FaultScore

FaultScore report

2015 Acura MDX problems

Owners have filed 98 complaints about the 2015 Acura MDX with NHTSA between 2014 and 2026. The largest single group is the electrical system. Across this model's run it ranks 9 of 24 worst.

C

FaultScore 60/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Acura MDX.

How this is worked out

The numbers

98

Complaints

6

Crashes reported

4

Fires reported

7

Injuries reported

23,500 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

64%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 25 vs 50 Severity 90 vs 50 Early failure 100 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 25
Against the median year of the Acura MDX. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 90
17.3% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 100
64% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2015 compares with every other Acura MDX

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2015 Acura MDX

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 25,000 mi

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 24,000 mi

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 52,000 mi

Body & Structure 8 8.2%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 4,000 mi

Steering 8 8.2%

Median failure at 16,639 miles

Engine & Cooling 7 7.1%

1 crashes, 1 fires · median 40,000 mi

Lights 6 6.1%

Median failure at 110,081 miles

Brakes 6 6.1%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 8,530 mi

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 4 4.1%

Median failure at 6,500 miles

Airbags 4 4.1%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 12,000 mi

Suspension 3 3.1%

Median failure at 48,000 miles

Equipment & Accessories 2 2.0%

Median failure at 5,700 miles

Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance 2 2.0%
Seats 2 2.0%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 18,000 mi

Fuel & Propulsion 2 2.0%

Median failure at 72,600 miles

Acceleration & Cruise Control 2 2.0%

Median failure at 4,950 miles

Tires 1 1.0%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 8 11.1%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 16 22.2%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 18 25.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 5 6.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 12 16.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 6 8.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 3 4.2%
150,000+ miles 4 5.6%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Oct 2014 peak 5 Jul 2026

Recalls on the 2015 Acura MDX

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

United States — NHTSA

26V365000

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

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.

Risk: 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.

25V259000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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.

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

23V858000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

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.

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

19V256000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

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.

Risk: Loss of the taillights reduces the vehicle's visibility, increasing the risk of crash.

16V417000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

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.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.

15V417000

EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

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.

Risk: 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.

15V301000

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: CRASH IMMINENT BRAKING

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.

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

14V639000

SEAT BELTS

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.

Risk: A seatbelt that does not function increases the risk of injury in a crash.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2026275 136,260 units in Canada

Structure

Issue: On certain vehicles, the suspension mounting points on the rear subframe could rust. As a result, rear suspension components could fail. This could lead to poor handling and a loss of vehicle control. Safety Risk: A loss of control could create the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Honda will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect and install a rear subframe reinforcement kit or replace the subframe, as necessary.

Recall 2025212 40,454 units in Canada

Lights And Instruments

Issue: On certain vehicles, the recall repairs completed by a Honda or Acura dealer during recall AL65/AL66 (Transport Canada recall no. 2019-159) may not have been effective. As a result, a second repair is required. On certain vehicles, water could enter the tail lamps on the tailgate and cause a short circuit. As a result, the fuse could blow and cause a complete loss of rear lighting. Note: This recall replaces recall AL65/AL66 (Transport Canada recall no. 2019-159). Vehicles that previously had a fuse harness installed under that recall do not require this repair. Safety Risk: A loss of rear lighting could make the vehicle less visible and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Acura will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to install a fuse harness. The dealer will also inspect and, if necessary, replace the tail lamps on the tailgate and repair the body dust sealer.

Recall 2019159 32,880 units in Canada

Lights And Instruments

This recall was replaced by Transport Canada recall no. 2025-212. Issue: On certain vehicles, water could enter the tail lamps located on the tailgate. This could cause the tail lamps not to work properly. This could also cause a fuse to blow, which could result in a complete loss of rear lighting. Safety Risk: A loss of rear lighting could make the vehicle less visible and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to inspect the tailgate lid lamps. If either lamp is not working, the dealer will replace both lamps and inspect/replace the fuse. If both tailgate lid lamps are working, the dealer will modify the lamps, and install updated gaskets and wiring.

Recall 2016278 3 units in Canada

Fuel System

On certain vehicles, the fuel tank may have received insufficient welds during manufacturing. Over time, the insufficient welds may separate and allow for fuel leakage. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will replace the fuel tank.

Recall 2015281 10,220 units in Canada

Engine

On certain vehicles, some lots of A/C compressor clutch drive bolts may be defective. If the A/C clutch drive falls off the vehicle during operation while the vehicle is underway, the clutch drive could strike another vehicle, stationary object, or bystander, causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will replace the clutch drive bolt, and if necessary install a new clutch plate.

Recall 2015201 3,387 units in Canada

Brakes

On certain vehicles, the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) could unexpectedly activate while operating the vehicle. In rare cases, the system may interpret certain roadside objects, such as metal fences or metal guardrails, as obstacles and apply emergency braking through the CMBS. If the CMBS applies unexpected emergency braking force during normal operation, it could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will update the vehicle sofware for the system.

Recall 2014453 4,010 units in Canada

Seats And Restraints

On certain vehicles, in temperatures below minus 20° Celsius, the ability of the driver's and front passenger's seatbelt to extend and/or retract may be affected. This would result in a seatbelt that cannot be used properly or as it was intended, and could increase the potential for injury to the seat occupant(s) in a crash. Correction: Dealers will replace the driver's seatbelt and front passenger's seatbelt.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

at 141,000 miles Grayson, GA Crash 1 injured

ENGINE

The contact owned a 2015 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while exiting the car wash parking lot, the vehicle was in neutral. The contact entered the vehicle. The contact attempted to shift the gear into drive, however the gear shifter was inoperable and did not move. The contact stated the vehicle independently accelerated and was unstoppable. The vehicle crossed a busy parking lot, the vehicle went up two embankments, crashed into a lamp pool, and then into a tree before coming to a complete stop. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. All the air bags deployed. The contact sustained several injuries and received medical attention at the local hospital. The vehicle was deemed as a total loss. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 141,000.

NHTSA complaint #11571677 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 85,000 miles Wasilla, AK Fire

STRUCTURE:BODY

VEHICLE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS THROUGHOUT THE FIRST TWO YEARS OF OWNERSHIP, WHICH THE DEALERSHIP WAS VISITED FOR REPEATEDLY. THESE PROBLEMS OCCURRED WHEN THE WEATHER WAS VERY COLD, USUALLY BELOW ZERO (F), AND INVOLVED MULTIPLE DISFUNCTIONAL SENSORS ALL DISPLAYING INOPERATIVE. WHEN THESE SENSORS DISPLAYED ERRORS, THAT COMPONENT OF THE CAR WOULD NOT FUNCTION CORRECTLY. (ONE TIME THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE COLLISION MITIGATING SYSTEM, AND THE BRAKES AUTOMATICALLY ENGAGED ON AN ICY ROAD AT FULL SPEED--ANOTHER THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE AWD WHICH TURNED THE VEHICLE INTO A FRONT WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION). DEALERSHIP DISCOVERED AFTER MULTIPLE VISITS, AND WHEN WE TOLD THEM WE WERE GOING TO TRY TO PURSUE A LEMON LAW PROTECTION ON THE VEHICLE, THAT IT WAS A POWER CONTROL MODULE THAT WAS BAD. THIS WAS REPLACED. VEHICLE RAN MOSTLY ERROR FREE FOR SOME TIME AFTER. ON THE MORNING OF 2/15/2018, THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED IN ORDER TO WARM UP. WHILE PARKED WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING, VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE SOMEWHERE BEHIND THE DASH ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. WE PUT THE FIRE OUT USING A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. THANKFULLY, I WAS NOT DRIVING THE VEHICLE AS I WOULD HAVE BEEN 5 MINUTES LATER, AS I HAD NO FIRE EXTINGUISHER IN THE CAR; AND ALSO THANKFULLY THERE WAS NOT GOING TO BE A PASSENGER IF I HAD BEEN DRIVING, AS THE FLASH WAS IMMEDIATE AND INTENSE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. FURTHER, IT DID NOT CATCH OUR HOUSE OR SHOP ON FIRE WHEN IT WENT, AS IT COULD HAVE. VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. DOCUMENTATION OF NUMEROUS PROBLEMS (RECEIPTS OF VISITS TO DEALERSHIP) AND PHOTOS OF DAMAGE TO CAR AFTER FIRE ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.

NHTSA complaint #11128827 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 85,000 miles Wasilla, AK Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

VEHICLE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS THROUGHOUT THE FIRST TWO YEARS OF OWNERSHIP, WHICH THE DEALERSHIP WAS VISITED FOR REPEATEDLY. THESE PROBLEMS OCCURRED WHEN THE WEATHER WAS VERY COLD, USUALLY BELOW ZERO (F), AND INVOLVED MULTIPLE DISFUNCTIONAL SENSORS ALL DISPLAYING INOPERATIVE. WHEN THESE SENSORS DISPLAYED ERRORS, THAT COMPONENT OF THE CAR WOULD NOT FUNCTION CORRECTLY. (ONE TIME THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE COLLISION MITIGATING SYSTEM, AND THE BRAKES AUTOMATICALLY ENGAGED ON AN ICY ROAD AT FULL SPEED--ANOTHER THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE AWD WHICH TURNED THE VEHICLE INTO A FRONT WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION). DEALERSHIP DISCOVERED AFTER MULTIPLE VISITS, AND WHEN WE TOLD THEM WE WERE GOING TO TRY TO PURSUE A LEMON LAW PROTECTION ON THE VEHICLE, THAT IT WAS A POWER CONTROL MODULE THAT WAS BAD. THIS WAS REPLACED. VEHICLE RAN MOSTLY ERROR FREE FOR SOME TIME AFTER. ON THE MORNING OF 2/15/2018, THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED IN ORDER TO WARM UP. WHILE PARKED WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING, VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE SOMEWHERE BEHIND THE DASH ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. WE PUT THE FIRE OUT USING A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. THANKFULLY, I WAS NOT DRIVING THE VEHICLE AS I WOULD HAVE BEEN 5 MINUTES LATER, AS I HAD NO FIRE EXTINGUISHER IN THE CAR; AND ALSO THANKFULLY THERE WAS NOT GOING TO BE A PASSENGER IF I HAD BEEN DRIVING, AS THE FLASH WAS IMMEDIATE AND INTENSE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. FURTHER, IT DID NOT CATCH OUR HOUSE OR SHOP ON FIRE WHEN IT WENT, AS IT COULD HAVE. VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. DOCUMENTATION OF NUMEROUS PROBLEMS (RECEIPTS OF VISITS TO DEALERSHIP) AND PHOTOS OF DAMAGE TO CAR AFTER FIRE ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.

NHTSA complaint #11128827 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 390,000 miles Princeton, NJ 1 injured

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I DRIVE A 2015 ACURA MDX, WHICH I BOUGHT BRAND NEW. IT IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION WITH LIMITED MILEAGE. TWO DAYS AGO WHILE I WAS DRIVING RIGHT BEFORE I REACHED MY HOUSE, SUDDENLY THERE WAS A LOUD EXPLOSION FROM MY LEFT SIDE. I STOPPED THE CAR AND FOUND THE LEFT SIDE MIRROR CASE COMPLETELY CRACKED WITH HOLES AND PIECES, HANGING BY THE WIRES THAT CONNECT IT TO THE REST OF THE UNIT. THIS IS A SMALL NEIGHBORHOOD SITUATED AT A CUL DE SAC. THERE WERE NO TRAFFIC, DEER, BIKERS, OR BIRDS AT THE TIME. I COULD NOT FIND ANY FALLING OBJECTS EXCEPT THE BROKEN PIECES FROM THE MIRROR CASE AND SOME LANDED 20 FEET AWAY. I AM SURE IT WAS NOT SHOT BY ANY GUN. IF I HAD NOT BEEN IN THE CAR WITH THE WINDOW CLOSED, I COULD HAVE EXPERIENCED SERIOUS INJURIES. IF SOMEONE HAPPENED TO BE NEAR THE MIRROR, THE PERSON'S FACE COULD HAVE BEEN BLOWN OFF. THE NEXT DAY I CALLED THE ACURA CLIENT RELATIONS AND I WAS TOLD THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS TYPE OF INCIDENT. HOWEVER, I CHECKED ONLINE AND FOUND A LIST OF ACURA CONSUMERS HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT SIMILAR ISSUES SINCE 2006 AND ACURA HAD NEVER ADDRESSED THIS SAFETY ISSUE AND CONTINUES TO DISMISS OR DENY THE ISSUE (LINK: HTTP://WWW.MDXERS.ORG/FORUMS/14-PROBLEMS/25607-REAR-VIEW-MIRROR-LEAK-EXPLOSION-3.HTML). I AM NOW WORRIED ABOUT THE OTHER MIRROR MIGHT EXPLODE ONE DAY AND CAUSE SERIOUS SAFETY COMPLICATIONS.

NHTSA complaint #11062332 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 12,000 miles Charlotte, NC Fire

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY (MORNING TRAFFIC MOVING AT SPEED LIMIT - 65-70 MPH) I SMELLED SMOKE. IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THIS THERE WAS A THUD AND THEN THE CHECK ENGINE, LDW AND OTHER LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH, ALONG WITH AUDIBLE ALARM SOUND. SMOKE WAS NOW VISIBLE, COMING FROM THE ENGINE (UNDER THE HOOD). I WAS ABLE TO MOVE FROM THE MIDDLE LANE TO THE RIGHT LANE/EXIT LANE AS I KNEW I NEEDED TO PULL OVER IMMEDIATELY. SINCE I WAS IN AN EXIT LANE THERE WAS NO REAL SHOULDER AND I STARTED DOWN THE EXIT RAMP. THE SMOKE WAS VERY STRONG AT THIS POINT. I WENT TO DEPRESS THE BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN ON THE EXIT RAMP AND TRY TO PULL THE CAR OVER BUT I HAD NO BRAKES. THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT RIGHT TO THE FLOOR. I HAD LIMITED STEERING CONTROL AND WAS DRIVING ERRATICALLY TRYING TO KEEP CONTROL OF THE CAR WHILE ON THE EXIT RAMP. I TRIED TO PUT THE TRANSMISSION IN PARK - NO EFFECT TO SLOW THE CAR. I TRIED TO POWER THE CAR OFF - DID NOT WORK. I HAD TO DEPRESS THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE CAR. IT TOOK OVER 100 FEET TO STOP THE CAR (LUCKILY NO OTHER CARS ON THE EXIT RAMP) AT WHICH POINT I COULD PULL OVER ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. AT THIS POINT THERE WAS SMOKE BILLOWING OUT OF THE ENGINE AREA, SMOKE COMING IN TO THE CAR. I CALLED 911 AND THEY RESPONDED IN ABOUT 5 MINUTES. AFTER I GOT A SAFE DISTANCE FROM THE CAR I COULD SEE FLAMES COMING FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE ENGINE. FROM THERE I COULD SEE THE FIRE START TO GROW IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND ONCE THE FIRE DEPT ARRIVED IT WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE CAR HAS BEEN DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY. THIS IS A VERY CONCERNING SITUATION AS THE CAR HAD A MAJOR, CATASTROPHIC FAILURE WITH ESSENTIALLY NO WARNING, INCLUDING COMPLETE LOSS OF BRAKING AND SIGNIFICANT LOSS OF STEERING, FOLLOWED BY A FIRE. THE CAR HAD LESS THAN 12K MILES AND WAS ABOUT ONE YEAR OLD. NO ISSUES OR SERVICE OTHER THAN STANDARD MAINTENANCE.

NHTSA complaint #10925103 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 12,000 miles Charlotte, NC Fire

ENGINE

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY (MORNING TRAFFIC MOVING AT SPEED LIMIT - 65-70 MPH) I SMELLED SMOKE. IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THIS THERE WAS A THUD AND THEN THE CHECK ENGINE, LDW AND OTHER LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH, ALONG WITH AUDIBLE ALARM SOUND. SMOKE WAS NOW VISIBLE, COMING FROM THE ENGINE (UNDER THE HOOD). I WAS ABLE TO MOVE FROM THE MIDDLE LANE TO THE RIGHT LANE/EXIT LANE AS I KNEW I NEEDED TO PULL OVER IMMEDIATELY. SINCE I WAS IN AN EXIT LANE THERE WAS NO REAL SHOULDER AND I STARTED DOWN THE EXIT RAMP. THE SMOKE WAS VERY STRONG AT THIS POINT. I WENT TO DEPRESS THE BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN ON THE EXIT RAMP AND TRY TO PULL THE CAR OVER BUT I HAD NO BRAKES. THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT RIGHT TO THE FLOOR. I HAD LIMITED STEERING CONTROL AND WAS DRIVING ERRATICALLY TRYING TO KEEP CONTROL OF THE CAR WHILE ON THE EXIT RAMP. I TRIED TO PUT THE TRANSMISSION IN PARK - NO EFFECT TO SLOW THE CAR. I TRIED TO POWER THE CAR OFF - DID NOT WORK. I HAD TO DEPRESS THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE CAR. IT TOOK OVER 100 FEET TO STOP THE CAR (LUCKILY NO OTHER CARS ON THE EXIT RAMP) AT WHICH POINT I COULD PULL OVER ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. AT THIS POINT THERE WAS SMOKE BILLOWING OUT OF THE ENGINE AREA, SMOKE COMING IN TO THE CAR. I CALLED 911 AND THEY RESPONDED IN ABOUT 5 MINUTES. AFTER I GOT A SAFE DISTANCE FROM THE CAR I COULD SEE FLAMES COMING FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE ENGINE. FROM THERE I COULD SEE THE FIRE START TO GROW IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND ONCE THE FIRE DEPT ARRIVED IT WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE CAR HAS BEEN DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY. THIS IS A VERY CONCERNING SITUATION AS THE CAR HAD A MAJOR, CATASTROPHIC FAILURE WITH ESSENTIALLY NO WARNING, INCLUDING COMPLETE LOSS OF BRAKING AND SIGNIFICANT LOSS OF STEERING, FOLLOWED BY A FIRE. THE CAR HAD LESS THAN 12K MILES AND WAS ABOUT ONE YEAR OLD. NO ISSUES OR SERVICE OTHER THAN STANDARD MAINTENANCE.

NHTSA complaint #10925103 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Dallas, TX

ENGINE

My 2015 AcuraMDX engine seized while driving creating an unsafe condition as it occurred on a busy roadway. I suspect a rod bearing failure. It has been reported to Honda. The same parts listed in the 2015 RDX recall are used in my MDX but the 2015 is not part of the recall. My engine had a knock and had taken it for inspection at an independent Honda specialist. I had learned that the recall covers the 2015 model year for the Acura TLX, the official recall documentation only includes the 2016–2020 model years for the Acura MDX. There were no check engine lights prior to the stall and seizure of the engine.

NHTSA complaint #11750652 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Granite Falls, NC

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

I saw previous warning when I pulled my credit report on Experian, but I am not seeing any recalls currently. My driver side taillight is malfunctioning. It appears there is a problem with the seal which is allowing water to get inside the assembly, causing it to short out. I realize this vehicle is a 2015 but thought I would mention in case this is still an issue under recall.

NHTSA complaint #11728195 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 167,000 miles Livermore, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2015 Acura MDX. It was later discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 82,000 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 167,000.

NHTSA complaint #11720021 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 215,000 miles Gambrills, MD

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2015 Acura MDX. The contact stated that upon retrieving the Carfax report of the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 105,000, and the mileage on the Carfax report was 215,000 in July 2025. The MVA was contacted and referred the contact to the Police Department, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance.

NHTSA complaint #11700325 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bethesda, MD

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

All of a sudden the brakes are automatically applied with collision avoidance amber coming on dash heads up display while I am on freeway approximate speed 30-40 mph with no apparent vehicle in front.this has also happened at lower speeds in local driving roads.Braking is pretty severe and dangerous could be rear ended by other vehicles ..This is a Collision mitigating system falsely coming on with no vehicle in front very dangerous.It has happened about 3 times intermittently. Taking in vehicle to local Acura dealer on 24 th June 2025 for check up

NHTSA complaint #11667443 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 185,000 miles San Jose, CA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The contact owns a 2015 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the tailgate lid lights did not function as intended. The contact was pulled over by the local Police and was informed that the taillights were not operating. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with failed tailgate lid lights. The contact was informed that the tailgate lid lights needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised that the manufacturer had denied the repair under warranty or unknown recall repairs. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously serviced by the dealer, and the previous dealer performed a recall repair under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V256000(Exterior Lighting); however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The manufacturer denied the repair under warranty because of the failed recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 185,000.

NHTSA complaint #11647955 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 85,700 miles Clifton Park, NY

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2015 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact pulled over onto the shoulder of the roadway. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. In addition, the contact stated that the engine had been repaired by the dealer less than a month before the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,700.

NHTSA complaint #11639599 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Erlanger, KY

STRUCTURE:BODY

Paint peeling on roof (white diamond pearl paint).

NHTSA complaint #11636349 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mansfield, TX

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

For the last 50k miles we've taken our Acura MDX to the dealership for regular oil changes. Almost every visit results in a bad battery. We've had the dealership replace a side mirror due to the electrical and several batteries as well. They've kept it for several days diagnosing issues but haven't to this day found out what's wrong with it. Now my back taillight stopped working, we bought another one and replaced it for it to work for a couple months and stop working again. Now we've taken it to another place for diagnosing, they have said the inter taillight assembly and wiring needs replaced. Seems like this has been the issue the entire 6 yrs we've been complaining. The dealership says they took care of the problem already, clearly this is a safety issue when driving at night especially. Having a taillight that works off and on is not my idea of safe or "fixed" according to the dealership.

NHTSA complaint #11611045 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mansfield, TX

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

For the last 50k miles we've taken our Acura MDX to the dealership for regular oil changes. Almost every visit results in a bad battery. We've had the dealership replace a side mirror due to the electrical and several batteries as well. They've kept it for several days diagnosing issues but haven't to this day found out what's wrong with it. Now my back taillight stopped working, we bought another one and replaced it for it to work for a couple months and stop working again. Now we've taken it to another place for diagnosing, they have said the inter taillight assembly and wiring needs replaced. Seems like this has been the issue the entire 6 yrs we've been complaining. The dealership says they took care of the problem already, clearly this is a safety issue when driving at night especially. Having a taillight that works off and on is not my idea of safe or "fixed" according to the dealership.

NHTSA complaint #11611045 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Stockton, CA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Acura issued Warranty Extension TSB 19-029 on 2014-2016 MDX with white diamond pearl paint. The extension covers the roof and rear door. My roof began peeling in or around 2022 and the roof was repainted without issue. The rear door just showed signs of the defect in August 2024, and the issue is clearly the same manufacturer defect as identified in the document, however, Acura is unwilling to correct the defect due to the warranty period now being expired.

NHTSA complaint #11608615 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 35,163 miles Gaithersburg, MD

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

The contact owns a 2015 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, he observed condensation in both taillights and the taillights did not illuminate as intended. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the lid light needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred with the right taillights. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 35,163.

NHTSA complaint #11579573 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Ashburn, VA

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

See attached letter for complaint

NHTSA complaint #11578083 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 141,000 miles Grayson, GA Crash 1 injured

ENGINE

The contact owned a 2015 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while exiting the car wash parking lot, the vehicle was in neutral. The contact entered the vehicle. The contact attempted to shift the gear into drive, however the gear shifter was inoperable and did not move. The contact stated the vehicle independently accelerated and was unstoppable. The vehicle crossed a busy parking lot, the vehicle went up two embankments, crashed into a lamp pool, and then into a tree before coming to a complete stop. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. All the air bags deployed. The contact sustained several injuries and received medical attention at the local hospital. The vehicle was deemed as a total loss. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 141,000.

NHTSA complaint #11571677 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Granbury, TX

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Tail lights (rear running lights) don’t work, when break light and turn lights work

NHTSA complaint #11553025 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Oviedo, FL

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

The sun/moon roof glass on our 2015 Acura MDX spontaneously shattered while my wife was driving down a major thoroughfare in our area. If the inside cover below the glass had been open, my wife could have been seriously injured by falling shards of glass. Furthermore, she could have been easily distracted and involved in an accident by the loud, exploding sound of the glass shattering. An inspection by myself and the dealer service department determined no external force or object caused the glass to shatter. It happened spontaneously. Nevertheless, the dealer's assessment is that the shattering was not caused by a manufacturing defect. When I contacted Acura Owner Support, I was told no other incidents of this kind have been reported even though I pointed out the the representative that a Class Action lawsuit has been filed against Acura for this very same issue.

NHTSA complaint #11528062 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Carpentersville, IL

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

transmission torque converter shudder during 20 to 45 mph.

NHTSA complaint #11484993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Inola, OK

POWER TRAIN

TRANSMISSION SLIPS,AND HESITATES TO SHIFT NORMALLY AND THEN GOES NORMAL AGAIN. VEHICLE IS IN MOTION WHEN THIS OCCURED ,IT HAPPENED WHILE CRUSING AT 35 MPH, AND AT 50 MPH, STREET ,AND HIGHWAY. I HAVE TAKEN IT INTO THE DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES TO FIND THE ISSUE AND ANYWAYS END UP WITH NO ANSWERS, I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO FIND MULTIPLE PEOPLE WITH THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL THAT HAVE THE SAME ISSUES WITH THEIR VEHICLE. I BOUGHT THIS CAR WITH 25,000 MILES AND IT NOW HAS 125,000 PROBLEM HAS NOT GOTTEN BETTER OR WORSE HAS BEEN THE SAME. THE BRAKE WARNING ALSO POPS UP RANDOMLY WHEN NO OTHER CARS ARE NEAR.

NHTSA complaint #11464338 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Inola, OK

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

TRANSMISSION SLIPS,AND HESITATES TO SHIFT NORMALLY AND THEN GOES NORMAL AGAIN. VEHICLE IS IN MOTION WHEN THIS OCCURED ,IT HAPPENED WHILE CRUSING AT 35 MPH, AND AT 50 MPH, STREET ,AND HIGHWAY. I HAVE TAKEN IT INTO THE DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES TO FIND THE ISSUE AND ANYWAYS END UP WITH NO ANSWERS, I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO FIND MULTIPLE PEOPLE WITH THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL THAT HAVE THE SAME ISSUES WITH THEIR VEHICLE. I BOUGHT THIS CAR WITH 25,000 MILES AND IT NOW HAS 125,000 PROBLEM HAS NOT GOTTEN BETTER OR WORSE HAS BEEN THE SAME. THE BRAKE WARNING ALSO POPS UP RANDOMLY WHEN NO OTHER CARS ARE NEAR.

NHTSA complaint #11464338 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Windsor, WI

POWER TRAIN

Torque converter shutter at speeds of 30mph - 45mph causing erratic acceleration fluctuations. I addressed the concern with the dealership at around 72,000 miles (just out of manufacturers warranty). I told there was a fluid recall. They changed the fluid which remedies the issue. The transmission fluid has to be changed every 5,000-10,000 for the vehicle to perform with a less noticeable transmission shudder. Manufacturers recommends changing every 30,000 miles to prevent transmission slipping. I did contact Acura and they dismissed my concerns, stating I drove the vehicle too much. After researching online this seems to be a common concern/problem other Acura MDX owners are experiencing.

NHTSA complaint #11442215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 109,000 miles Raynham, MA

POWER TRAIN

WHILE CAR IS SHIFTING IDLE HANGS AND SHUTTERS AROUND 1600-2000 RPM. LEFT FRONT AND REAR SHOCKS HAVE LOUD NOISES WHEN TRAVELING OVER BUMPS.

NHTSA complaint #11414706 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 109,000 miles Raynham, MA

SUSPENSION

WHILE CAR IS SHIFTING IDLE HANGS AND SHUTTERS AROUND 1600-2000 RPM. LEFT FRONT AND REAR SHOCKS HAVE LOUD NOISES WHEN TRAVELING OVER BUMPS.

NHTSA complaint #11414706 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 52,000 miles Westlake, OH

POWER TRAIN

APPEARS TO HAVE ISSUES SHIFTING FROM D4 TO D5 OR WHILE IN D5. ROUGHLY AROUND 1.6K RPM THE VEHICLE SOUNDS LIKE IT IS DRIVING OVER RUMBLE STRIPS. I THINK IT MIGHT BE A TORQUE CONVERTER PROBLEM.

NHTSA complaint #11383219 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 66,000 miles Cerritos, CA

POWER TRAIN

TRANSMISSION SLIPS ,AND HESITATES TO SHIFT NORMALLY AND THEN GOES NORMAL AGAIN. VEHICLE IS IN MOTION WHEN THIS OCCURED ,IT HAPPENED WHILE CRUSING AT 35 MPH, AND AT 50 MPH, STREET ,AND HIGHWAY. .

NHTSA complaint #11348639 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 70,000 miles SAN Antonio, TX

STEERING

WHEN TURNING SLOWLY (IE PARKING LOTS), THERE IS KNOCKING/CREAKING SOUND HEARD ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. DEALER CONFIRMED NOISE BUT NOT ABLE TO SAY EXACTLY WHAT IS WRONG OR WHY OTHER THAN TO SAY THAT IT NEEDS FRONTS AXLES ON BOTH SIDES REPLACED AT COST OF $1200+. IN MY OPINION, THEY DIDN'T PROPERLY DIAGNOSE IT (AND REALLY ARE JUST GUESSING AT PROBLEM). THEY ONLY TEST DROVE IT AND THAT IS NOT ONLY WAY TO DIAGNOSE PROBLEM WITH VEHICLE. IT APPEARS TO BE A PRODUCT QUALITY ISSUE IN MANUFACTURING. THE CAR IS 5 YEARS OLD AND HAS 70,000 MILES. ALL SIGNS SHOWED THAT IT HAS BEEN TAKEN CARE OF BY PREVIOUS OWNER AND NOW BY ME. I HAVE HAD IT FOR ABOUT YEAR WHEN IT HAD 65000 MILE. AT THIS STAGE OF ITS LIFE, IT SHOULD NOT NEED AXLES REPLACED. IF THIS WAS A GM CAR, I'D SAID THAT'S PROBABLY TRUE BUT THIS IS AN ACURA WE ARE TALKING ABOUT. THE CAR HAS NOT EVEN BEEN BROKEN INTO AT THIS MILEAGE.

NHTSA complaint #11331362 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.