2025 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 2025 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
- Engine7342.9%
- Electrical5431.8%
- Fuel system137.6%
- Driver assistance95.3%
- Powertrain (other)63.5%
- Brakes52.9%
- Steering31.8%
- Suspension21.2%
- Other / unspecified21.2%
- Tires & wheels10.6%
- Body & structure10.6%
- Airbags10.6%
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
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
I own a 2025 Acura MDX Advance with approximately 18,500 miles. While stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle's Auto Idle Stop feature engaged and shut off the engine as designed. However, when it was time for the vehicle to restart, the engine would not restart. The failure left me unable to move the vehicle at an intersection, creating a potentially dangerous situation and exposing me and other motorists to the risk of a traffic accident. A vehicle that automatically shuts off at a traffic light must be able to reliably restart when traffic begins moving. The dealership diagnosed the problem as a failed starter and replaced the starter on November 2, 2026. The vehicle was only approximately 18,500 miles old at the time of the failure. A starter failure at such low mileage is extremely concerning, particularly when it occurs in connection with the Auto Idle Stop system. I am concerned that this may be a broader safety issue involving the 2025 Acura MDX and its Auto Idle Stop/start system. Failure to restart at an intersection can create an immediate traffic hazard, particularly in busy intersections where the driver may be unable to move the vehicle out of the way of approaching traffic. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue and determine whether there is a defect involving the Auto Idle Stop system, starter, or related electrical components in 2025 Acura MDX vehicles. A vehicle should not unexpectedly become immobilized in an intersection because its automatic restart system fails.
My vehicle is having on going start up issues a month after purchased. Failed to restart after the automatic idle-stop system They replaced the starter & starter rely and still never fix the issue. The battery on the vehicle passed the battery test and I feel like my safety and children safety is in danger! The vehicle is not even 2 years old. The vehicle has left me at a red light , stop sign , gas station stuck due to the vehicle not turning on/ struggling to turn on . The dash board would light up with check engine, and lock the wheel.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2025 Acura MDX. The contact stated upon coming to a complete stop at an intersection downhill, the engine turned off while the instrument panel and infotainment center remained operable. The contact was unsure if the engine Auto START/STOP system was engaged during the failure. The message "Shift to Park" was displayed. The contact attempted to shift to park(P), to turn off and restart the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to respond. The message "Transmission Error-Take to Acura Dealer" was displayed. The contact's husband arrived on the scene to assist, but the Police advised the contact that an emergency tow was required due to the potential crash. The Police requested emergency towing services, and the vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Action Number: EA25004 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The selling dealer, Acura of Memphis (2611 Ridgeway Rd, Memphis, TN 38119) and the manufacturer were contacted by email. The failure mileage was approximately 14,000.
While driving and coming to a stop, the engine shuts down and will not restart. Error "To continue to drive, depress brake pedal and push Switch". After 10 minutes of trying to start the car it finally started.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
Auto Stop/Start fails to restart intermittently causing dangerous situations stuck at lights unable to move. Sometimes it restarts again after pressing the brake and ignition right away. Sometimes it takes a minute to restart. Either way it happens unexpectantly leading to being frozen until you figure out what is going on.
After an auto idle stop at a major intersection, car failed to restart automatically and was left stranded unable to restart the car. Car would not shut off or turn back on when using the power button and with foot on brake but had power but it was in limp mode - transmission warnings flashed and the D "for drive" on the screen at the drivers location. I called tripleA however before they showed up I was able to put the parking brake on and turn the car off and on ad it reset. This is similar to the issue was happening with my 2017 Honda Pilot where it would stall and not restart after the auto idle stop engaged. Very dangerous and difficult to troubleshoot when in that situation, surprised that this is still happening in Honda manufactured cars - this is very dangerous and needs to be addressed and investigated.
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 auto-stop feature engaged after I stopped at a traffic light. When attempting to begin moving again the vehicle, it would not move upon pressing the gas peddle like it typically does. Vehicle gave alerts stating “system issue shift to park” but I could not shift out of Drive. Police had to be called as cars were flying by and I had two kids in the back. Very scary situation. Eventually while waiting for a tow I googled the issue and saw recommendation to turn off the car, open and close the door. At this point the alert said “transmission issue engage emergency brake” which I did and was then able to start the car and move it. I took the car to the dealer the next day and dealer said it was a starter issue and replaced the starter under warranty. They acknowledged this is a known issue caused by the starter not reengaging after the car stops with auto start stop feature engaged. There is no way to turn off this feature without manually pressing a button each time you start the car. It never happened before and I have had this vehicle since May 2025, and has never happened again since, although I now immediately turn off the feature everytime I remember to. It is an extremely dangerous situation to be in and leaves the driver not knowing how to move the car. Shutting the car off alone did not fix the issue, but opening and closing the door and waiting 30 seconds managed to get the car to start again. Luckily the police responded quickly and blocked traffic before someone hit me. I believe something like this should be worthy of a recall as it can leave people in a very dangerous situation.
Hello! I am writing to report an urgent and serious safety failure involving my 2025 Acura MDX A-Spec and to request immediate investigation and action. The vehicle’s driver-assist systems - specifically the lane departure warning and forward collision warning - failed to operate. In addition, both the steering wheel and the accelerator became stuck, causing my vehicle to collide head‑on with oncoming traffic. These failures placed my life and the lives of others in immediate danger. I previously opened a case with Acura Contact and Client Relations (Case #16550271). To investigate my vehicle failures that caused this major accident, the response I received was inadequate and deeply concerning. During my conversation with Acura representatives, I was told verbally without any willingness to provide this statement in writing that Acura “has nothing to do with inspecting their own car.” Instead, I was instructed to have my vehicle inspected by my insurance company, despite the fact that they are not certified to evaluate Acura safety systems and do not possess the diagnostic equipment required to assess failures of this nature. Given the severity of the malfunction and the resulting collision, I am requesting that Acura immediately arrange a proper inspection by qualified Acura technicians and provide a written explanation of how such critical safety and control systems could fail simultaneously.
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 2025 Acura MDX. The contact stated upon coming to a complete stop at an intersection downhill, the engine turned off while the instrument panel and infotainment center remained operable. The contact was unsure if the engine Auto START/STOP system was engaged during the failure. The message "Shift to Park" was displayed. The contact attempted to shift to park(P), to turn off and restart the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to respond. The message "Transmission Error-Take to Acura Dealer" was displayed. The contact's husband arrived on the scene to assist, but the Police advised the contact that an emergency tow was required due to the potential crash. The Police requested emergency towing services, and the vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Action Number: EA25004 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The selling dealer, Acura of Memphis (2611 Ridgeway Rd, Memphis, TN 38119) and the manufacturer were contacted by email. The failure mileage was approximately 14,000.
My 2025 Acura MDX completely stalled in active roadway traffic and failed to restart. The failure occurred during a routine stop in traffic, tied to the Auto Idle-Stop / restart sequence: when releasing the brake pedal to accelerate, the engine did not restart, leaving the vehicle completely dead and stranded in the travel lane, creating a severe risk of a rear-end collision. I brought the vehicle to an authorized Acura dealership for repair. The dealership diagnosed the issue and replaced the starter motor under warranty. However, shortly after picking up the vehicle, the exact same failure occurred again in traffic. The vehicle was brought back in, and the 12V battery and charging system were tested and deemed functional, but the vehicle continues to stall and fail to restart. Replacing the starter and testing the battery has not resolved this recurring defect, which leaves the vehicle intermittently immobilized in active traffic lanes.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
20 minutes after parking my car, it would not start. Several different codes came up on the gauges - BRAKE issue; hill issue;stabilization issue - multiple icons and warnings. I ended up having to be jumped off.
Hello! I am writing to report an urgent and serious safety failure involving my 2025 Acura MDX A-Spec and to request immediate investigation and action. The vehicle’s driver-assist systems - specifically the lane departure warning and forward collision warning - failed to operate. In addition, both the steering wheel and the accelerator became stuck, causing my vehicle to collide head‑on with oncoming traffic. These failures placed my life and the lives of others in immediate danger. I previously opened a case with Acura Contact and Client Relations (Case #16550271). To investigate my vehicle failures that caused this major accident, the response I received was inadequate and deeply concerning. During my conversation with Acura representatives, I was told verbally without any willingness to provide this statement in writing that Acura “has nothing to do with inspecting their own car.” Instead, I was instructed to have my vehicle inspected by my insurance company, despite the fact that they are not certified to evaluate Acura safety systems and do not possess the diagnostic equipment required to assess failures of this nature. Given the severity of the malfunction and the resulting collision, I am requesting that Acura immediately arrange a proper inspection by qualified Acura technicians and provide a written explanation of how such critical safety and control systems could fail simultaneously.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
Hello! I am writing to report an urgent and serious safety failure involving my 2025 Acura MDX A-Spec and to request immediate investigation and action. The vehicle’s driver-assist systems - specifically the lane departure warning and forward collision warning - failed to operate. In addition, both the steering wheel and the accelerator became stuck, causing my vehicle to collide head‑on with oncoming traffic. These failures placed my life and the lives of others in immediate danger. I previously opened a case with Acura Contact and Client Relations (Case #16550271). To investigate my vehicle failures that caused this major accident, the response I received was inadequate and deeply concerning. During my conversation with Acura representatives, I was told verbally without any willingness to provide this statement in writing that Acura “has nothing to do with inspecting their own car.” Instead, I was instructed to have my vehicle inspected by my insurance company, despite the fact that they are not certified to evaluate Acura safety systems and do not possess the diagnostic equipment required to assess failures of this nature. Given the severity of the malfunction and the resulting collision, I am requesting that Acura immediately arrange a proper inspection by qualified Acura technicians and provide a written explanation of how such critical safety and control systems could fail simultaneously.
The vehicle developed repeated front‑end structural and steering problems shortly after purchase. During normal driving, it produced loud popping, creaking, and clunking noises when turning, entering driveways, or driving over small inclines. Steering felt inconsistent and the front suspension felt unstable. These symptoms created a serious risk of loss of control. A dealer confirmed the problem multiple times and replaced several major components, including the left front strut, the left front lower control arm, and the front shock absorber fork. The most serious finding was cracked welds in the front subframe, requiring the entire subframe to be replaced. A cracked subframe weld is a structural failure that can affect steering stability and crashworthiness. The issues were reproduced and documented by the dealer on multiple visits. The manufacturer’s engineering team was involved due to the severity and difficulty of diagnosis. Despite repeated repairs and extended time out of service, the same steering and suspension symptoms continued, and the vehicle was returned multiple times with ongoing issues. There were no warning lights or messages before the failures. The defects occurred during low‑speed maneuvering and normal driving conditions. The vehicle did not perform like a safe, structurally sound new vehicle, and the repeated structural and steering failures pose a safety risk to occupants and others on the road.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
The vehicle developed repeated front‑end structural and steering problems shortly after purchase. During normal driving, it produced loud popping, creaking, and clunking noises when turning, entering driveways, or driving over small inclines. Steering felt inconsistent and the front suspension felt unstable. These symptoms created a serious risk of loss of control. A dealer confirmed the problem multiple times and replaced several major components, including the left front strut, the left front lower control arm, and the front shock absorber fork. The most serious finding was cracked welds in the front subframe, requiring the entire subframe to be replaced. A cracked subframe weld is a structural failure that can affect steering stability and crashworthiness. The issues were reproduced and documented by the dealer on multiple visits. The manufacturer’s engineering team was involved due to the severity and difficulty of diagnosis. Despite repeated repairs and extended time out of service, the same steering and suspension symptoms continued, and the vehicle was returned multiple times with ongoing issues. There were no warning lights or messages before the failures. The defects occurred during low‑speed maneuvering and normal driving conditions. The vehicle did not perform like a safe, structurally sound new vehicle, and the repeated structural and steering failures pose a safety risk to occupants and others on the road.
on 8/24, I purchased an acura mdx 2025 technology package.We drove home from the dealer, my mother heard a rattling noise but thought it was the car seat making the noise.The next day,I heard the noise again,it was coming from the right, rear back,I checked,and saw the wheel liner loose and thought the noise was being cause by a loose liner.My mother said we had to go back to the dealer on 8/31 to pick up the wheel lock and weather mats and we would have them check the liner.As the week went by,the noise was more often.On the way to the dealer, we could hear the noise after every bump or turning right.We gave this information to the dealer,we said we thought it was a loose liner but were not sure anymore as the rattling was more often.We did not feel safe driving home.They provided us a loaner and said they would look into it.On 9/4 they sent a text that the rear sway bar link was faulty, the part was ordered and the car should be ready by Friday.My mom emailed them to ask if by faulty,they meant it was loose or broken,they checked and said it was broken.It was expressed to them that this was concerning because it was a brand new vehicle,that we felt blessed that we decided to leave the car,had we driven back home, God knows what could have happened since a broken link can cause you to lose control and get into an accident.We asked if they would report it to the manufacturer or NHTSA? They did not reply. But text a day after stating that we must have gone through a pothole at high speed or hit something,and we were liable for the cost.After my mother sent an email and spoke with them saying that if it was not caused by us,that if the issue was there,was it caused during transporting the car from The manufacturer to the dealer?they said that the car was fixed and there would be no charge but kept insisting that we were at fault,that it happens alot,where people walk out of the dealer and come back with something broken the next day. (more to say but no space)
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
The contact owns a 2025 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while shifted into reverse(R), the rear-view camera display failed to function as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond while shifted into reverse (R). The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure or determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V032000 (Back Over Prevention, Equipment); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000.
on 8/24, I purchased an acura mdx 2025 technology package.We drove home from the dealer, my mother heard a rattling noise but thought it was the car seat making the noise.The next day,I heard the noise again,it was coming from the right, rear back,I checked,and saw the wheel liner loose and thought the noise was being cause by a loose liner.My mother said we had to go back to the dealer on 8/31 to pick up the wheel lock and weather mats and we would have them check the liner.As the week went by,the noise was more often.On the way to the dealer, we could hear the noise after every bump or turning right.We gave this information to the dealer,we said we thought it was a loose liner but were not sure anymore as the rattling was more often.We did not feel safe driving home.They provided us a loaner and said they would look into it.On 9/4 they sent a text that the rear sway bar link was faulty, the part was ordered and the car should be ready by Friday.My mom emailed them to ask if by faulty,they meant it was loose or broken,they checked and said it was broken.It was expressed to them that this was concerning because it was a brand new vehicle,that we felt blessed that we decided to leave the car,had we driven back home, God knows what could have happened since a broken link can cause you to lose control and get into an accident.We asked if they would report it to the manufacturer or NHTSA? They did not reply. But text a day after stating that we must have gone through a pothole at high speed or hit something,and we were liable for the cost.After my mother sent an email and spoke with them saying that if it was not caused by us,that if the issue was there,was it caused during transporting the car from The manufacturer to the dealer?they said that the car was fixed and there would be no charge but kept insisting that we were at fault,that it happens alot,where people walk out of the dealer and come back with something broken the next day. (more to say but no space)
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
Tires have 3k miles . For the past 2 weeks, we have had a slow leak. Must refill air every 3 days. Spent one day at Tire Kingdom, but they could not detect anything. Then the Acura Dealer says there is a leak, but can't find it. We have no choice but to purchase a new tire. This is wrong - th I am retired on a fixed income and must buy a tire for a 3-month-old vehicle!
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
The vehicle developed repeated front‑end structural and steering problems shortly after purchase. During normal driving, it produced loud popping, creaking, and clunking noises when turning, entering driveways, or driving over small inclines. Steering felt inconsistent and the front suspension felt unstable. These symptoms created a serious risk of loss of control. A dealer confirmed the problem multiple times and replaced several major components, including the left front strut, the left front lower control arm, and the front shock absorber fork. The most serious finding was cracked welds in the front subframe, requiring the entire subframe to be replaced. A cracked subframe weld is a structural failure that can affect steering stability and crashworthiness. The issues were reproduced and documented by the dealer on multiple visits. The manufacturer’s engineering team was involved due to the severity and difficulty of diagnosis. Despite repeated repairs and extended time out of service, the same steering and suspension symptoms continued, and the vehicle was returned multiple times with ongoing issues. There were no warning lights or messages before the failures. The defects occurred during low‑speed maneuvering and normal driving conditions. The vehicle did not perform like a safe, structurally sound new vehicle, and the repeated structural and steering failures pose a safety risk to occupants and others on the road.
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
(1) My airbag's did not deploy when an another car drove into the front of my car causing extensive damage. It has been deemed a total loss by Liberty Mutual (claim #[XXX]) and will be towed in a day or two to their salvage yard from the auto body shop. (2) Based on what I was told by the claim adjuster, body shop and police they didn't understand why they didn't deploy, especially since one of the air bag sensors was directly in front of the impact. (3) No - Acura has not been easy to communicate with and assigned me a case #[XXX] but after I answered their questions by email a few days ago they have stopped communicating with me. (4) The car has been inspected by the body shop and Liberty Mutual. (5) No INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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 .