10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
6,736 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2018 Acura MDX engine problems

engine problem

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2018 Acura MDX Owner Comments

problem #18

May 062023

MDX

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

There are two outstanding recalls on my vehicle and my local acura is in not able to repair them until January despite the safety compromise listed under each recall increasing risk for collision or fire

- Austell, GA, USA

problem #17

May 302024

MDX

  • miles
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.

- Madisonville, La, LA, USA

problem #16

Feb 162024

MDX

  • miles
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)

- Middle River, MD, USA

problem #15

Apr 162024

MDX

  • 50,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Los Altos Hills, CA, USA

problem #14

Feb 252024

MDX

  • miles
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.

- Chandler, AZ, USA

problem #13

Feb 072024

MDX

  • miles
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.

- Naples, FL, USA

problem #12

Jan 012024

MDX

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Twin Falls, ID, USA

problem #11

May 012021

MDX

  • miles
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?

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

problem #10

Dec 212023

MDX

  • miles
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)

- Des Moines, IA, USA

problem #9

Dec 012023

MDX

  • miles
The engien keep stalling, prolem accelerating jurky transmisiĆ³n 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.

- Johnston , RI, USA

problem #8

Dec 062023

MDX

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Deland, FL, USA

problem #7

Feb 122019

MDX

  • miles
The vehicle has experienced an acceleration hesitation issue on a number of occasions. When I depress the accelerator from a stop and take my foot off the brake the vehicle does not respond. If I take my foot off the accelerator then depress it again all the way to the floor the vehicle after 3 or 4 seconds will lunge forward. In an intersection this "stall" may cause a collision with another vehicle. This has happened on a number of occasions but fortunately no accidents yet. I have taken the car to the dealer on no less than three times for this issue and been advised that no repair is necessary and that it was simply "a characteristics to this vehicle model and no repairs are needed."

- Jupiter, FL, USA

problem #6

Jan 132023

MDX

  • miles
Car has 1-2 second hesitation when the accelerator is pressed before the vehicle will accelerate. Causes dangerous condition when trying to turn in front of oncoming traffic.

- Plano, TX, USA

problem #5

Aug 012022

MDX

  • 44,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. Additionally, the contact was unable to shift into park (P) or into neutral (N) as the gear shifter became stuck into drive (D) position. The contact stated as he turned off and restarted the vehicle several times, the gear shifter responded as needed. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who informed the contact that they could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number:19V298000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.

- Macungie, PA, USA

problem #4

Apr 012021

MDX

  • miles
On a regular basis, if accelerating to cross an intersection, car stops or hesitates for several seconds. We have almost been hit by cars several times in the past year. Dealership states everytime i have it serviced, they are unable to replicate and they have never heard of this. In a 5 minute internet search I have found many references to the same issue.

- Fortson, GA, USA

problem #3

Nov 152021

MDX

  • miles
In San Diego on 11/15/2021, my daughter side swiped a parked vehicle in residential area driving about 30 miles. No airbags deployed. A minute later the car stopped and would not start and started to have smoke and flames come from under hood and through inside windshield and dash. My daughter was able to get out and take her 3 year old son out of his carseat and run for their lives as the car completely became engulfed in flames.Thank God they made it out alive. Police and Fire department showed up. Car was a total loss, everything was burnt. One day the Acura MDX fires will take someone's life. Called Hoehn Acura in Carlsbad Ca and sent service manager Skip about 12 pictures of the completely burnt vehicle. He never returned my calls after leaving several messages. Also left message with general manager and no return call. They don-??t care. They only appear interested when you are buying the vehicle. I did file a claim with Acura corporate office and still no word from them either. I have read many cases about the MDX going up in flames for no reason, even in the driveway or drive in your neighborhood. Not sure why they have not recalled this or tried to solve the issue. I am asking for someone to look into this as this is not an isolated incident before lives are lost. Once I get police report I will also send you pictures as well. Thank you.

- Soledad, CA, USA

problem #2

Aug 302020

MDX

  • 25,345 miles
Ticking noises coming from engine. Confirmed with dealer Acura is looking into this. I'm also experiencing brief loss of power dealer states this is associated with engine.

- Lake Forest, CA, USA

problem #1

May 292018

MDX

  • 1,900 miles
Starter failed with auto start/stop while stopped in traffic. Since engine wouldn't start, car shifted to park automatically and can not shift to neutral with the engine off and unable to start. The battery was fine and could go into aux mode, but still won't shift to neutral. Aside from quality issues related to starter, significant safety design flaw.

- Marietta, GA, USA

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