Complaint volume
159 consumer-submitted complaints are matched to this model year. Treat the count as a research signal, then read the actual summaries for repeated symptoms.
Complaint records
2018 Acura MDX Complaints
159 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2018 Acura MDX, grouped by component category.
159 Total complaints
3 Crash reports
4 Fire reports
2 Injury reports
Complaint data reflects consumer-submitted reports. A complaint is not proof
of a defect, recall, or manufacturer fault. Enriched severity fields come
from official bulk records when the complaint can be matched by ODI number.
Buyer interpretation
How to use these complaints before buying
Complaint records are most useful when they turn into inspection points, seller questions, and comparison checks against nearby model years.
Pattern to inspect
The most common categories are fuel system, gasoline, fuel/propulsion system, electrical system. Use those categories as a test-drive checklist instead of judging the vehicle from the total count alone.
Severity flags
Enriched records include 3 crash reports, 4 fire reports, 2 injury reports, and 0 fatality reports. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 38 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 43,820 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to fuel system, gasoline, fuel/propulsion system, electrical system?
- Can I see recent maintenance and repair records?
- Has the vehicle ever been towed, involved in a crash, or repaired for the same issue twice?
- Can we also check the recall record for this 2018 Acura MDX?
Used-car checklist
Use these complaints before the test drive.
Build a buyer checklist to turn these issues into questions and inspection points.
2018 Acura MDX
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
How severe are the 2018 Acura MDX complaints?
3 Crash
4 Fire
2 Injury
0 Fatality
3 Towed
1 Medical attention
What are the most common 2018 Acura MDX complaint categories?
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 16
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 16
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 15
ENGINE 14
POWER TRAIN 12
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 12
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 7
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 7
VISIBILITY/WIPER 5
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 3
159 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 2025 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | When you press the accelerator pedal there is a significant delay in the pedal response particularly at low speed. As you press accelerator pedal nothing happens for a second or two. Then the vehicles accelerates not a gradual rate but at the rate of where the accelerator pedal is at when the vehicle begins to speed up. This causes sudden and hard acceleration. This delay and or sudden acceleration is dangerous when trying to pull into traffic. The Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Was brought to dealer and after a very short inspection, was told nothing was wrong. They did do a transmission software update. This did not change anything. This is an issue reported in on-long blogs frequently. No warning lamps to error codes related to this issue according to the dealer. This has been an ongoing issue for as long I have owned the vehicle but gets worse as the vehicle gets older. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | This is a complaint about the defective TPMS components in this vehicle. I sent a copy to Acura and Honda Client Relations and to the Dealer (Montano Acura). [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2025 | ENGINE | I submit this complaint because my 2018 Acura MDX, covered under NHTSA recall 23V-751 for connecting-rod bearing defects, has suffered progressive engine damage and final engine failure that I believe was caused by the manufacturer’s recalled defect and by the dealer/manufacturer’s failure to timely perform the recall repair. Timeline & key facts: 2024: Vehicle displayed code P0159 (O₂ sensor slow response). I contacted Acura corporate and opened a case. The O₂ sensor was replaced under warranty. I continued to report reduced acceleration and intermittent check-engine illumination to the dealer and to Acura corporate. I repeatedly requested that the recall inspection/repair be performed, but the repair was delayed or not scheduled despite the vehicle’s symptoms and my repeated follow-ups.2024–2025: Over the following months I repeatedly requested recall service and documented those requests with the dealer and Acura corporate. On many occasions I was not scheduled for the recall or was told to wait for parts/authorization. I was also treated rudely by dealership staff (identified service advisor: Tara at Acura on Chapman Road), and my case was not escalated appropriately despite my persistence. 2025: Vehicle later displayed P0430 (catalyst efficiency below threshold, Bank 2), and within [insert timeframe] the engine experienced complete failure requiring immobilization. Dealer notes show an oil-pump leak and catalytic converter symptoms consistent with oil/fuel contamination and bearing-related engine issues. I have service records documenting the sensor replacement, subsequent dx, and the dealer’s findings. Effect: I have been wi/o a vehicle since the engine failure, incurred hotel cancellation charges $116 and other consequential damages. I believe the engine damage was preventable and is directly tied to the acknowledged defect in the recall; the catalyst and O₂ sensor failures were downstream consequences of recall-related engine problems (oil consumption, | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2025 | ENGINE | I am filing this report regarding my 2018 Acura MDX that has experienced complete engine failure directly related to the Connecting-Rod Bearing Safety Recall (NHTSA Recall 23V-751) and Acura’s failure to perform the recall when I first reported issues. In 2024, my vehicle began showing engine trouble codes (P0159) and experienced reduced acceleration and check engine light warnings. I contacted Acura corporate and opened a case, explaining that the vehicle was exhibiting symptoms similar to those described in the recall, including engine hesitation and performance issues. I also took the vehicle to Acura of Chattanooga on Chapman Road, where I worked with Tara, a service advisor who acknowledged remembering my repeated attempts to get the recall addressed. Despite this, the recall repair was never performed, and I was treated rudely and dismissed each time. Over the past two years, I have made multiple documented attempts to have the recall completed. Each time, Acura failed to take action or stated that parts or authorization were unavailable. In 2025, my vehicle displayed Code P0430 (Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold, Bank 2) and ultimately suffered complete engine failure. The issues with oil circulation, catalytic converter performance, and acceleration are consistent with the rod bearing defect Acura has acknowledged as part of this recall. Recently, Acura informed me that my recall was “completed,” even though the engine is now inoperable. This is unacceptable, as the recall was meant to prevent this exact type of engine damage, and Acura had two years of opportunity to address the issue before failure occurred. The current situation has left me with a non-functioning engine, significant repair costs, and a serious safety concern that could have been prevented if Acura had honored its recall responsibilities in a timely manner. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate Acura’s handling of this recall and their pattern of delaying or denying recall repairs | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2025 | LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST | The front camera seems to be faulty and is throwing warning lights on the Dash. Lane keep assist system, front collision and adaptive cruise control lights show up. These warnings disappear when the car cools down, but does appear again | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The front camera failure. Needs replacement. Camera apparently is used for the ACC , lane departure assistance. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2025 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL | While operating the vehicle, multiple driver-assist warning indicators illuminated on the dashboard, including LKAS (Lane Keeping Assist System), ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control), and CMBS (Collision Mitigation Braking System). The systems either disengaged or functioned erratically during normal driving conditions. At times, the vehicle failed to maintain lane position, abruptly disengaged adaptive cruise control, or displayed collision alerts when no obstruction was present. Now it is constant. Safety Impact: The failure of the LKAS, ACC, and related systems can cause unexpected loss of vehicle assist functions, leading to abrupt speed changes or compromised lane control, increasing the risk of collision if not promptly corrected. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | SEATS | Driver seat slippage/moves. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | ENGINE | The contact owned a 2018 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to several dealers but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 130,000 |
| Aug 2025 | ENGINE | Many times, when I drove the car on the road leaving the stop sign and it lost power or hesitated to go. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2018 Acura MDX. The contact stated that the vehicle was designed with the engine Auto Start-Stop feature. The contact stated that while at a complete stop and releasing the brake pedal, the engine failed to restart. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to restart. The contact then noticed that the gear shift indicator displayed that the transmission was in neutral(N). The contact shifted to park(P) and was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring, almost causing the vehicle to be rear-ended. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and recommended a diagnostic testing to determine the cause of the failure, but the contact declined due to the cost. The contact stated that the starter was previously replaced under an unknown recall, which the contact related to the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 47,000 |
| Aug 2025 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | The contact owns a 2018 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled, with several unknown warning lights and the traction control warning light illuminated. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the oil pressure switch. The oil pressure switch was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 - 75 MPH, the vehicle unintentionally decelerated to 40 - 45 MPH. The accelerator pedal was pumped until the vehicle accelerated with a crunching sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the remote start failed to operate as designed occasionally. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic and was diagnosed with transmission failure; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer approximately 7 to 8 times due to the failure. The contact stated that the fuel pump was replaced; however, the failure persisted, and the transmission had experienced total failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), and the vehicle had exceeded the mileage for the transmission repair under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 40,000 |
| Aug 2025 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | My 2018 Acura MDX experiences a persistent and unsafe delay in acceleration from a complete stop. When pressing the gas pedal, there is often a hesitation of approximately one second before the vehicle responds. This throttle lag creates a serious safety concern, especially when attempting to merge into traffic, turn across intersections, or respond quickly in emergency situations. The dealership has been unable to resolve the issue despite applying all available software updates. Based on online reports, this appears to be a widespread issue affecting multiple model years and drivetrains. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The car alarm started going off randomly after the car was locked and armed. This would happen periodically. The car was locked using the indoor lock and then left unlocked and the lights would go off and on periodically. The internal dash periodically would flicker off and on (dash lights/screens). The car eventually drained the battery one night cycling down to 4.25v and had to be replaced (it was too damaged to be jumped). Upon replacing the battery codes were read, cleared and the car driven. The alarm and light issue came back, and the hood latch was disconnected. This stopped the alarm, but after rain events or humid days the lights would still come on (as if someone unlocked the car or walked up with the key) and the dash lights would occasionally flicker. The wireless control unit was removed and inspected and dendritic growth was noticed on one location of the board. This was cleaned with alcohol and this has appeared to solve the issue so far. The part of the board with the growth is not sealed and looks like it is right on the edge of the factory sealing. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | POWER TRAIN | My vehicle started a couple of months ago making a noise like the transmission was having trouble shifting smoothly. I do not drive this vehicle that often so I thought it was maybe my ears. When researching I found out there to TSB's on Acura MDX's B20-015 & B19-004 to from 2016 to 2019. My wife does not feel safe driving this vehicle. Can you help ASAP. Thank you so much. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | VISIBILITY/WIPER | Washer fluid pump is fail its a common problem in this vehicle after fluid go low and you refill the reservoir pump will not work anymore a lot of complain have be files again this problem | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE | 5 waning lights on : Adaptive Cruise Control , Lane Departure Warning , Lane Keeping Assistance , front light, and the emergency braking . Service crew at Acura Dealer told me that the front multipurpose camera has internal error. It is very dangerous since all these functions must be fixed before I can drive it on road. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact owns a 2018 Acura MDX. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle jerked and hesitated and failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. No warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while exiting a parking lot and driving 5 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated. The contact stated that several minutes later, the vehicle functioned as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired after the most recent failure. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 65,000 |
| May 2025 | ENGINE | While driving at freeway speeds (70–85 mph), I experience a sudden and complete loss of acceleration when pressing the gas pedal fully. The vehicle stops responding to throttle input entirely for 1–2 seconds. To regain power, I must take my foot off the pedal for a moment and then press it again. This has happened multiple times and presents a severe safety hazard when merging, passing, or trying to avoid collisions. •Frequency & Reproducibility: This has occurred at least 3 times over the past year, under similar conditions. It is intermittent, but consistently happens during high-speed acceleration. •Dealership Response: I’ve reported the issue to the dealership, but they claim they cannot replicate the problem and do not consider it a concern. No resolution or inspection has been offered beyond a basic check. •Why It’s Dangerous: This issue could lead to a deadly accident if I’m unable to accelerate in time to avoid a crash. It creates a sudden and unexpected loss of control at highway speeds. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Lane Keep assist, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning all stopped working and received error codes. Dealership stated camera was faulty and needed to be replaced at my cost. Continued issues with electrical systems where the car alarm will go off intermittently, and vehicle will not lock unless manually locking. Dealership stated smart control unit needs to also be replaced at my cost. part number for control unit #38320 was issued by honda motor company service bulletin 21-055 for their honda ridgeline. Acura Dealer will not honor since part number does not specify acura. Part issued in Service bulletin is 38320-T6Z-A11 (honda ridgeline) part needed to be replaced by acura is 38320-TRX-A11. Other service bulletins related to original issues: 20-015, 19-005, 23-008, and 24-022 and safety recall report 23V-751. Dealership is still placing responsibility of repair of defective parts on car owner. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Electric Parking Brake light and Emissions System light popped up at the same time. Replaced the battery the lights gone immediately for weeks, but reappears again. Disconnected the battery and reconnected it the lights gone for one month and came back again. Search online there are a lot of similar situations. The dealer replaced parts but the issue stated. There must be some malfunctions of the ECU or something else. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | Car has two unrepaired recalls. ( Please refer to your site)Fuel pump is never available, needs to be ordered. Recall related to engine bearings, crankshaft and other essential parts has not been repaired to any MDX in Puerto Rico. A year and a half after notifying recall the Dealer informs that Acura is developing a tool to diagnose damage. No date to repair situation is available. Permanent damage to engine can be in progress while original warranty expired during waiting period and private extended warranty will soon expire. Possible solution may involve engine replacement, separating engine from transmission, gaskets, seals and other related parts not included in the recall. Both recalls are a safety concern. Your assistance is appreciated. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | •Make: Acura •Model: MDX •Year: 2018 •VIN: [XXX] •Mileage: 80,594 (as of March 22, 2025) Complaint Type: Vehicle Component/Recall Reoccurrence Component Affected: Exterior Lighting – Taillights Summary of Problem: I am filing a complaint regarding a recurring safety issue involving my 2018 Acura MDX’s taillight assembly, which was previously the subject of a recall. In 2019, the left taillight was repaired under a manufacturer recall related to water intrusion that caused lighting failure. On March 22, 2025, during a routine visit to Acura of Boston (Bernardi Acura), it was determined that the same taillight assembly had failed again due to signs of water intrusion, causing the light to malfunction. The dealership estimated a cost of $805.82 for the replacement. I contacted Honda and requested goodwill assistance since this issue was previously addressed as a safety recall, but they denied my request due to warranty expiration—even though this is clearly a recurrence of the original defect. This poses a potential safety hazard, as taillight failure can impair visibility and increase the risk of rear-end collisions, especially in low-light conditions. The fact that the exact issue has returned after an official recall fix raises concerns about the long-term effectiveness of the original repair. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether this issue is affecting other 2018 Acura MDX vehicles and whether an extended recall or follow-up campaign should be considered. Dealership Details: •Service Date: March 22, 2025 •Dealer: Acura of Boston, 1600 Soldiers Field Rd, Brighton, MA •Original Recall Repair: Prime Acura of Westwood (2019) Attachments available upon request: Service estimate, VIN, dealer findings, and photos. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | POWER TRAIN | Vehicle stalls when accelerating from A stop. Has done this since first purchased. Acura charged me for transmission software but did not resolve issue. Vehicle hesitates and stalls when accelerating from a stop. My wife refuses to ever drive vehicle as we have had many close calls with accidents. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | The contact owns a 2018 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle failed to respond. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was attempting to pull over to the side of the road and depressed the accelerator pedal, but the pedal went to the floorboard, and the vehicle jerked and suddenly stopped. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for an unknown recall for the fuel pump to be repaired and the contact informed the dealer of the failure the vehicle was experiencing. The vehicle was repaired under recall; however, the failure persisted. The local dealer was contacted two more times for the same failure; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and provided the contact with a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 50,000 |