FaultScore

Acura MDX headlight problems

80 of the 4,633 complaints filed about the Acura MDX are about the lighting — 2% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2014.

80

Complaints

2%

Share of all complaints

1

Crashes

0

Fires

Lights complaints by model year

2002 MDX 1 1.3%

Median failure at 40,000 miles

2003 MDX 2 2.5%

Median failure at 82,500 miles

2004 MDX 1 1.3%

Median failure at 80,000 miles

2006 MDX 1 1.3%
2007 MDX 3 3.8%

Median failure at 72,000 miles

2009 MDX 7 8.8%

Median failure at 30,000 miles

2010 MDX 2 2.5%

Median failure at 10,083 miles

2011 MDX 3 3.8%

Median failure at 33,000 miles

2012 MDX 2 2.5%

Median failure at 4,200 miles

2013 MDX 3 3.8%

Median failure at 64,760 miles

2014 MDX 14 17.5%

Median failure at 85,650 miles

2015 MDX 6 7.5%

Median failure at 110,081 miles

2016 MDX 11 13.8%

Median failure at 120,108 miles

2017 MDX 5 6.3%
2018 MDX 5 6.3%
2019 MDX 5 6.3%

Median failure at 98,000 miles

2020 MDX 8 10.0%
2022 MDX 1 1.3%

Median failure at 42,579 miles

What owners said

2016 Acura MDX at 149,000 miles Mountain Lakes, NJ

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The contact owns a 2016 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and attempting to open the trunk, the contact became aware that the inner driver’s side taillight was inoperable. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V256000 (Exterior Lighting); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The independent mechanic stated that the taillight needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 149,000.

NHTSA complaint #11753988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 Acura MDX Homer Glen, IL

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

We are asking for your assistance and getting our reimbursement back from Acura/Honda automotive for a safety recall for our rear tail light which had moisture which was an NHTSA safety recall We purchased and had replaced the rear tail plate that had been recalled prior to the recall coming out. We have given them all this information and they still have not provided us with a refund for the safety recall on the tail light on our vehicle this has been going on for a couple years. The individuals at Honda automotive corporate are very disrespectful and as a handicap woman who uses this vehicle as a family vehicle it was a great essence to get the taillight part repaired and purchased because I almost got into a couple accidents because the tail lights were not working. We have submitted all our reimbursement paper to them as well as the receipts and proof of payments and they still have not refunded us we ask for your help in this matter as it is greatly appreciated because this was a safety recall and they know that, and they still have disregarded reimbursing us for the parts that we purchased prior to the recall, if you need anything else from us, we have submitted our reimbursement form our payment proof, as well as the proof that it was purchased and done at the Acura certified dealership. Our car is a certified vehicle that we purchased from Acura and we always get our work for service done at certified Acura dealerships. Any assistance in this matter would be greatly appreciated as this has been going on for a couple years and I tried to work with them, but they are very difficult in getting our money back every time they ask for something we send it and they say they need more. It is like back-and-forth. It has been an extremely stressful situation for something that is a safety issue and that was a defect by our automotive maker and we should not have to go through that as a consumer.

NHTSA complaint #11748123 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2013 Acura MDX West Bloomfield, MI

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The car is giving external right head light issue. The light turns off suddenly at night which we need to turn on again after 2 minutes. This happens frequently and we have to turn on the lights very often. The dealer examined the issue and he expressed regret in repairing the vehicle and estimated price of $2.500.The Service Manager though stated that the issue is same as it pertains to the rear lighting issue for Acura 2014 to 2020 Models. We paid $100 just to examine the lighting issue to the dealer. We are senior citizens at advanced stage and it is becoming increasingly difficult to take out the cars at evenings for fear of proper and reliable lighting in the car.

NHTSA complaint #11744051 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Acura MDX Eden Prairie, MN

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

There is an active Taillight (Lid Lights) Safety Recall (25V-259) on 2014-2020 Acura MDXs. When I enter my VIN it claims I am not part of this recall but there is sitting water inside my drivers side tailgate lid light assembly. It's only in the one, therefore I am unsure why my vehicle isn't listed/registered as part of this active recall.

NHTSA complaint #11736688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 Acura MDX at 99,217 miles Arlington, VA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The contact owns 2016 Acura MDX. The contact stated that after the State Inspection was completed, the State Inspector informed the contact that the vehicle had failed the inspection due to an inoperable driver's side tailgate light. The contact was also informed that there was moisture inside the tailgate lid light assembly, and that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V259000 (Exterior Lighting, Interior Lighting). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was referred the dealer for the repair. The contact was informed that there might be a reimbursement if the VIN became included in a future recall. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 99,217.

NHTSA complaint #11730113 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 Acura MDX at 99,217 miles Arlington, VA

INTERIOR LIGHTING

The contact owns 2016 Acura MDX. The contact stated that after the State Inspection was completed, the State Inspector informed the contact that the vehicle had failed the inspection due to an inoperable driver's side tailgate light. The contact was also informed that there was moisture inside the tailgate lid light assembly, and that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V259000 (Exterior Lighting, Interior Lighting). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was referred the dealer for the repair. The contact was informed that there might be a reimbursement if the VIN became included in a future recall. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 99,217.

NHTSA complaint #11730113 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Acura MDX 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.

2018 Acura MDX Powell, OH

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Hello, My 2018 Acura MDX has moisture and water inside the inner tailgate (trunk) tail light assembly, which caused the light to stop working. I understand there is a recall affecting some 2014–2020 Acura MDX vehicles related to moisture entering the tailgate light assembly, and my vehicle appears to have the same issue. Recall link: [XXX] Last week I visited the Acura dealership(Acura Columbus) in Dublin, OH for a fuel pump recall service. During that visit, the technician also noticed the water inside the inner tail light but quoted about $750 for the repair. Although my VIN does not show this recall, my vehicle is experiencing the same problem described. Could you please review and advise if this may qualify for recall coverage or goodwill assistance? Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11724508 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Acura MDX Garfield, NJ

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The rear lighting on the left side of the tailgate was accumulating water. Even though it was part of a recall campaign, the period had expired. I had to replace it at my own expense. This could be a broader issue since similar cases may occur for others.

NHTSA complaint #11724281 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 Acura MDX Springfield, MA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Manufacturer has not reimbursed recall repair paid out-of-pocket despite complete documentation and extended delay. Which was opened on 10/3/2025 the repair was done back in Feb 2024 !

NHTSA complaint #11718864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Acura MDX Athens, GA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The taillights on this vehicle are defective. I have already had one taillight replaced and now the other side needs to be replaced. These taillights are $300 each for parts only.

NHTSA complaint #11712057 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 Acura MDX Los Angeles, CA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

I have a 2016 MDX. The big red light on my tailgate on the passenger side stopped working. I had been driving at night and only found out when a friend mentioned it to me. I al concerned driving due to safety issues with being less visible to other drivers. I tried changing the bulb with two new ones (correct size 7440) and it still does not work. I noticed online that there is a safety recall for such lighting issues, though it is not showing as recall for my VIN. I called Chevy Chase Acura to ask about the recall and they said there are no recalls listed for my vehicle. I made an appointment for 1/7/26 at 1:15pm anyway to have it looked at. Following that, I called Honda's recall department and they said there previously had been a recall in effect but it expired on 11/30/25. I have been out of town caring for my mother who had cancer and recently passed on 12/18/25. I was not previously aware of the recall. From my reading online, due to this being a safety recall, it should still be eligible for recall repairs up to 15 years of the car's age. I am hoping for some assistance in getting this matter resolved.

NHTSA complaint #11709254 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Acura MDX Northbrook, IL

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Intermitted Flashing Dash Lights, Headlights, and Car Alarms. Steering wheel moving up and down. Looks like the same issue as Service Bulleting 21-055.

NHTSA complaint #11707264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2011 Acura MDX Los Angeles, CA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Check engine light continues to come on after repair, lack of power and transmission skip at times. Reverse light dark, unable to see at all.

NHTSA complaint #11687765 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 Acura MDX Allison Park, PA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Water has entered inner tail light causing it to stop working

NHTSA complaint #11682930 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 Acura MDX Manitowoc, WI

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Headlights somehow may be taking on moisture. The clarity is down to almost nothing. Driving at night is unsafe! The RPM’s have never been smooth or consistent. There is almost a micro-revving effect. I’ve had all of the fluids and filters changed…… dealership thought it was a recall.

NHTSA complaint #11681581 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Acura MDX Lilburn, GA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

There is moisture and water droplets inside outer left taillight

NHTSA complaint #11674739 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Acura MDX Glen Head, NY

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The contact owns a 2020 Acura MDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V259000 (Exterior Lighting, Interior Lighting); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint #11668968 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Acura MDX Glen Head, NY

INTERIOR LIGHTING

The contact owns a 2020 Acura MDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V259000 (Exterior Lighting, Interior Lighting); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint #11668968 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 Acura MDX Middle River, MD

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

This specific vehicle has an issue with the starter and flywheel breaking up for no reason. After being replaced twice, they were broken again in three months. The suspension has also been broken many times, and even after replacing the entire four sides, it still did not fix the problem. It also produces a rubber smell when driven over than 1 hour non stop

NHTSA complaint #11662888 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other Acura MDX problems