What 244 owners told NHTSA about the 2017 Acura MDX

We are asking for your assistance and getting our reimbursement back from Acura/Honda automotive for a safety recall for our rear tail light which had moisture which was an NHTSA safety recall We purchased and had replaced the rear tail plate that had been recalled prior to the recall coming out. We have given them all this information and they still have not provided us with a refund for the safety recall on the tail light on our vehicle this has been going on for a couple years. The individuals at Honda automotive corporate are very disrespectful and as a handicap woman who uses this vehicle as a family vehicle it was a great essence to get the taillight part repaired and purchased because I almost got into a couple accidents because the tail lights were not working. We have submitted all our reimbursement paper to them as well as the receipts and proof of payments and they still have not refunded us we ask for your help in this matter as it is greatly appreciated because this was a safety recall and they know that, and they still have disregarded reimbursing us for the parts that we purchased prior to the recall, if you need anything else from us, we have submitted our reimbursement form our payment proof, as well as the proof that it was purchased and done at the Acura certified dealership. Our car is a certified vehicle that we purchased from Acura and we always get our work for service done at certified Acura dealerships. Any assistance in this matter would be greatly appreciated as this has been going on for a couple years and I tried to work with them, but they are very difficult in getting our money back every time they ask for something we send it and they say they need more. It is like back-and-forth. It has been an extremely stressful situation for something that is a safety issue and that was a defect by our automotive maker and we should not have to go through that as a consumer.

NHTSA ODI 11748123

I am reporting a severe safety defect regarding the sudden, unprovoked failure of the AcuraWatch driver-assist camera system (affecting LKAS, ADAS, and the Collision Mitigation Braking System), which directly and unexpectedly alters the vehicle’s powertrain and driving dynamics without driver input. While driving, the front windshield monocular camera module experienced an internal electronic failure, immediately lighting up multiple critical safety warning indicators on the dashboard and permanently disabling all forward collision prevention and lane-keep capabilities. I urge NHTSA to open a safety defect investigation into 2016–2019 Acura MDX models regarding camera system degradation and its hazardous, cascading impact on transmission shift timing and vehicle deceleration behavior.

NHTSA ODI 11748193

Safety Recall# AOT 2014-20 MDX REAR SUBFRAME REPAIR SAFETY RECALL June 2026 we were made aware that our 2017 Acura MDX SH – AWD had a recall for the rear subframe Safety repair. We immediately contacted Acura Joe Rizza Orland Park, Illinois at the time they said they did not have the Safety recall parts available for the rear subframe but they were on order so they scheduled us to bring the vehicle in on July 1, 2026 to complete the safety recall. invoice included. Just prior to this in May 2026 we were experiencing safety issues with our vehicle, vibrating very severely and pulling when we brought it in they told us it was the drive propeller shaft which, as you will see in the enclosed documents that when the rear subframe prematurely rusts it causes key suspension problems, especially with the drivetrain and propeller shaft . As this was a safety issue, and we felt very concerned about this because the car was NOT safe to drive. We had it repaired prior to receiving this safety recall soon after rear subframe which all makes vehicle unsafe. There’s direct correlation that safety recall the premature rust on the rear subframe which caused structural integrity to degrade and caused severe vibration and pulling on our propeller shaft. Due to the severity and safety as we felt very concerned for our safety with this severe vibration we Paid to have the propeller shaft replaced, then found out a couple of weeks later that the actual rear subframe that has a direct correlation to the propeller shaft get recalled for safety issues. Our vehicle vehicle is a certified vehicle always serviced at Acura dealerships as shown on a car fax .Due to these Safety reasons and the paperwork provided along with the invoices we are asking for a refund in the amount that we paid in total $1313.37 for repair of the propeller shaft which the safety recall the rear subframe caused it to misalign cause abnormal noises severe vibrations SEVERE safety issues for Our family vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11747996

Various warning lights appear randomly for collision system, lane departure system and brake system and the radio power glitches on/off while driving on highway. I tested the battery and it's good. At one point I was just about to enter a car wash and the radio power glitched off and then a transmission warning appeared and the car shifted to N and I couldn't shift to Drive. I pushed the P button and the dash just showed a blinking P with the transmission warning. With a whole line of cars behind me for the car wash I was in a panic of course. I turned the car off for about a minute and restarted and was able to get it back to normal but had this issue happened while driving then It would've been dangerous.

NHTSA ODI 11747695

I have my LKAS lights, collision mitigation light on, road departure mitigation lights on..

NHTSA ODI 11747452

The contact owns a 2017 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle lost power and stalled in the middle of the roadway. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. Additionally, the transmission failed to shift out of park(P). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.

NHTSA ODI 11747136

The contact owns a 2017 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to accelerate and lost motive power. The vehicle was coasted to the side of the road and then regained normal operation and accelerated as intended. There were no warning lights illuminated. The failure had occurred three times while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to retrieve a fault code. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.

NHTSA ODI 11746158

My 2017 Acura MDX had a complete engine failure because of know critical rod bearing issue which hasn’t been extended to all 2017 models of the MDX. My engine completely failed when I was entering a roundabout and nearly caused the car behind me to rear end me then left me dangerously stranded in the roundabout. Even though this is a known issue for this year, make and model of my vehicle Acura said it was my fault without asking for detailed maintenance records and said this recall only applies to certain vehicles produced. I had to pay $7995.71 for a new engine and this issue needs to be addressed before someone is killed. Thank you

NHTSA ODI 11742517

The contact stated that while driving, the engine made clunking noise, sudden loss of power and the check engine light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a connecting rod bearing failure and engine replacement is necessary. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.

NHTSA ODI 11742127

When accelerating into traffic (usually merging onto highway or changing lanes on the highway) my car will loose all power and fail to accelerate. This is extremely dangerous and has happened on several occasions. I have taken this into Acura as well as other automotive dealers and no one can seem to diagnose or recreate the problem. The only support I received from Acura has been a “software update & idle relearn”, which has never fixed the problem. I saw an NHTSA ID#23V85800 recall alert for Fuel Pump Failure, which perfectly describes the issues I’m having. Unfortunately, my VIN is not included in this recall. I respectfully request that you add my VIN to this recall so I can get my fuel pump replaced and hopefully resolve this very dangerous issue.

NHTSA ODI 11740821

While driving my LKAS, ABS, and Lane assist lights will come on intermittently. When this happens I am not able to use cruise control. I have noticed that my vehicle has an issue accelerating before the lights come on. This is putting the safety of me and passengers at risk. The dealership has not been able to replicate the issue. The dealership and independent mechanics are not able to figure out what is causing the issue. I have spent close to $4,000 trying to figure out what the cause is, and nothing is showing up.

NHTSA ODI 11738702

While driving on the interstate over 2 hours from home the car put itself into neutral and almost caused us to get into a collision. While accelerating after a construction zone, the lights on the dash of the vehicle lit up with transmission, emissions, electronic parking brake, and more codes. The car shifted itself into neutral while running between 65-70 mph on the interstate. Multiple vehicles were accelerating after the 55 mph work zone area was over, and we had to swerve between cars to get to the shoulder of the road because the vehicle lost all acceleration capabilities. We have taken the vehicle to the dealer for past recalls and software updates and mentioned this issue happening before and were told that the vehicle showed no codes concerning the electronic parking brake issue. Upon further investigation, there are multiple reports and forums of this particular vehicle having the same issue. Its a miracle we didn't get involved in a massive collision with semi trucks and other vehicles amongst us when the vehicle lost all ability to accelerate. This could cause a huge problem if it were to happen again in a more populated area or at increased speeds. We were stuck on the side of the road for 4 hours waiting on a flatbed to tow it because it locks up the AWD system with the electronic parking brake and doesn't allow the wheels to move. This is the second time we've had it towed for this same issue only to be told that it's not a problem. I'm willing to bet that the company knows exactly what the issue is but won't issue a recall because they don't classify it as a safety recall until people start losing their lives or cost the company stockholders money. This problem has the ability to cause major harm or death to people with this vehicle if it were to shift itself into neutral or lock up the electronic parking brake while in a heavy populated area. I hope they issue a safety recall and hold the company accountable before people lose their life.

NHTSA ODI 11736956

The paint on the roof between the sunroof and front windshield is peeling. I took it to local dealership and was told paint is covered under Acura's Rust Perforation Limited warranty which is 5 years from the of original purchase. I do not have an extended warranty so I would need to pay out of pocket. I believe the classification of this issue under the "Rust Perforation Limited Warranty" is incorrect. The issue is not corrosion originating from the inside out. This is a premature failure of the paint adhesion to the primer, which is a manufacturing defect. This is a known, widespread issue affecting Acura's White Diamond Pearl paint, which is the subject of a pending class action lawsuit (Case 2:24-cv-09728) alleging these paint defects exist in 2013-present models.

NHTSA ODI 11736582

Continental Cross Contact LX Sport 245 / 50 R 20 102 H tires. We had them installed at the Acura dealership on 7/14/2023. We noticed recently the tire tread on the front driver side in an area was peeling up in a small spot. At our oil change and tire rotation with Acura on 4/24/26, I notified them and they stated tire was okay. The tires currently only have about 15;389 miles on them. I contacted Continental Tire because I noticed the tread peeling or pitting on both tires that were rotated to the rear getting worse. Continental told me I could take to a tire center that sells Continental tires to have them inspected. Took to Discount Tire and they submitted information to Continental Tire. They responded with a prorated amount of $230.00 total for the 2 rear tires only. The rep with Discount Tires informed me that all 4 of my tires came from the same manufacturing plant and same lot. I am concerned that my front tires will start to peel or pit like the other 2 tires. We have maintained regular tire rotations and maintenance on our vehicle. We also do not drive on gravel or dirt roads or aggressively and the vehicle is kept in our garage. I am now looking at having to replace all the tires because I am concerned about driving with the tires in their current condition. This is concerning to me because tires should last longer than 15, 389 miles.

NHTSA ODI 11735988

The contact owns a 2017 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH the engine seized. All the warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was due to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined there was an internal engine failure. The local dealer was contacted, where it was diagnosed that there was rod bearing and engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The claim was denied. The failure mileage was approximately 122,220.

NHTSA ODI 11735497

The multipurpose front camera on my 2017 Acura MDX failed with DTC U3000‑49, disabling LKAS, ACC, CMBS, and FCW. Acura issued Service Bulletin 23‑008 acknowledging a software defect, but my VIN was denied eligibility despite matching the bulletin’s criteria. This is a safety‑critical failure affecting many owners, and Acura is forcing consumers to pay for camera replacement instead of providing the software fix. My 2017 Acura MDX (VIN [XXX] ) is experiencing a failure of the multipurpose front camera, which controls several collision‑avoidance systems including: Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) Forward Collision Warning (FCW) All of these systems became disabled, and the vehicle displays multiple warning lights. The diagnostic code stored is U3000‑49 (FCW/LDW Camera Unit Malfunction). Acura issued Service Bulletin 23‑008, which states that: “A problem exists with the detection logic in the multipurpose camera software.” The bulletin applies to all 2017–2018 Acura MDX trims, and the corrective action is a software update to the camera module. My vehicle matches the exact symptoms described in the bulletin. However, Acura and the dealership informed me that my VIN is “not eligible” for the update, even though the bulletin explicitly lists my model year and trim. Instead, I was told I must pay for a full camera replacement, costing over $1,200, despite Acura acknowledging the issue is software‑related. This leaves me with a disabled safety system and no manufacturer‑supported remedy. The failure is widespread among 2017 MDX owners, and many report identical symptoms and identical denials of coverage. Because this defect disables multiple federally relevant safety systems simultaneously, I believe this should be treated as a safety recall, not a customer‑paid repair. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue and require Acura to provide the software update.Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11733788

The main issue is engine knocking and ticking also winding noise. There has been an issue with electrical with rear passengers getting burnt due to heat coming out of rear when rear system is off.

NHTSA ODI 11732707

A rod bearing inside the engine failed and created metal shavings inside the engine. The vehicle has not been fixed yet, so it is available for inspection currently, but I will be having the engine replaced in the next 2 weeks. With the metal shavings inside the engine it could cause a catastrophic failure of the engine while driving at any point The dealer has inspected and diagnose it as a rod bearing failure I reached out to Acura customer service to make them aware and ask for assistance in reviewing for coverage in the ongoing recall, but since my vehicle was not manufactured in the plant covered under the recall, they are unable to help. I asked for a good will credit and after they conferred with the dealer they stated the failure was not due to a manufacturing defect, therefore they cannot help. There were no warning lamps or messages from the vehicle. The only symptom was a ticking sound, that got louder at higher RPMs, coming from the front of the engine on the passenger side. I’ll also add that based on CARFAX report and our service records since we bought the vehicle, all recommended maintenance has been performed as recommended by the manufacturer.

NHTSA ODI 11731756

My 2017 Acura MDX unexpectedly shifts into neutral while I am driving, specifically when slowing down approaching stop signs. When this happens, the vehicle loses power and will not accelerate, creating a dangerous situation in traffic. I have to manually press the Drive button to put the vehicle back into gear while still on the road. This has happened multiple times without warning and no recall exists for this issue. This is a serious safety hazard because the vehicle can lose power in traffic or intersections.

NHTSA ODI 11729196

My vehicles motor is internally destroying itself. The rod bearing has gone and the motor is none functional. The car only has 98k miles. I have gotten the oil changed every 3k-4k miles and used 0W-20 oil as the manufacturer desired. It seems as though there has been 1.4million cars with this same issue as mine. I think a recall is in order. OEM new motor is $25.7k.

NHTSA ODI 11728789

When I have already started to go in motion, for example when turning left, and I let go of the gas pedal and then press the gas again once I decide its safe to turn, my car doesn't respond to the gas for about a couple of seconds. This has also happened when I am driving on the highway and I am already in motion and I want to go faster to pass another vehicle, my car hesitates for a couple of seconds before it responds to me pushing the gas pedal.

NHTSA ODI 11728655

I am reporting a major safety failure on my 2017 Acura MDX regarding the forward-facing multipurpose camera. Out of nowhere, the camera failed and triggered a cascade of warning lights across my entire dashboard. Because of this hardware defect, all of the critical safety systems—including the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS), and Adaptive Cruise Control—are now completely disabled. Having these emergency systems shut down while driving in traffic is a serious safety hazard. Furthermore, the constant flashing of 5 or 6 different warning lights on the dash is a massive distraction while trying to operate the vehicle. This is a well-documented hardware failure in these models, and it shouldn't be left to the owners to pay thousands of dollars to fix a primary safety component that failed prematurely. This needs to be investigated as a mandatory safety recall before these failures lead to an accident.

NHTSA ODI 11727769

I noticed a whirring sound while driving my MDX. The repair shop investigated and noted that the bearing in my transfer case assembly is failing and needs immediate replacement to prevent total power loss to the propulsion system of the car. Current milage of the vehicle is 99,500.

NHTSA ODI 11726033

On 11.25.25, my MDX was involved in a multi-car hit and run on highway 101 SB at the Laurel Drive off ramp. The vehicle sustained two points of impact: (1) substantial front/driver side impact (2) rear-passenger side impact. Despite the severity, location of impact and speed of travel at the time of the collision, all airbags deployed except for the driver side curtain airbag. Importantly, at the time of the crash, the Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) and associated AcuraWatch driver assist systems were activated. The vehicle’s safety assistance technology was engaged and functioning immediately prior to impact. Considering the above mentioned facts, driver side airbag failing to deploy, raises serious concerns regarding Possible software or signal-processing malfunction or electronic communication between radar/camera systems and the SRS module. The nature and severity of the impact clearly met deployment criteria for the driver side airbag. This failure raises concern that there may be a defect in the SRS system, including but not limited to: Airbag inflator component or propellant issue. Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) crash sensor calibration. SRS control module deployment logic. Crash signal sensors. Event-trigger logic or interconnnect failure. Wiring harness or inflator defect. Whether the system registered steering correction or impact prediction, the failure to deploy increased my risk and resulting injury, as well as compromised the fundamental safety system designed to protect drivers in front-impact crashes.

NHTSA ODI 11725140

Unknown Front left tire is rumbling. Ever since I purchased this vehicle I have had problems with the tires or suspension dealership replaced 2 tires since I purchased in July 2025

NHTSA ODI 11723466