2017 Acura MDX
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 255 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 2nd highest complaint count among 24 MDX model years with reports.
Of the 2017 reports, 7 involved a crash and 4 involved a fire. 4 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
Air bags, sensor, occupant classification, front passengerMay 21, 2026
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.
Campaign 26V332000 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
Engine and engine cooling, engine, hard parts internal/mechanicalNov 13, 2023
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, 2016 and 2018-2019 Pilot, 2017 and 2019 Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 Odyssey vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, damaging the engine.
A damaged engine may run improperly or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a fire, crash, or injury.
Dealers will inspect and repair, or replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 28, 2024. 2016-2017 Acura MDX owner letters were mailed November 1, 2024. 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed in mid-December 2024. Honda began mailing owner notification letters as of March 18, 2024. 2015-2016 Acura owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-December 2024, 2018 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed the end of March/early April 2024, 2019 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-May 2024, 2020 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-June 2024, and 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed January 27, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XG1 and GG0.
Campaign 23V751000 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, other, delivery, fuel pumpJan 29, 2019
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Acura MDX, 2015-2019 Acura TLX and 2015-2017 Honda Accord vehicles, equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine. Particulates in fuel may adhere to the internal components of the fuel pump, reducing its performance.
Reduced fuel pump performance can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of crash.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the fuel injection engine control unit (FI-ECU) software and, if necessary, replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began March 25, 2019. Owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's recall number for this recall is P3W. Honda's recall number for this recall is N3X.
Campaign 19V060000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, disc, caliperNov 1, 2018
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Acura MDX, 2017-2018 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda HR-V and Honda Odyssey, and 2016 Honda HR-V vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating, causing gas pockets to form, reducing brake performance. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
A reduction of braking performance increases the risk of a crash.
Owners will be notified, and Honda or Acura dealers will bleed the brakes, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are C31 and L30.
Campaign 18V777000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
255 reports, newest first.
Engine, Jan 15, 2025
Based on a diagnosis by a 3rd party, this vehicle is affected by the issue identified in Part 573 Safety Recall Report, 23V-751. The check engine lamp is flashing, the fault code associated with this issue is showing, there's a knocking sound coming from the engine, and the vehicle has decreased power when the check engine lamp is flashing. However, the VIN for this vehicle is not identified in the safety recall.
Engine, Jan 14, 2025
Transmission failure driving on the interstate . Engine shudder ; speed dropped to 25 mph. Warning lights flashed indication Transmission issue. Vehicle was towed to a AAA Approved Independent shop where the issue was verified.
Power train, Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance, Jan 9, 2025
I reported these issues to Acura corporate and to Jackson Acura, dealership I purchased the vehicle from in February 2024. Beginning in July 2024 the vehicle would stall, de-accelerate then the automatic brake would engage, and the vehicle would go into "N" mode, Neutral and lock up. I was able to press the gas pedal a few times, and the vehicle would come back online and drive. This issue happens about every 100 miles driven. On [XXX] the vehicle suddenly de-accelerated, went into auto brake mode and then shifted into neutral. On this date the vehicle locked up suddenly to an abrupt stop, we were almost impacted in the rear with two other vehicles having to take evasive action to avoid hitting us. My wife and I were lucky not to injured by the sudden brake, or transmission lock up. There were no other issues with the vehicle until this date, other than the stall issue. It seems the system had a sudden catastrophic failure. the car has been maintained with oil changes, new battery and transmission service. The car was shutdown then restarted. All the lights on the dash were on and the vehicle was unable to shift to any gear. The vehicle had to be towed to my home address. I was advised to have the vehicle towed to a dealer for diagnostics at my expense. It is currently at Nalley Acura, Marietta, Ga being diagnosed for the issues. The vehicle has 74,000 miles currently. It was purchased with 57,700 miles from Jacson Acura as a certified Acura used vehicle. The Acura dealer and Acura corporate both stated my VIN # was not included in the recalls. It should be included in the recalls as it has the same issues as other Acura models. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Jan 4, 2025
Possibly the connecting rod bearings failed. The engine with less than a 100,00 milage has a loud knocking and clunking sound and losing power, but the car is not part of the Honda/Acura J35 engine recall.
Power train, Dec 31, 2024
The transmission failed. It is not able to be inspected unless retrieved by the dealer. While driving the vehicle the transmission would disengage. There were no warning lights or failures picked up by the CAN bus. This would happen during normal driving on the highway, potentially leaving the vehicle stranded in the middle of the highway. When issue occurred the transmission would make a whining noise. I was able to replicate the issue with the dealer. I am unaware if the part was inspected. I contacted Acura of America to report the problem. The issue mimicked the reported recall that Acura issue on a portion of MDX of the same year. They offered no assistance to the issue. There were no warning lights or indicators to let me know of a transmission issue.
Power train, Lane departure, Forward collision avoidance, Dec 30, 2024
I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE IN FEBRUARY 2024 FROM A CERTIFIED ACUARA DEALER. ON DECEMBER 26TH THE VEHCILE SUDDENLY WENT INTO NEUTRAL MODE AND WOULD NOT CHANGE INTO ANY OTHER GEAR. THE CAR WAS SHUTDOWN AND RESTARTED ABOUT 5 MINUTES LATER WITH THE DASHBOARD FULL OF WARNING LAMPS AT START UP. I ATTEMPTED TO MOVE THE CAR FROM THE ROADWAY BUT THE GEAR SHIFT CONTROL WOULD NOT WORK IN ANY GEAR. TRANSMISSION WARNING LAMP CAME ON. THE CAR WAS TOWED BACK TO MY HOME ADDRESS. THIS CAR WAS ACURA CERTIED USED. IT HAS BEEN MAINTAIND BY A HONDA SERVICE CENTER. ACURA, HONDA AND THE ACURA DEALER LOCALLY ALL HAVE STATED THERE ARE NO ISSUES WITH THE CAR OR WARRANTIES FOR THE ISSUES. THE CAR HAS 74582 MILES. BASED ON ONLINE FORUMS THIS SEEMS TO BE AN ISSUE WITH MANY ACURA MDX OWNERS. ACURA AND HONDA AMERICA ARE NOT ACEPTING THEIR PRODUCT IS DEFECTIVE. LASTLY, WE NEARLY AVOIDED BEING IN A SEVERE ACCIDENT DUE TO THE SUDDEN STOP ON THE ROADWAY
Engine, Dec 27, 2024
Second motor is experiencing connecting rod bearing noise, replaced 3.5 Litre motor with salvage yard replacement, just coming up on 99k, and noise is back similar to what I heard and had Acura dealer diagnosis before replacing with a used motor.
Engine, Dec 26, 2024
My engine is making noise and has a slight rattle when idling.
Engine, Dec 8, 2024
Prior to this incident, we had no major issues with the car and performed all necessary oil changes. While driving 30 mph the car began to brake and stutter by itself and every emergency light came on the dash. The car behind us almost hit us from the car randomly braking. We took the car to the Acura dealer and they reset the computer and charged us $435. We drove off the lot and 15 miles later the car did the same thing. We took it back to the dealer and they said the camshaft malfunctioned. We were then charged another $2450. From our understanding, camshafts should last 200k miles. Our car only had 54k miles on it.
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 5, 2024
From a standstill, Car often does not accelerate right away when accelerator depressed (even floored). Often times there is a significant lag between depressing the accelerator and actual propulsion, as if fuel not being injected (then car peels out from sudden injection). Last year I did Internet research to find that my model year is part of a range of acuras that share this problem. Today I received a recall notification for this very problem on an app. When I entered my VIN on the NHTSA website it said my car VIN was not part of the recall, but it is the exact problem described in the recall and my car is part of the described range of models in the specified date range.
Structure, Dec 4, 2024
Pearl white paint pealed between sunroof and windshield, which could lead to rusting of the roof. The symptom looks exactly like the extended warranty issue in Acura Service Bulletin 19-029, which only covers models until 2016.
Power train, Nov 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Acura MDX. The contact stated that after a routine transmission flush, while driving approximately 40 MPH, the transmission was hesitating before shifting. The contact stated that vehicle was jerking into gear and made an abnormal banging sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had reoccurred. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, and the transmission started to jerk while shifting into gear, while shifting lanes. The contact pulled off the highway and observed that numerous warning lights were illuminated. The check transmission message was displayed. The contact was able to shift to park(P) and turned the vehicle off several times. The contact stated that the vehicle was able to be shifted to drive(D); however, when the accelerator pedal was depressed, the engine revved, and the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that numerous warning lights were illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to the same dealer where the service was performed. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.
Engine, Nov 14, 2024
Engine frozen up while driving on 231 towed to Acura Montgomery Al. They installed a used engine to the tune of 8700.00
Engine, Nov 11, 2024
At approximately 136,000 miles, my 2017 Acura MDX developed a loud ticking/knocking noise. Despite being well-maintained with verified clean and sufficient oil, both an independent shop and Anderson Honda of Hunt Valley, MD, confirmed a bottom-end failure, requiring a full engine replacement. This failure left my wife and children stranded on the road with extremely limited power, placing their safety at risk as they struggled to move out of the roadway. Acura corporate and the original dealership provided no assistance, forcing us to trade in the vehicle at a significant financial loss. The problem was reproduced by both an independent service center and dealership, with no prior warning lights appearing.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Acura MDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Other or unspecified, Oct 22, 2024
Air Conditioning system in 2017 Acura MDX is releasing chemical fumes when Air Conditioning is turned on. This problem was reported to authorized Acura Service Center (Chapman Acura in Tucson, Arizona) during vehicle warranty period. This problem has been reported to this Acura Service Center more than 5 times but the Acura Service Center is not fixing the problem. Release of chemical fumes from Air Conditioning system is causing respiratory problems and is a passenger safety issue. Chapman Acura has charged consumer several times for the same problem but has not fixed the issue.
Power train, Sep 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the contact stated that previously the vehicle was parked and when the vehicle was started, the gear shifter was inoperable. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not assist. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
Engine, Sep 12, 2024
Had engine failure in August of 2023 and had to replace the engine...in November of 2023 Acura had the Safety Recall due to engine failure. We contacted Acura and was told that our VIN had yet to be recalled and we are still waiting to get reimbursed.
Other or unspecified, Sep 12, 2024
Open recall that still has not been repaired due to not knowing when parts will be available.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle continuously jolted and jerked, prompting him to pull to the shoulder of the roadway to turn off the vehicle. After restarting the vehicle, the failure persisted. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed failures with the crankshaft position sensor and connecting rod bearings. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Engine, Aug 14, 2024
Vehicle lost power while driving and warning lights came on. Drove straight to Acura dealer and they diagnosed bearing failure on connecting rod cylinder #2. Dealer stated it would need a new engine. The Vehicle VIN was not covered under the 2016 -2020 Honda/Acura 6cylinder recall for connecting rod failure.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Acura MDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was a sound as if the engine was choking. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rod bearings had failed. The dealer informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact learned of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and it was confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 90,000.
Engine, Jun 13, 2024
The car stalled at a traffic light and could not start again. The engine had seized, and I had to pay to replace it. There is a known recall with this year make and model.
Electrical system, Jun 12, 2024
Dashboard lights are flickering and the headlights are intermittently turning on when the engine is off. This is a commonly reported failure and defect in the the Keyless Access Control Unit with Honda Ridgeline, Odyssey, and Pilot and Acura MDX and RDX models with keyless start. However, Honda would not recall the defect.