Acura MDX problems and known issues

Generation:

4th gen (2022–present)

Years:

2022–2025 (Type S)

Powertrain:

MDX Type S only

Recall 25V031 covers 2022–2025 MDX Type S models, 2021–2025 TLX Type S models and 2023–2025 Honda Pilots. A software error in the fuel-injection control unit (FI-ECU) can make the engine stall or lose power while driving. Dealers reprogram the FI-ECU for free; owner letters went out March 17, 2025. The 294,612-vehicle count covers all three models.

Sources: [1]

Generation:

4th gen (2022–present)

Years:

2023–2025

Powertrain:

All

The brake pedal pivot pin on certain 2023–2025 MDX, 2021–2025 TLX and 2023–2025 Honda Pilot models may not have been secured, so the pedal can shift out of position. That puts the vehicles out of compliance with federal brake and lighting standards (FMVSS 135 and 108). Dealers inspect and, if needed, replace the pedal assembly. The 259,033 total spans all three models.

Sources: [2]

Generation:

4th gen (2022–present) and 3rd gen

Years:

2017–2020, 2022–2026

Powertrain:

All

Recall 26V332, filed in May 2026, covers the front-passenger seat weight sensor in 2017–2020 and 2022–2026 MDX models and dozens of other Honda and Acura models. The sensor can crack and short-circuit, which can make the air bags deploy unintentionally during a crash. Dealers replace the sensor; owner letters were mailed July 7, 2026. It expands recall 24V064. The 98,892 figure is for the whole campaign.

Sources: [3][4]

Generation:

4th gen (2022–present)

Years:

2025

Powertrain:

All

On certain 2025 MDX models the center touchscreen can go blank, so the rearview camera image does not appear as federal rear-visibility rules (FMVSS 111) require. Dealers replace the center information display unit for free. Owner letters were mailed March 3, 2025.

Sources: [5]

Generation:

3rd gen (2014–2020)

Years:

2016–2020

Powertrain:

Engine not specified in the recall summary; check by VIN

A manufacturing error can make an engine connecting rod bearing wear and seize, damaging the engine. Recall 23V751 covers certain 2016–2020 MDX, 2015–2020 TLX and several Honda Pilot, Ridgeline and Odyssey years. Dealers inspect and repair the engine, or replace it, at no charge; MDX owner letters went out in late 2024. The 248,999-vehicle count spans every model in the campaign.

Sources: [6]

Generation:

3rd gen (2014–2020)

Years:

2016–2018

Powertrain:

3.5L V6

Particulates in fuel can stick to the internals of the fuel pump on 2016–2018 MDX, 2015–2019 TLX and 2015–2017 Accord models with the 3.5L V6, cutting pump output. Dealers update the fuel-injection software and replace the pump if needed (Acura campaign P3W). The 437,032 total includes the TLX and Accord.

Sources: [7]

Generation:

3rd gen (2014–2020)

Years:

2019–2020; other years by VIN

Powertrain:

All

Recall 21V215 replaces the in-tank low-pressure fuel pump on certain 2019–2020 MDX and MDX Sport Hybrid models, among many Honda and Acura vehicles (624,552 in total). It expanded recall 20V314. Recall 23V858 (December 2023, 2,490,460 vehicles) later added more 2013–2023 Honda and Acura models, including some MDX and MDX Hybrid units, so a VIN check is the only way to know which applies.

Sources: [8][9][10]

Generation:

3rd gen (2014–2020)

Years:

2018–2019

Powertrain:

V6

The timing belt teeth can separate on certain 2018–2019 MDX models, plus some 2019 RLX, TLX and several Honda V6 models. Dealers inspect and replace any affected belt and, where a belt is replaced, inspect the engine and repair damaged parts for free. The 93,946 count is for every model in the recall.

Sources: [11]

Generation:

3rd gen (2014–2020)

Years:

2014–2020

Powertrain:

All

Recall 26V365 (June 2026) covers 2014–2020 MDX models sold in 22 road-salt states and Washington, D.C., plus several Honda Pilot, Ridgeline and Passport years. The rear subframe can corrode at the suspension mounting points, which can lead to rear suspension failure. Interim letters went out July 27, 2026; the fix is a subframe reinforcement kit and any needed repairs, with the final remedy expected in fall 2026. The 965,561 total covers all four models.

Sources: [12]

Generation:

3rd gen (2014–2020)

Years:

2014–2020

Powertrain:

All

Moisture can get into the tailgate lid light assembly and its wiring on 2014–2020 MDX models (152,800 vehicles), which can make the lid lights, position lights, license plate lights and taillights fail. Dealers inspect the wiring, add a fuse harness, replace the lid light and repair the body sealer as needed. Some of these vehicles were fixed earlier under recall 19V256, which covered 2014–2019 models.

Sources: [13][14]

Generation:

3rd gen (2014–2020)

Years:

2014 (AWD)

Powertrain:

All, SH-AWD

On 19,197 2014 MDX AWD models built May 6 to October 14, 2013, the bolts holding the drive shaft to the transfer assembly may not have been tightened properly and could let the shaft detach. Dealers inspect and tighten them for free (campaign JC8).

Sources: [15]

Generation:

2nd gen (2007–2013)

Years:

2012

Powertrain:

All

The vent shut float valve case inside the fuel tank on certain 2012 MDX and Honda Pilot models did not meet design specifications. Dealers check the assembly date and replace the fuel tank if necessary. The recall began March 13, 2012 and covers 8,709 vehicles across both models.

Sources: [16]

Generation:

1st gen (2001–2006)

Years:

2001–2002

Powertrain:

3.5L V6 with 5-speed automatic

In April 2004 American Honda recalled 2001–2002 MDX models, along with certain Odyssey and Pilot models with V6 engines and five-speed automatics, because the transmission’s secondary-shaft second gear could run short of lubrication. Heat build-up can chip or break gear teeth and, in rare cases, lock the transmission. Dealers modify the cooler return line to boost lubrication and replace the transmission if the gear shows heat discoloration. NHTSA’s record (1,099,796 vehicles) also lists later letters to Accord, TL and CL owners.

Sources: [17][18]

Generation:

1st gen (2001–2006)

Years:

2003–2006

Powertrain:

All

Recall 15V320 covers the dual-stage driver frontal air bag in 2003–2006 MDX models and many other Honda and Acura vehicles. Moisture intrusion and manufacturing variability can, over time, make the inflator rupture. Dealers replace the inflator for free; the recall began July 1, 2015. Recall 19V182 and 19V499 later replaced some inflators that had been installed as earlier remedy or service parts. The 6,281,043 figure covers every model in the campaign.

Sources: [19][20][21]

Generation:

1st gen (2001–2006)

Years:

2003–2006

Powertrain:

All

The passenger frontal air bag inflator on 2003–2006 MDX models can rupture after long exposure to humidity and temperature cycling. Recall 16V344 (June 2016) phased the repair by region, starting with hot, humid states. Recall 17V029 added more 2005–2006 MDX models, and 19V501 replaced inflators that had been fitted as remedy or service parts. The 1,790,894 count is for the full multi-model campaign.

Sources: [22][23][24][25]

Generation:

1st gen (2001–2006)

Years:

2001–2002

Powertrain:

All

These are not the Takata ammonium-nitrate inflators. Recall 20V026 covers the original non-azide driver inflator (NADI) in 2001 MDX models, which can absorb moisture and rupture or underinflate the bag. Recall 20V027 covers 2001–2002 MDX models that received a replacement driver air bag module with the same inflator type. Dealers inspect and replace the inflator with a different design; both recalls began October 1, 2020.

Sources: [26][27]

Generation:

1st gen (2001–2006)

Years:

2003–2006

Powertrain:

All (automatic)

The ignition switch interlock lever on 2003–2006 MDX models, and 2003–2004 Pilot and Odyssey models, can deform, so the key may come out without the shifter in Park. Dealers install an updated shift interlock lever and repair the ignition switch if needed; the recall began February 22, 2013. The 807,161 count covers all three models.

Sources: [28]

Generation:

1st gen (2001–2006)

Years:

2003

Powertrain:

All

Electrical noise can make a component in the air bag control module fail on 2003 MDX and 2003–2004 Odyssey models, deploying the front or side air bags or seat belt pretensioners while driving. Recall 13V412 first added a noise suppressor; recall 15V045 supersedes it with a replacement SRS control unit (Acura campaign JN7). The 374,177 figure includes the Odyssey.

Sources: [29][30]

Generation:

1st gen (2001–2006)

Years:

2005–2006

Powertrain:

All

A capacitor in the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) control module may have been damaged during manufacturing on 2005–2006 MDX models (plus 2005 Pilot and RL), causing intermittent automatic brake application. If the driver brakes while the VSA is malfunctioning, the vehicle can stop abruptly. Dealers install a wiring harness with a capacitor. The 183,576 total spans all three models.

Sources: [31]