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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 2025 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE | Faulty Windshield camera. which fails due to overheating. and sets off problem lights on the dashboard. lane keep assist , lane departure, brake problem. this seems to be a common problem with this faulty design. to replace this part is $2,000 which who knows if it will fail again. so know one is forced to drive around with the constant problem lights and the uneasy feeling of not having brake assistance when and if needed. this puts not only the driver and passengers lives at risk but the lives of the public. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2020 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving in Comfort Mode at approximately 40 MPH and attempting to accelerate to change lanes, the vehicle stalled for several minutes before accelerating. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle hesitated to start intermittently, and the failure was more frequent over time. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the battery had failed. The battery was replaced, and the vehicle was remedied under the NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V031000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Electrical System). The failure reoccurred. The vehicle was returned to the dealer, and the contact stated that the vehicle was shaking abnormally while accelerating; however, the dealer had not diagnosed the vehicle a second time. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 48,193. | Crash: No Fire: No | 48,193 |
| Apr 2025 | ENGINE | Email Acura did an update to software for vehicle stalling, but the problem isn't fixed. I have notified the dealer twice and no return call. I am a widow, travel alone and am afraid this vehicle will fail when I'm alone. I was slowing to stop at a stop sign and the car just shut off. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE | ### 1. **What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request?** The rearview camera system in my 2020 Acura MDX has malfunctioned. The camera, which is integral to several safety systems in the vehicle, has failed, causing significant safety concerns. The vehicle is available for inspection by an Acura dealership or independent service center upon request. ### 2. **How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?** The malfunction of the rearview camera directly impacts the **Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)**, **Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)**, and **Lane Departure Warning (LDW)** systems. These systems rely on cameras and sensors to detect obstacles, maintain a safe following distance, and alert the driver when switching lanes. Without the proper function of the rearview camera, these safety systems become unreliable, increasing the risk of head-on collisions, rear-end accidents, or unintended lane changes, which could lead to a serious crash. Furthermore, the area surrounding the malfunctioning camera becomes dangerously hot, posing a burn risk when touched, which adds another safety hazard. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes I have taken the vehicle to a dealership for a formal inspection, I have confirmed the issue through the consistent malfunctioning of the camera. The overheating and failure of the camera have been present since the issue began, and I have communicated this to Acura's customer service. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The vehicle has been inspected by the manufacturer beyond the initial communication with Acura’s customer service. No inspection has been conducted by the police or insurance representatives. However, I have made Acura aware of the problem, and the customer service team, led by Account Manager Monica | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE | I stopped at a red light and when I went to pull of the car cut off. I had to restart the car to pull off. This is the second time that this has happened. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE | My Acura MDX 2020 had an issue in which the automatic start-stop system sometimes not manage to start the engine after stopping. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Start n stop button not working right shuts off and hard to start | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | When using the a/c while the Auto Idle Stop is engaged, the engine will shut off and not restart. This issue does not happen immediately, at the first cycle of being activated, it's after 3 or more cycles of the AIS being in use, like driving in stop and go traffic for instance. The issue reminds me of a low/dying battery when it happens. Now when I turn off the A/C, the car starts right up like normal. Also if I don't use the A/C, the AIS cycles like normal, like in traffic, l'll have no problems with its performance. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | ENGINE | Hi, My 2020 Acura MDX has a problem with a Start/Stop sytem malfunction, sometime it fails to start after start/stop system activated either at the stop sign, red light or non moving traffic on the highway. I have to put it to the park and restart my car. It is very unsafe. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | My vehicle will phantom brake and kick on the automatic emergency brake system without cause. It has done it as I was accelerating onto the freeway onramp and almost caused a collision with the vehicle behind me. There was nothing in front of me and no reason to brake. It has happened on several occAsions | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | POWER TRAIN | Engine noise on Monday sounded like thumping - didn't drive car on Tuesday and stated up today sounded like chewing metal in engine bay. 2020 MDX Advanced. Drove to dealership and they confirmed needs small block and is only 2K miles outside of powertrain warranty. Honda claims this isn't under their recall, but dealership is saying all signs point to the same bearing failure. 10K costs for the small block, but could lead to entire engine required. | Crash: No Fire: No | 72,062 |
| Mar 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | March 21, 2025. I made an appointment to the closest Acura Dealership (Sterling McCall Acura Sugar Land, TX) for the two recalls I have on my 2020 Acura MDX. They were not able to accommodate with my timing request. Since I reside more than one hour away, I am not able and willing to drive so many times for this issue. I've asked them to fix the recalls today, as I have 3-4 hours free. They were not able to and offered me a rental car to keep until the problems are fixed. Due to my location and timing consuming to drive to their location (the closest to me), I refused. When I bought my brand new MDX I trusted the brand, and now they are not able to provide a covenant solution to me. I am very disappointed. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact owns a 2020 Acura MDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. 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 2025 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | The contact owns a 2020 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 contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving and came to a complete stop on two occasions. The vehicle was able to restart, and the contact resumed driving. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to start. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was confirmed that the battery was in good condition. 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 25,000. Parts distribution disconnect. | Crash: No Fire: No | 25,000 |
| Feb 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2020 Acura MDX. The contact stated while coming to a complete stop, the vehicle started to stall. The contact stated that after the vehicle came to a stop, the vehicle would not turn on until after several seconds. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was stalling more frequently and was taking longer to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with alternator failure. The independent mechanic could not find any other cause for the failure. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 20,000 |
| Feb 2025 | ENGINE | This is the third time this has happened to me and I am very concerned and will be taking my car to Acura YET AGAIN for a checkup. I was driving with my kids in the car and stopped at a red light. When the light changed, I put my foot on the gas and noticed that my car would not move. That’s when I looked down and saw that the car was in neutral. I tried to put it back in drive and it kept telling me to “Shift to Park” and would not let me shift. I panicked as I had several cars behind me on a very busy road but I put my emergency lights on to signal that my car was not operable. After trying again 3 times and turning the car off completely/using keys to lock/unlock doors, it finally turned on and I could drive it again. I took my car to Acura about this in the past and they advised they could not replicate the error and that it was most likely my battery. My battery was changed and I’ve had this happen 2 times again. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2025 | AIR BAGS,SEATS | Acura has failed to repair my vehicle with a known recall for a year. I am told they're prioritizing symptomatic vehicles and have no ETA on all others. Why have a recall of a safety feature and not actually handle the recall timely. I prefer not to wait for an injury or incident before this is given the proper attention. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2025 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | I'm not sure if there is a problem with any of the components, but the radar sensor malfunction impacted the vehicle's braking system. Situation: On [XXX], I was driving with my wife and her nephew from my home (Ankeny, IA) to Indiana on [XXX] [XXX] and [XXX] [XXX] . It was snowing that day. As usual, there were other vehicles on the highway, semi-trucks, pickup trucks, cars. The snow was splashing on to my front bumper, lights, radar sensor and windshield. As it was snowing, I did not engage the cruise control feature. We were around 30 miles from Iowa City, I was passing a semi-truck, a message was displayed on the dash to clean the radar sensor. I thought of pulling over in a safe spot to clean it up. At the same time, "front collision off" and "brake system" icon lite up. The road also changed from downhill to uphill. Suddenly, the vehicle started swaying in my lane, towards the semi-truck wheels and towards the guard rails. I was able to control the steering and come to a stop. That was a near death experience. I got my breath for a minute and cleared the radar sensor. After cleaning the radar sensor, the vehicle was driving fine going up and down the rolling hills of Iowa. Concern: Why a blocked radar sensor should impact the braking system? I understood the impact to adaptive cruise control and front collision features. Are the traction control, ABS, or some other system disabled due to malfunction of the radar sensor? Can the radar sensor wires being bad disables the braking ability? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2025 | ENGINE | Driving on the highway when suddenly I had lost all power and then the check engine light flashed. I was stranded for hours waiting for.a tow truck and freezing temperatures with no power to my vehicle. It was towed to the nearest Honda dealer and was told I had a complete engine failure and needed a new engine for $10,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES | 1.17.25 My check engine light came on with the following lights: Emissions System Problem Electric Parking Brake Problem | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2025 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | The contact owns a 2020 Acura MDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer 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. Parts distribution disconnect. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2025 | AIR BAGS | The contact owns a 2020 Acura MDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V064000 (AIR BAGS) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer 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. Parts distribution disconnect. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2024 | ENGINE | I had purchased this vehicle and was not aware there was a stop sale on this vehicle model. I took the 2020 MDX to the dealer to get the recall service done, the connecting rod bearing and fuel pump issues. They were done back in March of 2024, j had taken the vehicle back to the dealer over 5 times for issues with stalling and trouble turning back on as well as engine noise, ticking and stalling. The dealer “cannot replicate” the noise all of sudden, but was initially able to hear the noise and stated “ it’s probably fine, but bring it in if it gets worse” this issue happened after the recall service was performed and the vehicle has never been correct since, I believe there is engine damage caused by the needed recall service. | Crash: No Fire: No | 54,651 |
| Dec 2024 | ENGINE | We were traveling far from home on I-44 in Missouri when our 2020 Acura MDX experienced a total engine failure. An engine rod broke and pierced the oil pan causing a sudden loss of engine power. I believe this is related to the NHTSA Investigation #RQ24013, even though the Acura dealership had performed the recall service for this issue a couple months earlier. I suspect the recall service was either performed incorrectly or that a part was not tightened properly, ultimately leading to the engine failure. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2024 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact owns a 2020 Acura MDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. 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. Parts distribution disconnect. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |