2019 Acura MDX
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 188 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 7th highest complaint count among 24 MDX model years with reports.
Of the 2019 reports, 4 involved a crash and 3 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
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpMar 25, 2021
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Acura MDX, MDX Sport Hybrid, RDX, TLX, Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Insight, 2019 Acura ILX, Honda Accord Hybrid, Civic Coupe, Civic Coupe Si, Civic Sedan, Civic Sedan Si, Civic Type R, Fit, HR-V, Odyssey, Passport, Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 CR-V vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 18, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-314.
Campaign 21V215000 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
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: engine
76 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Jan 11, 2024
Engine had a knocking noise, went to dealer and explained the problem. They mentioned there was a recall regarding this issue but when my vehicle's Vin was typed in they said it was not part of the recall. A few days later all the warning lights in the instrument panel came on and soon after the engine went bad and had to replace it. My vehicle had approximately 45k miles when this happened. I was completely shocked, angry and disappointed with Honda Motors when they didn't want to take responsibility. It's obvious this was a manufacturing problem with these engines and they should reimburse vehicle owners that had issues with these vehicles. Thank you for your attention!
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 10, 2024
rod bearin system and fuel pump recall expansion system
Engine, Jan 10, 2024
Beginning in October of 2023, I was hearing an engine knock/ticking. Acura tech support at the local dealership said my rear cylinder head needed to be replaced. I asked Acura how, since my car is only a few years old, could this cylinder head already be bad. They responded that these vehicles are mass produced by the hundreds of thousands and sometimes bad parts or installations slip through. I paid $7,500 for the new cylinder head, but now I see the new recall about engine crank shaft and the connecting rod bearing can wear and cause damage to the engine. It further says if you hear engine knocking, to immediately call Acura.
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Jan 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 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 repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jan 6, 2024
I was yielding to make a left hand turn , in the middle of the intersection, and my car turned off and wouldn’t turn back on. In addition the car occasionally jerks as I’m driving almost like if it changes gear. Sometimes I can’t get the car in park position I have to press the button multiple times. The recall going on right now can cause a fire crash or injury and they cannot replace the parts until April 2024 and I don’t feel safe driving my car.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the residence. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Nov 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Acura MDX. The contact stated that occasionally while accelerating, at a stop, or while driving, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. While driving at approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated to 80 MPH. Additionally, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brakes activated independently. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon returning the vehicle, the warning lights were flashing or beeping without a light. The steering wheel was loose. The steering wheel also turned a third of the way, but the wheels failed to respond. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Nov 14, 2023
During normal driving transmission will shift to Neutral, locks the system, and engine does not start when automatic idle stop had been engaged at stoplight or stop sign. Instead of restarting the engine, the feature causes the transmission and electrical system to lockup taking quite a bit of time to convince the car to restart.
Power train, Engine, Sep 27, 2023
While making a very normal commute, my 2019 Acura MDX began running very roughly, slowing rather abruptly. The check engine light began flashing, and several warning messages were displayed on the message center of the vehicle display unit. The vehicle would not accelerate, and would not attain a reasonable speed while in traffic. With the hazard lights on, I was able to move to the side of the road, but it was very difficult as I was unable to exceed 15-20 mph. The vehicle was taken to the dealership for repair. The dealer investigated and found the timing belt had "jumped time" causing the engine management system to set multiple misfire codes, and was described as the cause of the failure. I am aware certain 2018-2019 Acura MDX models were recalled for timing belt issues, but this particular vehicle was determined to be outside of the group of vehicles involved in the current recall. My MDX had 52,600 miles at the time of the incident. It has not had any modifications or repairs to the engine prior to this incident. Acura recommends replacing the timing best at 100,000 miles.
Electrical system, Engine, Sep 3, 2023
UNKNOWN Over the course of a couple weeks, engine has intermittently stalled while driving, forcing me to turn off the car in the middle of the road. Progressively, other electronics have also intermittent failed including power steering and infotainment system. All dashboard warning lights are on and do not resolve by turning car on/off. Generally, car is driveable until the random intermittent stall, which is obviously dangerous. 2 weeks ago, car had gone through state inspection and 30k mile maintenance without issue. Service station checked battery and alternator and no issues.
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 22, 2023
The Car shut down in engine idle and would not restart. It was unresponsive and took 5 minutes for the start button to function. This occurred in the middle of a busy intersection. 2 weeks ago Acura performed an update to the software that was supposed to resolve the engine restart issue, but clearly it has not.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 15, 2023
I pulled up to a stop light at a busy intersection/highway exit and, after depressing the brake, the vehicle abruptly turned off and shifted to neutral. The brake became very difficult to depress and the parking brake enabled on its own. The entire dashboard lit up and the car would not shift or respond to any input. The vehicle would not turn off, turn back on, or shift for approximately 15 minutes. After this, I tried to turn the car off and it finally did, I started it again and was able to pull off the roadway. We just recently (within the past 2 weeks) had a recall done to update the auto-stop system. This occurred 1x prior to the recall and now this has happened again. My young children were in the car both times and this put us all in danger.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Feb 23, 2023
Vehicle was stopped at a traffic light (transmission in Drive) and the automatic idle shutoff engaged, turning off the engine. When the traffic light turned green, the brake was released and we found that the transmission had shifted to neutral and would not shift back into Drive. We had to restart the car. Being stalled at a green light is a serious safety hazard as approaching vehicles would not anticipate my vehicle being stalled.
Engine, Dec 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Acura MDX. The contact stated that on numerous occasions while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that the engine revved however, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode for 10 seconds and then operated normally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. No warning lights were illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure; however, the contact never received a reply. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 5, 2022
During Idle stop at red light car stops and goes into neutral and engine stalls. 2019 MDX won't move unless completely restart the car in the middle of busy intersection. High risk for accident and injury. There is few recall mention in Acura site for 2019 MDX, but when input vin number its claims no recall to this vehicle . Need urgent help.
Electrical system, Engine, Sep 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while stationary at a traffic light, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the battery warning light was illuminated temporarily. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving to her destination. The contact stated the had occurred four times. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.
Engine, Aug 27, 2022
The auto stop feature is enabled by default when the car is started. When stopped at a traffic light or in a traffic jam, the auto stop turns off the engine and is supposed to restart when the drivers foot is off the brake. The engine unexpectedly will not restart, and the car must be put in park, turned off, and restarted. This is dangerous in heavy traffic. The dealer replaced the battery as an attempted repair. The problem reoccurred. The dealer then updated the software, which also did not solve the problem. The dealer advised that Honda is aware of the problem and currently has no solution. I was advised to manually turn off the auto stop feature until a solution can be found.
Electrical system, Engine, Aug 19, 2022
On a few occasions, while at a stop light the auto idle engaged. When I lifted my foot from the brake pedal, which should restart the engine, the car Shifts automatically into neutral and cannot restart the engine. The dash shows a message saying that I must now shift to park. I have to then turn the car off, while in traffic, and then restart. This happens while in traffic, causing everyone behind me to wait or drive around. I have taken this to Acura of Stamford twice already, and they cannot recreate it. I have pictures of the car when it was in neutral. Other people have reported this occurring on a 2019 mdx as well.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Apr 14, 2022
I was getting ready to pass a semi and when I went to accelerate I had no power. I pushed the pedal several times with no power. Then it finally kicked in and the car accelerated. I was almost rear ended due to me losing power. This has happened multiple times. No lights ever come on. I am also experiencing the car completely shutting off while stopped. When it does this, a message pops up that I need to shift to park. It takes a few tries and then I can restart the car. I have taken it to the dealership and they can’t replicate either issue. They told me there are no TSB’s on these issues. Dates this occurred in 2021: 8/27, 9/9, 10/5, 11/5. Dates this occurred in 2022: 3/4, 3/28, and 4/10.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 31, 2022
I was stopped at a light and as the light changed to green I began to accelerate to enter the on ramp to 75N. While driving onto the on ramp many warning lights came on as my car shifted into Neutral on its own. I couldn’t accelerate, switch it back to drive.or depress the break as it was locked. The car stopped and would not move on the entrance ramp to a busy highway. I called 911 because I was almost hit multiple times as I could not move the car. FDOT came to assist and saw that I could not depress the break, remove the emergency break, or get the car to move. After a few minutes we turned the car off and it started back up with no problem. The vehicle had to be towed to the dealer on 3/30/2022. Upon searching on the internet, I saw that this is not a new issue. I could have been killed yesterday while on the phone with 911 on the on ramp to the highway with vehicles approaching at a very high rate of speed and having to slam on their breaks and swerve off the road to avoid hitting me.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 3, 2021
I think this recall needs to be expanded: Honda and Acura have recalled 2019 and 2020 vehicles including the CR-V and Accord for fuel pumps which can malfunction and cause the engine to lose power. My wife recently had her 2019 MDX stall on her in an intersection and she had to turn off the car and turn it back on so it would work. It sounds exactly like the below: “While driving, the vehicle shifts into Neutral, the transmission indicator comes and DTC P0657 (actuator supply voltage circuit/open) is stored. The driver will not be able to select any other gear until the vehicle is turned off and restarted. Update the PGM-FI [programmed fuel injection] software and the TCM software, clear any DTCs [diagnostic trouble codes], and do the PCM [powertrain control module] idle learn procedure.” - TSB 15-034 Additionally, May 23, 2021 we had an experience where the same MDX decelerated as we merged into traffic at I-30 and I-820 in Ft. Worth. I let off the accelerator going 60-70 MPH and then stepped on the accelerator to complete my merge and there was no power. Speed dropped to around 20 almost instantly. I had to completely let off the accelerator and depress it again to get going. Very scary situation considering how fast people drive on Texas freeways. These are two big issues Honda/Acura needs to address ASAP as both put consumers at risk of injury and possibly death.
Structure, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 23, 2021, fire
THE CAR CAUGHT FIRE SPONTANEOUSLY IN THE PARKING AREA. WE CALLED 911 AND THE FIRE BRIGADE TOOK ABOUT AN HOUR TO GET THE FIRE UNDER CONTROL. WE HAD GONE TO CHICKFILA (ABOUT 6 MILES TOTAL DISTANCE) AND THE CAR HAD BEEN PARKED FOR MAYBE 5 MINUTES WHEN WE SAW A FIRE ENGULF THE FRONT PORTION. I PUT WATER ON IT WHILE WAITING FOR 991 RESPONSE.
Power train, Engine, Sep 25, 2020
VEHICLE GOES INTO 'GO LIMP' WHEN I ACCELERATE OR CHANGE LANES. VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION WHEN PASSING ON A TWO LANE COUNTRY ROAD (HAPPENED TWICE) AND MERGING ONTO A HIGHWAY WITH A SHORT ENTRANCE RAMP. THIS COULD POTENTIALLY LEAD TO A MAJOR ACCIDENT AND WE DON'T FEEL COMFORTABLE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE IN THESE SITUATIONS.
Power train, Engine, Jul 13, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER HUSBAND WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER AND STALLED WITH SEVERAL UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND WAS DRIVEN TO THE RESIDENCE IN LIMP MODE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO POHANKA ACURA LOCATED AT 13911 LEE JACKSON MEMORIAL HWY, CHANTILLY, VA 20151 HOWEVER, THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT YET DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,353.
Engine, Jul 24, 2019
THE ENGINE AUTO STOP OR IDLE STOP IS A SAFETY HAZARD. THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF PREVENTING A QUICK ACCELERATION FROM AN INTERSECTION OR OTHER HAZARD. THE MANUFACTURE SHOULD OFFER A METHOD TO PERMANENTLY DISABLE THIS HAZARD.I WAS NEARLY T-BONED WHEN TRYING TO MAKE A LH TURN AT A BUSY INTERSECTION BECAUSE THE CAR HAD TO START BEFORE ACCELERATING