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: structure
14 reports, newest first. Show all
Structure, Jun 23, 2026
I discovered my back taillight is foggy and the lights are not seen. Capital City Honda provided an estimate: driver side taillight assembly replacement. Foggy taillight assembly affecting brightness and visibility. Cost $639.99 I then discovered there is a recall for moisture getting into the taillight causing this problem. Honda said my VIN is not included, but suggested I take it back to Capital City Honda to write a diagnosis, which I did and which is attached. Honda advised me today that since my VIN is not included, there is nothing they will do. I just spent about $3,000 for a tune up and new brakes so another $639 is just too much, especially since this is an issue caused by the manufacturer. I am trying to understand why my car isn't covered, when it has this issue. I've attached my email to Honda, the diagnosis and the recall.
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)
Structure, Feb 1, 2026
This car is consistently garaged. It was pulled out one morning and a large sheet of paint peeled off roof while it was sitting in the driveway. This is a major concern as I don't feel comfortable driving the car for fear more will come off, affecting another driver on the highway. I've had to borrow a car until it can be fixed. Spoke to ACURA and this is a KNOWN issue for this color paint but they will not stand by their product. We have received no information from ACURA regarding this issue as they claim.
Structure, Mar 14, 2025
Large spot of paint has peeled off, exposing bare metal in front of the sunroof and above the windshield in the center of the roof.
Structure, Jul 29, 2024
The white paint on the roof of my car peeled off in huge chunks between the sunroof and the windshield. Acura had extended the warranty on the paint to 8 years from the date in service and ours was fine at the deadline. However, now at 11 years in, the paint has completely failed. It appears that there are a large number of other Acura owners who are having issues with the paint on their white MDXs, and Acura is in some cases saying that their VIN numbers are not included. It is an obvious problem with the white paint since Acura issued the warranty extension, but the limit was arbitrary and it is ridiculous that a "luxury" SUV has peeling paint that will result in an expensive repair job.
Structure, Apr 29, 2024
My vehicle was part of a recall and Acura extended warranty protection for the paint between the windshield and sunroof. This was a manufacturer defect with the paint when the car was made. It did not happen to my car until October 2023 and Acura will not fix the paint due to end of the warranty extension that was issued by NHTSA. I was told to contact you from Acura corporate. They said the regulation to not cover any vehicles with this paint issue, was coming from NHTSA. The paint was applied incorrectly when the car was made and it’s causing a big circle of paint to randomly come off of the area of the car between the windshield and sunroof. I’m concerned the paint will continue to chip away and start coming off in large pieces. This is a manufacturer defect and should not be time limited.
Structure, Wheels, Oct 12, 2020
I WAS DRIVING ON A NYC STREET, GOING OVER A SPEED BUMP AT LESS THAN THE NOTED (10 MPH) SPEED WHEN THE SPARE TIRE BROKE FROM THE HOLDER AND DROPPED INTO THE PATH OF THE FOLLOWING CAR.
Electrical system, Structure, Engine, Jul 24, 2019, fire
FLAMES AND FIRE SHOT OUT FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE VENTS AND UNDER THE DASHBOARD AND GLOVE COMPARTMENT, ENGULFING THE VEHICLE INTO FLAMES RESULTING IN A TOTAL LOSS. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A NEIGHBORHOOD STREET.
Exterior lighting, Structure, May 17, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT MOISTURE ENTERED THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE LIFTGATE TAIL LIGHT. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. AN UNKNOWN LOCAL DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000.
Structure, Jul 21, 2016
LIFTGATE OBSTRUCTION SENSOR IS SET FOR A HIGHER BACK PRESSURE. THE SENSITIVITY OF OBSTRUCTION SENSOR CANNOT BE ADJUSTED. I FEEL THE LIFTGATE WILL NOT PROTECT FINGERS AND HANDS BEFORE CRUSHING IT. THIS LIFTGATE PINCH POINT HAZARD MANAGEMENT SHOULD BE IMPROVED TO AVOID INJURY. THE LIFTGATE IS VERY HEAVY. THIS IS A HAZARD IDENTIFICATION AND CONSEQUENCE ASSESSMENT. NO INJURY WAS CAUSED.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 5, 2015
SHORTLY AFTER I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN 2013, I NOTICED THAT THEIR WAS A LOUD VIBRATION COMING FROM THE FRONT RIGHT DRIVER'S SIDE NEAR THE WHEEL WELL WHEN DRIVING AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 30 - 45 MPH. THIS VIBRATION WOULD OCCUR INTERMITTENTLY. WHEN I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK IN TO THE ACURA DEALERSHIP, IT WAS STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE ISSUE. TWO YEARS LATER, THE ISSUE IS STILL OCCURRING AND THE DEALERSHIP "CAN'T DUPLICATE". ADDITIONALLY, NOTICED THAT THERE WAS BUBBLING OF THE FRONT GRILL CHROME PAINT. LATER IT BECAME APPARENT THAT THE LEFT FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW PANELS WERE WARPED. DIDN'T MAKE TOO MUCH OF A FUSS ABOUT EITHER ISSUE, BUT IN THE SUMMER OF 2015, WHILE RUNNING MY CAR THROUGH A CAR WASH, THE PANEL POPPED OFF AND BEGAN FLAPPING IN THE WIND. RETURNED VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP AND THE WINDOW PANEL WAS REPLACED. AT THIS TIME, I ALSO INFORMED THEM THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEGUN TO START EXHIBITING ISSUES UPON ACCELERATION LIKE IT WAS STRUGGLING TO GAIN POWER. YOU COULD ALSO SEE THE RPM INDICATOR BEGAN TO FLUCTUATE WHEN THIS ISSUE OCCURRED. THIS WAS ALSO HAPPENING BETWEEN 30-45 MPH. DEALER PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC AND SAID THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO LOCATE ANY ISSUES. DRIVING THE VEHICLE DOES NOT FEEL SAFE. I AM AFRAID THAT IT WILL LOSE POWER WHILE I AM DRIVING AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE OWNED MULTIPLE ACURAS AND THE QUALITY OF THIS VEHICLE IS BY FAR THE WORST OF ANY VEHICLE THAT I HAVE EVER OWNED.
Electrical system, Structure, Oct 16, 2014
NOTICED BUBBLING PAINT ON DRIVERS SIDE NEAR BACK TIRE...EMAILED SALESMAN WITH NO RESPONSE. TOOK CAR IN FOR OIL CHANGE, MENTIONED PROBLEM BUT PAINT HAD CHIPPED OFF...TOOK A PICTURE TO SEND TO ACURA FOR THEIR DETERMINATION WHETHER IT WAS GOING TO BE REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE....ASKED AGAIN IN SEPTMEBER...NO ANSWER YET...NO PHONE CALL TO DATE TO LET ME KNOW IF COVERED OR NOT. JULY 24 WAS DRIVING WHEN FOR NO REASON ALL WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON WITH WARNING BEEP...CALLED DEALERSHIP. .. WAS ON MY WAY TO THE AIRPORT FOR VACATION AND SCARED TO KEEP DRIVING..WAS TOLD JUST A FLUKE AND IT WOULD PROBABLY RE-SET...IN AUGUST.TOOK CAR TO DEALERSHIP AND WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON ENROUTE...STILL ON WHEN I ARRIVED...AGAIN TOLD IT WAS JUST A FLUKE HAPPENED AGAIN WHILE PARKED WITH ENGINE RUNNING IN LATE AUGUST BUT NOTICED IT WAS ALSO IDLING QUITE HIGH FOR NO REASON...CALLED DEALERSHIP AGAIN RIGHT AWAY...LEFT A MESSAGE WITH NO RETURN CALL..IT AGAIN RE-SET ITSELF....IN SEPTEMBER I WAS DRIVING 35MPH AND ALL WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON, LOST POWER AND STEERING...CALLED DEALERSHIP, THEY HAD ME LOOK AT MESSAGE CENTER BUT IT DID NOT SAY ANY CODE....TOOK TO DEALERSHIP..TOLD THEM I HAD BEEN READING ON LINE THAT OTHER OWNERS HAD SAME ISSUE WITH NO RESULTS...HE SAID ACURA WAS WORKING ON ISSUE....NERVOUS THAT IT WILL HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING ON EXPRESSWAY AND I LOSE STEERING AND POWER.....TIRED ON HEARING THERE IS NO CODE AND NO ANSWER....VERY EXPENSIVE CAR TO HAVE THIS TYPE OF ISSUE WITH NO FIX...THANK YOU *TR
Structure, Seats, Jul 15, 2014
WE RECENTLY PURCHASED (6/25/14) AN 2014 MDX ACURA. WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION (AT ANY SPEED) AND DOOR LOCKS ARE ENGAGED IN THE LOCK POSITION, THE DOOR HANDLES OPEN THE DOORS. THERE IS NO WAY TO PREVENT THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR FROM OPENING IF THE INSIDE HANDLE IS PULLED WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION. I CALLED THE DEALER, RESPONSE WAS THAT IS THE DESIGN OF THE CAR, I CONTACTED ACURA CUSTOMER CARE SPOKE WITH [XXX] AND WAS TOLD THE SAME, IT'S THE DESIGN OF THE CAR TO MAKE IT EASY FOR THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER TO EXIT THE CAR. MY CONCERN IS OBVIOUS AND THE CUSTOMER CARE AGENT AGREED, BUT THERE IS NO RECOURSE. IF THE DOOR HANDLE IS PULLED WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION THERE COULD BE CATASTROPHIC INJURY OR ACCIDENT. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Structure, Mar 13, 2014
DRIVER SIDE PASSENGER DOOR IS NOT LOCKING PROPERLY, WE HAVE TO USE THE FORCE LIKE A HEAVY TRUCK DOOR. IT'S NOT SAFE WHEN KIDS ARE SITTING INSIDE. COMPLAINED TO ACURA AND THEY SAY IT'S NOT A BUG, THAT'S HOW THAT DOOR WILL WORK. 10 YEAR DAUGHTER CAN NOT CLOSE THE DOOR ON HER OWN. EVERY TIME DRIVER HAS TO USE MORE FORCE TO CLOSE THE DOOR. *TR