What 168 owners told NHTSA about the 2014 Acura MDX

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

NHTSA ODI 11746038

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

NHTSA ODI 11743848

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

NHTSA ODI 11736130

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

NHTSA ODI 11733928

This car is consistently garaged. It was pulled out one morning and a large sheet of paint peeled off roof while it was sitting in the driveway. This is a major concern as I don't feel comfortable driving the car for fear more will come off, affecting another driver on the highway. I've had to borrow a car until it can be fixed. Spoke to ACURA and this is a KNOWN issue for this color paint but they will not stand by their product. We have received no information from ACURA regarding this issue as they claim.

NHTSA ODI 11714839

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

NHTSA ODI 11705732

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

NHTSA ODI 11701519

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

NHTSA ODI 11681581

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

NHTSA ODI 11657599

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

NHTSA ODI 11656957

Large spot of paint has peeled off, exposing bare metal in front of the sunroof and above the windshield in the center of the roof.

NHTSA ODI 11648366

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

NHTSA ODI 11646883

The EPS system failed while driving on a major highway. I was in the passing (left) lane, and had to manually steer the vehicle. I had to have the vehicle towed to the dealership. The service department has had the vehicle for almost 2 weeks. They said that when they ran the diagnostic, there was a code. They cleared the code, and drove the vehicle. They were unable to duplicate the incident. The service advisor said it may have been a “glitch.” That’s an extremely dangerous “glitch.” I have read that many other people have had the same issue with the same vehicle. This may have fatal consequences. If I had not been strong enough to steer the vehicle, I may have experienced a relatively high-speed collision.

NHTSA ODI 11635766

I change my own engine oil every 3,000 miles. During the past year with three oil changes completed, I have observed aluminum pieces in the bottom of the oil change black pan. Because my wife's 2017 Acura TLX was the subject of the crankshaft and connecting rod campaign (the dealer had to replace the crankshaft and all of the connecting rod and main bearings) I am familiar with the issue of non-concentric crankshaft connecting rod journals, and so have been surprised that my 2014 MDX with the same 3.5 L V6 has not yet been included. I am pretty sure it does suffer from the same defect as evidenced by the aluminum in the engine oil. If it fails at hihway speeds, that would possibly cause a safety incident.

NHTSA ODI 11633771

My vehicle has a hesitation and kick when it is at 35-40 mph about 1.8 to 2 on the tachometer. I took it in to the dealer and it needs transmission repair. I researched on the internet and it seems like thousands of others are having or have had the same problem. I purchased a lifetime powertrain warranty from Scott Clark Honda when i purchased the vehicle to cover these problems and the warranty company and Scott Clark Honda are trying to get out of repair. There are no lights or warning lamps on the vehicle. It just kicks and studders when you get to 35-40 mph which is the speed in the city limits. It is easy to get hit or run over when the vehicle does not go when you press the gas peddle. I would like to file a national case against Acura and Scott Clark Honda

NHTSA ODI 11625022

I'M seeing several reports where ACURA has a major recall on their MDX models from 2016-2020 however i have a 2014 model but I have suffered the same engine failure due to a connecting rod issue that has caused what they call a spun bearing I have tried to contact American Honda to file a complaint but they just keep denying me since my vehicle is not part of the recall but by sheer coincidence my engine has failed I had no warning signals that would of indicated this problem and I have had the car fully maintained by ACURA Dealerships since I bought the car in 2017 I see where several hundred other complaints have been filed due to ACURA's faulty issues - ACURA needs to expand their recall list to go back as far as possible since they seem to be having the same issues with previous models not included in the recall

NHTSA ODI 11624657

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

NHTSA ODI 11612438

The contact owns a 2014 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, and while driving up an incline, the vehicle briefly hesitated and lost motive power before returning to normal functionality. The AWD and emission system warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V215000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11611474

The fuel pump impeller was improperly moulded, resulting in low density impellers. Over time, the low-density impeller can deform and interfere with the fuel pump body, rendering the fuel pump inoperative. If the fuel pump module is inoperative, the engine may not start or can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. difficulty starting, engine hesitation while driving, or an illuminated check engine light

NHTSA ODI 11608582

Recall (M49) Moisture may enter the tailgate lid lights, possibly causing a loss of the tailgate lid lights and the taillights. Acura dealership confirmed repair back in 2019. I am currently having the same issue with the loss of my taillight. I raised concern with Acura and they confirmed that they release me part number that they didn’t use for the initial repair, which leads me to believe this issue was never fixed. The dealership then told me that they would not be able to repair this issue unless I had an extended warranty. I am requesting a review as this is a major safety issue and a traffic citation concern on the same grounds that the M49 recall was initiated.

NHTSA ODI 11608250

The white paint on the roof of my car peeled off in huge chunks between the sunroof and the windshield. Acura had extended the warranty on the paint to 8 years from the date in service and ours was fine at the deadline. However, now at 11 years in, the paint has completely failed. It appears that there are a large number of other Acura owners who are having issues with the paint on their white MDXs, and Acura is in some cases saying that their VIN numbers are not included. It is an obvious problem with the white paint since Acura issued the warranty extension, but the limit was arbitrary and it is ridiculous that a "luxury" SUV has peeling paint that will result in an expensive repair job.

NHTSA ODI 11605291

The contact owns a 2014 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving at 15 MPH, the steering wheel jerked to the left. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI 11586699

My vehicle was part of a recall and Acura extended warranty protection for the paint between the windshield and sunroof. This was a manufacturer defect with the paint when the car was made. It did not happen to my car until October 2023 and Acura will not fix the paint due to end of the warranty extension that was issued by NHTSA. I was told to contact you from Acura corporate. They said the regulation to not cover any vehicles with this paint issue, was coming from NHTSA. The paint was applied incorrectly when the car was made and it’s causing a big circle of paint to randomly come off of the area of the car between the windshield and sunroof. I’m concerned the paint will continue to chip away and start coming off in large pieces. This is a manufacturer defect and should not be time limited.

NHTSA ODI 11585804

Paint. Delaminating at the sealer. Paint flakes randomly fall off car over the years. Acura verified this was a factory defect and the common area is occurred was the roof. This was covered for my car 03.2019 under an extended warranty but was only limited to the roof. I specifically asked to fix the whole paint job since this was a FACTORY defect and they stated they will only fix the area with the current damage. Well now time has passed and this has now happened on my left passenger door and Acura will not cover any part of fixing their factory defect. Terrible on Acura for selling a product they know has a FACTORY defect and they will not stand by their product.

NHTSA ODI 11583646

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

NHTSA ODI 11564824