FaultScore

Acura MDX suspension problems

95 of the 4,633 complaints filed about the Acura MDX are about the suspension — 2% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2001.

95

Complaints

2%

Share of all complaints

0

Crashes

1

Fires

Suspension complaints by model year

2001 MDX 19 20.0%

Median failure at 150,000 miles

2002 MDX 5 5.3%

Median failure at 46,000 miles

2003 MDX 2 2.1%

Median failure at 99,063 miles

2004 MDX 2 2.1%

Median failure at 47,025 miles

2005 MDX 2 2.1%

Median failure at 184,000 miles

2006 MDX 1 1.1%

Median failure at 43,000 miles

2007 MDX 12 12.6%

Median failure at 86,000 miles

2008 MDX 6 6.3%

Median failure at 82,136 miles

2009 MDX 2 2.1%

Median failure at 4,000 miles

2010 MDX 1 1.1%

Median failure at 147,570 miles

2011 MDX 3 3.2%

Median failure at 50,000 miles

2012 MDX 1 1.1%

Median failure at 10 miles

2014 MDX 6 6.3%

Median failure at 19,398 miles

2015 MDX 3 3.2%

Median failure at 48,000 miles

2016 MDX 6 6.3%

Median failure at 18,984 miles

2017 MDX 1 1.1%
2018 MDX 2 2.1%
2019 MDX 2 2.1%

Median failure at 1,500 miles

2020 MDX 3 3.2%

Median failure at 45,000 miles

2022 MDX 9 9.5%
2023 MDX 3 3.2%

Median failure at 50,000 miles

2024 MDX 2 2.1%
2025 MDX 2 2.1%

What owners said

2017 Acura MDX Kissimmee, FL

SUSPENSION

I am filing an official complaint against American Honda Motor Co., Inc. and the local dealership regarding their handling of a mandatory safety recall on my 2017 Acura MDX (VIN: [XXX] / Manufacturer Case # XXX). The manufacturer and dealership are failing to provide a $0-cost remedy for this safety recall by attempting to impose conditional out-of-pocket charges on me: 1. Conditioning Recall Completion on Paid Repairs: The dealership/manufacturer verbally informed me that while the recall procedure itself is covered, I will be required to pay out-of-pocket for any corroded, rusted, or damaged hardware/parts that must be removed or replaced during the disassembly process to complete the recall. They stated that if the vehicle fails their post-repair safety inspection due to these rusted components, I must pay for the new parts before the vehicle is deemed complete/safe. 2. Refusal to Provide Written Estimates: I have repeatedly requested an itemized written estimate detailing these potential charges via email for several weeks, but the manufacturer and dealer have failed to provide one, insisting instead that I bring the vehicle back to the dealership without written terms. 3. Denial of Safe Transportation: The dealership has demanded that I return the vehicle for inspection/repair without guaranteeing a loaner vehicle, while simultaneously stating the vehicle may not pass safety inspection unless I agree to pay for non-covered rusted parts. A safety recall repair mandated by federal law must return the vehicle to a safe condition at zero cost to the owner. Requiring the consumer to pay for rusted components that must be removed solely to execute the recall repair defeats the purpose of the recall remedy. I request that the NHTSA intervene to ensure American Honda Motor Co., Inc. completes the recall repair in full at $0 cost and provides appropriate replacement transportation during the service. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11758169 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 Acura MDX West Bend, WI

SUSPENSION

I received a letter from Acura about a safety recall on the subframe. My car has been making a creaking noise and so I called the number on the letter. The guy gave me the number to Acura, Brookfield WI. I called and talked to someone there today, I think his name was John. I told him I wanted my car checked for the recall issue and I am worried about the noise. He said a subframe won't cause squeaking and I would have to pay $200 for them to look at it. I said I would call back in fall as the letter states but Im still wanting this issue fixed now.

NHTSA complaint #11754628 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 Acura MDX Surprise, AZ

SUSPENSION

Recall/Campaign Reference: Rear subframe/rear suspension safety recall, ~880,000+ Acura MDX vehicles (MY 2014–2020), due to risk of rear suspension component failure causing loss of vehicle control. Complaint Narrative: I own a 2014 Acura MDX (VIN [XXX]) subject to Honda's rear subframe safety recall for suspension components Honda has identified as posing a risk of failure, potentially causing loss of vehicle control and increasing crash/injury risk. I brought my vehicle to Acura of Arrowhead, AZ (authorized dealer) for the recall repair. The dealer had recall subframe parts in stock, but upon inspection found the bolt securing the Left Rear Lower Arm A rusted and seized, causing the bushing to separate. The dealer advised the bolt must be cut and the Left Rear Lower Arm A (Part No. 52370TZ5A90) replaced, along with the right-side arm (52375TZ5A9) and Upper/Lower Bolts (90118TZ5A10, 90981TZ5A01). I was informed Part No. 52370TZ5A90 is unavailable anywhere in the U.S. — no dealer, no aftermarket, no third-party source — for an indefinite period with no ETA. As a result, the recall repair cannot be completed, despite an actively corroded, failing component already identified on my vehicle. I must continue operating this vehicle with a known, documented safety defect because Honda cannot supply the needed part, with no resolution timeline. This complaint documents: Recall remedy cannot be completed due to nationwide parts unavailability. Vehicle has an active rusted/seized failure in the exact recalled component. No interim safety guidance or parts timeline provided. I request NHTSA investigate Honda's parts supply chain adequacy for this recall, given the scale (880,000+ vehicles) and inability to supply a critical safety part. Requested Action: Investigate parts availability/remedy completion rate for this campaign; require American Honda Motor Co., Inc. to provide owners a documented parts timeline and/or interim safety guidance. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5

NHTSA complaint #11753247 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 Acura MDX Katy, TX

SUSPENSION

The vehicle developed repeated front‑end structural and steering problems shortly after purchase. During normal driving, it produced loud popping, creaking, and clunking noises when turning, entering driveways, or driving over small inclines. Steering felt inconsistent and the front suspension felt unstable. These symptoms created a serious risk of loss of control. A dealer confirmed the problem multiple times and replaced several major components, including the left front strut, the left front lower control arm, and the front shock absorber fork. The most serious finding was cracked welds in the front subframe, requiring the entire subframe to be replaced. A cracked subframe weld is a structural failure that can affect steering stability and crashworthiness. The issues were reproduced and documented by the dealer on multiple visits. The manufacturer’s engineering team was involved due to the severity and difficulty of diagnosis. Despite repeated repairs and extended time out of service, the same steering and suspension symptoms continued, and the vehicle was returned multiple times with ongoing issues. There were no warning lights or messages before the failures. The defects occurred during low‑speed maneuvering and normal driving conditions. The vehicle did not perform like a safe, structurally sound new vehicle, and the repeated structural and steering failures pose a safety risk to occupants and others on the road.

NHTSA complaint #11751959 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Acura MDX Prosper, TX

SUSPENSION

A federal safety recall was performed on the vehicle to install a rear subframe reinforcement kit. Before the recall repair, the vehicle operated normally and had no vibration at highway speeds. Immediately after the recall repair, a new vibration developed above approximately 60 mph. The vibration is felt primarily from the rear of the vehicle, occurs only while accelerating, becomes most noticeable between 60 and 80 mph, and disappears immediately when the accelerator is released while maintaining the same speed. The condition is repeatable and remains unresolved. The vibration creates concern for loss of vehicle stability and control at highway speeds because it occurs while the drivetrain is under load. No warning lights or diagnostic messages appeared before or after the repair. The vehicle has been inspected by both the dealership that performed the recall repair and an independent repair facility. To eliminate other possible causes, the front hub and bearing assembly were replaced and all four tires were remounted and dynamically balanced. Those repairs did not eliminate the rear vibration. The dealership attributed the condition to unrelated maintenance items, including tires, wheels, and brakes, but did not identify a defect with the recall repair or determine whether the rear subframe installation, rear differential mounting, driveshaft, or other components disturbed during the recall procedure contributed to the new vibration. The timing of the failure is significant because the vibration began immediately after completion of the federal recall repair and was not present beforehand. The component is available for inspection upon request. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether the recall remedy or repair procedure may have introduced a drivetrain or rear suspension condition affecting vehicle safety.

NHTSA complaint #11750239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 Acura MDX at 50,000 miles Havertown, PA

SUSPENSION

The contact owns a 2023 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds over a bumpy road surface or a pothole, there was an abnormal metallic sound coming from underneath the passenger’s side of the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where a technician informed the contact that the sound was common after 50,000 miles. The contact was later informed that the cause of the failure was undetermined. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but the assigned case manager failed to help. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

NHTSA complaint #11750299 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 Acura MDX Valley Stream, NY

SUSPENSION

I am filing a safety and compliance complaint regarding execution of Federal Recall Campaign #26V365 by Valley Stream Acura and sales fraud by Paragon Acura. I purchased this 2016 Acura MDX from Paragon Acura on May 29, 2026. I have driven it only 550 miles, placing it strictly within the statutory New York State 60-Day Used Car Lemon Law Warranty window. A certified 6-page independent ASE forensic report documents that Valley Stream Acura bolted the federal recall brackets directly onto severely cracked rear control arms and rusted struts without disclosure. Furthermore, Paragon Acura forced a brand-new front control arm link onto a deeply pitted, scaling, and structurally compromised front steering knuckle to mask pre-sale defects, signing a false NYS highway safety certification. The vehicle was released to me with a bone-dry, empty engine cooling loop, creating an immediate fire hazard. Acura Corporate (Case #16437213) refuses to issue a corrective directive, willfully leaving a non-compliant vehicle on public roads.

NHTSA complaint #11749008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 Acura MDX Tallahassee, FL

SUSPENSION

OnXXX I was sold an “As is” vehicle under a Christmas special that was deemed unsafe to drive by a licensed mechanic a week later because of the rear subframe is bent from premature corrosion the dealer denied knowing anything about it but i submitted a case with FLHSMV because under the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA): For consumer sales, even in "as-is" transactions, sellers must disclose known material defects that substantially impact the vehicle’s value or safety but the claim was denied and ruled non-jurisdictional so im in the process of going civil. The total price the licensed mechanic gave me was 3,246 so ive been trying to mitigate this for months but i recently just seen a Major recall was just issued which is the NHTSA campaign #26V367000 which is the same exact problem my vehicle that was sold to me was & is currently experiencing but my state which is [XXX] was excluded from the Recall list because it isn’t classified as a Salt bath state but since im experiencing the same issue and i don’t live in one of those states im just making this formal complaint to see if i can get some help to mitigate this situation to get the recall extended to more states since its not just affecting the north united states its down south as well so if someone could please help me or get back to me to point me in the right direction to get this situation mitigated it’ll be greatly appreciated thank you and have a great day. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11743848 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Acura MDX Odenton, MD

SUSPENSION

Clunking or Looseness in the Outer Tie Rod. The issue is related to TSB-B23-019 Bulletin. The exact same issue is occurring that has happened with years 2022-2023. I have had at the dealership to fix the issue and they never mentioned the outer tie rod cotter pin or castle nut loosening.

NHTSA complaint #11740641 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Acura MDX Verona, WI

SUSPENSION

RIGHT AND LEFT REAR STROKE SENSOR AND AFTER MARKET CONNECTOR WITH PIGTAILS FOUND CORROSION NEE REAR STROKE SENSOR CONNECTOR CAUSING DTC C1646-F0=== $872.13 right + $872.13 left They are using after market parts with this new Suspension system for Acuras MDX TYPE S. Any car wash or rain storm or snow storm this parts gets corrosion!

NHTSA complaint #11731547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2024 Acura MDX Stevens Point, WI

SUSPENSION

Air suspension/vehicle height Brake systems were taken away (adaptive cruise, anti collision and lane mitigation) Yes confirmed by dealer Yes Yes warning lights

NHTSA complaint #11729385 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Acura MDX Easton, PA

SUSPENSION

I am filing a complaint regarding my 2022 Acura MDX Type S with approximately 70,700 miles. The vehicle developed a suspension system warning, and upon inspection by an Acura dealership, I was informed that the suspension stroke sensor and floor wiring harness are corroded and require replacement. I was quoted approximately $12,000 for the repair. This failure is extremely concerning because the vehicle is only a few years old and this type of corrosion affecting a major wiring harness should not occur under normal operating conditions. The affected components are part of the suspension system, which directly impacts vehicle handling and safety. Due to the failure, the suspension system may not function properly, potentially affecting ride height, stability, and overall control of the vehicle. This raises safety concerns, especially at highway speeds or during emergency maneuvers. There was no prior warning of water intrusion or external damage that would reasonably explain this level of corrosion. This appears to be a premature failure of a critical electrical component. Acura has only offered minimal goodwill assistance, leaving the majority of this extremely costly repair as the responsibility of the owner. I am concerned that this may be a broader issue affecting other vehicles and that it could pose a safety risk if not addressed. I am requesting that this issue be investigated. Thank you.

NHTSA complaint #11726624 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 Acura MDX Dubois, PA

SUSPENSION

A little over one year after purchase, I began receiving dashboard warnings related to the air suspension and braking systems. I scheduled service with the selling dealer (located over two hours from my home). By the time of my appointment, the rear of the vehicle was visibly unstable and bouncing during operation. Upon arrival at the dealership, while the technician was driving the vehicle into the service bay, the rear air suspension bag exploded. Once the vehicle was raised on the lift, the opposite rear suspension bag also exploded. I was informed by dealership personnel that had this occurred while I was driving – regardless of speed – it could likely have resulted in a crash. The stated cause of failure was severely corroded rear stroke sensors. Including that incident, I have had a total of 5 corroded stroke sensors replaced within an approximately one-year time frame. This appears to be a recurring and systemic defect rather than isolated component failure. The repeated corrosion of critical suspension components in a nearly new vehicle raises serious concerns about moisture intrusion, improper sealing, or design defect affecting safety-critical systems. This issue creates a significant risk of sudden suspension failure, loss of vehicle control, and potential crash. I am concerned that other owners may experience similar dangerous failures without warning.The vehicle has been serviced only at an authorized Acura dealership, and all repairs are documented. Exact dates of each repair: 4/10/25 – Both rear stroke sensors (mileage: 13,632), 9/24/25 – Left rear, 2/6/26 – Right front, 3/20/26 – Left rear, Current mileage: 25,160

NHTSA complaint #11726266 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Acura MDX Hammond, WI

SUSPENSION

MDX Type S with 63k miles. After performing diagnostic check there were several fault codes related to the vehicle's suspension system. Upon inspection, they identified issues with the ride height (stroke) sensors and wiring. The right rear, left rear, and right front sensors are affected. The right rear sensor has a broken pin, and part of that pin is stuck in the wiring connector. The left rear sensor also has a pin that is corroded. Additionally, the main wiring harness along the floor is corroded. This is due to poor location of wire harness in the Type S, and corrosion was due to salt exposure from icy roads. Dealership confirmed this was a known issue and had about a dozen of these replacements in the last few months.

NHTSA complaint #11726051 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Acura MDX Aurora, IL

SUSPENSION

The car threw several warning lights on the dash. The main indicator was that there was a problem with the air suspension: "Adaptative air suspension problem. Please see your dealer." The left airbag on the suspension then popped, rendering the car undriveable as the compressor would constantly blow air to try to inflate the airbag. The car was repaired at an independent facility at the cost of $2900.00 to replace the suspension airbag and the height sensor, as well as recalibrating ADAS. The car had 66k miles at the time of the incident.

NHTSA complaint #11724891 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Acura MDX at 45,000 miles San Jose, CA

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM

The contact owns a 2020 Acura MDX. The contact stated that the front windshield camera became inoperable. There were unknown warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the control arms failed. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The windshield was replaced with an aftermarket part at an auto body shop. The control arm was replaced at the local dealer. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

NHTSA complaint #11718591 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Acura MDX Miami, FL

SUSPENSION

I had a recall done by local Acura dealer, Miami Doral Acura, where they replaced parts that connected the engine to the car, they are like rods. I recently took the car to a mechanic because I needed to change the timing belt components and he advised me that one of the rods that were replaced failed. This means that the engine was attached by only one rod, the other rod was cut, not connected. I called Acura today reporting the issue with the recall, they gave me a case number 16125924, advising me that some one would get back to me. The same mechanic also advised me that the high pressure fuel pump was not working properly and that my car could stall while driving it and he advised that it would be dangerous to drive it without replacing it. The part he quoted me was around $700. I looked for recalls for this car with this fuel pump issue and found that Acura only recalled some VIN numbers and my car is not one of the VIN numbers recalled. I believe Acura has not recalled all cars involved with the pressure pump. I find it hard to believe that they are not aware of this issue affecting more of the 2018 MDX model. The recall with the rods failed just a year after they replaced them. I had the rod recall done in 1/25. I cannot drive the car until I have the mechanic replace the high pressure fuel pump and fix the problem with the engine rod recall. Acura needs to be heal accountable and compensate owners that are dealing with the same issue I am.

NHTSA complaint #11713484 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2024 Acura MDX Jacksonville, FL

SUSPENSION

Unknown. Constant creaking and rubbing sound when turning wheel and tires. Acura refuses to look into it more. Not a normal sound for a car less than two years old. Continues to happen everyday since two eeeks after I bought car. Have taken it to Acura multiple times for weeks at a time

NHTSA complaint #11674899 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Acura MDX Roseville, CA

SUSPENSION

There were two major failures in my vehicle within a couple of weeks. The first was a lower ball joint failure. The passenger side lower control arm was replaced. The second major failure was the transfer case seal on the transmission failed and the transmission is being replaced. The vehicle has been serviced since its new purchase at Acura dealerships.

NHTSA complaint #11635395 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Acura MDX Deer Park, IL

SUSPENSION

I brought my 2020 Acura MDX with 61,086 miles on it for a routine service and was informed that the front suspension control arms were failing and needed to be replaced within weeks otherwise it could break causing a safety issue while driving. I have never had a car including prior MDX's that required this to be replaced and when I asked about it, I was told by the dealer and other dealers that I spoke to that is was unusal for this to happen with this many miles but it can. I feel that this is a manufacturer flaw and could be an issue in other MDX's. Again, if I did not go in for routine service at that time, it could have resulted in a safety incident within weeks according to them without notice and there was no mention of this with my prior routine service back in June 2024.

NHTSA complaint #11624640 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other Acura MDX problems