RoadVitals

2014 Acura MDX Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
169
Latest Jul 28, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
15
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
13

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2014 Acura MDX, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

38
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

OnXXX I was sold an “As is” vehicle under a Christmas special that was deemed unsafe to drive by a licensed mechanic a week later because of the rear subframe is bent from premature corrosion the dealer denied knowing anything about it but i submitted a case with FLHSMV because under the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA): For consumer sales, even in "as-is" transactions, sellers must disclose known material defects that substantially impact the vehicle’s value or safety but the claim was denied and ruled non-jurisdictional so im in the process of going civil. The total price the licensed mechanic gave me was 3,246 so ive been trying to mitigate this for months but i recently just seen a Major recall was just issued which is the NHTSA campaign #26V367000 which is the same exact problem my vehicle that was sold to me was & is currently experiencing but my state which is [XXX] was excluded from the Recall list because it isn’t classified as a Salt bath state but since im experiencing the same issue and i don’t live in one of those states im just making this formal complaint to see if i can get some help to mitigate this situation to get the recall extended to more states since its not just affecting the north united states its down south as well so if someone could please help me or get back to me to point me in the right direction to get this situation mitigated it’ll be greatly appreciated thank you and have a great day. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11743848 · filed Jun 13, 2026

my daughter drove the vehicle for an appointment. Parked it went in and upon return, started it but could not turn the steering wheel. It was nearly impossible to turn the wheel. When turned with force, it would vibrate. Message popped up stating "Power Steering System (EPS) Problem". I had it towed to my mechanic who identified the problem but wasn't able to obtain the parts due to non-availability. I had the vehicle towed to the dealership (McGrath Acura of Libertyville) where it still remains. It has been there for about two weeks as of Dec. 17, 2025 and still not updates on when the issue would be fixed. I made a phone call complaint to Honda of America three days ago. They left a message today asking me to call back stating a recall (I don't find any EPS recalls while I've found others who have had the same issue. The dealer did quote me a cost of $1247.25 to fix the problem the day after I dropped it with them. Since then absolutely no response. I called Honda of America to follow up on their call but was not able to talk to the person as it went to their voicemail. I left a message and will follow up again tomorrow. I am the original owner of the vehicle and the vehicle has always been serviced on time based on the manufacturer's recommendations with the dealer and an independent mechanic. Thank you.

NHTSA ID 11705732 · filed Dec 17, 2025
All 38 reports naming steering

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

27
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Upon engine start noticed vibration buzz noise and steering wheel locked, very difficult to steer. Turned off the ignition and waited 20 min, steering wheel was back to normal. Upon driving in the road for approximately 5-10 min, the wheel locked up with notification alert of "Electrical Power Steering Failure" It was very difficult to maneuver the steering wheel and manage to pull into a parking lot. Turned the ignition off and waited again another 5min and Upon restart, wheel was back to normal. As we were on our way home, the same alert came with steering wheel locked and difficult to turn. We managed to get home with difficulty turning. Car was towed to Acura Plesanton and was reported no recalls for this issue.

NHTSA ID 11612438 · filed Sep 3, 2024

WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS ONLY A REPETITIVE CLICK, CLICK, CLICK SOUND. THE ENGINE WOULD NOT TURN OVER. THIS INDICATED A BATTERY ISSUE THAT WAS CONTRADICTED BY THE FACT THAT EVERYTHING ELSE WAS WORKING I.E. HORN, LIGHTS, BLOWER, RADIO. A QUICK SEARCH OF THE INTERNET DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS AN ISSUE WITH THE HANDS FREE MODULE WEAKENING THE BATTERY JUST ENOUGH TO NOT START.

NHTSA ID 11395144 · filed Feb 8, 2021
All 27 reports naming electrical

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

26
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

ABS VSA malfunction light comes up constantly and car rattles when brakes are used. It’s constantly turned on even with good road conditions. There are millions of customer complaints on the web about this issue and I believe this should be logged as a major issue which should be logged a recall and offered as a fix to customers who have these car models and issues. My daughter was driving the car and experienced issues on freeway when braking. The car slipped to the side when brakes were pushed and the whole car was shaking and unstable.

NHTSA ID 11564824 · filed Jan 11, 2024

On numerous occasions the Electric Power Steering, Lane Departure Warning, and Lane Keeping Assist problem lights illuminate on the dash and I lose all power steering. My car becomes extremely difficult to turn, particularly at lower speeds. This is a major safety hazard and warrants a recall. Had my wife been driving when this occurred she would not be able to turn the vehicle. This has happened on several occasions over the past 2 weeks. The car is being taken to the dealership tomorrow. Note: it appears that Acura and Honda have extended the warranty on several models for a similar issue, but not the 2014 Acura MDX.

NHTSA ID 11482462 · filed Sep 1, 2022
All 26 reports naming driver assistance

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

26
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

A connecting rod bearing is failing in my 2014 Acura MDX which could have led to complete engine failure while driving my family. Absolute Auto Center of Berlin, CT confirmed the issue and noted that Acura has recalled 2016-2020 MDX models due to connecting rod bearing defects but have not expanded the recall to include earlier model years that are also impacted. There were no warning lamps or messages prior to or during the issue, it was identified due to a loud knocking with the engine around 3-4,000 RPMs.

NHTSA ID 11736130 · filed May 6, 2026

The car is un safe to drive, the RPM fluctuations, gos up and down at low speed, doesn’t potential problems with the torque converter clutch, is juddering and unstable RPMs, noticeable during acceleration or deceleration

NHTSA ID 11646883 · filed Mar 6, 2025
All 26 reports naming engine

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

26
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The power train experiences jutters. Known issue and many torque converters have been replaced while under warranty. Our vehicle had minimal miles when warranty expired and now this problem has occurred. Have followed all of the recommended technical bulletins from Honda and the issue is not resolved. They now say to replace the torque converter at own expense.

NHTSA ID 11656957 · filed Apr 26, 2025

The car is un safe to drive, the RPM fluctuations, gos up and down at low speed, doesn’t potential problems with the torque converter clutch, is juddering and unstable RPMs, noticeable during acceleration or deceleration

NHTSA ID 11646883 · filed Mar 6, 2025
All 26 reports naming powertrain (other)

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

26
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Upon startup the following warning lights come on and remain active: Brake System Problem, Power Steering Problem, Hill Start Assist Problem, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) Problem, Anti-Lock Break System Problem. Additionally, intermittingly a loud grinding noise can be heard from the button of the vehicle.

NHTSA ID 11701519 · filed Nov 25, 2025

ABS VSA malfunction light comes up constantly and car rattles when brakes are used. It’s constantly turned on even with good road conditions. There are millions of customer complaints on the web about this issue and I believe this should be logged as a major issue which should be logged a recall and offered as a fix to customers who have these car models and issues. My daughter was driving the car and experienced issues on freeway when braking. The car slipped to the side when brakes were pushed and the whole car was shaking and unstable.

NHTSA ID 11564824 · filed Jan 11, 2024
All 26 reports naming brakes

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

14
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I discovered my back taillight is foggy and the lights are not seen. Capital City Honda provided an estimate: driver side taillight assembly replacement. Foggy taillight assembly affecting brightness and visibility. Cost $639.99 I then discovered there is a recall for moisture getting into the taillight causing this problem. Honda said my VIN is not included, but suggested I take it back to Capital City Honda to write a diagnosis, which I did and which is attached. Honda advised me today that since my VIN is not included, there is nothing they will do. I just spent about $3,000 for a tune up and new brakes so another $639 is just too much, especially since this is an issue caused by the manufacturer. I am trying to understand why my car isn't covered, when it has this issue. I've attached my email to Honda, the diagnosis and the recall.

NHTSA ID 11746038 · filed Jun 23, 2026

OnXXX I was sold an “As is” vehicle under a Christmas special that was deemed unsafe to drive by a licensed mechanic a week later because of the rear subframe is bent from premature corrosion the dealer denied knowing anything about it but i submitted a case with FLHSMV because under the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA): For consumer sales, even in "as-is" transactions, sellers must disclose known material defects that substantially impact the vehicle’s value or safety but the claim was denied and ruled non-jurisdictional so im in the process of going civil. The total price the licensed mechanic gave me was 3,246 so ive been trying to mitigate this for months but i recently just seen a Major recall was just issued which is the NHTSA campaign #26V367000 which is the same exact problem my vehicle that was sold to me was & is currently experiencing but my state which is [XXX] was excluded from the Recall list because it isn’t classified as a Salt bath state but since im experiencing the same issue and i don’t live in one of those states im just making this formal complaint to see if i can get some help to mitigate this situation to get the recall extended to more states since its not just affecting the north united states its down south as well so if someone could please help me or get back to me to point me in the right direction to get this situation mitigated it’ll be greatly appreciated thank you and have a great day. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11743848 · filed Jun 13, 2026
All 14 reports naming body & structure

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

13
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Headlights somehow may be taking on moisture. The clarity is down to almost nothing. Driving at night is unsafe! The RPM’s have never been smooth or consistent. There is almost a micro-revving effect. I’ve had all of the fluids and filters changed…… dealership thought it was a recall.

NHTSA ID 11681581 · filed Aug 19, 2025

The contact owns a 2014 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while approaching the vehicle after the vehicle had been started, the contact noticed that the taillights were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the taillights assemblies needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred approximately two months later. The contact received an email notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V259000 (Exterior Lighting, Interior Lighting), which the contact related to the failure; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.

NHTSA ID 11657599 · filed Apr 29, 2025
All 13 reports naming exterior lighting

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Car jerked badly on highway when trying to accelerate. It puckered to a stop after a few hours. But started in a few mins and we got home. Mechanic suggested that fuel pressure is low. No repair done. But problem did not surface again for a little bit. Now emissions problem light has come on. This is the third time in 4 months. Once again mechanic suggested low fuel pressure and also pointed to the recall. Writing to request being included

NHTSA ID 11733928 · filed Apr 27, 2026

Upon startup the following warning lights come on and remain active: Brake System Problem, Power Steering Problem, Hill Start Assist Problem, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) Problem, Anti-Lock Break System Problem. Additionally, intermittingly a loud grinding noise can be heard from the button of the vehicle.

NHTSA ID 11701519 · filed Nov 25, 2025
All 9 reports naming fuel system

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I WAS DRIVING ON A NYC STREET, GOING OVER A SPEED BUMP AT LESS THAN THE NOTED (10 MPH) SPEED WHEN THE SPARE TIRE BROKE FROM THE HOLDER AND DROPPED INTO THE PATH OF THE FOLLOWING CAR.

NHTSA ID 11363872 · filed Oct 12, 2020

THE STEERING AND THE WHEELS LOCK WHEN TURNING. IT GOES INTO NEUTRAL WHILE DRIVING

NHTSA ID 11341860 · filed Jul 28, 2020
All 8 reports naming other / unspecified

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Recall/Campaign Reference: Rear subframe/rear suspension safety recall, ~880,000+ Acura MDX vehicles (MY 2014–2020), due to risk of rear suspension component failure causing loss of vehicle control. Complaint Narrative: I own a 2014 Acura MDX (VIN [XXX]) subject to Honda's rear subframe safety recall for suspension components Honda has identified as posing a risk of failure, potentially causing loss of vehicle control and increasing crash/injury risk. I brought my vehicle to Acura of Arrowhead, AZ (authorized dealer) for the recall repair. The dealer had recall subframe parts in stock, but upon inspection found the bolt securing the Left Rear Lower Arm A rusted and seized, causing the bushing to separate. The dealer advised the bolt must be cut and the Left Rear Lower Arm A (Part No. 52370TZ5A90) replaced, along with the right-side arm (52375TZ5A9) and Upper/Lower Bolts (90118TZ5A10, 90981TZ5A01). I was informed Part No. 52370TZ5A90 is unavailable anywhere in the U.S. — no dealer, no aftermarket, no third-party source — for an indefinite period with no ETA. As a result, the recall repair cannot be completed, despite an actively corroded, failing component already identified on my vehicle. I must continue operating this vehicle with a known, documented safety defect because Honda cannot supply the needed part, with no resolution timeline. This complaint documents: Recall remedy cannot be completed due to nationwide parts unavailability. Vehicle has an active rusted/seized failure in the exact recalled component. No interim safety guidance or parts timeline provided. I request NHTSA investigate Honda's parts supply chain adequacy for this recall, given the scale (880,000+ vehicles) and inability to supply a critical safety part. Requested Action: Investigate parts availability/remedy completion rate for this campaign; require American Honda Motor Co., Inc. to provide owners a documented parts timeline and/or interim safety guidance. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5

NHTSA ID 11753247 · filed Jul 28, 2026

OnXXX I was sold an “As is” vehicle under a Christmas special that was deemed unsafe to drive by a licensed mechanic a week later because of the rear subframe is bent from premature corrosion the dealer denied knowing anything about it but i submitted a case with FLHSMV because under the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA): For consumer sales, even in "as-is" transactions, sellers must disclose known material defects that substantially impact the vehicle’s value or safety but the claim was denied and ruled non-jurisdictional so im in the process of going civil. The total price the licensed mechanic gave me was 3,246 so ive been trying to mitigate this for months but i recently just seen a Major recall was just issued which is the NHTSA campaign #26V367000 which is the same exact problem my vehicle that was sold to me was & is currently experiencing but my state which is [XXX] was excluded from the Recall list because it isn’t classified as a Salt bath state but since im experiencing the same issue and i don’t live in one of those states im just making this formal complaint to see if i can get some help to mitigate this situation to get the recall extended to more states since its not just affecting the north united states its down south as well so if someone could please help me or get back to me to point me in the right direction to get this situation mitigated it’ll be greatly appreciated thank you and have a great day. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11743848 · filed Jun 13, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2014 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, there was a loud popping sound was heard. The contact stopped and inspected the vehicle and discovered that the glass sunroof had shattered. The contact stated that there was no impact to the sunroof glass to cause the glass to shatter. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 104,000.

NHTSA ID 11530084 · filed Jul 3, 2023

SUNROOF EXPLOSION - SATURDAY 1/13/18 EVENING 7:30 PM DRIVING ON OPEN HIGHWAY (HARDY TOLL ROAD IN NORTH OF HOUSTON) TO AIRPORT TO PICK UP MY FAMILY. CLEAR SKIES, ~50F. WHILE DRIVING AT 68MPH HEARD A LOUD/DEAFENING 'POP'. NO OTHER CARS NEARBY, NO OVERPASSES NEARBY. THE GLASS EXPLOSION OF THE SUNROOF WAS SPONTANEOUS AND BLEW UP AND THEN FELL. TAKE A LOOK AT PHOTO TO SHOW CREST NEAR CENTER OF GLASS, ALSO THE EDGES OF THE GLASS NEAR BODY ARE NOW LOWER THAN BODY. SHOWING UPWARD MOTION TO GLASS. SUNSCREEN WAS CLOSED AND CAUGHT MOST OF GLASS.

NHTSA ID 11062678 · filed Jan 14, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2014 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while approaching the vehicle after the vehicle had been started, the contact noticed that the taillights were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the taillights assemblies needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred approximately two months later. The contact received an email notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V259000 (Exterior Lighting, Interior Lighting), which the contact related to the failure; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.

NHTSA ID 11657599 · filed Apr 29, 2025

HEADREST IS EXTREMELY UNCOMFORTABLE. I KNOW THEY ARE SUPPOSEDLY SAFE, BUT I DON'T THINK IT'S TRUE. THEY FORCE THE HEAD FOREWARD AND LEAVE A BIG VOID FROM THE TOP OF YOUR SHOULDERS TO THE BOTTOM OF YOUR HEAD. THIS COULD BREAK YOUR NECK IN A COLLISION BY FORCING THE HEAD. SORT OF A REVERSE WHIPLASH, IF YOU WILL. WORST OF ALL, THEY CAUSE ME A LOT PAIN ON LONG TRIPS. PLEASE RECALL THESE AND REPLACE THEM WITH TILT-ADJUSTABLE HEADRESTS.

NHTSA ID 11123201 · filed Aug 29, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V256000 (AIR BAGS). THE NOTICE STATED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO ACURA OF PEORIA (309-692-7800, 7500 NORTH ALLEN RD, PEORIA, IL 61614), WHICH WAS NOT A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION FOR THE CONTACT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED REGARDING PART AVAILABILITY AND DEALER LOCATION. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. *BF CONSUMER STATED TAILGATE LIGHT GASKET THAT MAY LEAD TO TAIL LIGHT FAILURE. WE HAVE TWO LOCAL HONDA DEALERSHIPS BUT OUR CASEWORKER SAID NEITHER COULD DO THE RECALL WORK. REPAIR WAS DONE AT PEOIRA,IL (NEAREST ACURA DEALER). 'PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB

NHTSA ID 11220992 · filed Jun 18, 2019

ON 3/18/2019 I GOT IN MY CAR AND THE AIRBAG LIKE IS ON STAATING THERE IS A PROBLEM.I CALL MY EXTENED WARRENTY AND THEY SAID THIS IS NOT COVERED. THAT SUCKS BECUSE WHAT ARE YOU PAYING FOR.

NHTSA ID 11189785 · filed Mar 18, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

Went out with family recently and all of a sudden front passenger side seat belt buckle won't latch. I took it to the dealer (Pohanka Acura). They said seat belt buckle has to be replaced and it will cost approx. $1000. I called Acura and they said this is not a warranty issue. Car is only 7 years old and front passenger side is used only occasionally by an adult. I would like Acura to pay for the replacement of my seat belt buckle.

NHTSA ID 11421722 · filed Jun 21, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .