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
188 reports, newest first.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Apr 18, 2024
MULTIPLE OCCASIONS THE BRAKE COLLISION SENOR ACTIVATES WITHOUT AN OBSTACLE IN SITE. THE CAR WOULD SPONTANEOUSLY BRAKE AS THE WARNING SENSOR FLASHES ON THE DASHBOARD. NO RESULTING CRASH, BUT A FEW CLOSE INCIDENTS.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Apr 12, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Power train, Engine, Apr 10, 2024
2 Issues: Transmission shifts hard between 35-50mph and 50-60mph. Dealership accused me of utilizing improper gas which is not factual; this car has only received the recommended premium octane gas since I purchased it as a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle. Recall: vehicle is currently under crank shaft recall. In the original notification, Acura stated parts would be available in April. Per the Acura dealer, Acura told them parts will not be available until October. This timeline is unacceptable for such a serious safety recall (risk of fire/crash). I feel unsafe driving this car and am worried I will not get fair market value with the recall still open.
Electrical system, Apr 10, 2024
Infotainment system randomly becomes unresponsive and the screens will go black. The dealership stated that my phone was causing the issue. This is not true as the issue has happened when my phone is not in the car, phone is in the car/connected via bluetooth, in the car/connected via apple carplay (wired connection). This could be dangerous during the summer as these screens control the temperature controls and some of the safety systems.
Forward collision avoidance, Apr 10, 2024
Forward Collision Mitigation braking randomly activates and slams on the brakes despite no cars/obstacles/items in front of it. I have luckily not been rear-ended, but I've had several close calls when driving in traffic (car noses dipping behind me). The dealership has so far been unable to replicate this issue and stated that unless they can replicate there is nothing they can/will do to fix the issue.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 8, 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 contact stated that when the vehicle was started, there was a rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Apr 8, 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 recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not 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 had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 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 dealer was made aware of the issue. 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, Feb 26, 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 recall repairs 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. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond and started to decelerate. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent at first but had become a recurring failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The failure mileage was 45,705. Parts distribution disconnect.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 20, 2024, fire
The contact owns a 2019 Acura MDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated while her nephew was driving at an undisclosed speed, he noticed smoke coming from the front and rear of the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The contact’s nephew pulled off the road to lift the hood of the vehicle where he saw flames. The Fire and Police Department arrived at the scene however, the fire had already been extinguished. The contact was unaware if a Police report was filed. There were no injuries. The vehicle was towed to the nephew’s residence where the Insurance Adjustor took pictures of the damages. The vehicle was towed to Mack's Automotive but due to the extensive damage, the vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed by Mack's Automotive that the rod went through the engine causing the oil to leak which caused the engine to catch on fire. The vehicle was towed back to the nephew’s residence and remained unrepaired due to the cost and because the Insurance provider declined to pay to repair the vehicle because it was deemed a mechanical failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a claim; however, the contact had not spoken with the manufacturer personally. The failure mileage was unknown.
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 18, 2024
While driving the vehicle at highway speeds the accelerator pedal became unresponsive. Additional force on the pedal pushed it to the floor with no response from the engine. After letting off the pedal while trying to pull the vehicle over to a safe location along the road, a press on the pedal from fully released, caused the engine to rev up and propel the vehicle again. This has happened 3 times but is very random, and not easily reproducible. It is a very unsafe condition when it does happen as the vehicle loses speed, and the driver no longer has speed control!
Engine, Feb 9, 2024
Unknown, manufacturer says can’t be fixed. It MOST certainly can be fixed! They just don’t want to do it.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 26, 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 had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Jan 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 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 not yet available. 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Jan 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Acura MDX. The contact stated while attempting to make a left turn from a complete stop, the vehicle shut off inadvertently. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continue driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where an unknown software update was performed under an unknown recall. Additionally, the contact stated that upon pressing the park(P) button to park the vehicle, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the vehicle responded after several attempts. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was jerking upon depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and related the failure to the recall; however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. 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 failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
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.
Power train, Dec 22, 2023
Transmission is very laggy when stepping on gas pedal causing late takeoffs. It may damage internals. Also very hard shifting at certain speeds
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.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Nov 14, 2023
The back inner tail light on my car is not working, which is the following recall, however, according to acura, my vin does not apply and does not show a recall. I believe this is an error since I am having the exact issue and my vin should be included in this recall. NHTSA RECALL NUMBER:19V-256 MFR CAMPAIGN ID:M49 CAMPAIGN DESCRIPTION:2014-19 MDX Tailgate Inner Taillight Safety Recall RECALL DATE:03/28/2019 RECALL STATUS:17 Character VIN Required