Owner-reported complaints naming the electrical system, filed with NHTSA
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Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2018 Acura MDX submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 27 reports on file name it.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
The 25 most recent of 27, in the owner's own words
Transmission failed and light appeared. Speed reduced from 30 to 15. Acura stated they had to reset computer system and claimed when they started the car no lights shown and was able to reverse car. I was unable to reverse car, struggled and tugged feeling in the car. This is the 2nd time and they always repeat same solution no lights appeared and to reset system.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Acura MDX. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 85,000. The contact stated that on the day of the purchase; after refueling the vehicle and then attempting to pull out of the gas station, the Emissions, check engine, and parking brake warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact took the vehicle to an auto repair shop, and had the vehicle scanned and then diagnosed, DTC: P0158 (Oxygen sensor Circuit High Voltage, DTC Severity 2 of 3, T0159 Oxygen sensor Circuit Slow Response (Bank2 and Sensor 2), and an Electric Parking Brake Failure were displayed. The scan indicated that the vehicle was subjected to odometer fraud. The contact reviewed the paperwork and received it at the time of sale and became aware that the mileage stickers, along with other indications that the documentations were false. The contact retrieved a Carfax Report and discovered that the actual mileage was 225,802. The contact reported the odometer fraud to the Police Department and was informed that the dealer was known for odometer fraud. The Police also informed the contact that there was a case and a warrant already issued.
I was merging into traffic on interstate. The car lagged as if it wasn't getting gas. I pulled over to get out of traffic. Scary situation. Please advise!
Hello, My 2018 Acura MDX has moisture and water inside the inner tailgate (trunk) tail light assembly, which caused the light to stop working. I understand there is a recall affecting some 2014–2020 Acura MDX vehicles related to moisture entering the tailgate light assembly, and my vehicle appears to have the same issue. Recall link: [XXX] Last week I visited the Acura dealership(Acura Columbus) in Dublin, OH for a fuel pump recall service. During that visit, the technician also noticed the water inside the inner tail light but quoted about $750 for the repair. Although my VIN does not show this recall, my vehicle is experiencing the same problem described. Could you please review and advise if this may qualify for recall coverage or goodwill assistance? Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The Electric Parking brake system continuously fails (every 3-4 months)
The front camera failure. Needs replacement. Camera apparently is used for the ACC , lane departure assistance.
The contact owns a 2018 Acura MDX. The contact stated that the vehicle was designed with the engine Auto Start-Stop feature. The contact stated that while at a complete stop and releasing the brake pedal, the engine failed to restart. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to restart. The contact then noticed that the gear shift indicator displayed that the transmission was in neutral(N). The contact shifted to park(P) and was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring, almost causing the vehicle to be rear-ended. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and recommended a diagnostic testing to determine the cause of the failure, but the contact declined due to the cost. The contact stated that the starter was previously replaced under an unknown recall, which the contact related to the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.
The car alarm started going off randomly after the car was locked and armed. This would happen periodically. The car was locked using the indoor lock and then left unlocked and the lights would go off and on periodically. The internal dash periodically would flicker off and on (dash lights/screens). The car eventually drained the battery one night cycling down to 4.25v and had to be replaced (it was too damaged to be jumped). Upon replacing the battery codes were read, cleared and the car driven. The alarm and light issue came back, and the hood latch was disconnected. This stopped the alarm, but after rain events or humid days the lights would still come on (as if someone unlocked the car or walked up with the key) and the dash lights would occasionally flicker. The wireless control unit was removed and inspected and dendritic growth was noticed on one location of the board. This was cleaned with alcohol and this has appeared to solve the issue so far. The part of the board with the growth is not sealed and looks like it is right on the edge of the factory sealing.
Lane Keep assist, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning all stopped working and received error codes. Dealership stated camera was faulty and needed to be replaced at my cost. Continued issues with electrical systems where the car alarm will go off intermittently, and vehicle will not lock unless manually locking. Dealership stated smart control unit needs to also be replaced at my cost. part number for control unit #38320 was issued by honda motor company service bulletin 21-055 for their honda ridgeline. Acura Dealer will not honor since part number does not specify acura. Part issued in Service bulletin is 38320-T6Z-A11 (honda ridgeline) part needed to be replaced by acura is 38320-TRX-A11. Other service bulletins related to original issues: 20-015, 19-005, 23-008, and 24-022 and safety recall report 23V-751. Dealership is still placing responsibility of repair of defective parts on car owner.
We experienced multiple/many warning lights all at the same time. Systems not working. Repeated every time. The Acura dealer diagnosed the problem to the DTC U3000-49 Multipurpose Camera internal electronic failure. Replaced the unit and they performed a couple of calibrations. Thank You, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
1.) I have had repeated, on-going issues with the fuel propulsion system since the day I bought the car. When I step on the accelerator it randomly (lately more constant than random) does not respond, then it will shoot me out into traffic. For example when I am entering the highway from an onramp, I see my opportunity to merge into traffic and I step on the gas - nothing - no response, then it suddenly accelerates and shoots me into oncoming traffic. This is SO BAD that I am afraid to drive the vehicle. It is DEADLY. I have reported the issue every time I have had the car serviced (always dealer serviced, from same dealer where I bought it.) 2.) The vehicle will randomly decide that I am going to hit a car in another lane, and will forcefully apply the brakes (when there is no issue, no danger, no possible way I am going to even be close to hitting another car) causing the cars behind me to come extremely close to rear-ending me! Or the car will decide I am going off the road when I am taking a soft curve, and it will sound a warning and try to turn the wheel. 3.) The display panel will go black for no reason. I then cannot use the navigation screen. It will randomly return after a few hours or after a day or two. 4.) The camera/display will get stuck on the reverse camera causing a visual disconnect as I drive forward, but can only see what is in reverse. (like seasickness). No idea what causes it or how to fix it. Eventually it corrects itself after a few hours/day+. 5.) Car will occasionally make a strange squealing noise after it has been turned off - no idea what that is, or what causes it. As a salesperson who spends many, many hours in her car, this vehicle has become a constant danger to both my livelihood and my life. I am afraid to drive it and I will not let family members drive it as I am afraid for their lives due to the issues stated above.
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.
Fire under the hood of my 2018 MDX - caused by weak battery and overloaded starter. My car was parked in the garage right under my daughter’s bedroom. I pressed the "Start" button on the car and the dashboard started to flash on and off quickly and I heard clicking sounds and other swooshing noises. The car did NOT start but it seemed to keep trying over and over again. I pressed the start/off button repeatedly but the car did not shut off. My wife came out and asked what I was doing and she smelled and saw smoke coming from under my hood. She ran into the house and called 911. I popped the hood and got out of the car. At this point, there was more smoke and a VERY strong burning electrical odor. The car continued to try to start and the only thing I could think of was to disconnect the battery. Just as I disconnected the battery, The fire department showed up and the smoke started to slowly subside since the car was no longer trying to start. I called AAA and had the car towed to the local Acura dealership that I just had it serviced at. Upon their evaluation, it was determined that the battery was not completely dead, but not strong enough to engage the starter. Therefore, the car continued to try to start and overloaded the starter, burning it out. I strongly feel that this is a catastrophic failure for Acura and completely unacceptable for a vehicle with all kinds of safeguards. It should not have caught on fire from a weak battery in the garage/under my daughter’s bedroom – The whole car and house could have burned down. After several weeks of discussions with the dealership and Acura customer care, it was determined they would split the cost of ~ $2000 for repairs. I felt I had no choice but to pay it and get my car back with a new starter and battery. I asked the dealership to give me the starter - I do have it - I also noticed the replacement starter is a new model - Thank you [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.
While preparing to enter the expressway my 2018 MDX stalled and various dashboard lights came on. My family and I drifted into the median while nearly being hit by passing car. It took about 10 minutes before the MDX became operational again. I took it to a local mechanic when we arrived at our destination. They couldn't locate any issues or "bad codes." Since that incident my fuel mileage and shifting has begun to deteriorate. Entering traffic and trying to pass cars has become difficult while driving. I have called Acura and a local dealership in Charlotte, NC. Both failed to provide next steps that didn't involve spending money to fix an issue that based on feedback on various sites and NTSB site is a common issue.
Passenger rear, right inner tail light is not working. Was under recall but Acura is not replacing it. Obviously water has entered it and shorted it out. They said the recall was completed on it but why is the taillight not working. In report made by the dealer it says it is shorted after hooking it up to a voltmeter. Why are they not replacing it. It reduces visibility to the rear of the car.
The car attempts to start on its own, light come on and at times the alarm goes off. The car does not open at times and requires manual override to oepn.
Keyless Access/TPMS Control Unit is failing. Vehicle randomly behaves where all dash lights blink on and off, head lights turn on, car alarm intermittently alarms, and motorized steering wheel moves. It is unknown if there is any malfunction to ADAS or other systems due to this random behavior. Vehicle cannot be parked with the battery connected as all of these events intermittently happen and drains the battery. The behavior is so startling and a concern to drive that it is unknown if it will completely fail and shutdown while driving. For example, the Keyless Control Unit could potentially fail to recognize the key while driving and then the vehicle would shutdown as if being stolen. Vehicle has been inspected by the dealer, confirmed malfunction and noted occurence with other customers vehicles of same make and model. Diagnostic report by dealer states the failing component.
The car was bought in November, 2018, and is still under warranty. In the morning of October 3, 2022, The car would not start. The voltage of the battery was measured to be about 11.5 V. A new battery was bought and put in by myself on October 4, 2022, since I did not realize that the battery was still under warranty. Everything looked normal on October 5, 2022. But in the morning of October 6, 2022, the headlights were found to be on even though nobody was around the car parked in the garage. Sometimes the alarm would go off. This happens randomly but frequently ever since. An appointment was made with the dealer, and the car was checked out on October 10, 2022. The dealer determined that the Keyless Module Unit was faulty, but the part was on back order. The service advisor assured me that it should be safe to drive the car. Ever since, the car has been trying to start itself frequently and randomly. It would turn on the headlights, move the driver seat, go through the engine turnover cycle, etc. Sometimes it also moved the window shield wipers, or sounded the alarm even though the car was not locked. Being afraid of driving the car, I started to ask for a loaner or rental car from the the dealer on October 12, 2022, and have been talking to both Acura warranty department and the dealership since. Today (October 24, 2022) the car would not start, and had been towed to the dealership. Now it has been more than a week, I still cannot get a rental car from Acura, even though the service director from the dealership also had a concern about the safety of driving the car or leaving the car unattended.
Brake light is not working properly, I was pulled over with a warning
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.
MULTIPLE TIMES I HAVE BEEN TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AND MY CAR WOULD SUDDENLY DECREASE IN SPEED AND STALL OUT. I WOULD GO FROM 75MPH TO 45MPH VERY QUICKLY. IT WOULD THEN SUDDENLY ACCELERATE AGAIN AND GO BACK TO NORMAL. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND COULD LEAD TO A DEADLY ACCIDENT.
NINE DIFFERENT ELECTRICAL FAILURES IN TWENTY SEVEN WEEKS ON A NEW 2018 ACURA MDX TECHNOLOGY PACKAGE. THAT'S ONE FAILURE EVERY THREE WEEKS. SIX PROBLEMS HAVE OCCURRED ONE TIME, THREE PROBLEMS ARE STILL INTERMITTENT, THE MOST CONCERNING IS THE HEATED SEAT FEATURE. THE CIRCUIT CLOSES WITHOUT ACTIVATION. OCCASIONALLY WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED, THE LED INDICATOR LIGHTS ARE ON. SEVERAL TIMES IT HAS AFFECTED THE DRIVERS SEAT, ONCE THE PASSENGER SEAT, AND ONCE BOTH SEATS. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS PUT IN REVERSE, THE REAR CAMERA ACTIVATED AND CONTINUED TO WORK AS I DROVE FORWARD TO MY DESTINATION. ONCE I WALKED PASSED THE VEHICLE WITH THE WIRELESS REMOTE IN MY POCKET AND THE VEHICLE UNLOCKED ITSELF WITHOUT TOUCHING THE DOOR. ANOTHER TIME BOTH SIDE MIRRORS TILTED DOWN REGARDLESS OF WHERE THE MIRROR SWITCH WAS ON THE DRIVER DOOR. SEVERAL TIMES THE RADIO WOULD NOT ACTIVATE WHEN THE ON/OFF BUTTON WAS PRESSED. SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH THE HANDS FREE LINK SYSTEM. I PRESSED THE TALK BUTTON IT SAYS NO DEVICE FOUND. PRESS TALK BUTTON, GIVE PHONE COMMAND IT SAYS NO DEVICE PAIRED. . PRESS TALK BUTTON, GIVE PHONE COMMAND, DISPLAY SHOWS CALL HISTORY . PRESS TALK BUTTON AND GIVE PHONE COMMAND, THEN CALL B%##% ,VOICE CONTINUALLY SAYS PARDON. TURN BACK WIPER ON AND BACK OFF, WIPER CONTINUED TO WORK FOR ABOUT TWO MINUTES. I PARKED THE VEHICLE WITH THE ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE ON, WHEN I STARTED VEHICLE LATER, MESSAGE IN DISPLAY READ,TROUBLE WITH ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE TAKE TO DEALERSHIP. SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAYS NO CODE FOUND.
TAKATA RECALL: CORRECTION FOR COMPLAINT #11164408. REAR VIEW CAMERA REMAINS IN THE REVERSE POSITION WHEN I SHIFT FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE. CONSEQUENTLY, I AM DRIVING WITH A VIEW OF THE ROAD BEHIND ME. THIS HAS HAPPEN THREE TIMES. I REPORTED THIS TO ACURA OF PEORA, AZ. THEY KEPT MY CAR FOR A DAY BUT DIDN'T RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD THEY WERE CONTACTING ACURA HEADQUARTERS AND WOULD GET BACK TO ME BECAUSE THEY COULDN'T REPLACE A $3000 SYSTEM WITHOUT APPROVAL FROM ACURA HEADQUARTERS.
TAKATA RECALL: REVIEW CAMERA REMAINS ON WHEN I SHIFT FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE. CONSEQUENTLY, I AM DRIVING LOOKING AT THE ROAD BEHIND ME ON THE SCREEN.
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.
Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own
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