239 of the
4,633 complaints filed about the Acura MDX
are about the fuel system —
5% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2018.
After an auto idle stop at a major intersection, car failed to restart automatically and was left stranded unable to restart the car. Car would not shut off or turn back on when using the power button and with foot on brake but had power but it was in limp mode - transmission warnings flashed and the D "for drive" on the screen at the drivers location. I called tripleA however before they showed up I was able to put the parking brake on and turn the car off and on ad it reset. This is similar to the issue was happening with my 2017 Honda Pilot where it would stall and not restart after the auto idle stop engaged. Very dangerous and difficult to troubleshoot when in that situation, surprised that this is still happening in Honda manufactured cars - this is very dangerous and needs to be addressed and investigated.
NHTSA complaint #11757151 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11756035 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The car had several warnings lights come on and immediately stalled out and stoped right in the middle of the road. The engine would turn over but would sputter like it was out of gas and would die after a few seconds. It stoped in the middle of a busy state highway in a curve. Luckily no one got hurt. I towed it to an auto service center. The 2020 Acura MDX suffered an in-tank fuel pump failure causing a low fuel pressure code (P0087). This model year is under a massive 2.6-million vehicle safety recall, but my specific VIN was omitted. It likely should be included before someone gets hurt.
NHTSA complaint #11749098 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On [XXX], while traveling at highway speeds on [XXX], the vehicle suffered a sudden, complete loss of engine propulsion. The vehicle rapidly decelerated, refused to respond to accelerator input, and forced itself into a dangerous "Limp Mode" in live traffic, creating an immediate highway safety hazard. Multiple warning messages illuminated on the dashboard. The vehicle was towed to Mile High Acura under Repair Order #[XXX]. Diagnostic testing pulled stored Code P0087 for Low Fuel Pressure at the Fuel Rail. An inline fuel pressure gauge confirmed that the low-side fuel pressure was rapidly fluctuating between 55 and 64 PSI at idle. The dealership escalated the data to the Acura Corporate Tech Line (Ref #[XXX]), which reviewed the vehicle's onboard snapshot data and officially determined a terminal defect in the low-pressure fuel pump assembly, mandating the replacement of the low-side pump and both fuel relays. Dealership service records confirm that this vehicle previously had a low-pressure fuel pump recall performed in 2021 under NHTSA Campaign Number 21V-215 (Acura Code CAI). The sudden failure of this replacement component matches the exact failure conditions detailed in the subsequent NHTSA Campaign Number 23V-858 (Acura Codes KGC/KGD). In that expanded campaign, American Honda Motor Co. openly admitted to federal regulators that the early replacement "service parts" distributed and installed during the 21V-215 window were manufactured with the exact same defective, swelling density impellers prone to subsequent deformation and complete failure. Despite their own corporate Tech Line explicitly confirming that the root cause of this dangerous highway power loss was the low-pressure fuel pump—the exact component of the 21V-215 and 23V-858 safety recall campaigns—Acura Client Relations denied 100% safety remedy coverage. Acura refused to provide the technical basis for their denial in writing. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11745700 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11745473 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Under normal driving conditions warning lights for "electric parking brake" and "emissions system problem" came on the dashboard and the 'brake' light began flashing. No change in performance. Auto parts store diagnostic indicated EVAP valve as the possible problem code, along with two other unrelated codes - none connected to brakes or emissions. The 12-volt battery tested strong. Drove another 100 miles with lights still on, but the 'brake' light would turn off after about 5 mins of highway driving/no braking. The next day the warning lights continued. After normal city driving I shut the car off, waited 30 seconds, pushed the start button twice (accessory mode) and held the brake pedal down while pulling up on the brake release button for 10 seconds. Started the car without any error messages.
NHTSA complaint #11744197 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When accelerating into traffic (usually merging onto highway or changing lanes on the highway) my car will loose all power and fail to accelerate. This is extremely dangerous and has happened on several occasions. I have taken this into Acura as well as other automotive dealers and no one can seem to diagnose or recreate the problem. The only support I received from Acura has been a “software update & idle relearn”, which has never fixed the problem. I saw an NHTSA ID#23V85800 recall alert for Fuel Pump Failure, which perfectly describes the issues I’m having. Unfortunately, my VIN is not included in this recall. I respectfully request that you add my VIN to this recall so I can get my fuel pump replaced and hopefully resolve this very dangerous issue.
NHTSA complaint #11740821 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My Vehicle is having an issue with the idle stop feature. Multiple times when stopped at a red light or when idle the car stops and will not turn back on. I have to turn the car off completely open the door to simulate leaving the car, wait a minute then start the car again to be able to move.
NHTSA complaint #11739504 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
our car eats a ton of oil and the piston rings failed, we owe a lot on it and I'm told there is no help for this issue even though there used to be because we are outside the guidelines in terms of mileage and purchase date. our car has 156k its a 2012 MDX. VIN [XXX] . Just checking with everyone everywhere to make sure I've exhausted all resources as it will take 13,000 to fix and we owe 12,000. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11739318 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Car engine turns off at a red light, by turn off I mean completely turned off, not just silent. And takes a couple of attempts to restart the car before the engine turns on again. This has happened over 5 or 6 times over the last 3 months, however yesterday (May 9, 2026) it happened twice within the hour. Luckily, I have not been involved in an accident because of this, but I'm concerned that it's easy to imagine a scenario where someone will be rear-ended. Please issue a safety recall for Acura to fix this issue.
NHTSA complaint #11736850 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am reporting a recurring safety issue following the Acura rod bearing recall repair on my 2019 Acura MDX SH-AWD. The original recall resulted in catastrophic engine failure and Acura replaced the long block assembly. Since that repair, the vehicle has repeatedly failed and returned to the dealership multiple times for the same issue pattern. Symptoms include: * “Emissions System Problem” warning * SH-AWD, brake, and traction control warnings * strong raw gasoline odor * vehicle becoming undriveable/no-start Timeline: * Recall repair completed with long block replacement * Vehicle failed again the next day * Dealer repaired vehicle * Vehicle failed again about one month later * Dealer repaired vehicle again * Vehicle failed a third time about one week later during normal commuting The recurring failures are accompanied by a strong gasoline smell, creating concern about fire risk and vehicle safety. I regularly transport children in this vehicle and no longer have confidence in the safety or reliability of the recall repair. The dealership has continued repairing the vehicle and providing loaners, indicating the issue is related to the original recall repair, but the underlying problem has still not been resolved despite multiple repair attempts. I am submitting this report because the recall repair has not resulted in safe and reliable vehicle operation.
NHTSA complaint #11736180 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle had auto shut off normally. However when I released the brake and pushed the gas it unexpectedly stalled and shut off without warning. When attempting to restart the vehicle, it would not start again. There were no prior warning indicators or messages suggesting an imminent issue. This created a hazardous situation as the vehicle was disabled in an active traffic lane. After several attempts, the vehicle either restarted after having set the emergency brake. The failure appears to be sudden and without driver input, raising concerns about reliability and safety in traffic conditions.
NHTSA complaint #11735584 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Car jerked badly on highway when trying to accelerate. It puckered to a stop after a few hours. But started in a few mins and we got home. Mechanic suggested that fuel pressure is low. No repair done. But problem did not surface again for a little bit. Now emissions problem light has come on. This is the third time in 4 months. Once again mechanic suggested low fuel pressure and also pointed to the recall. Writing to request being included
NHTSA complaint #11733928 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
We have had multiple incidents when the car is at a stop light with the idle stop not active, the vehicle engine will just die. The light turns green and the vehicle is not running, it will take multiple times pushing the start button for it to start back up. This has resulted in multiple almost rear end incidents due to other drivers assuming we would go when light turned green. More recently this weekend on a trip from Columbus OH to St. Louis MO; stopped to get gas east of Indianapolis, after pumping gas the vehicle would not restart. It took multiple tries to get it to restart; this happened again the following day at a stop during the day at a shopping center, we ran in to get subs for lunch, came back out, would not start, I have a video of the sound and flashing lights but I can't upload a video here.
NHTSA complaint #11732431 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When I have already started to go in motion, for example when turning left, and I let go of the gas pedal and then press the gas again once I decide its safe to turn, my car doesn't respond to the gas for about a couple of seconds. This has also happened when I am driving on the highway and I am already in motion and I want to go faster to pass another vehicle, my car hesitates for a couple of seconds before it responds to me pushing the gas pedal.
NHTSA complaint #11728655 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2016 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle hesitated, and the RPM became elevated, before the vehicle accelerated as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the failure was not duplicated. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact referenced an unknown recall repair with a similar failure; however, the VIN was not associated. The contact was informed that the repair was not associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 107,256.
NHTSA complaint #11728240 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2025 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle bucked for approximately 3-seconds before the vehicle stalled. The hazards were activated, the vehicle was turned off, and the contact waited before restarting the vehicle. While restarting the vehicle, several warning lights quickly flashed, and the vehicle failed to exceed 4 MPH while driving to the nearest parking lot. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V031000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11726899 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I noticed a whirring sound while driving my MDX. The repair shop investigated and noted that the bearing in my transfer case assembly is failing and needs immediate replacement to prevent total power loss to the propulsion system of the car. Current milage of the vehicle is 99,500.
NHTSA complaint #11726033 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was merging into traffic on interstate. The car lagged as if it wasn't getting gas. I pulled over to get out of traffic. Scary situation. Please advise!
NHTSA complaint #11725517 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving my 2020 Acura MDX A-Spec at approximately 63,744 miles, the vehicle suddenly lost all engine power without warning while passing through a busy multi-lane intersection. The loss of propulsion prevented acceleration and forced us to coast across traffic lanes to reach the shoulder, creating a significant safety hazard. The engine would not restart. The vehicle was inspected on 3/17/2026 by Lyle Pearson Acura (Boise, ID). The dealership diagnosed catastrophic internal engine failure with the following findings: spun rod bearing in cylinder #6, excessive metal debris in the oil pan, and bearing seizure to the crankshaft. The technician stated the failure pattern is consistent with the rod-bearing defect described in Acura Safety Recall / Service Bulletin 24-001. Although my VIN is NOT currently included in the recall population, the confirmed failure mode matches the known defect. This suggests the issue may extend beyond currently identified vehicles that are included in Acura Service Bulletin 24-001 and NHTSA recall 23V-751. The vehicle has a salvage title from prior cosmetic damage only; no engine, drivetrain, or structural components were affected. The vehicle has been properly maintained with documented service history. This failure represents a serious safety risk due to sudden loss of power in active traffic conditions, increasing the risk of collision or injury. I request NHTSA review this incident to determine whether additional vehicles should be included in the recall and to assess the broader safety risk.
NHTSA complaint #11725507 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.