2025 Acura MDX
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 107 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 13th highest complaint count among 24 MDX model years with reports.
Of the 2025 reports, 2 involved a crash. 5 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
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
Service brakes, hydraulic, pedals and linkagesJun 12, 2025
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Acura TLX, 2023-2025 Acura MDX, and 2023-2025 Honda Pilot vehicles. The brake pedal pivot pin was not secured properly, which can cause the pedal to shift out of position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
A brake pedal that shifts out of position can prevent the driver from applying the brakes as intended, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Dealers will inspect and replace the brake pedal assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 29, 2025. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are FLX and XLY.
Campaign 25V391000 on NHTSA.gov
Back over prevention, softwareJan 23, 2025
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2025 Acura MDX vehicles. The touchscreen in the center console may go blank, resulting in the rearview camera image not displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the center information display unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2025. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is RKZ.
Campaign 25V032000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
107 reports, newest first.
Steering, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Aug 15, 2026, crash
Hello! I am writing to report an urgent and serious safety failure involving my 2025 Acura MDX A-Spec and to request immediate investigation and action. The vehicle’s driver-assist systems - specifically the lane departure warning and forward collision warning - failed to operate. In addition, both the steering wheel and the accelerator became stuck, causing my vehicle to collide head‑on with oncoming traffic. These failures placed my life and the lives of others in immediate danger. I previously opened a case with Acura Contact and Client Relations (Case #16550271). To investigate my vehicle failures that caused this major accident, the response I received was inadequate and deeply concerning. During my conversation with Acura representatives, I was told verbally without any willingness to provide this statement in writing that Acura “has nothing to do with inspecting their own car.” Instead, I was instructed to have my vehicle inspected by my insurance company, despite the fact that they are not certified to evaluate Acura safety systems and do not possess the diagnostic equipment required to assess failures of this nature. Given the severity of the malfunction and the resulting collision, I am requesting that Acura immediately arrange a proper inspection by qualified Acura technicians and provide a written explanation of how such critical safety and control systems could fail simultaneously.
Engine, Aug 14, 2026
The automatic engine shutoff turned off the engine three times at stop lights and failed to restart. We were left stranded in the middle of the road, cars zipping by us fast. We felt very much at risk of being hit.
Engine, Aug 13, 2026
My vehicle is equipped with the auto stop, idle/start feature. I have had my vehicle completely shut off at least 6 times when I am at a complete stop. I have researched this problem among 2025 Acura MDX owners and it seems to be a recurring problem. The feature is suppose to save gas when I am at a stop and shut down the engine and then restart when I press the gas pedal but that is not happening.
Engine, Aug 12, 2026
I am reporting a safety issue with my 2025 Acura MDX involving the Auto Idle Stop/Start system. When the vehicle comes to a stop and the Auto Idle Stop system shuts the engine off, the engine does not always restart as it is supposed to. When this occurs, pressing the START/STOP button does not immediately restart the vehicle. This has left me unable to move the vehicle normally after the engine shuts off and creates a serious safety concern, particularly when stopped in traffic or at an intersection. I have reported this problem to my Acura dealership numerous times. I have been told that Acura is aware of the issue but has not developed a solution. Despite my repeated complaints, the problem remains unresolved. My vehicle currently has approximately 22,000 miles. I am concerned that the vehicle may fail to restart after Auto Idle Stop activates and leave me stranded in an active traffic lane or intersection, creating a risk of a collision. I am requesting that NHTSA document and investigate this safety issue involving the 2025 Acura MDX.
Electrical system, Aug 12, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped at a stoplight, the START/STOP system failed to operate as designed and the vehicle turned off unintendedly. The vehicle was restarted to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced the starter and battery, and other unknown parts were also replaced. The failure reoccurred once while idling in stop-and-go traffic on the highway. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 11,000.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 10, 2026
My vehicle was stopped at a busy intersection, idling in the automatic stop mode. When my husband moved his foot from the brake to the accelerator, the car stalled, orange alarm alerts went off, and the car was completely dead and stalled without power. The car needed to be restarted, and it took a few attempts to accomplish that task. I have had the same problem before with this car and have had it into the dealer at least two times without resolution.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 8, 2026
Auto Idle Restart failed three times in traffic at red light. Have to shift to Park and push Start button. Nothing happens for several seconds, then engine starts.
Electrical system, Engine, Aug 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while at a complete stop at a traffic light, the vehicle unexpectedly shut off and failed to restart. After approximately 15 minutes, the vehicle restarted, and the contact drove into a parking lot before driving to the residence. No warning lights illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure the following day, and a service appointment was scheduled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 14,000.
Other or unspecified, Aug 2, 2026
While at a stop light, the vehicle had automatic start/stop on and failed to restart when the gas pedal was applied. The car went into park but still seemed like it was on, even though it was not. I had to remain calm, put on my hazards, and attempt a couple of times to reboot the vehicle. This has happened at least three times since I purchased my 2025 Acura MDX in November 2025.
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 31, 2026
I am writing to formally report a serious and recurring safety defect with my 2025 Acura MDX A-Spec (VIN [XXX]) involving the Auto Idle Stop system. The engine repeatedly fails to restart after the Auto Idle Stop feature shuts it off. When my wife releases the brake pedal (for example, at a traffic light), the vehicle either stalls completely or experiences a major delay before restarting sometimes lasting more than 20 seconds, leaving the my wife unable to accelerate. This creates an immediate and unacceptable safety hazard, particularly in intersections or heavy traffic. I previously brought the vehicle to Acura of Langley regarding this exact issue. Despite that visit, the problem has continued. Most recently, on today, while my wife was driving with my kids, the vehicle again entered Auto Idle Stop at a traffic light. When the light turned green, the engine completely shut off and would not restart for more than 20 seconds. This left her stranded in traffic and unable to move the vehicle, creating a clear risk of collision. This is not an isolated complaint. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened Engineering Analysis EA25004 into precisely this condition “No Restart After Auto Start/Stop Engages” affecting, among other models, 2016–2025 Acura MDX vehicles. American Honda has also issued dealer communications specifically seeking 2023–2025 MDX vehicles with client complaints of no auto re-start after Auto Idle Stop for inspection prior to any repair attempts. Class-action investigations and prior litigation involving related Idle Stop failures further underscore the known nature and seriousness of this defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Jul 31, 2026
I am submitting this complaint regarding my **2025 Acura MDX**, which I currently lease. The vehicle has an ongoing starting system malfunction that has not been resolved despite multiple service visits. I believe this issue presents a significant safety risk. The primary issue involves the **Auto Idle Stop/Auto Start-Stop system**. When the vehicle automatically shuts off at a red light, stop sign, or while idling, it will occasionally fail to restart when I release the brake or attempt to accelerate. Instead of restarting normally, the vehicle hesitates, stutters, or remains off. This creates a dangerous situation because the vehicle is unexpectedly disabled while in traffic, increasing the risk of being rear-ended or causing an accident. In addition to the Auto Idle Stop issue, the vehicle also has problems during the initial startup. When I attempt to start the vehicle using the push-button ignition, it frequently fails to start on the first attempt. I often have to press the start button a second time before the engine starts, and even then, the engine stutters or hesitates before finally turning over. This should not occur in a brand-new 2025 vehicle. I have taken the vehicle to the dealership multiple times for this issue: * During the first visit, I was told the battery was the cause. * During the second visit, the starter was replaced. * After the problem continued, I returned again. The dealership tested both the battery and the replacement starter and advised that both components were operating properly. * The dealership then opened a case with Honda/Acura engineering for further investigation. Despite these repeated repair attempts, the issue remains unresolved. I have been told that it is likely a software issue and that engineers are "looking into it." In the meantime, I was instructed to simply disable the Auto Idle Stop feature every time I start the vehicle. This is not an acceptable solution. I do have videos but it will now allow me to up
Steering, Suspension, Structure, Jul 21, 2026
The vehicle developed repeated front‑end structural and steering problems shortly after purchase. During normal driving, it produced loud popping, creaking, and clunking noises when turning, entering driveways, or driving over small inclines. Steering felt inconsistent and the front suspension felt unstable. These symptoms created a serious risk of loss of control. A dealer confirmed the problem multiple times and replaced several major components, including the left front strut, the left front lower control arm, and the front shock absorber fork. The most serious finding was cracked welds in the front subframe, requiring the entire subframe to be replaced. A cracked subframe weld is a structural failure that can affect steering stability and crashworthiness. The issues were reproduced and documented by the dealer on multiple visits. The manufacturer’s engineering team was involved due to the severity and difficulty of diagnosis. Despite repeated repairs and extended time out of service, the same steering and suspension symptoms continued, and the vehicle was returned multiple times with ongoing issues. There were no warning lights or messages before the failures. The defects occurred during low‑speed maneuvering and normal driving conditions. The vehicle did not perform like a safe, structurally sound new vehicle, and the repeated structural and steering failures pose a safety risk to occupants and others on the road.
Engine, Jul 17, 2026
Four times in 18 months, with the most recent happening last month and today, I was at a stoplight and turned my manual idle off. The light changed and the car would not move despite me stepping on the gas. It told me to restart the car which I did but the first attempt didn’t work to restart. After a few minutes I tried restarting again and it struggled but did. I was very worried as there was a car behind me who thought we were moving with the green light and fortunately he moved to the other lane to avoid a collision as it took me a minute to figure out the car had stopped before putting in my hazards.
Other or unspecified, Jul 16, 2026
The vehicle will turn off when it comes to a stop without being put in park. This has happened on busy city roads, highways in traffic and residential areas at stop signs. The vehicle will also periodically not turn on, with multiple indicators lighting up on the dashboard. This has been reported to the dealership, who states if there are no active error codes or indicators at the time of service there is nothing they can do. I have opened a case with Acura client relations more than 3 weeks ago and have escalated multiple times with no response. This has created numerous safety problems, also with children in the vehicle. This vehicle is not safe to operate and the manufacturer refuses to respond to my intervention requests although it is under warranty.
Engine, Jul 13, 2026
I had driven 1.5 hours of highway driving. Exited highway and at the first stop light the car stalled on a busy four lane road. I have had the recall software update. Took a minute or 2 to get the car restarted
Electrical system, Jul 10, 2026
Auto start-stop system stalled car at a light, could not turn car off after multiple tries following instructions on dash, but ultimately finally turned off, and then struggled to turn back on, all while on a busy road during rush hour.
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 7, 2026
I was stopped at a red stop light waiting to turn left when my 2025 Acura MDX engine auto-stopped per the auto-stop feature. When the light turned green, I removed my foot from the brake and pressed the gas. The engine did not auto-start and displayed a message on the dash telling me to depress the brake and press the ignition button to continue driving. I did this several times, each time the dash would go black for a few seconds then come back up with the same message. Eventually, after getting the car to completely turn off, waiting 30 seconds, and restarting it, I was able to get the engine to start. While all of this was happening, I was passed unsafely by several angry drivers who were behind me, including one who tried to cut around me after I was able to get the car restarted, nearly clipping the front-right corner of my vehicle. I have an appointment with the dealer to have the issue investigated, but the appointment is not for another week. There was no indication of trouble prior to the first time this occurred. We have had this issue at least three times in the past week.
Engine, Jul 1, 2026
On June 9, 2026, my 2025 Acura MDX, with only 9,139 miles, stalled at a red traffic light after the Auto Idle Stop feature activated. The engine would not restart, leaving the vehicle disabled in an active traffic lane. I was unable to shift the vehicle out of Park and was stranded for approximately 5 to 10 minutes with my two young children in the back seat. The dashboard instructed me to fully depress the brake pedal and press the ENGINE START/STOP button to restart the vehicle, but repeatedly following those instructions did not restart the engine. There were no warning lights or other symptoms before the incident. I feared another vehicle would rear-end us because I could not move the vehicle out of the travel lane. After multiple attempts to turn the vehicle off and back on, it eventually restarted, allowing me to drive home. The vehicle was towed to the Acura dealership on June 10, 2026. The dealership inspected the vehicle, diagnosed a failed starter, and told me the failure was caused by the Auto Idle Stop feature. The starter was replaced, and I was instructed to disable the Auto Idle Stop feature every time I start the vehicle to help prevent the problem from happening again. The dealership has records of the repair, and the vehicle is available for inspection upon request.
Engine, Jun 30, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while stopped at a red light, the vehicle suddenly lost automotive power. The message, "Transmission System Failure - Apply Parking Brake while Parked - See Dealer," was displayed. The gear shifter indicator warning light was occasionally illuminated. The contact stated that while attempting to use the Push-To-Start feature to start the vehicle, the engine hesitated while turning over. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer and was diagnosed with starter failure. The vehicle was repaired under warranty. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.
Other or unspecified, Jun 29, 2026
Idle stop not functioning properly. Will get to a stop, and numerous times it will not start back up until you put it in park and restart it several times. Sometimes, it will not start on the 1st try from a cold start, or the starter will grind really slow. We have taken this to Acura several times, and they tell us it is a known problem, but just to turn the idle stop off each time.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 28, 2026
No restart after auto idle stop - Car fails to restart automatically after stop and releasing the brake pedal. This has happened on a number of occasions in the last few months.This can cause a dangerous condition that can can cause an accident if stopped in an intersection or a rear end collision as the driver behind assumes the vehicle will move but does not. Car has to be shut off to restart.
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 26, 2026
2025 Acura MDX will turn off with the auto on/off feature at red light but has had issue several times with turning back on. The car turns completely off and have to push start button to turn back on. On one occasion the same issue happened but would not immediately start with the push start again.
Service brakes, Jun 23, 2026
Brakes are too soft . Hard to bring the car to a halt without crashing unless you are at very long distance . Brakes engage at a very low level . Dealer says everything is OK and can't do anything about it . Car is dangerous to drive.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 21, 2026
Randomly when auto/start stop feature engages and shuts down the engine when I let go off the brake the engine doesn't restart and a system problem message show up on the dash. Have to shut down the car and restart for the engine to start running again.
Other or unspecified, Jun 2, 2026
The Auto Start/Stop system shuts down the engine and periodically the engine fails to restart. The car needs to be put into Park and then the electronics seem to re-boot before the car will restart the engine. This has now happened many times in city traffic, interstate highways and in areas of questionable safety (high crime zones). The dealer and Acura has refused to repair since they have not been able to duplicate the issue. They wanted me to lend my new $60,000 car to their service technician to drive back and forth from home/work to see if they can duplicate the issue. The dealer has tested the battery, however it passes. They refuse to do anything with the starter or other components of the system whether it be replace or inspect them. As the car ages (now approx. 1.5 years) it seems to occur increasingly often. I am concerned that the Auto Star/Stop system is doing irreparable damage to the engine & transmission. Additionally, sometimes the engine gets cut off and then tries to re-start and after several churns the engine restarts and the car lurches forward as the car is in gear "drive' when the car re-starts. The catalyst for making the car re-start is to release the brake... and that causes an immediate lurch forward when the engine does re-start. Does not seem to be a good thing for the transmission. The Auto/Start/Stop engine feature can not be permanently disabled.