Complaint volume
154 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
154 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2018 Acura MDX, grouped by component category.
154 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 engine and engine cooling,fuel system, gasoline, engine, fuel system, gasoline. 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 29 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 52,055 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to engine and engine cooling,fuel system, gasoline, engine, fuel system, gasoline?
- 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
2 Towed
1 Medical attention
What are the most common 2018 Acura MDX complaint categories?
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 11
ENGINE 9
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 9
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 8
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 8
POWER TRAIN 7
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 6
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 6
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE 5
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE 5
154 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2024 | ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | I received a letter from Acura in January 2024 regarding the engine crankshaft recall. I have called the two closest Acura dealerships in an attempt to get this fixed. The last that I was informed today by a dealership is "the part is expected to arrive in August, and we are booked out until December". This put me at getting this repair fixed at ONE YEAR after Acura sent me this letter admitting the crankshaft issue. My vehicle has stalled sporadically while driving for the entire two years that I have owned it. The letter from Acura states that this recall can cause the "rod bearing to prematurely wear and seize, causing engine damage which may cause the engine to run improperly or stall while driving, increasing the risk of fire, crash, or injury. I would like Acura to fix my car or put me and my family in a safe alternative. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2024 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | MIL is displaying the following DTCs: P0441 P04F1 Acura dealership is stating TSB - 21-081 does not apply to my year, make, model vehicle. Is the information I am receiving accurate? | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2024 | SUSPENSION,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | Acura mailed me details about NHTSA Recall 23V-858 in February 2024. However, the letter stated that parts won't be available until over half a year later in the fall of 2024. While I understand that it takes time to develop and produce parts, a half a year wait seems like an unusually long time to have to wait while my vehicle is considered unsafe by NHTSA. This makes it seem like Acura is prioritizing producing parts for profit over safety. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2024 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | The contact owns a 2018 Acura MDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | FEBRUARY 2024 SEVERAL ISSUES STARTED TO OCCUR WITH MY 2018 ACURA AWD MDX. ON TWO OCCASIONS I TRIED TO START THE VEHICLE, WOULDNT START TILL THE THIRD ATTEMPT. I WAS DRIVING NOT EVEN 25 MILES WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. ANOTHER OCCASION I WAS EXITING A PARKING SPOT WHEN THE VEHICLE DECCELERATED, COULDNT PICK UP SPEED ALMOST CRASHED INTO A PARKED VEHICLE. I CALLED ACURA DEALERSHIP TO REPORT CONCERNS. SPOKE TO DONNA TIPTON. SHE CUT ME OFF STATING ACURA DOESNT HAVE THE FUEL PUMP OR CONNECTING ROD IN STOCK CALL BACK IN THE SPRING. I CALLED ACURA CARE TO REPORT WAS GIVEN A CASE NUMBER AND ADVISED TO TAKE MY VEHICLE TO ACURA FOR PRIORITY SERVICE BASED ON THE ISSUES. THE DEALERSHIP GAVE ME THE RUN AROUND FOR OVER A MONTH TRYING TO GET AN APPOINTMENT. IN THE MEANTIME, THE ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE WORSENED. I CALLED ACURA CARE THEY ADVISED TO CALL THE DEALERSHIP TRYING TO GET A SUPERVISOR. DONNA WOULDNT GET THE MANAGER OR TAKE MY INFORMATION. I CALLED AGAIN [XXX] SPOKE TO SHAWN AND WAS SCHEDULED APRIL [XXX]. MY VEHICLE WAS THERE ALL DAY FOR THEM TO SAY THEY DIDNT EXPERIENCED ANY ISSUES AND THEY HAVE NO CONTROL OVER THE ISSUES IM HAVING OR THE FACT ACURA WON'T HAVE PARTS THE FALL OF 2024. I CANNOT DRIVE A VEHICLE WITH ENGINE ISSUES TILL FALL WITHOUT BEING AT RISK FOR A CRASH, INJURY OR DEATH TO MYSELF OR OTHERS. I NEED MY VEHICLE REPAIRED OR REPLACED IMMEDIATELY. ACURA NEED TO EXPEDITE THIS PROCESS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2024 | ENGINE | The contact owned a 2018 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in a garage there was a sudden odor of smoke. The contact stated upon discovering the smoke the contact noticed fumes and flames coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated the vehicle was unoccupied at the time of the fire. The fire was extinguished by the Fire Department however the vehicle was consumed by the fire. There was smoke damage to the home and there was damage to the driveway due to the fire. The contact's wife sustained emotional distress. A Fire Department report was filed. A Police report was not filed. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000. | Crash: No Fire: Yes Injuries: 1 | 50,000 |
| Mar 2024 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact owns a 2018 Acura MDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. An unknown dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2024 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | The contact owns a 2018 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal rattling sound. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring intermittently. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was test-driven; however, the dealer informed the contact that they could not duplicate the failure. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) which she related to the failure; however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. Additionally, the contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000. Parts distribution disconnect. | Crash: No Fire: No | 50,000 |
| Mar 2024 | ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | The dealership is refusing to fix the issue citing that the parts will not be available until fall of 2024. My vehicle is unsafe to drive. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2024 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | The contact owns a 2018 Acura MDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2024 | POWER TRAIN | The transmission of my 2018 has a slip or hesitation where it stalls when going in gear. This has put me and my family in danger. Acura is aware of the issue but claims there is no remedy. I have taken the car to service multiple times and nothing has been done. Last time it stalled while going up hill and I had my children in the car which is extremely dangerous. I had the same issues with my 2016 MDX which had the same issue. The transmission was replaced 3 times on the vehicle. Acura needs to open up a recall on these transmissions. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | On February 7 at 2:30 I came home, and my car was unable to turn off. I’ll try several times to turn off the car by pressing the on and off button. While driving back to work, the car change gear from being in Drive, and it went into neutral while I was driving. I was able to pull over and I was able to turn off the car by pressing the button. The entire dashboard lights came on with all the different symbols . I was able to exit the carr. I told my car to a local repair shop. This was a very frightening experience, especially when I was driving, and the car went into neutral it could’ve been worse. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2024 | BACK OVER PREVENTION | back-up camera is useless at night posing a hazard to anyone behind the vehicle. Honda knows how to fix the problem as witnessed by my 2018 Odyssey which is excellent. The problem has spanned over many years of the MDX before 2016 and after 2019. Having a working backup camera is paramount for any SUV because of the limited visability. Acura Service could not remove the problem | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2024 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | 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) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2024 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact owns a 2018 Acura MDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2024 | SEAT BELTS | On September 30th I got in my car and my drivers seatbelt would not pull out. It was completely stuck. There was no accident or incident, it just fully stopped working and would not pull out to buckle. It was taken apart my a family mechanic and he confirmed a new part of was needed. We then took it to the dealership and they confirmed a new part was needed. This makes my cart illegal to use. A seatbelt is the most basic, fundamental piece of safety equipment needed. My car is not safe to drive. Driving it puts myself at risk everyday day. This could easily result in death. The dealer told us that the part is indefinitely backordered with no ETA. They said they had two other orders for a drivers seatbelt that they were waiting on that they haven't gotten, one of them placed in July. This is 3 people at one dealership that cannot get a drivers seatbelt. I escalated this to Honda/Acura. It took over 20 emails and calls and 10+ social media posts for someone to call me back. I was told I would be moved to a critical back order part and skip the line. It would make me 9th in line, meaning there are many more than that waiting on the part given you don't get moved to a critical back order part unless you continue to call, email and blast them. I was told it could take a year for me to get a new seatbelt as they are having production issues (yet they are making new cars with seatbelts without a problem). They are not prioritizing getting this most basic fault feature replaced and based on the amount of people at one dealer waiting for this part and the "hundreds" as she told me also waiting for this part this should be prioritized and it should be recalled. They are also not offering anytype of safe loaner car for those with the issue to drive even though that are to blame for the production issue. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2024 | POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | First it was start knocking under the hood and the car suddenly stop on the freeway at 80 miles an hour. The car lost all the power. We were lucky we didn't get hit by other cars on the freeway. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Fire under the hood of my 2018 MDX - caused by weak battery and overloaded starter. My car was parked in the garage right under my daughter’s bedroom. I pressed the "Start" button on the car and the dashboard started to flash on and off quickly and I heard clicking sounds and other swooshing noises. The car did NOT start but it seemed to keep trying over and over again. I pressed the start/off button repeatedly but the car did not shut off. My wife came out and asked what I was doing and she smelled and saw smoke coming from under my hood. She ran into the house and called 911. I popped the hood and got out of the car. At this point, there was more smoke and a VERY strong burning electrical odor. The car continued to try to start and the only thing I could think of was to disconnect the battery. Just as I disconnected the battery, The fire department showed up and the smoke started to slowly subside since the car was no longer trying to start. I called AAA and had the car towed to the local Acura dealership that I just had it serviced at. Upon their evaluation, it was determined that the battery was not completely dead, but not strong enough to engage the starter. Therefore, the car continued to try to start and overloaded the starter, burning it out. I strongly feel that this is a catastrophic failure for Acura and completely unacceptable for a vehicle with all kinds of safeguards. It should not have caught on fire from a weak battery in the garage/under my daughter’s bedroom – The whole car and house could have burned down. After several weeks of discussions with the dealership and Acura customer care, it was determined they would split the cost of ~ $2000 for repairs. I felt I had no choice but to pay it and get my car back with a new starter and battery. I asked the dealership to give me the starter - I do have it - I also noticed the replacement starter is a new model - Thank you [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: Yes | Unknown |
| Jan 2024 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | Sometimes when we step on the gas petal, the car does not move, and when we press harder on the gas petal, the car suddenly takes off very fast. We have almost been hit by other cars many times because the car does not move when we press the gas petal. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2024 | ENGINE | This acura has always hesitated when pressing the gas. I told my technician two years ago and he claimed to do some type of electronic update. To find out the cause was really the engine/engine shaft is unacceptable. I want my money back on the purchase of a new lemon immediately. What do I need to do? | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE | My 2018 Acura MDX received an Auto Engine Software update a couple months ago. I took it in "Acura of Johnston" in Iowa due to a recall notice I received that indicated engine could stall when trying to accelerate or may not restart. After the the software update I was told this should fix the problem and they would only replace the mechanical parts if the software failed; Starter Motor Assembly along with the Power Relay Assembly. I left the dealership and later that day the message "Auto Engine Idle Stop System Problem" flashed periodically. I called the dealership and spoke to the Service Department. He explained that wasnt a problem, as it is probably due to outside temperature and the update now has 13 different variables and should be okay. (I didn't buy it) he told me to contact them if it continued. In the past 2 weeks starting towards the end of December 2023 the "Auto Engine Idle Stop System Problem" message flashes several times during driving with a chine. I called the dealership and they tried to explain away it was due to temperature. I pushed back and reminded him what he told me previously. He then put me on hold and came back and said to bring the car in. I did contact Acura customer care and explained what happened and told them I read the original technician guide that stated if the software didn't take they would need to replace the parts. I asked this is covered correct? The representative said no because my care has a "Rebuild Title" and it would be at your cost. I reminded them that their recall stated this as a Safety Issue. She stated they were only extending the warranty to non "Rebuild Title Owners". I again asked, "Despite this being a safety recall by your own company"? She said yes and parts to fix would be my expense. My VIN is [XXX] and has other recalls outstanding and when I asked about those I wasn't re-assured those would be covered INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2023 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | The engien keep stalling, prolem accelerating jurky transmisión and this is the only car I have to go work I take the highway everyday I am cosern that something can happend to me. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | While preparing to enter the expressway my 2018 MDX stalled and various dashboard lights came on. My family and I drifted into the median while nearly being hit by passing car. It took about 10 minutes before the MDX became operational again. I took it to a local mechanic when we arrived at our destination. They couldn't locate any issues or "bad codes." Since that incident my fuel mileage and shifting has begun to deteriorate. Entering traffic and trying to pass cars has become difficult while driving. I have called Acura and a local dealership in Charlotte, NC. Both failed to provide next steps that didn't involve spending money to fix an issue that based on feedback on various sites and NTSB site is a common issue. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING | Passenger rear, right inner tail light is not working. Was under recall but Acura is not replacing it. Obviously water has entered it and shorted it out. They said the recall was completed on it but why is the taillight not working. In report made by the dealer it says it is shorted after hooking it up to a voltmeter. Why are they not replacing it. It reduces visibility to the rear of the car. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2023 | ENGINE | Honda refuses to inspect my vehicle to determine if it is safe to drive. They say they will not inspect vehicles untill they have the repair parts available. That puts me at risk for driving a defective vehicle and having an accident that could cause property damage and/or death for me and other people. As I do not have the technical expertise to inspect the vehicle myself, I have no choice but to park it until Honda decides to act. I belive that this is unreasonable and constitutes a failure to act timely. They should at least be willing to do the inspection now to determine if the vehicle is safe or not and then do any necessary repairs once the parts are available. They will need to inspect the vehicle eventually anyway, so I am not asking them to do anything extra. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |