Acura ZDX
Reliability, NHTSA Complaints & Recall History
7 model years analyzed (2010β2026). All data sourced directly from the NHTSA public complaints and recall database β the same data used by federal regulators.
Checking a specific Acura ZDX? Run a VIN check for its exact history.
β NHTSA NCAP Crash Test Ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
AI Interpretation
Medium ConfidenceBelow AverageNHTSA complaints for the Acura ZDX (2010β2026) are concentrated in the 2024 model year, with forward collision avoidance and service brakes being the most frequently reported components. Crash-related complaints are few, and overall confidence in the data is medium.
- Forward collision avoidance accounts for 20 complaints, the highest among all components.
- Service brakes are the second most reported component with 17 complaints.
- The 2024 model year has 45 complaints, far exceeding any other year.
- Three crash-related complaints were reported out of 57 total.
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- SERVICE BRAKES
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- AIR BAGS
- POWER TRAIN
The 2024 model year has 45 complaints, driven primarily by forward collision avoidance and service brakes. This suggests buyers should scrutinize these systems on 2024 models.
Model years 2013, 2025, and 2026 have zero complaints, which may indicate fewer reported issues, though low sales or limited data could also be factors.
- Inspect the forward collision avoidance system for proper operation.
- Check service brake performance and look for any warning signs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components like electrical system and air bags.
- Have a mechanic inspect the power train and vehicle speed control before purchase.
π NHTSA Safety Recalls
35 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
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Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2010β2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
π§ Most-Reported Problem Areas
Based on component keywords extracted from all 57 NHTSA complaints.
π NHTSA Complaint Reports
57 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
WHEN THE ZDX IS PARKED OVERNIGHT AND USED THE NEXT DAY, THE CAR WILL NOT MOVE DESPITE THE ENGINE STARTING AND SHIFTING THE VEHICLE INTO DRIVE OR REVERSE. ALL INDICATORS CONVEY THE CAR IS SHIFTED, WHEN GAS PEDAL IS DEPRESSED, THE ENGINE REVS AND ROARS LIKE THE CAR IS IN NEUTRAL WHEN IT'S NOT! ONLY AFTER SHIFTING THE CAR BACK AND FORTH INTO PARK ABOUT 2-3TIMES AT ABOUT 5 SEC INTERVALS DOES THE CAR DRIVE LIKE NORMAL. ONCE THE CAR IS GOING FOR THE DAY NO FURTHER ISSUES ARE HAD UNTIL THE NEXT DAY OR DAY AFTER IT'S BEEN RESTING OVERNIGHT. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 ACURA ZDX. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE STRUT MADE A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED VIBRATION THAT ENTERED INTO THE FLOORBOARD AND TRAVELED UP THROUGH THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MIKE HAIL ACURA IN SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH AND STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS A COMMON ISSUE, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT REFERENCED SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER: 16-020 AS THE DESCRIPTION OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SERVICE BULLETIN DID NOT INCLUDE THE CONTACT'S VIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000.
TAKATA RECALL: AMERICAN HONDA/ACURA HAS FAILED TO ADDRESS THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG IN A TIMELY MANNER AND IS REFUSING TO PROVIDE A LOANER CAR IN THE MEAN TIME.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2010 ACURA ZDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IN AN UNDERGROUND PARKING GARAGE ON THE SECOND LEVEL AND ATTEMPTING TO PARK WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL APPLIED, THE VEHICLE UNINTENDED ACCELERATED RAPIDLY CAUSING IT TO CRASH INTO A CEMENT WALL. THE DRIVERS SIDE STEERING WHEEL AIR BAG PARTIALLY DEPLOYED WITH FORCE AS A GRAY SUBSTANCE EMITTED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED BACK PAINS, NECK PAINS, BURN MARKS TO THE BODY, RIGHT LEG, ARM AND HAND PAINS WHICH REQUIRED FURTHER MEDICAL TREATMENT. THE SUBSTANCE CAUSED PROBLEMS WITH A SORE THROAT. AN INCIDENT REPORT WAS FILED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY TOWED THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER (KING ACURA: 1687 MONTGOMERY HWY, HOOVER, AL 35216, 1-(888) 468-0553) WHERE IT WAS DEEMED AS A TOTAL LOSS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE CRASH AND THE OWNER WAS WAITING TO DETERMINE A RESPONSE TO INVESTIGATE THE CAUSE OF THE CRASH. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT PRIOR TO THE CRASH THE ENGINE OIL LOW WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND AN UNKNOWN RECALL RELATED TO THE FAILURE WAS RECEIVED FOR OIL CONSUMPTION. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,913.
TAKATA RECALL. NO OPEN RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE. PRIOR RECALL WORK ON AIR BAGS WAS COMPLETED IN DEC 2016. CURRENTLY WITH NO ONE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT FOR PASSENGER AIR BAG ACTIVATION IS OFF, MEANING THE AIR BAG IS ACTIVE. I'VE SEEN IT LIGHT UP AS OFF WITH A PASSENGER IN THE PASSENGER SEAT.
TAKATA RECALL AIRBAG WENT OFF AFTER A MINOR BUMP BY MY GARAGE DOOR. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION BUT AT A SLOW SPEED. VEHICLE ONLY HAS LIABILITY COVERAGE AND UNINSURED COVERAGE, SO NO CLAIM WAS FILED.
ACURA IS NOT STANDING BY ITS BRAND WITH THE KNOWN FAULTY ACTIVE DAMPER SYSTEM ON CERTAIN ACURA YEARS/MODELS. ACURA REFUSES TO PAY CLAIMS AGAINST ITS OWN POLICY ON THE TSB RELEASED. MY VEHICLE HAS AN ISSUE WITH THE ACTIVE DAMPERS AND ALL 4 STRUTS NEED REPLACING AT A COST OF ABOUT $4000. ACURA WILL NOT HELP ME STATING THE EXTENDED WARRANTY EXPIRED MAY 8, 2017. HOWEVER THEY INCLUDE VERBIAGE OF 7 YEARS AFTER PURCHASE REGARDLESS OF DATE, MY CAR WAS ORIGINALLY PURCHASED FEB 2011 WELL WITHIN THE 7 YEAR TIME FRAME. AT ANY SPEED GOING OVER BUMPS THE CAR MAKE CLUNKY SOUNDS FRONT AND REAR AND FEELS BOATY, LESS STABLE. THE CONDITION WAS HAPPENING SINCE WINTER, 3 OF 4 STRUTS ARE BLOWN. CAUSING A NEED FOR ALL 4 STRUTS TO BE REPLACED. DIAGNOSED 7/7/2017 BECAUSE I WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE EXTENDED WARRANTY AND FIGURED I'D WAIT UNTIL MY NEXT OIL CHANGE TO DRIVE THE 20 MILES TO MY ACURA DEALER. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND ACURA REFUSES CLAIMS FOR REIMBURSEMENT FOR MOST PEOPLE WITHOUT CAUSE OR JUSTIFICATION. ACURA TREATS THE EXTENDED WARRANTY OF AN ACURA OEM PART KNOWINGLY FAULTY AS A FAVOR TO CUSTOMERS AND NOT A RIGHT TO SAFETY.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 ACURA ZDX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V346000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
WHEN WILL THE AIR BACK RECALL BE REPLACED. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING THE DEFECTED CAR FOR A WHILE SINCE I GOT THE NOTICE THROUGH THE MAIL. CAN YOU ENFORCE THE LAW BY PUTTING A LOT OF PRESSURE ON THE COMPANY. OUR LIFE IS ON THE LINE WHEN WE DRIVE THE CAR.BELOW IS THE FIRST RECALL LETTER DATE.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 ACURA ZDX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V061000 (AIR BAGS) AND 16V346000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 09/23/16*LJ UPDATED 10/05/16.*JB
THERE HAS BEEN A THUMPING NOISE AND OTHER FORMS OF INSTABILITY. EVER SINCE PURCHASE, THIS CAR HAS APPEARED UNSTABLE AND A BIT WOBBLY, WHEN RUNNING OVER A SMALL POTHOLE OR A SMALL BUMP. BUT I ATTRIBUTED THIS TO ITS HEAVY WEIGHT. THE STRUT ASSEMBLY, A VERY EXPENSIVE COMPONENT IN THIS ELEPHANT OF A CAR LEAKS, AS DO HUNDREDS OF OTHER SUCH CARS, ESPECIALLY EARLIER MDX, WITH WHICH IT SHARES MANY PARTS.
MY DOOR HANDLE ON FRONT PASSENGER SEAT INSIDE MEDAL PART CAME LOOSE AND CURED UP SHARP EDGES LIKE A KNIFE. THE MEDAL MELTING DANGEROUSELY ROSE UP BY ITSELF . NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS. IT CUT MY MOTHER FINGER YESTERDAY. THANK GOD SHE IS OK IF IT WAS SOMEONE ELSE THEY MAY SUED ME. I CONTACT THE ACURA RELATIONS AND THE DEALERSHIP GARY FORCE ACURA AT 1634 WESTGATE CR. BRENTWWOD TN 37027 TO REPORT THIS INCIDENT. I HOPE MY WARRANTLY STILL COVERED . PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS SITUATION , IT CAN BE SERIOUSLY BE DANGER TO OTHERS. HELP ME TAKE CARE OF THIS . NEED YOU. NO RECALL
The contact owns a 2024 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 10 MPH and coming to a stop, the ABS activated unexpectedly and released brake pressure in the service brake system. The contact stated that the vehicle unexpectedly came to a complete stop. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V614000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,080.
Was trying to unlock the vehicle but it wouldnβt unlock the doors with the remote. Had to crawl through the trunk to access the car. Got a βdoor latch system serviceβ maintenance error on the screen after the dealership had βfixedβ it. This is a huge safety concern as this car is electric and if it does not unlock from the inside, can cause the passengers to be stuck in the car.
Incident Date: [XXX] Location: Miami, FL, USA What happened: On [XXX], in Miami, Florida, I brought my 2024 Acura ZDX to a complete stop on a flat surface, applied the brake, and then selected Park (the βPβ indicator was illuminated on the instrument panel). After selecting Park, I opened the driverβs door and exited the vehicle. While I was outside the vehicle and no one was in the driverβs seat, the vehicle moved backward on its own and struck another car. I did not press Reverse or command any additional gear change after selecting Park. The vehicle had been fully stopped before Park was selected. No injuries occurred, but property damage resulted. This incident created a significant safety concern because the vehicle moved while unattended after Park was selected. I am reporting this event for safety documentation and investigation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
My husband was driving on a small road and we were going about 25mph when he tapped the brakes the car jumped forward and the brakes did not catch. We lunged forward almost crashing into another car. No warning lights appeared. Driving conditions were normal, dry roads. Brought it into the dealership again for the same issue that we brought it in for less than 30 days ago.
On Sunday, February 15th at approximately 9:00 AM EST, I took my vehicle to Wash Co Car Wash (1020 Dolsontown Road, Middletown, NY 10940). This was the first and only time I have taken this vehicle through a car wash since beginning my lease in July 2025. It is important to note that this specific car wash is one for which my local Acura dealership provides service coupons during routine maintenance visits. As a loyal Acura customer, this reasonably implied that the facility is appropriate and safe for Acura vehicles. While inside the automatic wash tunnel, the roof-mounted shark-fin antenna assembly detached completely. There were no prior issues, no visible damage, and no warning signs before entering the wash. The following day, February 16th, I brought the vehicle to my local Acura dealership for inspection. After diagnostics, I was presented with an estimated $1,700 repair cost. This incident is particularly concerning because it is not the first issue I have experienced with this vehicle. Since beginning my lease in July, I have brought this ZDX to the dealership for service on three separate occasions to address different concerns. For a vehicle that is less than a year into its lease term, this pattern of service visits raises legitimate concerns about quality, durability, and reliability. Given the severity of the cost and the nature of the failure, I contacted Acura Client Relations in an effort to resolve the matter directly and professionally. After more than 48 hours, I was assigned a case manager named Lisette, who declined to provide her last name when asked. During our conversation, I found her demeanor dismissive and unwilling to meaningfully investigate the concern. The resolution I was given was that there is βno defectβ and that the failure was effectively my fault.
2024 Acura ZDX Collision Mitigation Brake System will activate without warning engaging the parking brake. Has occurred intermittently while driving forward or in reverse. Dealership claims there are no codes and has advised that both front and rear systems should be disabled. Manufacturer states there are no software updates to address this issue. Failure milage approx. 100.
I was driving my 2024 Acura ZDX at approximately 50 mph on a rainy day and activated the rear windshield wiper. Upon activation, the rear wiper assembly detached from the vehicle and flew off while the vehicle was in motion. Fortunately, there were no nearby vehicles at the time; however, the detached wiper could have struck another vehicle or created a road hazard. The failure also resulted in loss of rear visibility during inclement weather. I contacted the authorized Acura dealer immediately. The dealer declined to inspect the vehicle or perform a warranty repair, stating that they could not proceed because the detached part could not be produced. The part was lost as a direct result of the failure. I provided photographs showing the location on the vehicle from which the wiper detached. The incident occurred less than six months after purchase, with fewer than 2,000 miles on the vehicle. I then contacted Acura corporate support. After an extended review period, Acura offered only a partial βcourtesyβ discount rather than a warranty repair for what appears to be a safety-related defect. I am reporting this incident due to the risk of detached exterior components becoming road debris and the associated safety hazard to other motorists.
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The failed component is the drive motor inverter cooling system, specifically the drive motor inverter cooler (OEM part number 87821986). This component is responsible for regulating temperature within the high-voltage electric drive system. The vehicle is currently at the dealership with the repair order open, and the part has not yet been replaced due to national backorder status. The vehicle and failed component are available for inspection upon request. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The failure triggered a βHigh Voltage System Warningβ message. This warning indicates a malfunction within the electric propulsion system, which controls vehicle movement and power delivery. A malfunction in the inverter cooling system can lead to: Loss of propulsion Sudden power reduction Vehicle shutdown while driving Potential overheating of high-voltage components Because this is a $75,000 electric performance vehicle with only approximately 5,100 miles and four months of ownership, a critical high-voltage system failure creates a serious safety concern. I do not feel the vehicle is safe to operate, and I have refused to drive it under these conditions. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. The issue was diagnosed and confirmed by an authorized Acura dealership service department on January 29, 2026. The dealership determined that the drive motor inverter cooler requires replacement. The repair order remains open because the required OEM part is on national backorder with no confirmed ETA. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The vehicle has been inspected by the authorized Acura dealership service department. The manufacturer, American Honda/Acura, has been notified through a formal customer relations
Showing 20 of 57 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check a Specific Acura ZDX
This page shows fleet averages across all 7 model years. Enter a VIN to see the exact accident history, odometer records, title brands, and open recall status for a specific car.
π Understanding This Data
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is β but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Acura ZDX has 57 complaints on record across 7 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Acura ZDX has 35 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 3 of the Acura ZDX's 57 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions β a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the AI Rating Calculated?
The AI reliability rating (Below Average) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. The rating provides a plain-English summary for buyers who want a quick verdict without parsing raw numbers. It is one input in your buying decision β always verify with a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable β simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Acura ZDX vehicles on the road β not any specific car. Two Acura ZDX vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage β NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Acura ZDX has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.