2015 Acura MDX
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 71 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 17th highest complaint count among 24 MDX model years with reports.
Of the 2015 reports, 5 involved a crash and 2 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
Fuel system, gasoline, storage, tank assemblyJun 9, 2016
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2015 Acura MDX 2WD and MDX 4WD vehicles, 2016 Acura MDX 4WD vehicles, 2015-2016 Honda Odyssey vehicles, and 2016 Honda Pilot 2WD and 4WD vehicles. The affected vehicles have fuel tanks that were manufactured with insufficient welds which may separate and allow fuel to leak out.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tanks, free of charge. Owners may contact Honda/Acura customer service at 1-888-234-2138. The recall began on July 29, 2016. Honda's numbers for this recall are KA9 (Honda vehicles) and KB0 (Acura vehicles).
Campaign 16V417000 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
Representative owner complaints
71 reports, newest first.
Suspension, Sep 24, 2026
I am reporting a manufacturer's failure to provide a safe remedy for recall 26V365000 (Rear Subframe Corrosion) on my 2015 Acura MDX. Acura Client Relations explicitly stated they cannot confirm if my vehicle is safe or unsafe to drive without an inspection by an authorized Acura dealer. Despite admitting they cannot confirm its safety, they completely refused to provide towing accommodations or a safe local inspection option. I live in [XXX], and the nearest Acura dealership is over 3 hours away. Acura is requiring me to drive a vehicle that they themselves refuse to certify as safe for a 3+ hour highway trip just to receive a legally mandated safety inspection. This is an immediate public safety hazard and a failure to execute a recall remedy I have also filed a formal consumer safety complaint regarding this matter with the North Dakota Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Jul 15, 2026
My 2015 AcuraMDX engine seized while driving creating an unsafe condition as it occurred on a busy roadway. I suspect a rod bearing failure. It has been reported to Honda. The same parts listed in the 2015 RDX recall are used in my MDX but the 2015 is not part of the recall. My engine had a knock and had taken it for inspection at an independent Honda specialist. I had learned that the recall covers the 2015 model year for the Acura TLX, the official recall documentation only includes the 2016–2020 model years for the Acura MDX. There were no check engine lights prior to the stall and seizure of the engine.
Exterior lighting, Mar 31, 2026
I saw previous warning when I pulled my credit report on Experian, but I am not seeing any recalls currently. My driver side taillight is malfunctioning. It appears there is a problem with the seal which is allowing water to get inside the assembly, causing it to short out. I realize this vehicle is a 2015 but thought I would mention in case this is still an issue under recall.
Electrical system, Feb 23, 2026
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2015 Acura MDX. It was later discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 82,000 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 167,000.
Electrical system, Nov 19, 2025
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2015 Acura MDX. The contact stated that upon retrieving the Carfax report of the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 105,000, and the mileage on the Carfax report was 215,000 in July 2025. The MVA was contacted and referred the contact to the Police Department, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance.
Forward collision avoidance, Jun 17, 2025
All of a sudden the brakes are automatically applied with collision avoidance amber coming on dash heads up display while I am on freeway approximate speed 30-40 mph with no apparent vehicle in front.this has also happened at lower speeds in local driving roads.Braking is pretty severe and dangerous could be rear ended by other vehicles ..This is a Collision mitigating system falsely coming on with no vehicle in front very dangerous.It has happened about 3 times intermittently. Taking in vehicle to local Acura dealer on 24 th June 2025 for check up
Exterior lighting, Mar 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the tailgate lid lights did not function as intended. The contact was pulled over by the local Police and was informed that the taillights were not operating. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with failed tailgate lid lights. The contact was informed that the tailgate lid lights needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised that the manufacturer had denied the repair under warranty or unknown recall repairs. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously serviced by the dealer, and the previous dealer performed a recall repair under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V256000(Exterior Lighting); however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The manufacturer denied the repair under warranty because of the failed recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 185,000.
Engine, Jan 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact pulled over onto the shoulder of the roadway. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. In addition, the contact stated that the engine had been repaired by the dealer less than a month before the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,700.
Structure, Jan 16, 2025
Paint peeling on roof (white diamond pearl paint).
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Aug 26, 2024
For the last 50k miles we've taken our Acura MDX to the dealership for regular oil changes. Almost every visit results in a bad battery. We've had the dealership replace a side mirror due to the electrical and several batteries as well. They've kept it for several days diagnosing issues but haven't to this day found out what's wrong with it. Now my back taillight stopped working, we bought another one and replaced it for it to work for a couple months and stop working again. Now we've taken it to another place for diagnosing, they have said the inter taillight assembly and wiring needs replaced. Seems like this has been the issue the entire 6 yrs we've been complaining. The dealership says they took care of the problem already, clearly this is a safety issue when driving at night especially. Having a taillight that works off and on is not my idea of safe or "fixed" according to the dealership.
Other or unspecified, Aug 14, 2024
Acura issued Warranty Extension TSB 19-029 on 2014-2016 MDX with white diamond pearl paint. The extension covers the roof and rear door. My roof began peeling in or around 2022 and the roof was repainted without issue. The rear door just showed signs of the defect in August 2024, and the issue is clearly the same manufacturer defect as identified in the document, however, Acura is unwilling to correct the defect due to the warranty period now being expired.
Exterior lighting, Mar 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, he observed condensation in both taillights and the taillights did not illuminate as intended. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the lid light needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred with the right taillights. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 35,163.
Structure, Mar 18, 2024
See attached letter for complaint
Engine, Feb 13, 2024, crash
The contact owned a 2015 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while exiting the car wash parking lot, the vehicle was in neutral. The contact entered the vehicle. The contact attempted to shift the gear into drive, however the gear shifter was inoperable and did not move. The contact stated the vehicle independently accelerated and was unstoppable. The vehicle crossed a busy parking lot, the vehicle went up two embankments, crashed into a lamp pool, and then into a tree before coming to a complete stop. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. All the air bags deployed. The contact sustained several injuries and received medical attention at the local hospital. The vehicle was deemed as a total loss. 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 141,000.
Exterior lighting, Nov 1, 2023
Tail lights (rear running lights) don’t work, when break light and turn lights work
Visibility, Jun 21, 2023
The sun/moon roof glass on our 2015 Acura MDX spontaneously shattered while my wife was driving down a major thoroughfare in our area. If the inside cover below the glass had been open, my wife could have been seriously injured by falling shards of glass. Furthermore, she could have been easily distracted and involved in an accident by the loud, exploding sound of the glass shattering. An inspection by myself and the dealer service department determined no external force or object caused the glass to shatter. It happened spontaneously. Nevertheless, the dealer's assessment is that the shattering was not caused by a manufacturing defect. When I contacted Acura Owner Support, I was told no other incidents of this kind have been reported even though I pointed out the the representative that a Class Action lawsuit has been filed against Acura for this very same issue.
Other or unspecified, Sep 17, 2022
transmission torque converter shudder during 20 to 45 mph.
Power train, Forward collision avoidance, May 12, 2022
TRANSMISSION SLIPS,AND HESITATES TO SHIFT NORMALLY AND THEN GOES NORMAL AGAIN. VEHICLE IS IN MOTION WHEN THIS OCCURED ,IT HAPPENED WHILE CRUSING AT 35 MPH, AND AT 50 MPH, STREET ,AND HIGHWAY. I HAVE TAKEN IT INTO THE DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES TO FIND THE ISSUE AND ANYWAYS END UP WITH NO ANSWERS, I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO FIND MULTIPLE PEOPLE WITH THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL THAT HAVE THE SAME ISSUES WITH THEIR VEHICLE. I BOUGHT THIS CAR WITH 25,000 MILES AND IT NOW HAS 125,000 PROBLEM HAS NOT GOTTEN BETTER OR WORSE HAS BEEN THE SAME. THE BRAKE WARNING ALSO POPS UP RANDOMLY WHEN NO OTHER CARS ARE NEAR.
Power train, Dec 1, 2021
Torque converter shutter at speeds of 30mph - 45mph causing erratic acceleration fluctuations. I addressed the concern with the dealership at around 72,000 miles (just out of manufacturers warranty). I told there was a fluid recall. They changed the fluid which remedies the issue. The transmission fluid has to be changed every 5,000-10,000 for the vehicle to perform with a less noticeable transmission shudder. Manufacturers recommends changing every 30,000 miles to prevent transmission slipping. I did contact Acura and they dismissed my concerns, stating I drove the vehicle too much. After researching online this seems to be a common concern/problem other Acura MDX owners are experiencing.
Suspension, Power train, May 1, 2021
WHILE CAR IS SHIFTING IDLE HANGS AND SHUTTERS AROUND 1600-2000 RPM. LEFT FRONT AND REAR SHOCKS HAVE LOUD NOISES WHEN TRAVELING OVER BUMPS.
Power train, Dec 13, 2020
APPEARS TO HAVE ISSUES SHIFTING FROM D4 TO D5 OR WHILE IN D5. ROUGHLY AROUND 1.6K RPM THE VEHICLE SOUNDS LIKE IT IS DRIVING OVER RUMBLE STRIPS. I THINK IT MIGHT BE A TORQUE CONVERTER PROBLEM.
Power train, Aug 11, 2020
TRANSMISSION SLIPS ,AND HESITATES TO SHIFT NORMALLY AND THEN GOES NORMAL AGAIN. VEHICLE IS IN MOTION WHEN THIS OCCURED ,IT HAPPENED WHILE CRUSING AT 35 MPH, AND AT 50 MPH, STREET ,AND HIGHWAY. .
Steering, Jun 28, 2020
WHEN TURNING SLOWLY (IE PARKING LOTS), THERE IS KNOCKING/CREAKING SOUND HEARD ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. DEALER CONFIRMED NOISE BUT NOT ABLE TO SAY EXACTLY WHAT IS WRONG OR WHY OTHER THAN TO SAY THAT IT NEEDS FRONTS AXLES ON BOTH SIDES REPLACED AT COST OF $1200+. IN MY OPINION, THEY DIDN'T PROPERLY DIAGNOSE IT (AND REALLY ARE JUST GUESSING AT PROBLEM). THEY ONLY TEST DROVE IT AND THAT IS NOT ONLY WAY TO DIAGNOSE PROBLEM WITH VEHICLE. IT APPEARS TO BE A PRODUCT QUALITY ISSUE IN MANUFACTURING. THE CAR IS 5 YEARS OLD AND HAS 70,000 MILES. ALL SIGNS SHOWED THAT IT HAS BEEN TAKEN CARE OF BY PREVIOUS OWNER AND NOW BY ME. I HAVE HAD IT FOR ABOUT YEAR WHEN IT HAD 65000 MILE. AT THIS STAGE OF ITS LIFE, IT SHOULD NOT NEED AXLES REPLACED. IF THIS WAS A GM CAR, I'D SAID THAT'S PROBABLY TRUE BUT THIS IS AN ACURA WE ARE TALKING ABOUT. THE CAR HAS NOT EVEN BEEN BROKEN INTO AT THIS MILEAGE.
Structure, Apr 9, 2020
I WAS DRIVING 80 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD GARNISH FLEW OFF THE CAR. AFTER INSPECTION, IT APPEARS THE CLIPS THAT HOLD THE GARNISH ON WERE BROKEN.
Steering, Jan 19, 2020
ON 01/18/2020. I CAN NOT START MY 2015 ACURA MDX ANYMORE WHEN I WAS ON THE WALMART PARKING LOT, POWER STEERING SYSTEM ( EPS) PROBLEM " LIGHT WAS ON, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED UP. THE CAR HAS 61,035 MILES.