2018 Acura MDX
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 166 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 11th highest complaint count among 24 MDX model years with reports.
Of the 2018 reports, 3 involved a crash and 4 involved a fire. 3 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
Engine and engine cooling, engine, gasoline, belts and associated pulleysApr 12, 2019
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Acura MDX and Honda Pilot vehicles and 2019 Acura RLX, RLX Sport Hybrid, TLX and Honda Odyssey and Ridgeline vehicles. The timing belt teeth may separate from the belt.
Teeth separation from the timing belt may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of crash.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle and replace any affected timing belt free of charge. Vehicles receiving a replacement timing belt will also have the engine inspected and any damaged components will be replaced for free. The recall began June 7, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is L4M. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is Z4L.
Campaign 19V298000 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
SeatsApr 5, 2018
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018 Honda Pilot and Ridgeline vehicles and 2018 Acura MDX vehicles. The front driver and passenger powered seats in the Honda vehicles and the driver powered seats in the Acura vehicles may have been assembled with improperly manufactured rivets. In the event of a crash, the rivets can break causing the seats not to be secured to the floor. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems," and 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
In the event of a crash, if the seat does not remain secured to the floor, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver seat frame assembly in Acura MDX vehicles, and replace the driver and front passenger seat slide rail frames in Honda Pilot and Ridgeline vehicles, free of charge. The recall began May 30, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall is D0S, and T0T.
Campaign 18V221000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
166 reports, newest first.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Acura MDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Acura MDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); 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.
Electrical system, Lane departure, Oct 12, 2024
We experienced multiple/many warning lights all at the same time. Systems not working. Repeated every time. The Acura dealer diagnosed the problem to the DTC U3000-49 Multipurpose Camera internal electronic failure. Replaced the unit and they performed a couple of calibrations. Thank You, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Fuel system, Gasoline, Sep 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Acura MDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); 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.
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 12, 2024
The car periodically loses power while driving. In traffic this has caused some very scary and hazardous incidents while vehicles zoom around us or as we attempt to make it to the shoulder of the road. We do not get warning lights when it happens. The dealer (Cincinnati Columbia Accura) has confirmed the fuel pump safety recall but has done nothing to fix it.
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Sep 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Acura MDX. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 3, 2024
1.) I have had repeated, on-going issues with the fuel propulsion system since the day I bought the car. When I step on the accelerator it randomly (lately more constant than random) does not respond, then it will shoot me out into traffic. For example when I am entering the highway from an onramp, I see my opportunity to merge into traffic and I step on the gas - nothing - no response, then it suddenly accelerates and shoots me into oncoming traffic. This is SO BAD that I am afraid to drive the vehicle. It is DEADLY. I have reported the issue every time I have had the car serviced (always dealer serviced, from same dealer where I bought it.) 2.) The vehicle will randomly decide that I am going to hit a car in another lane, and will forcefully apply the brakes (when there is no issue, no danger, no possible way I am going to even be close to hitting another car) causing the cars behind me to come extremely close to rear-ending me! Or the car will decide I am going off the road when I am taking a soft curve, and it will sound a warning and try to turn the wheel. 3.) The display panel will go black for no reason. I then cannot use the navigation screen. It will randomly return after a few hours or after a day or two. 4.) The camera/display will get stuck on the reverse camera causing a visual disconnect as I drive forward, but can only see what is in reverse. (like seasickness). No idea what causes it or how to fix it. Eventually it corrects itself after a few hours/day+. 5.) Car will occasionally make a strange squealing noise after it has been turned off - no idea what that is, or what causes it. As a salesperson who spends many, many hours in her car, this vehicle has become a constant danger to both my livelihood and my life. I am afraid to drive it and I will not let family members drive it as I am afraid for their lives due to the issues stated above.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 7, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Forward collision avoidance, Jul 19, 2024
I can't drive the vehicle safe with the entire gauge cluster indicators are all on. Cluster making loud beeps and noises not being able to shut or clear the code indicators. The acura dealership is saying the camera is overheating and not safe to drive.
Steering, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 26, 2024
There are two outstanding recalls on my vehicle and my local acura is in not able to repair them until January despite the safety compromise listed under each recall increasing risk for collision or fire
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Acura MDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); 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, Fuel system, Gasoline, May 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Acura MDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 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, Fuel/propulsion system, May 30, 2024
I received a letter from Acura in January 2024 regarding the engine crankshaft recall. I have called the two closest Acura dealerships in an attempt to get this fixed. The last that I was informed today by a dealership is "the part is expected to arrive in August, and we are booked out until December". This put me at getting this repair fixed at ONE YEAR after Acura sent me this letter admitting the crankshaft issue. My vehicle has stalled sporadically while driving for the entire two years that I have owned it. The letter from Acura states that this recall can cause the "rod bearing to prematurely wear and seize, causing engine damage which may cause the engine to run improperly or stall while driving, increasing the risk of fire, crash, or injury. I would like Acura to fix my car or put me and my family in a safe alternative.
Fuel/propulsion system, May 29, 2024
MIL is displaying the following DTCs: P0441 P04F1 Acura dealership is stating TSB - 21-081 does not apply to my year, make, model vehicle. Is the information I am receiving accurate?
Suspension, Fuel/propulsion system, May 22, 2024
Acura mailed me details about NHTSA Recall 23V-858 in February 2024. However, the letter stated that parts won't be available until over half a year later in the fall of 2024. While I understand that it takes time to develop and produce parts, a half a year wait seems like an unusually long time to have to wait while my vehicle is considered unsafe by NHTSA. This makes it seem like Acura is prioritizing producing parts for profit over safety.
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, May 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Acura MDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 28, 2024
FEBRUARY 2024 SEVERAL ISSUES STARTED TO OCCUR WITH MY 2018 ACURA AWD MDX. ON TWO OCCASIONS I TRIED TO START THE VEHICLE, WOULDNT START TILL THE THIRD ATTEMPT. I WAS DRIVING NOT EVEN 25 MILES WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. ANOTHER OCCASION I WAS EXITING A PARKING SPOT WHEN THE VEHICLE DECCELERATED, COULDNT PICK UP SPEED ALMOST CRASHED INTO A PARKED VEHICLE. I CALLED ACURA DEALERSHIP TO REPORT CONCERNS. SPOKE TO DONNA TIPTON. SHE CUT ME OFF STATING ACURA DOESNT HAVE THE FUEL PUMP OR CONNECTING ROD IN STOCK CALL BACK IN THE SPRING. I CALLED ACURA CARE TO REPORT WAS GIVEN A CASE NUMBER AND ADVISED TO TAKE MY VEHICLE TO ACURA FOR PRIORITY SERVICE BASED ON THE ISSUES. THE DEALERSHIP GAVE ME THE RUN AROUND FOR OVER A MONTH TRYING TO GET AN APPOINTMENT. IN THE MEANTIME, THE ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE WORSENED. I CALLED ACURA CARE THEY ADVISED TO CALL THE DEALERSHIP TRYING TO GET A SUPERVISOR. DONNA WOULDNT GET THE MANAGER OR TAKE MY INFORMATION. I CALLED AGAIN [XXX] SPOKE TO SHAWN AND WAS SCHEDULED APRIL [XXX]. MY VEHICLE WAS THERE ALL DAY FOR THEM TO SAY THEY DIDNT EXPERIENCED ANY ISSUES AND THEY HAVE NO CONTROL OVER THE ISSUES IM HAVING OR THE FACT ACURA WON'T HAVE PARTS THE FALL OF 2024. I CANNOT DRIVE A VEHICLE WITH ENGINE ISSUES TILL FALL WITHOUT BEING AT RISK FOR A CRASH, INJURY OR DEATH TO MYSELF OR OTHERS. I NEED MY VEHICLE REPAIRED OR REPLACED IMMEDIATELY. ACURA NEED TO EXPEDITE THIS PROCESS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Apr 19, 2024, fire
The contact owned a 2018 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in a garage there was a sudden odor of smoke. The contact stated upon discovering the smoke the contact noticed fumes and flames coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated the vehicle was unoccupied at the time of the fire. The fire was extinguished by the Fire Department however the vehicle was consumed by the fire. There was smoke damage to the home and there was damage to the driveway due to the fire. The contact's wife sustained emotional distress. A Fire Department report was filed. A Police report was not filed. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 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. An unknown dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal rattling sound. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring intermittently. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was test-driven; however, the dealer informed the contact that they could not duplicate the failure. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) which she related to the failure; however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. Additionally, the contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); 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 repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 8, 2024
The dealership is refusing to fix the issue citing that the parts will not be available until fall of 2024. My vehicle is unsafe to drive.
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Acura MDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not 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.
Power train, Feb 9, 2024
The transmission of my 2018 has a slip or hesitation where it stalls when going in gear. This has put me and my family in danger. Acura is aware of the issue but claims there is no remedy. I have taken the car to service multiple times and nothing has been done. Last time it stalled while going up hill and I had my children in the car which is extremely dangerous. I had the same issues with my 2016 MDX which had the same issue. The transmission was replaced 3 times on the vehicle. Acura needs to open up a recall on these transmissions.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 8, 2024
On February 7 at 2:30 I came home, and my car was unable to turn off. I’ll try several times to turn off the car by pressing the on and off button. While driving back to work, the car change gear from being in Drive, and it went into neutral while I was driving. I was able to pull over and I was able to turn off the car by pressing the button. The entire dashboard lights came on with all the different symbols . I was able to exit the carr. I told my car to a local repair shop. This was a very frightening experience, especially when I was driving, and the car went into neutral it could’ve been worse.
Back over prevention, Jan 25, 2024
back-up camera is useless at night posing a hazard to anyone behind the vehicle. Honda knows how to fix the problem as witnessed by my 2018 Odyssey which is excellent. The problem has spanned over many years of the MDX before 2016 and after 2019. Having a working backup camera is paramount for any SUV because of the limited visability. Acura Service could not remove the problem