10, 2020
VEHICLE WAS STOPPED IN THE #2 LANE OF THE FREEWAY DUE TO HEAVY TRAFFIC. A LANE CHANGE WAS MADE TO THE LEFT (TO THE #1 LANE) FROM A STOP. AFTER EXITING THE LANE THE STEERING WAS SLOW TO RESPOND WHEN TRYING TO STRAIGHTEN OUT (TURNING RIGHT) AND ALMOST RESULTED IN HITTING THE CENTER DIVIDER.
Steering, Electrical system, Nov 13, 2019
EPS ! POP UP AS I TRY TO START MY CAR. POWER N LIGHT IS ON AS NORMAL BUT WON'T START, STEERING WHEEL LOCK
Steering, Nov 1, 2019
POWER STEERING IS REDUCED AND THE STEERING WHEEL IS HARDER TO TURN THAN NORMAL. PROBLEM USUALLY BEGINS EARLY IN THE MORNING. OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE DOES NOT SEEM TO MATTER. THIS PROBLEM MAY GO AWAY IF CAR IS TURNED OFF THEN RESTARTED BUT SOMETIMES IT WILL TAKE SEVERAL STOPS AND RESTARTS TO GO BACK TO NORMAL. AT FIRST THIS HAPPENED SEVERAL WEEKS APART BUT NOW MAY IT HAPPEN TWO OR THREE TIMES A WEEK. DISTANCE DRIVEN DOES NOT SEEM TO CURE THE PROBLEM, ONLY A RESTART OR SEVERAL RESTARTS RETURN STEERING TO NORMAL. CAR HAD APPROXIMATELY 44,500 MILES AND NOW IS AT 45,400 MILES. THIS IS AN ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING YSTEM SO NO POWER STEERING FLUID CHECK IS POSSIBLE. I AM AFRAID THE POWER STEERING WILL COMPLETELY FAIL SOMEDAY SOON.
Steering, Mar 19, 2019
PLACED VEHICLE IN "PARK", AND THE EPS LIGHT CAME ON INDICATING POWER STEERING PROBLEM. DROVE VEHICLE HOME AND STEERING WAS VERY HARD.
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Dec 28, 2017
VEHICLE WOULD NOT START INITIALLY AND DISPLAYED SEVERAL ERROR CODES ONCE IT FINALLY STARTED. ONCE I BEGAN DRIVING IT DID NOT HAVE NORMAL STEERING CONTROL AND SEEMED AS THE TRANSMISSION HAD PROBLEMS. IT WOULDN'T ACCELERATE NORMALLY AND THE RPMS RAN HIGHER THAN USUAL. THERE WAS NO DIFFERENCE WHEN I SWITCHED BETWEEN NORMAL AND SPORT MODE LIKE USUAL. THE N ORLANDO AUTO NATION ACURA STATED THE ISSUES WERE CAUSED BY A BAD BATTERY BUT IT WAS SERVICED A WEEK PRIOR AT AUTO NATION HONDA AND THE BATTERY TESTED GOOD (SEE ATTACHED IMAGE). THEY REPLACED THE BATTERY AND CLEARED THE ERROR CODES BUT IT SEEMS LIKE THE STEERING IS STILL LOOSE AND STILL HAS POOR ACCELERATION COMPARED TO BEFORE THE ISSUE WITH THE ERROR CODES. I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THESE ISSUES FOR THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY. IT HAS BEEN TWO DAYS SINCE THE BATTERY HAS BEEN REPLACED AND PLAN TO RETURN TO ADDRESS THESE ISSUES SOON AS POSSIBLE. PLEASE SEE ATTACHED PHOTOS.
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Dec 28, 2017
VEHICLE WOULD NOT START INITIALLY AND DISPLAYED SEVERAL ERROR CODES ONCE IT FINALLY STARTED. ONCE I BEGAN DRIVING IT DID NOT HAVE NORMAL STEERING CONTROL AND SEEMED AS THE TRANSMISSION HAD PROBLEMS. IT WOULDN'T ACCELERATE NORMALLY AND THE RPMS RAN HIGHER THAN USUAL. THERE WAS NO DIFFERENCE WHEN I SWITCHED BETWEEN NORMAL AND SPORT MODE LIKE USUAL. THE N ORLANDO AUTO NATION ACURA STATED THE ISSUES WERE CAUSED BY A BAD BATTERY BUT IT WAS SERVICED A WEEK PRIOR AT AUTO NATION HONDA AND THE BATTERY TESTED GOOD (SEE ATTACHED IMAGE). THEY REPLACED THE BATTERY AND CLEARED THE ERROR CODES BUT IT SEEMS LIKE THE STEERING IS STILL LOOSE AND STILL HAS POOR ACCELERATION COMPARED TO BEFORE THE ISSUE WITH THE ERROR CODES. I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THESE ISSUES FOR THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY. IT HAS BEEN TWO DAYS SINCE THE BATTERY HAS BEEN REPLACED AND PLAN TO RETURN TO ADDRESS THESE ISSUES SOON AS POSSIBLE. PLEASE SEE ATTACHED PHOTOS.
Steering, Nov 19, 2017
POWER STEERING (EPS) SYSTEM PROBLEM. IS A MESSAGE BEING DISPLAYED ON THE CAR DASHBOARD. THE CAR WILL NOT START. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IN 2 YEARS WHERE WE HAD THE SAME ISSUE. THIS PROBLEM MAKES THE CAR DIFFICULT TO DRIVE AND CONTROL.
Steering, Electrical system, Apr 25, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 ACURA MDX. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE POWER STEERING FAILURE ERROR MESSAGE DISPLAYED AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,000.
Steering, Dec 6, 2016
POWER STEERING EPS PROBLEM WHILE DRIVING AND LOOSING STEERING. *TR
Steering, Aug 25, 2016
INTERMITTENT MOTOR NOISE FROM BEHIND DASH WITH RECENT 3 SECOND SIMULTANEOUS STEERING WHEEL LOCKUP RESULTING IN MY LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. REPORTED THE ISSUES TO DEALER TWICE, BUT THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE THE ISSUE AND CONCLUDED NO ISSUE IN MY CAR.
Steering, Electrical system, Aug 9, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 ACURA MDX. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN OUT OF A PARKING SPACE, A SUDDEN CLICKING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY BECAME LOCKED AND COULD NOT BE TURNED TO THE RIGHT. THE DRIVER IMMEDIATELY DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE LUNGED TO THE RIGHT AND HIT THE CURB. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000. UPDATED 10/26/16*LJ *TR
Steering, Aug 19, 2015
THE STEERING APPEARS LIKE IT IS RUBBING AGAINST SOMETHING WHILE BACKING OR DRIVING FORWARD AT LOW SPEEDS. THE TRANSMISSION STEP DOWN RANDOMLY AS IF SOMETHING IS SLIPPING OUT. HAVE NOTICED IT WHEN TURNING AND ACCELERATING MOST OF THE TIMES.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Feb 2, 2015
ALL DASH LIGHTS CAME ON AND POWER STEERING WENT. DEALERSHIP SAYS IT IS OKAY AND A MISFIRE. 2/2/15 SAME THING HAPPENED, AWD, POWER STEERING, AND BRAKES WENT. THEN THE CAR STOPPED RUNNING AND WOULDN'T START. AN HOUR LATER IT STARTED AGAIN AND ALARMS WERE OFF. THE DEALERSHIP ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION AT 4K MILES. CAR DOESN'T SENSE KEY SOMETIMES AND WON'T START. LOCKS ON ITS OWN. HEATED SEATS WON'T TURN ON/OFF. CAR MAKES WEIRD NOISE WHEN MAKING SHARP TURNS AND WHEELS PULL STRAIGHT. *TR