2018 Acura MDX Problems

162 owner complaints filed with the United States safety regulator · top issue: Engine · verdict AVOID 38/100

Source NHTSA public complaint and recall record · methodology

What breaks, by owner reports

Engine35
Fuel/Propulsion System28
Electrical System27
Power Train23
Fuel System22
Gasoline22

In the owners’ words

“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.”NHTSA complaint, 2018 Acura MDX owner
“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.”NHTSA complaint, 2018 Acura MDX owner
“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”NHTSA complaint, 2018 Acura MDX owner

Recall campaigns

ReportedComponentSummary
29/01/2019Fuel System, Other:Delivery:Fuel Pump SAFETYHonda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Acura MDX, 2015-2019 Acura TLX and 2015-2017 Honda Accord vehicles, equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine. Particulates in fuel may adhere to the internal compone
28/03/2019Exterior Lighting:Tail LightsHonda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Acura MDX and 2017-2019 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid vehicles. Moisture may enter the tailgate lid lights, possibly causing a loss of the tailgate lid lights and
12/04/2019Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline:Belts And Associated PulleysHonda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Acura MDX and Honda Pilot vehicles and 2019 Acura RLX, RLX Sport Hybrid, TLX and Honda Odyssey and Ridgeline vehicles. The timing belt teeth may separate f
01/11/2018Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Caliper SAFETYHonda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Acura MDX, 2017-2018 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda HR-V and Honda Odyssey, and 2016 Honda HR-V vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have
05/04/2018SeatsHonda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018 Honda Pilot and Ridgeline vehicles and 2018 Acura MDX vehicles. The front driver and passenger powered seats in the Honda vehicles and the driver powered seats
13/11/2023Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Hard Parts Internal/MechanicalHonda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, 2016 and 2018-2019 Pilot, 2017 and 2019 Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 Odyssey vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the connec
18/12/2023Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump SAFETYHonda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022
17/04/2025Exterior LightingHonda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles. Moisture may enter the tailgate lid light assembly and wiring harness, which can cause the interior and exterior lights to fail, includ
21/05/2026Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification:Front Passenger SAFETYHonda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 201
04/06/2026Structure:Frame And MembersAmerican Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Honda Pilot, 2017-2023 Ridgeline, 2019-2023 Passport, and 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles that were sold in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Il

Questions owners ask

Is the 2018 Acura MDX reliable?

On the federal record it scores 38/100: 162 owner complaints (20.25 per year on the road) and 10 recall campaigns, 4 touching safety-critical systems.

What is the most common problem with the 2018 Acura MDX?

The most-reported component in NHTSA complaints is Engine, with 35 of 157 categorised reports.

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The 2018 Acura MDX scored 38/100 on the federal record.

Full 2018 data pagecosts, verdict, every numberAll MDX yearswhich year to avoid Most complained-about carsthe national ranking