2018 Acura MDX: True Cost, Problems & Verdict
162 NHTSA owner complaints · 10 recalls · data-computed verdict. No opinions — public data only.
Reviewed by the MotorJury data desk · 2 sources · Last updated 2026-08-20
162 NHTSA owner complaints · 10 recalls · data-computed verdict. No opinions — public data only.
Complaints per year on the road: 20.25
Verbatim reports filed with the United States safety regulator (NHTSA) by owners of this exact model year. Public record.
Transmission failed and light appeared. Speed reduced from 30 to 15. Acura stated they had to reset computer system and claimed when they started the car no lights shown and was able to reverse car. I was unable to reverse car, struggled and tugged feeling in the car. This is the 2nd time and they always repeat same solution no lights appeared and to reset system.
Driving my Acura MDX on the highway, I hear a noticeable engine whine as I accelerate, and it rises in pitch when I take my foot off the accelerator.
The forward facing camera in the windshield went out causing all these systems to stop working and dash light up like a christmas tree. I cant even use normal cruise control. Dealer wants $1700 to replace it. From what I am reading online this is a very common problem and Acura even superseeded the part. Was that due to failures? I have yet to get this repaired as it is so expensive but i would really like these safe…
What the community is saying right now.
| Campaign | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| 18V777000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Com | Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Acura MDX, 2017-2018 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda HR-V and Honda … |
| 26V365000 | Structure:Frame And Members | American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Honda Pilot, 2017-2023 Ridgeline, 2019-2023 Passport, and 2014-2020 Acur… |
| 18V221000 | Seats | Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018 Honda Pilot and Ridgeline vehicles and 2018 Acura MDX vehicles. The front driver… |
| 19V298000 | Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasolin | Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Acura MDX and Honda Pilot vehicles and 2019 Acura RLX, RLX Sport Hybrid, TLX… |
| 23V751000 | Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Hard Pa | Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, 2016 and 2018-2019 Pilot, 2017 and 2019 Ridg… |
| 25V259000 | Exterior Lighting | Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles. Moisture may enter the tailgate lid light assembly and … |
| 23V858000 | Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump | Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V,… |
| 26V332000 | Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification: | Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2… |
Re-priced automatically from your country's retail fuel, electricity and parts indices — change country in the bar at the top. Estimates; see methodology.
The most-reported issue in NHTSA complaint data is Engine (35 complaints in our indexed sample).
Our data verdict is AVOID with a reliability score of 38/100, computed from 162 NHTSA complaints and 10 recall campaigns. See the verdict card for the top reasons.
Yes — NHTSA lists 10 recall campaign(s) for the 2018 Acura MDX, 4 of them touching fire, crash or stall risk, the most recent recorded 01/11/2018. Check this car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before you buy.
Fuel, maintenance band and depreciation — computed from public data in 10 seconds.
Open the true-cost calculatorComplaints & recalls: NHTSA ·
Fuel economy: EPA fueleconomy.gov ·
Scoring: our published methodology.
Maintenance bands are industry-average estimates (AAA Your Driving Costs, CarMD index) — labeled estimates, not measurements.
Last updated: 2026-08-20.