MileageCurve What breaks, and at what mileage
  1. Home
  2. Acura
  3. MDX 2014–2020

Acura MDX 2014–2020

3rd generation (YD3)

NHTSA data through 13 August 20262,194 complaints, 818 with mileageMethod

Reports with mileage
818
Median of reported failures
25,000 mi
Most-reported system
Engine (19.3%)
Recalls
18

Before-you-buy checklist ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗

On this generation, 33% of complaints that record mileage fall within the first 12,000 miles, against 6 reports per 1,000 miles between 20,000 and 80,000.

Figure 1 · Acura MDX 2014–2020 · 818 reports with mileage

Mileage at failure

Complaints per 10,000-mile bin, 0 to 200,000 miles, equal bins on a linear scale. Tallest bar = 230 complaints.

Mileage at failure, Acura MDX 2014–2020Histogram of 818 owner-reported failures by mileage, in 10,000-mile bins from 0 to 200,000. The tallest bin is 0 to 10,000 miles with 230 complaints, 28.1 percent of the total. 33% of complaints that record mileage fall within the first 12,000 miles, against 6 reports per 1,000 miles between 20,000 and 80,000. A further 7 complaints, 0.9 percent, were reported above 200,000 miles and are shown as a separate detached bar. Median mileage at failure is 25,172.
  • First 12,000 miles — 33% of all failures
  • Rest of the range
  • Median
  • 200,000+ — 7 complaints (0.9%), plotted separately
10%
1,300
25%
7,000
Median
25,172
75%
60,000
90%
97,000

Tallest bin: 230 complaints between 0 and 10,000 miles. Based on 818 complaints that record mileage. Bin width 10,000 miles.

Show the numbers
Complaints by mileage bin
MileageComplaintsShare
0–10,00023028.1%
10,000–20,00011914.5%
20,000–30,000769.3%
30,000–40,000698.4%
40,000–50,000738.9%
50,000–60,000394.8%
60,000–70,000516.2%
70,000–80,000344.2%
80,000–90,000273.3%
90,000–100,000293.5%
100,000–110,000141.7%
110,000–120,00060.7%
120,000–130,000121.5%
130,000–140,00091.1%
140,000–150,00081.0%
150,000–160,00070.9%
160,000–170,00030.4%
170,000–180,00010.1%
180,000–190,00020.2%
190,000–200,00020.2%
200,000+70.9%

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain. Complaint counts reflect what owners reported and are not a measure of failure rate per vehicle sold.

What this can and cannot tell you: these are complaints owners chose to file, not a failure rate. Popular models accumulate more of them simply by being common. How this is built.

Owners filed 2,194 complaints with NHTSA about the 2014–2020 Acura MDX, and 818 of them record the mileage at which the failure happened. That is enough to show not just what fails, but when.

33% of complaints that record mileage fall within the first 12,000 miles, against 6 reports per 1,000 miles between 20,000 and 80,000. Failures clustered that early usually indicate a design or manufacturing problem rather than wear.

The most-reported areas are the engine (19.3% of complaints, typically around 43,000 miles), the transmission and driveline (13.0% of complaints, typically around 32,000 miles), the electrical system (10.3% of complaints, typically around 22,000 miles).

18 recall campaigns cover this generation.

If you arrived asking “is it reliable?” — this page answers the version of that question the data can support: which problems owners reported, and at what mileage.

How many miles does a 2014–2020 Acura MDX last?

Half of the failure reports on the 2014–2020 Acura MDX were filed by 25,000 miles and 90% by 97,000 miles — figures drawn from 818 NHTSA complaints that record an odometer reading, so they time reported failures, not the cars whose owners never filed one.

7 reports (0.9%) came in past 200,000 miles — each one proof a MDX reached that mileage, not that it died there.

Before you buy a 2014–2020 MDX: the 3-minute check

Generated from 818 mileage-tagged complaints, 18 recall campaigns, 2 documented problem areas. Print this page — the checklist survives print.

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 18 campaigns cover this generation; an open recall is a free repair you can make the seller's problem.
  2. Check transmission — zf 9-speed automatic on 2016–2017 primarily cars. Harsh and erratic shifting, hesitation and delayed engagement in the first years of the ZF 9HP application, addressed through successive transmission control software updates. 2016 is the problem year; by 2017-2020 most…
  3. Check engine — variable cylinder management (vcm) on 2014–2020 cars. VCM-driven oil consumption and spark plug fouling continue from the previous generation, though better understood and more often mitigated by owners in later model years.
  4. Complaint reports are not spread evenly across model years here — see the by-model-year table below before you settle on a year.
  5. End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car. Aggregate data describes the population; the example in front of you has its own history.

For a buyer, an early-failure pattern is comparatively good news on a used example: 33% of the reported failures occur in the first 12,000 miles, which on a car of this age means they have already happened or they were never going to. Service history matters more than mileage here.

On inspection, the engine and the transmission and driveline are where this generation's reports concentrate, so those are the areas worth a specific look. The transmission and driveline in particular shows a median failure mileage of 32,000, which gives a concrete number to compare against the odometer of any car you are considering.

None of this is a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on the individual car. Aggregate patterns describe a population; the example in front of you has its own history.

What fails, and when

Figure 2 · Acura MDX 2014–2020

When each system fails

Bar spans the middle half of reports; the notch inside each bar is the median. Miles at failure on a proportional scale — equal distances are equal ratios, not equal miles.

  1. Problems owners could not categorise178 reports13,0004,000–40,000Problems owners could not categorise: 178 reports, median 13,000 miles, middle half 4,000 to 40,000 miles.
  2. Throttle and speed control98 reports19,0003,000–42,000Throttle and speed control: 98 reports, median 19,000 miles, middle half 3,000 to 42,000 miles.
  3. Electrical system225 reports22,0008,000–48,000Electrical system: 225 reports, median 22,000 miles, middle half 8,000 to 48,000 miles.
  4. Transmission and driveline286 reports32,00011,000–59,000Transmission and driveline: 286 reports, median 32,000 miles, middle half 11,000 to 59,000 miles.
  5. Forward collision avoidance169 reports41,00020,000–65,000Forward collision avoidance: 169 reports, median 41,000 miles, middle half 20,000 to 65,000 miles.
  6. Engine423 reports43,00013,000–86,000Engine: 423 reports, median 43,000 miles, middle half 13,000 to 86,000 miles.
  7. Fuel and propulsion system116 reports46,00013,000–64,000Fuel and propulsion system: 116 reports, median 46,000 miles, middle half 13,000 to 64,000 miles.
  • Your odometer — appears after you enter it in “Where your car sits”

Ordered by median mileage, earliest first. The first 12,000 miles are shaded: that is the boundary this site uses between a manufacturing defect and ordinary wear, not a property of the world.

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.

Complaints by vehicle system
SystemComplaintsShareMedian25–75%
Engine42319.3%43,00013,000–86,000
Transmission and driveline28613.0%32,00011,000–59,000
Electrical system22510.3%22,0008,000–48,000
Problems owners could not categorise1788.1%13,0004,000–40,000
Forward collision avoidance1697.7%41,00020,000–65,000
Fuel and propulsion system1165.3%46,00013,000–64,000
Lane departure1004.6%——
Throttle and speed control984.5%19,0003,000–42,000
Brakes964.4%12,0003,500–27,000
Engine and its cooling system914.1%90,00056,000–120,000

Where your car sits

Failure reports by the odometer reading they were filed at. Pick the anchor nearest your car — or type the exact mileage: your marker lands on this curve and on the timing chart above.

Figure 3 · Acura MDX 2014–2020 · 818 reports with mileage

Share of reports below each mileage

Share of mileage-tagged reports filed at or below each odometer reading. Steps rise only at bin edges, by exact counted shares.

Cumulative share of reports by mileage, Acura MDX 2014–2020Of 818 reports that record mileage, the share filed below each odometer reading, rising in steps at each 10,000-mile bin edge. 74 percent below 60,000 miles. 88 percent below 90,000 miles. 94 percent below 120,000 miles. Median 25,172 miles.
  • 60,000 mi — 74% of reports below
  • 90,000 mi — 88% of reports below
  • 120,000 mi — 94% of reports below
  • Median — the staircase crosses the 50% line here
  • Your odometer — appears after you enter it below

The staircase tops out at 99%: the remaining 0.9% of reports (7) came above 200,000 miles.

Nothing is smoothed or interpolated. Linear axis, same as Figure 1.

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.

At 60,000 miles

74% of the failure reports on this generation came below this mileage. That describes reports, not your odds.

Reported earlier than this mileage — ask for repair records

  • Transmission and driveline — median 32,000 mi
  • Electrical system — median 22,000 mi
  • Problems owners could not categorise — median 13,000 mi
  • Throttle and speed control — median 19,000 mi

In the reporting window

  • Engine — middle half 13,000–86,000 mi
  • Forward collision avoidance — middle half 20,000–65,000 mi
  • Fuel and propulsion system — middle half 13,000–64,000 mi

At 90,000 miles

88% of the failure reports on this generation came below this mileage. That describes reports, not your odds.

Reported earlier than this mileage — ask for repair records

  • Engine — median 43,000 mi
  • Transmission and driveline — median 32,000 mi
  • Electrical system — median 22,000 mi
  • Problems owners could not categorise — median 13,000 mi
  • Forward collision avoidance — median 41,000 mi
  • Fuel and propulsion system — median 46,000 mi
  • Throttle and speed control — median 19,000 mi

At 120,000 miles

94% of the failure reports on this generation came below this mileage. That describes reports, not your odds.

Reported earlier than this mileage — ask for repair records

  • Engine — median 43,000 mi
  • Transmission and driveline — median 32,000 mi
  • Electrical system — median 22,000 mi
  • Problems owners could not categorise — median 13,000 mi
  • Forward collision avoidance — median 41,000 mi
  • Fuel and propulsion system — median 46,000 mi
  • Throttle and speed control — median 19,000 mi

Which systems, and when

Complaints about this generation are not spread evenly across the vehicle, and the systems that generate the most of them do not all fail at the same point in a car's life. The median failure across all systems here is 25,172 miles; the figures below show which parts of the car run ahead of that and which run behind.

The engine accounts for 19.3% of complaints (423 reports, 113 of them with a mileage figure), and it fails late — a median of 43,000 miles, considerably beyond the vehicle's overall median. That pattern is consistent with normal service life rather than a defect, though it matters for anyone buying an example already near that mileage. The middle half of these reports falls between 13,000 and 86,000 miles.

The transmission and driveline accounts for 13.0% of complaints (286 reports, 147 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 32,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 11,000 and 59,000 miles.

The electrical system accounts for 10.3% of complaints (225 reports, 100 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 22,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 8,000 and 48,000 miles.

Problems owners could not categorise accounts for 8.1% of complaints (178 reports, 62 of them with a mileage figure), and it fails early — a median of 13,000 miles, well before the vehicle's overall median. Failures clustered this far below the rest of the car usually point to a design or manufacturing problem rather than wear, because wear does not selectively target one system on low-mileage examples. The middle half of these reports falls between 4,000 and 40,000 miles.

Forward collision avoidance accounts for 7.7% of complaints (169 reports, 11 of them with a mileage figure), and it fails late — a median of 41,000 miles, considerably beyond the vehicle's overall median. That pattern is consistent with normal service life rather than a defect, though it matters for anyone buying an example already near that mileage. The middle half of these reports falls between 20,000 and 65,000 miles.

The fuel and propulsion system accounts for 5.3% of complaints (116 reports, 24 of them with a mileage figure), and it fails late — a median of 46,000 miles, considerably beyond the vehicle's overall median. That pattern is consistent with normal service life rather than a defect, though it matters for anyone buying an example already near that mileage. The middle half of these reports falls between 13,000 and 64,000 miles.

Differences between model years

Within this generation, complaint volume is not constant across model years. The 2016 model year drew the most — 522 complaints — while 2015 drew the fewest at 98. The median year sits at 306.

Recalls and what they cover

NHTSA records 18 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation. A recall means the manufacturer or the regulator concluded there was a safety defect or a standard was not met, and that a free remedy is owed to owners — including second and later owners.

The campaigns cluster around the fuel system (3), the airbag system (2), the engine and its cooling system (2). Repeated recalls against the same area of the car generally mean the first remedy did not fully resolve the underlying problem.

Recall status is specific to the individual vehicle, not the model. Checking a VIN against NHTSA's lookup is free and takes under a minute, and it is the only way to know whether a particular car has had the work done.

Reported severity

What owners reported alongside the failure itself, out of 2,194 complaints against this generation:

Crashes
73 (3.3%)
Fires
35
Injury reports
43
Fatality reports
0

These flags are self-reported by complainants and unverified by NHTSA; one report can carry several flags, so the counts overlap and do not sum to a total. They are not adjusted for how many of these vehicles are on the road. No chart is drawn here on purpose: overlapping counts spanning very different magnitudes cannot be honestly encoded as lengths.

Documented problems

Transmission — Zf 9-Speed Automatic 2016–2017 primarily

Harsh and erratic shifting, hesitation and delayed engagement in the first years of the ZF 9HP application, addressed through successive transmission control software updates. 2016 is the problem year; by 2017-2020 most calibration fixes were in place.

Engine — Variable Cylinder Management (vcm) 2014–2020

VCM-driven oil consumption and spark plug fouling continue from the previous generation, though better understood and more often mitigated by owners in later model years.

By model year

Complaints by model year
YearComplaintsWith mileage
2014248173
20159872
2016522255
2017387138
201828459
201930674
202034947

Recalls (18) — is your car included?

Recalls are fixed free of charge at any dealer, for any owner. Check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The text below is NHTSA’s own wording.

  1. Jul 2026 · 2017–2020 · Air BagsAir bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.

    The defect. 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.

    What can happen. Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.

    The free fix. 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.

    NHTSA campaign 26V332000, reported 2026-07-06.

  2. May 2025 · 2014–2020 · Interior LightingVehicle lights that fail to illuminate can decrease visibility and increase the risk of a crash.

    The defect. 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.

    What can happen. Vehicle lights that fail to illuminate can decrease visibility and increase the risk of a crash.

    The free fix. 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.

    NHTSA campaign 25V259000, reported 2025-05-28.

  3. Mar 2024 · 2014–2020 · Fuel System, GasolineFuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

    The defect. 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.

    What can happen. Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

    The free fix. 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.

    NHTSA campaign 23V858000, reported 2024-03-29.

  4. Mar 2024 · 2020 · Air BagsAn air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.

    The defect. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.

    What can happen. An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.

    The free fix. Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.

    NHTSA campaign 24V064000, reported 2024-03-28.

  5. Mar 2024 · 2016–2020 · Engine and Engine CoolingA damaged engine may run improperly or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a fire, crash, or injury.

    The defect. 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.

    What can happen. A damaged engine may run improperly or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a fire, crash, or injury.

    The free fix. 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 l

    NHTSA campaign 23V751000, reported 2024-03-28.

  6. Aug 2023 · 2020 · Service Brakes, HydraulicBrake master cylinder separation can cause a loss of brake function and increase the risk of a crash.

    The defect. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Civic, 2020-2023 Ridgeline, 2021-2023 Passport, 2021-2022 Pilot, and 2020 Acura MDX vehicles. The tie rod fastener that connects the brake booster and the brake master cylinder may have been improperly assembled during manufacturing, which can cause the brake master cylinder to separate from the booster assembly.

    What can happen. Brake master cylinder separation can cause a loss of brake function and increase the risk of a crash.

    The free fix. Dealers will inspect and repair the brake booster assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are VEU, AEV, and ZET.

    NHTSA campaign 23V458000, reported 2023-08-07.

  7. May 2021 · 2019–2020 · Fuel System, GasolineFuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

    The defect. 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.

    What can happen. Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

    The free fix. 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.

    NHTSA campaign 21V215000, reported 2021-05-18.

  8. Jun 2019 · 2018–2019 · Engine and Engine CoolingTeeth separation from the timing belt may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of crash.

    The defect. 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.

    What can happen. Teeth separation from the timing belt may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of crash.

    The free fix. 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.

    NHTSA campaign 19V298000, reported 2019-06-07.

  9. May 2019 · 2014–2019 · Exterior LightingLoss of the taillights reduces the vehicle's visibility, increasing the risk of crash.

    The defect. 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.

    What can happen. Loss of the taillights reduces the vehicle's visibility, increasing the risk of crash.

    The free fix. 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.

    NHTSA campaign 19V256000, reported 2019-05-07.

  10. Mar 2019 · 2016–2018 · Fuel System, OtherReduced fuel pump performance can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of crash.

    The defect. 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.

    What can happen. Reduced fuel pump performance can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of crash.

    The free fix. 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.

    NHTSA campaign 19V060000, reported 2019-03-25.

  11. Dec 2018 · 2017–2019 · Service Brakes, HydraulicA reduction of braking performance increases the risk of a crash.

    The defect. 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."

    What can happen. A reduction of braking performance increases the risk of a crash.

    The free fix. 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.

    NHTSA campaign 18V777000, reported 2018-12-11.

  12. May 2018 · 2018 · SeatsIn the event of a crash, if the seat does not remain secured to the floor, the seat occupant has an increased…

    The defect. 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."

    What can happen. 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.

    The free fix. 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.

    NHTSA campaign 18V221000, reported 2018-05-30.

  13. Jul 2016 · 2015–2016 · Fuel System, GasolineA fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.

    The defect. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2015 Acura MDX 2WD and MDX 4WD vehicles, 2016 Acura MDX 4WD vehicles, 2015-2016 Honda Odyssey vehicles, and 2016 Honda Pilot 2WD and 4WD vehicles. The affected vehicles have fuel tanks that were manufactured with insufficient welds which may separate and allow fuel to leak out.

    What can happen. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.

    The free fix. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tanks, free of charge. Owners may contact Honda/Acura customer service at 1-888-234-2138. The recall began on July 29, 2016. Honda's numbers for this recall are KA9 (Honda vehicles) and KB0 (Acura vehicles).

    NHTSA campaign 16V417000, reported 2016-07-29.

  14. Aug 2015 · 2014–2015 · EquipmentIf a bolt was not coated, it may corrode and break as a result.

    The defect. American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Acura MDX and MDX AWD vehicles manufactured April 23, 2013, to December 16, 2014. The affected vehicles have air conditioning compressor clutch drive bolts that may not have received the proper anti-corrosion coating.

    What can happen. If a bolt was not coated, it may corrode and break as a result. If the bolt breaks, the compressor clutch plate may separate from the vehicle, possibly becoming a road hazard.

    The free fix. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air conditioning compressor clutch drive bolt and install a new clutch plate if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on August 7, 2015. Owners may contact Acura client relations at 1-800-382-2238. Honda's number for this recall is JQ7.

    NHTSA campaign 15V417000, reported 2015-08-07.

  15. Jul 2015 · 2014–2015 · Forward Collision AvoidanceIf the CMBS unexpectedly applies emergency braking force while driving, there is an increased risk of a crash.

    The defect. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Acura MDX 2WD and AWD, RLX and 2014 Acura RLX Hybrid vehicles. In certain driving conditions, the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) may incorrectly interpret certain roadside objects such as metal fences or metal guardrails as obstacles and unexpectedly apply the brakes.

    What can happen. If the CMBS unexpectedly applies emergency braking force while driving, there is an increased risk of a crash.

    The free fix. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the CMBS software, free of charge. The recall began on July 6, 2015. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-800-382-2238. Honda's numbers for this recall is JQ4, JQ5 and JQ6.

    NHTSA campaign 15V301000, reported 2015-07-06.

  16. Oct 2014 · 2014–2015 · Seat BeltsA seatbelt that does not function increases the risk of injury in a crash.

    The defect. American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Acura MDX vehicles manufactured April 23, 2013, to August 25, 2014, and 2014 Acura RLX vehicles manufactured November 5, 2012, to November 25, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the driver and front passenger seat belt may not extend or retract in low temperatures.

    What can happen. A seatbelt that does not function increases the risk of injury in a crash.

    The free fix. Honda has notified owners, and dealers will replace the driver and front passenger seat belts, free of charge. The recall began in November 2014. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-800-382-2238. Honda's number for this recall is JK7 for the MKX, and JK8 for the RLX.

    NHTSA campaign 14V639000, reported 2014-10-29.

  17. Jul 2014 · 2014 · Power TrainIf the drive shaft detaches while driving it could cause excessive noise and possibly damage the vehicle…

    The defect. American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2014 Acura MDX AWD vehicles manufactured May 6, 2013, through October 14, 2013. The bolts that attach the drive shaft to the automatic transmission transfer assembly may not have been properly tightened. As a result, the bolts could loosen possibly allowing the shaft to detach.

    What can happen. If the drive shaft detaches while driving it could cause excessive noise and possibly damage the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

    The free fix. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the drive shaft attaching bolts as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on July 3, 2014. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009 or visit their website at www.recalls.Honda.com. Honda's recall number is JC8.

    NHTSA campaign 13V571000, reported 2014-07-03.

  18. 2014–2020 · SuspensionFailure of rear suspension components, such as the rear control arm, can cause a loss of vehicle handling and…

    The defect. 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.

    What can happen. 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.

    The free fix. 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.

    NHTSA campaign 26V365000, reported —.

What owners reported

The vehicle that i use for daily commute, Acura MDX, had a break down on 5/16/16. It was later towed to the Acura dealership ( suburban Acura ). The cause of the breakdown was diagnosed as overheating of the engine due to tampering. Also, the vehicle was at the same dealership on 4/23/16 when no problem was noticed.…

2014 · 25 miles · Engine

We recently purchased (6/25/14) an 2014 MDX Acura. When the car is in motion (at any speed) and door locks are engaged in the lock position, the door handles open the doors. There is no way to prevent the passenger side door from opening if the inside handle is pulled while the car is in motion. I called the dealer…

2014 · 42 miles · Body structure

My brand new MDX has had issues with multiple warning lights appearing on the vehicle when starting the engine. This includes check engine warning, lane departure warning failure, power steering issue and possibly additional warnings. The vehicle did this the first time when i took delivery of the vehicle and at that…

2014 · 50 miles · Electrical system

On july 14 2014, was driving my new 2014 MDX. Suddenly heard a noise like a flat tire. I pulled over to the shoulder and checked the tires. Didn't see any flat. Checked the tire gauge and all reading good. Continued going where i had to go and the noise came back. It sounded like dump,dump,dump. The noises come and go…

2014 · 152 miles · Transmission and driveline

Built from 818 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-08-18 · open data · reproduce this page

Other generations