Complaint volume
204 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
2020 Acura MDX Complaints
204 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2020 Acura MDX, grouped by component category.
204 Total complaints
3 Crash reports
0 Fire reports
1 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, unknown or other, 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, 0 fire reports, 1 injury report, and 0 fatality reports. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 31 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 35,892 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to engine, unknown or other, 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 2020 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.
2020 Acura MDX
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
How severe are the 2020 Acura MDX complaints?
3 Crash
0 Fire
1 Injury
0 Fatality
5 Towed
0 Medical attention
What are the most common 2020 Acura MDX complaint categories?
ENGINE 41
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 17
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 10
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE 10
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE 9
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 9
POWER TRAIN 7
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE 6
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 5
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 5
204 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE | Car started to accelerate randomly and 2 seperate occasions while driving, Car started to decelerate / Brake randomly while driving | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE | I was at a red light with the idle stop automatically triggered. When the light turned green, and I pressed the accelerate pedal, the car would not move. I looked and saw the car had shifted itself to N (neutral) when it should have stayed at D (drive). I pressed the "D" button to drive but it stayed in N. There was a green light around the N button indicating the selected button. I had to turn off the car, turn on the car two times before the car recognized I wanted to press the "D" button. The screen by the steering wheel had some sort of message but I don't recall what it said. The word "accessory" might have been part of the message. This is absolutely a safety risk for myself and others. I had cars behind me at the green light honking. I had to turn on the hazard lights and wave to them out the window. If the driver before me did not pay attention, they could have hit me. This is the second time this has happened. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | There was a couple times where the car stalled at a red light. Also, there are a lot of times when I press the push to start, it will not start, advising me to place the key fob near the push to start. I find this to be dangerous when driving and very annoying when attempting to start and it doesn't start. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,BACK OVER PREVENTION | This is a safety-related defect involving the multipurpose front camera used for Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) on the 2020 Acura MDX. The multipurpose front camera failed without warning, resulting in the simultaneous loss of multiple ADAS safety features, including (but not limited to) Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Mitigation Braking, and Road Departure Mitigation. These features are integral to the vehicle’s active safety systems and driver awareness. The failure required full replacement of the front camera assembly. The total repair cost was approximately $2,300, which I was required to pay out of pocket because no recall or extended warranty coverage was available. This failure creates a significant safety concern because: * The loss of ADAS functions occurred suddenly and without driver fault. * The driver may rely on these systems for collision avoidance, lane control, and adaptive braking. * The vehicle remains drivable, but with materially degraded safety capabilities compared to its certified design. * There is a risk that drivers may not immediately recognize the loss of functionality or may assume partial systems are still operational. After experiencing this issue, I discovered numerous reports from other Acura MDX owners describing identical multipurpose front camera failures, often at similar mileage, with similarly high repair costs. This suggests a potential systemic defect rather than isolated wear or misuse. I respectfully request that NHTSA review this issue to determine whether this represents a safety-related defect requiring investigation and possible recall. Given the role this component plays in multiple safety systems, I believe this issue warrants formal evaluation. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2025 | SEATS | The rear seats for my 2020 MDX are making a loud squeaky noise. The car has all of 47,000 miles and this should not be happening. American Honda wants $4,467 to replace the rear seat that is in a newer car from 2020. I’ve already had to spend over $2,000 last year to replace the drivers seat motor. I’d like to know if this problem is prevalent in the 2020 MDX with other owners? I’d appreciate your insight. Thank you. [XXX] cell [XXX] and [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2025 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE | I drove my car in the morning and parked it in the lot for about an hour. After I came back and started my car, the following multiple safety systems displayed on my dashboard at the same time: - Lane Keeping Assist Problem - Collision Mitigation System Problem - Road Departure Mitigation System Problem - Auto High Beam Problem - Adaptive Cruise Control Problem When I took it to the dealership on the same day to diagnose this, they came back and said it was an internal failure with the camera and quoted me around $2200 to replace and recalibrate the camera. These lights just came on out of nowhere, I had no repairs or modifications with my windshield and there were no accidents of any sort. This appears to be a widespread problem among 2020 Acura MDX vehicles with similar camera modules. A malfunctioning front camera can prevent the vehicle from automatically braking or maintaining lanes, hence increasing the risk of collision. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate the front multi-purpose camera system on the 2020 Acura MDX for potential defect and safety hazard. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The Auto Start-Stop Technology is malfunctioning. I bought my 2020 Acura MDX in 2022 and with the first 2 weeks of having it, it turned completely off while in a drive through line. It only does this when the Auto start- stop is on. I took it back to the dealership and of course they found nothing wrong. This happens frequently and sometimes the car doesn’t want to start back up. Sounds like I am not the only one with the same issue. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | All the sensors are blinking with no damage done to the vehicle no Cruz Control no abs no lane departure and more all sensor is not working | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE | While driving my 2020 Acura MDX with 29,647 miles, all AcuraWatch safety systems suddenly failed at once, including Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Keeping Assist, Road Departure Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Automatic High Beams. Multiple warning messages appeared simultaneously. This disabled forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure/lane keeping functions, creating a serious safety risk. The dealer inspected the vehicle and confirmed an internal failure of the multipurpose front camera/radar unit, and recommended replacement of the entire assembly. The repair estimate is 2,200. The dealer stated the component has failed and cannot be repaired. This issue is widely reported by many Acura owners of similar model years, and appears to be a recurring defect. The failure occurred without any impact, damage, or modification. The vehicle is available for inspection. The symptoms began suddenly and all warnings appeared at the same time. Because this failure disables critical collision-avoidance and lane-keeping systems, it presents a significant risk to the driver and others on the road. I believe this should be investigated as a safety defect. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | ENGINE | My 2020 model Acura MDX is experiencing unexpected engine shutdowns while braking during motion. The issue has been reported multiple times to the vehicle manufacturer and their authorized dealers; however, their responses have been consistently unhelpful and have not resolved the problem. I currently have an open complaint with American Honda Motor Co., Inc. since December 2023 Case Number: 14329512 Additionally, I have found numerous reports online from other owners of the same model experiencing the same issue, as documented here: 2020 Acura MDX Engine Complaints – CarComplaints.com This recurring malfunction presents a serious safety risk, especially in moderate traffic conditions, where sudden engine failure during braking could lead to collisions or injuries. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | ENGINE | I was driving on the interstate when suddenly the check engine light began to flash and the car lost power. I was traveling at 70 mph and the sudden loss of power caused the vehicles behind me to move into the other lane to prevent rear ending me. While there was no accident, there could have been if the other drivers were not reactive. There was no advanced warning. This could have been deadly for me and my family. I was several miles from home and needed to have the vehicle towed to a mechanic who stated it sounded like a rod bearing and suggested we take it to an Acura dealer. We are yet to have a resolution. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Electric parking break and emissions light keep popping up. They says it’s the catalytic converter many people having the same issue | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | STEERING | The power steering failed while driving, and multiple warning lights came on. This happened in the middle of a busy city street and came very close to causing an accident. When the car was restarted the power steering came back on line but failed again the next day. My wife and I decided it was unsafe to drive and had it towed to the dealer. The dealer told us that the "Wire Harness" failed and the Clockspring/Reel assembly had to be replaced. The total cost was $3,888.91. There were no warning lamps, messages or symptoms prior to the failure. This is definitely a safety issue. The dealer had no explanation of why a component like this should have failed. I contacted Honda and was told that there is no recall on this part and i should make a report to the NHTSA. This was a scary and distressing event. Please look into it and get Honda/Acura to issue a recall. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2025 | SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | emission system problem & electric parking brake problem codes came up. Once pulled over vehicle would not disengage the emergency parking brake. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | There was an active recall on this car from Acura for the auto start system malfunctioning. When the car auto stops at a signal or stop sign it does not turn back on sometimes. We took the car to Acura 3 times for the same issue and they keep saying that it is fixed but the recall was never fixed. This is highly dangerous in traffic situations when the car does not turn back on when you take your foot off the brake. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | On multiple occasions, after coming to a complete stop, the engine shut off as designed but then failed to automatically restart when I released the brake pedal or pressed the accelerator. This left the vehicle completely disabled in traffic until I manually restarted it by shifting into Park and pressing the ignition button. This failure is unpredictable, occurs without warning, and poses a significant risk of collision, particularly when stopped at busy intersections or in heavy traffic. I contacted my Acura dealer, who confirmed that this issue is a known concern on 2016–2020 MDX models and that Acura has issued Technical Service Bulletins (such as 23-001 and 23-002) and a warranty extension. However, even after updates, the problem continues to occur, and there is no permanent remedy at this time. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2025 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | Auto idle cuts off idling at stop light but when reengaged stalls the car completely. Must totally restart car before continuing causing back up in intersection and almost being hit. Happened several times, when I forget to turn auto idle off. New battery did not help | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | ENGINE | At a red light or stop sign, my MDX switches into Neutral without me knowing it. When I press the gas to go, my car won't move. Other vehicles behind me almost hit me as they expect me to go. I can't switch into drive. I must turn off car and then turn it back on. I feel this is very dangerous. This happens about once a week now. The MDX was just in for service and recalls a few months ago. Nothing was noted about the engine on the reports. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE | Monocular windshield camera failed for no apparent reason on five-year-old car with less than 50k miles. Dealer cost to fix $2k. My concern is there are an many individuals on the Acura MDX forums complaining of the same problem. It appears to be a relatively common but very costly failure on many Honda vehicles that use similar cameras. I believe this is worthy of an investigation, especially since the camera is necessary for many safety related features to function properly. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | When the vehicle stops and the idle auto-start/ stop engages, the vehicle will automatically go into neutral and cannot be restarted until the vehicle is turned off then back on. This has happened at both stop lights and on the highway and almost caused a very serious rear end accident. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | ENGINE | The contact owns a 2020 Acura MDX. The contact stated that occasionally, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, while the vehicle was stopped at a traffic light, the Auto Idle START/STOP failed to operate as designed, and the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer; however, the cause of the failure was unknown. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 10,000 |
| Sep 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2020 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while at a stoplight, the vehicle shut off and failed to immediately restart after releasing the brake pedal. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the starter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed of the NHTSA Action Number: EA25004 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the investigation. The failure mileage was 20,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 20,000 |
| Sep 2025 | ENGINE | The idle stop feature does not work correctly. A couple times the car did not restart while stopped at a red light. Had to put into park and took about a minute to restart. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The auto start feature on the vehicle has been failing. When you come to a stop the engine’s start feature enables but when proceeding to start moving again the vehicle stalls out and will not restart right away. The vehicle must sit for about 30secs or after two tries in order to restart up. It has stalled out on me while in traffic on the highway, at traffic lights, stop signs. My most recent experience was me being stuck at an intersection unable to move for an ambulance and firetruck in route to an emergency. This issue has put my safety as well as others at risk many times. I have voiced my concerns many times with the dealership but they state there is nothing wrong with my auto start feature nor any other issues that can contribute to this. Any help with this issues is appreciated. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |