RoadVitals

2019 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.
183
Latest Jul 22, 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.
7

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2019 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

Engine

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

75
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I am reporting a recurring safety issue following the Acura rod bearing recall repair on my 2019 Acura MDX SH-AWD. The original recall resulted in catastrophic engine failure and Acura replaced the long block assembly. Since that repair, the vehicle has repeatedly failed and returned to the dealership multiple times for the same issue pattern. Symptoms include: * “Emissions System Problem” warning * SH-AWD, brake, and traction control warnings * strong raw gasoline odor * vehicle becoming undriveable/no-start Timeline: * Recall repair completed with long block replacement * Vehicle failed again the next day * Dealer repaired vehicle * Vehicle failed again about one month later * Dealer repaired vehicle again * Vehicle failed a third time about one week later during normal commuting The recurring failures are accompanied by a strong gasoline smell, creating concern about fire risk and vehicle safety. I regularly transport children in this vehicle and no longer have confidence in the safety or reliability of the recall repair. The dealership has continued repairing the vehicle and providing loaners, indicating the issue is related to the original recall repair, but the underlying problem has still not been resolved despite multiple repair attempts. I am submitting this report because the recall repair has not resulted in safe and reliable vehicle operation.

NHTSA ID 11736180 · filed May 6, 2026

My car has stalled while driving on the highway multiple times now. The first time it happened, it lost power, stopped accelerating, and cycled through multiple warning lights, causing a significant safety risk. I pulled over and it restarted within minutes. I took it to a repair shop and they could not find a problem with it, even with the codes provided. Nothing pointed to a solution. It happened two other times while I was driving my child on a highway where it lost acceleration and then kicked back in. Again, this post, a significant safety risk as always in a fast lane on a highway with my child cars behind me had to hit their brakes to avoid me after this incident. Other times it doesn’t lose power, yet it cycles through warning lights randomly. I took it to the dealer instead of a local shop. They texted me about items that should be fixed per an inspection, including struts and a battery replacement. Complete with a large bill just for diagnostics. Yet, nothing was found having to do with the main problem at hand. Losing power while driving. . My battery is less than six months old. I had it tested and it is fine. My vin is not listed in the recall, but, all of the symptoms match the other recalls of the same year make and model.

NHTSA ID 11728714 · filed Apr 2, 2026
All 75 reports naming engine

Fuel system

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

41
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

On [XXX], while traveling at highway speeds on [XXX], the vehicle suffered a sudden, complete loss of engine propulsion. The vehicle rapidly decelerated, refused to respond to accelerator input, and forced itself into a dangerous "Limp Mode" in live traffic, creating an immediate highway safety hazard. Multiple warning messages illuminated on the dashboard. The vehicle was towed to Mile High Acura under Repair Order #[XXX]. Diagnostic testing pulled stored Code P0087 for Low Fuel Pressure at the Fuel Rail. An inline fuel pressure gauge confirmed that the low-side fuel pressure was rapidly fluctuating between 55 and 64 PSI at idle. The dealership escalated the data to the Acura Corporate Tech Line (Ref #[XXX]), which reviewed the vehicle's onboard snapshot data and officially determined a terminal defect in the low-pressure fuel pump assembly, mandating the replacement of the low-side pump and both fuel relays. Dealership service records confirm that this vehicle previously had a low-pressure fuel pump recall performed in 2021 under NHTSA Campaign Number 21V-215 (Acura Code CAI). The sudden failure of this replacement component matches the exact failure conditions detailed in the subsequent NHTSA Campaign Number 23V-858 (Acura Codes KGC/KGD). In that expanded campaign, American Honda Motor Co. openly admitted to federal regulators that the early replacement "service parts" distributed and installed during the 21V-215 window were manufactured with the exact same defective, swelling density impellers prone to subsequent deformation and complete failure. Despite their own corporate Tech Line explicitly confirming that the root cause of this dangerous highway power loss was the low-pressure fuel pump—the exact component of the 21V-215 and 23V-858 safety recall campaigns—Acura Client Relations denied 100% safety remedy coverage. Acura refused to provide the technical basis for their denial in writing. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11745700 · filed Jun 22, 2026

Under normal driving conditions warning lights for "electric parking brake" and "emissions system problem" came on the dashboard and the 'brake' light began flashing. No change in performance. Auto parts store diagnostic indicated EVAP valve as the possible problem code, along with two other unrelated codes - none connected to brakes or emissions. The 12-volt battery tested strong. Drove another 100 miles with lights still on, but the 'brake' light would turn off after about 5 mins of highway driving/no braking. The next day the warning lights continued. After normal city driving I shut the car off, waited 30 seconds, pushed the start button twice (accessory mode) and held the brake pedal down while pulling up on the brake release button for 10 seconds. Started the car without any error messages.

NHTSA ID 11744197 · filed Jun 15, 2026
All 41 reports naming fuel system

Electrical

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

39
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Car shifted on its own from drive to park right after warning lights stating Electrical Parking System then Emissions the Transmission came on while in stop and go traffic. Car had just come back from Acura mechanic 4 hours earlier as these warning lights had come when starting car. Immediately had car towed to dealership.

NHTSA ID 11752240 · filed Jul 22, 2026

While driving, the vehicle experienced a sudden internal mechanical and electronic transmission failure. Without warning, the vehicle shifted itself directly into Park while navigating the busy intersection of [XXX] and [XXX]. This caused a complete loss of propulsion and left the vehicle entirely immobilized in the middle of a high-speed junction. The vehicle could not be moved, creating an immediate, severe highway safety hazard that required an emergency 911 police response to manage traffic and protect the vehicle from being rear-ended. The dealership scan tool later pulled diagnostic code P0730 (Incorrect Gear Ratio) along with multiple clutch performance failures (P07A4, P07A2, P07A8). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11746202 · filed Jun 24, 2026
All 39 reports naming electrical

Powertrain (other)

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

31
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

While driving, the vehicle experienced a sudden internal mechanical and electronic transmission failure. Without warning, the vehicle shifted itself directly into Park while navigating the busy intersection of [XXX] and [XXX]. This caused a complete loss of propulsion and left the vehicle entirely immobilized in the middle of a high-speed junction. The vehicle could not be moved, creating an immediate, severe highway safety hazard that required an emergency 911 police response to manage traffic and protect the vehicle from being rear-ended. The dealership scan tool later pulled diagnostic code P0730 (Incorrect Gear Ratio) along with multiple clutch performance failures (P07A4, P07A2, P07A8). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11746202 · filed Jun 24, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended and to exceed 5 MPH. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the roadway. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact did not agree with the diagnosis. The contact stated that the failure was a known failure with the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,692.

NHTSA ID 11730121 · filed Apr 9, 2026
All 31 reports naming powertrain (other)

Driver assistance

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

28
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The subject 2019 Acura MDX model includes the tech package which adds several safety features that function through a windshield mounted camara/radar. The system has malfunctioned and none of the safety features are working. The dash displays the following messages: Collision Mitigation System Problem Adaptive Cruise Control Problem Lane Keeping Asist Problem Road Departure Mitigation System Problem automatic headlight system problem At the bottom of the dash, I see Brake System, Crash Warning and Lane Departure lights on as well. Acura is charging $2,319 to replace this unit in addition to a $270 diagnostic fee. This issue is widely reported as a significant issue in several model years for the MDX and should be part of a safety recall. The Acura technician acknowledged this issue is common. I should add this is the second major electronic issue with this MDX within the last several months. The prior issue was multiple system failure warnings that Acura determined were caused by a faulty wiring harness at a $1,604 cost, plus a $255 diagnostic fee. Please note I am the original owner of the vehicle and it has never been in a collision. Additionally, the system has recently mistakenly activated the brakes at very low speed and warned against collisions with other vehicles traveling in the opposite direction while on a curve.

NHTSA ID 11746803 · filed Jun 26, 2026

On 04/03/2026, 6:04 PM, Acura MDX 2019, Base, SH-AWD, at 105,254 miles on the odometer, posted U3000-49 control module internal electronic failure. The fault appears to be at the 36160-TYS-A02 camera assembly monocular results in a series of cascading errors on the dash with indicators on for LKAS (Lane Keeping Assist), ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control), CMBS (Collision Mitigation Brake System), brake and transmission warning lights that blink continuously. The sudden lost of safety system especially at highway speeds places extreme risk to occupants of vehicle and other drivers sharing the roadway. The current TSB 23-008 does not repair fault, origin of fault not software, but requires replacement of front camera assembly (36160-TYS-A02) and recalibration at owner expense. There appears to be a lot of 36160-TYS-A02 camera monocular that either have insufficient solder, cold solder, bad crimps or otherwise that over time results in failure.

NHTSA ID 11744263 · filed Jun 15, 2026
All 28 reports naming driver assistance

Brakes

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

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Under normal driving conditions warning lights for "electric parking brake" and "emissions system problem" came on the dashboard and the 'brake' light began flashing. No change in performance. Auto parts store diagnostic indicated EVAP valve as the possible problem code, along with two other unrelated codes - none connected to brakes or emissions. The 12-volt battery tested strong. Drove another 100 miles with lights still on, but the 'brake' light would turn off after about 5 mins of highway driving/no braking. The next day the warning lights continued. After normal city driving I shut the car off, waited 30 seconds, pushed the start button twice (accessory mode) and held the brake pedal down while pulling up on the brake release button for 10 seconds. Started the car without any error messages.

NHTSA ID 11744197 · filed Jun 15, 2026

Turned on my car last night and many lights appeared including emissions system problem, electronic brake problem and SH-AWD malfunctioning. All the lights came on at once. According to forums, this is happening with many Acura RDX, MDX models and manufacturer does not have a clear way to repair or resolve the issue. My car has had all the routine maintenance and is scheduled for the 2 recalls to be repaired next week.

NHTSA ID 11700361 · filed Nov 19, 2025
All 9 reports naming brakes

Visibility

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

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

We just got into the vehicle and was driving down the road when the sunroof exploded. Nothing hit it and nobody was around us when it happened. I about went off the road. Didn't know what happened. Very scary that a sunroof can just explode on its own with nothing hitting it.

NHTSA ID 11686949 · filed Sep 12, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving or while the vehicle was parked, during inclement weather, there was water seeping through the sunroof of the vehicle. The floor in the front of the vehicle had been accumulating water. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

NHTSA ID 11602439 · filed Jul 15, 2024
All 9 reports naming visibility

Steering

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

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Loud clunking noise when steering, possibly the rack and pinion. Control arms and struts have been replaced.

NHTSA ID 11696675 · filed Oct 30, 2025

Two recalls outstanding from November 2023. Parts not available to fix the problems until April 2025.

NHTSA ID 11592501 · filed Jun 4, 2024

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

Exterior lighting

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

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The taillights on this vehicle are defective. I have already had one taillight replaced and now the other side needs to be replaced. These taillights are $300 each for parts only.

NHTSA ID 11712057 · filed Jan 20, 2026

The headlight assemblies to my vehicle have become defective. The headlight assembly, both right and left, has moisture intrusion within the headlight assembly, creating condensation build-up inside the housing. This issue also caused the headlights to become white and hazy in appearance. I was advised by the dealer that this would lead to failure with the lighting and would have to be replaced. I purchased a certified used vehicle with Tustin Acura in August of 2022 and also purchased an extended warranty for piece of mind. In the 2 1/2 years that I have owned the vehicle, I have added about 25k miles and have always garaged the vehicle. When the issue was reviewed by the dealer, they refused to cover the problem under warranty and requested that I reach out to American Honda for further assistance. I did that but was denied and told the issue was caused by "outside influence," but provided no explanation as to what this meant. To me it felt like I was being blamed for clearly a defective issue. A Google search of this issues revealed to me that this was a common issue with 2019 Acura MDX vehicles. To replace the headlights would be a cost to me of nearly $3,000. it seems almost ridiculous to pay for clearly defective equipment. I fear that my inability to afford this great expense with lead to headlight failure that could result in a collision if this failure were to occur at night.

NHTSA ID 11645250 · filed Feb 27, 2025

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

Other / unspecified

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

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Factory wheels on Acura MDX cracking at low mileage under normal driving conditions. Structural failure concern.

NHTSA ID 11712458 · filed Jan 21, 2026

I WAS IN A DRIVE THROUGH WAS ASKED TO PULL FORWARD AND PARK AT CURB AS I BRAKED MY VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN STRIKING THE CURB AND DAMAGING MY LEFT FRONT WHEEL AT THE TIME OF THE FALSE ACCELERATION I WAS IN DRIVE IDELING FORWARD

NHTSA ID 11322129 · filed Apr 24, 2020

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The drivers seat is lose and can be felt and heard making noise when driving, even at low speeds. It shifts back and forth upon acceleration and deceleration. Ive had a mechanic look at it and determine it is in fact shifting around while driving, which is extremely unsafe. Upon further research found that many othet Acura/Honda users have had the same issue especially in the MDX model mentioned here. Its even been reported by dealers in brand new, still in the showroom MDX. It is clearly not a wear and tear issue and needs a recall to be addressed.

NHTSA ID 11729871 · filed Apr 8, 2026

THE INTERNAL GUTS OF THE DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS SEAT ARE LOOSE AND COMING APART. WHENEVER YOUR BACK MOVES AGAINST THE SEAT THE INTERNAL WORKINGS JIGGLE. THE PROBLEM IS GETTING WORSE THE MORE YOU USE THE SEATS. THE JIGGLING IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS IT FEELS LIKE THE INSIDE OF THE SEAT IS COLLAPSING. *TR

NHTSA ID 11330038 · filed Jun 22, 2020

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

Body & structure

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

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Rear tail gate lift motors are overheating and won't open rear hatch. The motors will lift the gait for about 5 or 6 openings, then the gate will not lift at all. The vehicle has to sit overnight for the system to "cool down". Once it cools down, the tailgate will operate the next date, but will operate only once. The car has to once again, sit overnight, in order to lift the tailgate 1 time. If the motors of the gate are overheating, this is a safety potential fire issue. At this time I am being told the motors are on back order, and I have no manual override in this vehicle to lift the tailgate hatch. If the same motors are being put back in the vehicle, without any modifications, this will not suffice.

NHTSA ID 11464161 · filed May 11, 2022

THE CAR CAUGHT FIRE SPONTANEOUSLY IN THE PARKING AREA. WE CALLED 911 AND THE FIRE BRIGADE TOOK ABOUT AN HOUR TO GET THE FIRE UNDER CONTROL. WE HAD GONE TO CHICKFILA (ABOUT 6 MILES TOTAL DISTANCE) AND THE CAR HAD BEEN PARKED FOR MAYBE 5 MINUTES WHEN WE SAW A FIRE ENGULF THE FRONT PORTION. I PUT WATER ON IT WHILE WAITING FOR 991 RESPONSE.

NHTSA ID 11389557 · filed Jan 23, 2021

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

Suspension

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

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Clunking or Looseness in the Outer Tie Rod. The issue is related to TSB-B23-019 Bulletin. The exact same issue is occurring that has happened with years 2022-2023. I have had at the dealership to fix the issue and they never mentioned the outer tie rod cotter pin or castle nut loosening.

NHTSA ID 11740641 · filed May 28, 2026

SINCE TAKING DELIVERY OF MY 2019 ACURA MDX I STARTED TO NOTICE A CLICKING NOISE WHEN ACCELERATING AND BRAKING. THE ISSUE CAN BE HEARD ALSO WHILE MAKING A TURN. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP, THEY REPLACED THE LEFT STRUT BUT THE ISSUE DID NOT GET FIXED. THIS IS A BRAND NEW VEHICLE AND SHOULD NOT HAVE ANY ISSUES. THIS CLICKING NOISE IS ANNOYING AND EMBARRASSING TO BE DRIVING A NEW VEHICLE THAT MAKES CLICKING NOISES.

NHTSA ID 11254766 · filed Sep 11, 2019

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

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

Continental Crosscontact LX Sport 265/45R20 104H Tires have about 33,275 miles on them (rotated regularly) and one of the tires has a huge bump in the tread. The belt has separated from the sidewall. From what I've read, there are recalls on this tire, but not for this particular date that these tires were made. With it being on the front, it makes the steering wheel shake and I'm scared to drive it anywhere except to the tire store.

NHTSA ID 11547089 · filed Sep 28, 2023

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

While driving at 25 miles an hour on a smooth curving road out of a housing area my wife who was driving and my grand daughter in the front passenger seat heard a loud boom that sounded like somthing hit the roof. My grand daughter looked into the back passenger area and said she saw a large buldge in the headliner near the back window on the drivers side. My wife continued driving saftly to the nearest parking lot and parked the vehicle, she got out and inspected the roof and found no dammage of any kind. she opened the back window tail gate and saw a large fist size buldge in the headliner near the open area on the drivers side. She had no idea what happened. There were no waring lights or indicators that indicated a problem and she drove home and showed it to me. When I saw it I thought it was a rear window or curtian air bag that tried to deploy but did not break through the headlinner. I have called the dealer and scheduled an appointment to check it out on thur March 26 at 09:00 2026. I verified that there are no indicators or warning lights that indicate a problem. The service department said it should be safe to drive until then.

NHTSA ID 11725634 · filed Mar 19, 2026

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 .