Acura MDX Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data

The contact owns a 2024 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a loud banging sound was heard coming from the vehicle. The contact discovered that the sunroof had unexpectedly shattered. Additionally, while driving at an undisclosed speed, a supplemental restraint system warning message intermittently displayed, advising the contact to contact the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failures could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was also contacted regarding the shattered sunroof; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 29,112.

Our infotainment system stopped working and when we took it one of Acura’s authorized dealers they told us that back half of the car is flooded and that has shot down all the electronics including the infotainment system. They also gave me a bill of $10K USD to fix the leak and replaced damaged electronics. Their argument is that the car was parked outside and that caused this issue. This has never come up in any of our previous maintenance visits where Acura certified dealerships always check our car and tell us that everything is okay.

Air suspension/vehicle height Brake systems were taken away (adaptive cruise, anti collision and lane mitigation) Yes confirmed by dealer Yes Yes warning lights

2004 MDX had digital screen problems where the screen remained black upon starting, which was hazardous as I couldn’t tell how fast I was going. After 3 visits to the dealership they identified the problem and fixed it Also, in a separate instance, car stalled after trying to start up after stop signs or while waiting in traffic several times. Could have been rear ended or worse. Dealer replaced the starter at 30k miles. Still had the same issue after this and they say the car is fine.

The contact owns a 2024 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the sunroof glass shattered. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle remained at the residence. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.

I was driving in the far right lane on the Van Wyck Expressway when suddenly my steering wheel locked up on me along with the following error messages displayed on the odometer: 1. Collision mitigation braking system problem. See your dealer 2. Road Departure mitigation problem. See your Dealer 3. Low Speed braking control problem. See your Dealer. 4. Electric Power Steering problem. Steering assist not available. Do not drive. 5. All wheel drive system problem. Only front wheels may be powered. See your Dealer. 6. Brake system problem. Brake performance may be reduced. See your dealer. 7. Brake hold problem. Apply brake when stopped. See your dealer. 8. Vehicle stability assist system problem. Reduced traction and handling. See your dealer. 9. Hill start assist problem. Vehicle may roll upon brake release. See your dealer. Thankfully I was approaching an exit ramp and I was able to steer my MDX safely off the expressway. I parked my car on the service road, turned my hazards on and then turned the car off. When I restarted the car the error messages were gone and power steering worked as if nothing happened. Acura will be hearing from me I could’ve been in a serious accident.

AC / DEFROSTER / HVAC I am reporting a potential safety and health defect involving the HVAC system in my 2024 Acura MDX. When operating the air conditioning or the front windshield defroster, a strong musty odor enters the cabin. The dealer informed me that resolving the odor requires an EVAP core cleaning, replacement of the cabin filter, and the use of a disinfectant that will be circulated throughout the ventilation system to kill mold, mildew, and other contaminants. I was told this is the “first step” in addressing the issue and that the estimated cost is $440 out of pocket. This is extremely concerning because the presence of mold or bacterial contamination inside the HVAC evaporator and ventilation system affects the air my children and I breathe inside the vehicle. Mold exposure can cause respiratory irritation, allergic reactions, headaches, and other symptoms, especially in enclosed spaces. The HVAC system in this vehicle is a sealed, manufacturer-controlled system which the owner cannot access or service, so this type of contamination should not be considered routine maintenance. I have researched this issue and found that Honda/Acura vehicles have a documented history of HVAC mold and mildew odors, and Honda has previously issued internal investigative bulletins requesting dealers to collect parts from vehicles with musty HVAC smells. There are also mold-related complaints already filed with NHTSA for the 2024 MDX model year. This suggests the possibility of a broader engineering or design issue. I need this issue addressed immediately for health reasons, and I may have to initially pay out of pocket to ensure my family’s safety. However, I believe this is a safety-related defect that Acura should be responsible for correcting, not the customer, especially on a relatively new vehicle still under warranty. I am requesting that NHTSA document this case and consider evaluating whether a pattern of HVAC mold contamination exists in newer Acura vehicles.

Electrical, brake and car acceleration problems.

The start/stop switch stalls the vehicle and will not restart after several tries for up to 5 minutes. We get a message during this time to "continue to drive, depress brake pedal and push switch" and even after then it still will not start for several tries. This has happened several times. One time my wife was on a heavily traveled two lane farm road at a four-way stop and it did it and was almost hit by 18 wheelers trying to navigate around her. This was not only a safety issue for her but also those trying to get around her with all the traffic coming in all direction. Took back to the dealer but it did not do it while they tried to recreate the issue. No warnings prior to the issue of dying and not re-starting. This was the latest occurrence, it had happened a couple of times before.

To: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Subject: Urgent Complaint – Illegal Repossession, Lemon Law Obstruction, and Compensation Claim Against Honda Financial Services Dear Sir or Madam, I am filing a formal complaint regarding the illegal repossession of my leased 2024 Acura MDX, VIN [XXX] , account number [INSERT ACCOUNT NUMBER], by Honda Financial Services. This repossession was conducted without any prior notice, without communication of the date, time, or location, and without any legal authorization or court order. 1. No opportunity to respond or act • I was outside the country at the time of repossession and had no chance to respond or protect my rights. • The vehicle was removed one day before my arrival, despite my sister attempting to coordinate that the vehicle be held because my mother is seriously ill and could not make payments. • The vehicle had been immobilized for 4 months due to brake and acceleration defects, which were part of a manufacturer recall affecting all MDX vehicles. 2. Illegal and premeditated removal • My vehicle was removed from a private garage using a towing company, without a court order, without my consent, and without legal authorization. • Video evidence clearly shows the doors were closed; the individual opened them himself, deliberately removed the license plates, and covered his face to avoid surveillance cameras. • These actions constitute intentional concealment, unlawful seizure, and theft, not a lawful repossession. 3. Obstruction of Lemon Law claim • Honda Financial never took the vehicle for inspection or repairs, deliberately preventing evidence of factory defects that rendered the vehicle unusable for over a year. • After multiple attempts to resolve the issue, Honda Financial claimed they have no record, effectively denying rightful compensation and acting in bad faith to sabotage my Lemon Law claim. 4. Violation of federal and state laws • Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) § 9-609: Prohibits reposses INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Front sunroof panel spontaneously exploded while driving on the interstate highway. No impacts or other things touched the sunroof. Vehicles behind had to avoid large portions of the sunroof panel. Flying glass made it dangerous to quickly leave the highway. This is a 2024 mdx with less than 30,000 miles. Never been in an accident before.

Heard a loud “pop” while sitting in parked car. Radio volume spiked up and the passenger side of windshield was shattered. Clear defect in installation.

When cruising or coming off a stop, my car is incapable of accelerating promptly if I am trying to get out of the way or even merge into oncoming traffic on a highway. There is a severe acceleration delay perhaps with the throttle body. I have seen online complaints but the dealership said there has to be an actual recall number to correct this. My car has been in several times to fix this. A computer reset did not work. My car is one year old.