2022 Acura MDX Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2022 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
- Powertrain (other)5229.9%
- Driver assistance2212.6%
- Electrical2011.5%
- Steering1910.9%
- Brakes1810.3%
- Engine95.2%
- Suspension95.2%
- Body & structure63.4%
- Airbags52.9%
- Visibility42.3%
- Fuel system42.3%
- Other / unspecified21.1%
- Tires & wheels21.1%
- Transmission10.6%
- Exterior lighting10.6%
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
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2022 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally rough grinding sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, but the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle operated normally for a while. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer determined that there was a failure within the transfer case, causing the vehicle to be operable only in Front Wheel Drive. Additionally, there was debris inside the transmission. The vehicle was repaired out of pocket. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.
The contact owns a 2022 Acura MDX. The contact stated that drops of fluid were discovered on the floor of the garage. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for diagnosis, and the contact was informed that transmission fluid was leaking due to a failure of the Power Take Off (PTO) unit and transmission spline, causing the transmission to overheat and leak fluid. The contact was informed that the transmission and PTO unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 97,000.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
—The floor harness has failed due to poor design & location of the harness as it creates a trap for moisture. —Yes, this component is available for inspection upon request. —The safety of myself was in moderate jeopardy due to the air struts malfunctioning. —Yes, the problem has been reproduced by a dealer. —To my knowledge, the vehicle or component has NOT been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representative or others. —Yes, there were warning lamps & error messages appearing on the daahboard. These error messages & warning lamps would appear anywhere from 15-30 minutes after vehicle was in motion.
On April 17 2026 while driving my 2022 Acura MDX at very low speed in a parking lot, the vehicle suddenly accelerated forward without warning and surged into bushes before I could stop it. I did not mistake the gas for the brake pedal. This felt like a sudden unintended acceleration event. I was preparing to park in a stall and the vehicle lunged forward unexpectedly. I applied the brake, but the braking did not immediately stop the forward surge. Earlier, I experienced another unusual event in which the vehicle abruptly auto-braked, jerked, and made a warning sound while I was slowing for a red light. I noticed the car felt as if it was surging a bit on residential streets and was about to mention it during the next service. This incident has caused me to lose confidence in the safety of the vehicle. I contacted Niello Acura who has been very cooperative. I was told the issue would need to be duplicated or that they could only inspect it if a code had been stored once the car is repaired. The car is currently being repaired with close to 7,000 in front end damage. I am reporting this because a sudden unintended acceleration presents a serious safety risk and could easily have caused a more severe crash or injury. I did research on this issue and have found various reports of unintended accelerations in the Acura MDX forums from various years but was unable to find any recalls or outcomes with these reports My concern is this will be dismissed as "operator error" or a phantom incident that cannot be reproduced.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
While driving at approximately 35 mph on a surface street with my wife and five-year-old son in the vehicle, the electric power steering system failed and steering assist was reduced. The instrument panel simultaneously displayed and cycled through multiple warnings including "Electric Power Steering System Problem — Steering Assist Reduced," "Brake System — Brake Hold System Problem," Vehicle Stability Assist, and Hill Start Assist. There were no warning lamps, messages, or symptoms of any kind prior to this failure; the first indication was the failure itself while the vehicle was in motion. On the two engine starts following the incident, the same dashboard warnings reappeared, although power steering and vehicle operation seemed normal. On the two starts after that, the vehicle started with no warnings and no indication of any problem. So the steering effort increased during the initial failure and I was unable to rely on power assist while moving in traffic, which created a risk of loss of directional control and a crash for my occupants and other road users. On Aug 11,2026, the vehicle was taken to an authorized Acura dealer, which confirmed a stored diagnostic trouble code and diagnosed a failure of the VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) modulator-control unit, recommending replacement. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or an insurance representative. No repairs have been performed to date and the vehicle and component remain available for inspection upon request. Mileage at the time of failure was 40,090. I have video of the instrument panel recorded during the event and it is available upon request. I have reviewed complaints filed with NHTSA describing what appears to be the same simultaneous multi-system failure on 2022 and 2023 Acura MDX vehicles.
MY VEHICLE 2022 ACURA TYPE S HAS A TRANSMISSION SYSTEM PROBLEM, BLIND SPOT INFO PROBLEM, AND A ALL WHEEL DRIVE PROBLEM THAT ONLY MY FRONT WHEE;S MAY BE POWERED. IT LOOKS LIKE THE TRANSFER CASE MAYBE FAILING. MY VEHICLE ONLY HAS 25,000 MILES ON IT AND IS ABOUT TO BE OUT OF WARRANTY
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
While driving at approximately 35 mph on a surface street with my wife and five-year-old son in the vehicle, the electric power steering system failed and steering assist was reduced. The instrument panel simultaneously displayed and cycled through multiple warnings including "Electric Power Steering System Problem — Steering Assist Reduced," "Brake System — Brake Hold System Problem," Vehicle Stability Assist, and Hill Start Assist. There were no warning lamps, messages, or symptoms of any kind prior to this failure; the first indication was the failure itself while the vehicle was in motion. On the two engine starts following the incident, the same dashboard warnings reappeared, although power steering and vehicle operation seemed normal. On the two starts after that, the vehicle started with no warnings and no indication of any problem. So the steering effort increased during the initial failure and I was unable to rely on power assist while moving in traffic, which created a risk of loss of directional control and a crash for my occupants and other road users. On Aug 11,2026, the vehicle was taken to an authorized Acura dealer, which confirmed a stored diagnostic trouble code and diagnosed a failure of the VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) modulator-control unit, recommending replacement. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or an insurance representative. No repairs have been performed to date and the vehicle and component remain available for inspection upon request. Mileage at the time of failure was 40,090. I have video of the instrument panel recorded during the event and it is available upon request. I have reviewed complaints filed with NHTSA describing what appears to be the same simultaneous multi-system failure on 2022 and 2023 Acura MDX vehicles.
My power steering has went out while I was driving at least 4 times in the past year. I contacted the dealer each time they say they've never heard of this happening. I took it in they couldn't replicate the issue so no fix although the codes were stored. All the warning lights came on braking, steering, lane departure, lane keeping, parking etc. It happened again today each time by 1 year old was in the car. They say if it happens while the dealership is open bring it. But it's always happened after hours. I was able to stop car each time turn off then back on and its fine. I even replaced the battery last year thinking that would fix the issue and it didn't. I'm not sure what else to do but I don't feel safe driving the car with my baby in it anymore. I deleted the pictures by mistake but I found where a rdx had the same issue I'll attach the codes that came up.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
Iam having numerous problems with the start stop function of my 2022 MDX. See attached letter and documentation for full details. I also attached the documentation from my dealership for the repair order history. There have been numerous of times that this problem occurred that I didn't bring it in for service. The dealership acknowledges that there is a problem, but they are unable to correct. They also have told me that they know of this problem with the Acura MDX, but there is still no recall.
Asymmetrical wear on the front brakes. The outer pad wears out completely while the inner pad( with the brake wear sensor) shows almost no wear. The dealer (Park Place Acura, Plano Texas) brought this to my attention on November 3, 2025 saying only the front pads needed replacing but did not disclose the asymmetrical wear. I took the vehicle back to the Dealer January 15, 2026 for repair after discovering the asymmetrical pad wear and pointed that out to them. The brakes can completely wear to the backing plate on the outer pad while showing no wear issues with the brake sensor on the inner pad. This condition creates an unpredictable and uneven braking response that constitutes a safety defect, as the brake wear indicator system fails to alert the driver to actual brake wear on the outer pad. The brake wear sensor is designed assuming symmetrical pad wear. When wear is asymmetrical, the sensor fails to trigger a warning, leaving the driver unaware of a dangerous condition. The dealer has finally replaced the pads and rotors, symptoms of the problem but, has not addressed the underlying cause of the problem...the calipers. I have received the vehicle back from the dealer but did not sign a release and the issue remains open. The vehicle currently has approximately 29,400 miles. I have taken this issue to Acura corporate(Honda Motor Company) and they have it under review but keep delaying with no confirmed resolution. I sent a certified letter to American Honda Motor Company, Acura client relations on February 3, 2026 and they signed for it on February 11, 2026 and contacted me by email on March 11,2026. Acura took 28 days to respond to my certified letter and has provided no resolution timeline since.The vehicle was under the original manufacturers warranty at the time of this issue and notification.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY VEHICLE 2022 ACURA TYPE S HAS A TRANSMISSION SYSTEM PROBLEM, BLIND SPOT INFO PROBLEM, AND A ALL WHEEL DRIVE PROBLEM THAT ONLY MY FRONT WHEE;S MAY BE POWERED. IT LOOKS LIKE THE TRANSFER CASE MAYBE FAILING. MY VEHICLE ONLY HAS 25,000 MILES ON IT AND IS ABOUT TO BE OUT OF WARRANTY
Emissions System Failure Warning Power Shifting / Power Shifting See Dealer All Wheel Drive (AWD) Power may be reduced - see dealer
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
RIGHT AND LEFT REAR STROKE SENSOR AND AFTER MARKET CONNECTOR WITH PIGTAILS FOUND CORROSION NEE REAR STROKE SENSOR CONNECTOR CAUSING DTC C1646-F0=== $872.13 right + $872.13 left They are using after market parts with this new Suspension system for Acuras MDX TYPE S. Any car wash or rain storm or snow storm this parts gets corrosion!
I am filing a complaint regarding my 2022 Acura MDX Type S with approximately 70,700 miles. The vehicle developed a suspension system warning, and upon inspection by an Acura dealership, I was informed that the suspension stroke sensor and floor wiring harness are corroded and require replacement. I was quoted approximately $12,000 for the repair. This failure is extremely concerning because the vehicle is only a few years old and this type of corrosion affecting a major wiring harness should not occur under normal operating conditions. The affected components are part of the suspension system, which directly impacts vehicle handling and safety. Due to the failure, the suspension system may not function properly, potentially affecting ride height, stability, and overall control of the vehicle. This raises safety concerns, especially at highway speeds or during emergency maneuvers. There was no prior warning of water intrusion or external damage that would reasonably explain this level of corrosion. This appears to be a premature failure of a critical electrical component. Acura has only offered minimal goodwill assistance, leaving the majority of this extremely costly repair as the responsibility of the owner. I am concerned that this may be a broader issue affecting other vehicles and that it could pose a safety risk if not addressed. I am requesting that this issue be investigated. Thank you.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
MDX back sunroof drains cracked causing the car to flood. The water came into the back hatch and also damaged the amp to the speaker system. All of the Carpet had to be pulled out of the car. This car is only four years old. Luckily, I caught it because my whole back hatch was full of water, but this could’ve caused mold and serious health problems. I have found 100’s of reviews on many different online portals stating this is a common problem with a 22 to 25 MDX. I just bought this car a year and a half ago used and I have to now put another $5500 into it. I did buy the extended warranty, but they are saying this is not included in that. From what I’m seeing on Acura MDX group pages this is an extremely common problem that’s costing people a lot of money. There is no way apart should be breaking this easily in a car that’s four years old, especially a luxury car such as the MDX advance.
I am writing to report a severe manufacturing defect and safety hazard on my vehicle. The interior door panel trim has completely delaminated and peeled away from the door structure, creating an exposed, razor-sharp edge right near the door handle/window switches. This is a major safety hazard ("Safety Hazard") that poses a severe laceration risk ("Severe Laceration Risk") to any passenger or child attempting to open the door or touch the door panel. I have clear photo documentation of this sharp metal/plastic piece protruding dangerously out. I would like to request Acura Client Relations to look into this manufacturing defect immediately and provide a resolution/goodwill repair before a severe injury occurs. Please contact me via email to review the photos. Thank you.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
Iam having numerous problems with the start stop function of my 2022 MDX. See attached letter and documentation for full details. I also attached the documentation from my dealership for the repair order history. There have been numerous of times that this problem occurred that I didn't bring it in for service. The dealership acknowledges that there is a problem, but they are unable to correct. They also have told me that they know of this problem with the Acura MDX, but there is still no recall.
The contact owns a 2022 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 2 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the brakes became stuck or jammed. Later, while driving at approximately 15 MPH, the contact again depressed the brake pedal; however, the brakes failed to respond, remained stuck, and failed to stop the vehicle in an intersection, causing the contact to steer to the right and resulting in a crash with a government dump truck. The driver’s child informed the contact’s husband that the brakes were not working. No warning lights were illuminated at the time of the failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number 25V391000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The driver's iPhone detected the crash and automatically contacted the emergency contact and the state police. The driver sustained injuries to the knee, head, neck, and back and was transported to the hospital for medical assistance. There was no airbag deployment, fire, or police report filed; however, a police officer and the state police were present at the scene and moved the vehicle before photos could be taken. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot and later to an auto body shop. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed there were no recalls applicable to the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
I recently (11/9/23) took my 2022 MDX (22,00 miles) to the local Acura dealer for an issue with my windshield washers not working. They diagnosed the problem as the washer jets were clogged and said the replacement parts were on back order and they were not given a time when they would arrive. I am concerned that currently my vehicle is unsafe to drive during inclement weather conditions-- i.e. slush, muddy roads, etc. Acura customer service has not been able to provide any ETA on this issue
The contact owns a 2022 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle independently accelerated. The contact stated that the failure occurred at various speeds. The contact stated that the failure had been intermittent but had become a reoccurring failure. Additionally, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle had not been repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the windshield had tiny air bubbles inside the glass. The contact stated that during nighttime driving the oncoming headlights created a glare. There was also a glare created by the sunlight, creating an obstacle while driving in the daytime. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
“fuel door stuck,” “no manual override,” “can’t refuel.” As per Acura manual there is way to open a gas/fuel door/cap/lid when actual way of opening through electronically fails due actuators or some other reasons. There is a manual release pull cable behind a removable access panel in the driver’s side of the cargo area trim, near or behind the wheel well lining. manual fuel door release is inside the trunk (cargo area) in case the electronic fuel door release fails.
Dealer refuse to fix the recall on vehicle because car from Canada ?? has full warranty on car . Product Update : Vehicle May Not Restart After Auto IdIe Stop . service department said had to talk to district manager .
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
Please add me to the compliant pool. My transfer case/transmission went out - 2022, 80,000 miles. March 6, 2026 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: DP26001 OPEN INVESTIGATION All wheel drive allegation NHTSA Action Number: DP26001 Components: POWER TRAIN Opened From: March 6, 2026 – Present Summary The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a Petition dated January 9, 2026, requesting an investigation into the loss of the optional all-wheel drive capability in model year (MY) 2021-2023 Acura TLX and MY 2022-2023 Acura MDX vehicles. The Petition contends that the interfacing splines between the transmission and the rear wheel drive power take off unit are failing. Failure of these splines prevents the transfer of drive power to the rear axle, making the vehicle front wheel drive only. The Petition further alleges that this failure results in a reduction of vehicle directional control. The Petitioner cites 48 complaints received by ODI alleging the same failure. ODI will evaluate these complaints to determine if they are related to the failure cited in the Petition and will conduct a technical review under 49 CFR Part 552. This Defect Petition is being opened to evaluate whether to grant or deny the Petition. The Petition can be viewed at NHTSA.gov under NHTSA Number 11712885.
2022 MDX Type S. So far I have replaced one tire and two rims. Air suspension does not absorb any road hazard. Pot holes or expansion cracks the front end dives into them letting the tires and rims absorb the impact. Thank goodness no high speed loss of tire pressure
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2022 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, there was an abnormal vibration coming from the front passenger’s side of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The abnormal vibration persisted, and there was a grinding sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the power transfer case spline had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall, and the vehicle was not under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.
PURCHASED A TIRED FOR GIGA TIRES HAD THE DEALERSHIP , ACURA OF COLUMBUS ATTEMPT TO MOUNT AND INSTALL THE TECHNICIAN DISCOVERS A HOLE AND A SLICE ON AND IN THE TIRE, CONTACTED GIGA TIRE FOR AN EXCHANGE THEY STATED THAT THE HOLE IN THE TIRE WAS CAUSED BY ROAD HAZARD, THE TIRE HAS NEVER BEEN DRIVEN ON, IT BRAND NEW OR CLAIMED TOO BE
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2022 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving at various speeds exceeding 30 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended upon depression of the accelerator pedal; however, the RPMs increased. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. No further information was available. The failure mileage was 60,000.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
My vehicle has a battery issue, we replaced the battery twice in two years still the issue might happened again and again. Once the battery start draining energy, everything start blinking and car stops all of a sudden in the middle of the road because of brake assistance problem. All the system errors come up. It is very scary to drive the vehicle with my kids inside. All system in car works with battery. service center told me that this kind of cars needs bigger battery and company only put small batteries in the car. Company don’t put warranty on battery if it is replaced under car warranty. My car is only 33 months old and i have to change battery twice, It might happen again. Please help me to resolve the problem. It looks like factory problem that company do not make sufficient batteries to satisfy the vehicle needs. I have attached the pictures of safety lights.
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
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .