2019 Acura MDX Complaints

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE — Filed 08/10/2026

Many customers complained about the LKAS Camera overheating and faulty.

ENGINE — Filed 04/01/2026

Dec. 16, 2025, took Acura into the dealership because Check Engine light kept coming on. They did a full inspection and said I needed to have the purge valve replaced and that it was nearing time to have other services: transmission service, front transfer case, rear differential, brake fluid, timing belt, spark plugs, fuel service. Took the diagnostic to my brother who is a mechanic and he started the work starting with the purge valve. He had already done spark plugs with oil change in Oct. 2026. Fast forward to Apr. 2026 my car starts making a weird knocking sound upon accelerating. My brother was in hospital at this time so I didn't want to stress him so I just stopped driving it. I had the other stuff done at shop he recommended but the knocking sound didn't stop. Brother told me to get it diagnosed again. Now Sept. 2026, they said I need a whole new engine, and that Acura would not cover it! What!? They felt so badly they didn't even charge me for the diagnostic. I took it to two other shops just to see if there was anything else that could be done but they all told me the same thing. It's a 2019 how on earth could it need a new engine. I've gotten ALL the work done that is recommended. I didn't even drive it when it started making that noise. My husband and I have been sharing 1 vehicle! I have not missed an oil change and had all recalls repaired there but the dealership told me since I didn't do the services in the dealership at a premium that Acura would not extend me a Goodwill to replace their faulty engine. Why would I do the work at the dealer when my brother is a mechanic and owns his own shop? I believe my engine is suffering the same issues that are causing millions of Acura owners the same dangerous recall. The last place I took the car was the Acura/Honda Specialists shop in the city where I live and this guy told me everything that was serviced looked good but the car needs a new engine and there's even metal in the oil but my VIN doesn't count!

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE — Filed 08/06/2025

the camera system located above the rear view mirror failed and caused a warning light for the lkas system. adaptive cruise control, lane keeping did not work because of it. the unit had to be replaced. this seems to be a fairly common issue with this mdx version, based on forums

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 09/16/2026

issue occurring with automatic start/stop function. car stalls on occasion trying to restart, goes into neutral, even though battery is new and in good condition. hard to replicate and occurs randomly. car has to be turned off and on again. this is the 4th time this has happened over the course of 3 years. seems to be happening to others based on forums as well.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 09/10/2026

Alarm randomly goes off dash lights up on its own and kills the battery Was told it’s the keyless module

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE — Filed 08/11/2026

The contact owns a 2019 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to drive to the residence after the failure. An independent mechanic was contacted and attributed the failure to the fuel pump. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); but the vehicle was repaired under the recall approximately 2 years ago. The contact stated that the failure was caused by an improper recall repair. The dealer was contacted and diagnosed the vehicle with fuel pump failure. The contact was informed that the fuel pump replacement only had a 12-month warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

SEATS — Filed 08/10/2026

The contact owns a 2019 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the driver’s and passenger’s side front seats shifted unexpectedly. The contact stated that there was an abnormal popping sound coming from the center of the seat backrest, which was felt in the seat. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was notified of the issue and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 06/16/2026

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

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE — Filed 06/19/2026

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

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 06/10/2026

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

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 05/31/2026

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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 06/12/2026

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

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 04/03/2026

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

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE — Filed 05/18/2026

When I was at 41,528 miles, May 18, the LKAS, ACC & RDMS errors all turned on at the same time. So those systems just stopped working randomly. When I restarted the car, all errors turned off but it turned on again after 10 days, May 28 with 91,966 miles. I brought it to the Acura dealership and they couldn't replicate it. I think this is an issue because one of the highlights of this car is safety but at random times, those safety systems suddenly stops working and the dealership couldn't do anything about it.

SUSPENSION — Filed 01/01/2025

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

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 02/07/2026

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

POWER TRAIN — Filed 03/15/2026

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

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 01/05/2025

The contact owned a 2019 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle experienced a sudden jolt. The contact immediately depressed the brake pedal and the vehicle erroneously accelerated to a high rate of speed. The contact depressed the brake pedal, shifted to neutral, and to the park position but the vehicle continued to increase speed eventually crashing into several vehicles that were stopped at a red light. The vehicle then crashed into a moving vehicle where it came to a stop. The contact indicated that during the incident four vehicles were crashed into and the vehicle's collision avoidance system did not activate as intended. The contact sustained an injured back which later required medical treatment. A second motorist sustained an undisclosed eye injury. No further information was available. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed to the home. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was a total loss. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 22,229.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING — Filed 12/18/2023

The contact owns a 2019 Acura MDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated while her nephew was driving at an undisclosed speed, he noticed smoke coming from the front and rear of the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The contact’s nephew pulled off the road to lift the hood of the vehicle where he saw flames. The Fire and Police Department arrived at the scene however, the fire had already been extinguished. The contact was unaware if a Police report was filed. There were no injuries. The vehicle was towed to the nephew’s residence where the Insurance Adjustor took pictures of the damages. The vehicle was towed to Mack's Automotive but due to the extensive damage, the vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed by Mack's Automotive that the rod went through the engine causing the oil to leak which caused the engine to catch on fire. The vehicle was towed back to the nephew’s residence and remained unrepaired due to the cost and because the Insurance provider declined to pay to repair the vehicle because it was deemed a mechanical failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a claim; however, the contact had not spoken with the manufacturer personally. The failure mileage was unknown.

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 07/16/2023

Starting having an issue over the last few weeks where the car will shut off as it should with the idle start/stop enhanced but when I release the brake, the car goes into neutral and doesn’t start… have had this happen 4 times already and was finally rear ended today due to this fault.

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 08/27/2021

The contact owns a 2019 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving approximately 3-4 mph, he depressed the brake pedal but it failed to respond. The contact drove into a pole. The brake message was displayed. There was no reported injuries, fire or air bag deployment. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer but, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000.

STRUCTURE,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 01/22/2021

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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 07/16/2020

WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED, THERE WAS SINGLE "POP" SOUND THAT SEEMED TO COME FROM INSIDE THE DASHBOARD BETWEEN THE ON DEMAND MULTIFUNCTION DISPLAY (ODMD) AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE NAVI SCREEN THEN BECAME SOLID BLACK. AFTER A VERY SHORT TIME AND WHILE STILL AT HIGHWAY SPEED, THE NAVI SCREEN BRIEFLY SHOWED THE VIEW FROM THE BACKUP CAMERA. AFTER A FEW SECONDS BOTH THE NAVI SCREEN AND THE ODMD SCREEN BECAME SOLID BLACK AND REMAINED THAT WAY. THEN, WITHIN SECONDS, LIGHT COLORED, GRAYISH SMOKE BEGAN FLOWING OUT INTO THE VEHICLE FROM THE CD SLOT ON THE ODMD. IMMEDIATELY, THERE WAS AN ODOR IN THE CAR LIKE THAT FROM BURNING PLASTIC OR ELECTRICAL INSULATION. AS SOON AS POSSIBLE THE CAR WAS PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY AND THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE SMOKE CONTINUED TO COME OUT OF THE CD SLOT UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF, THEN THE SMOKE STOPPED COMING OUT. AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES THE ENGINE WAS RESTARTED AND THE CAR WAS DRIVEN TO A SAFER LOCATION.THERE WAS NO SMOKE COMING FROM THE CD SLOT AFTER THE CAR WAS RESTARTED AND WHILE DRIVING THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE THE NEXT DAY. AN ODOR LIKE THAT FROM AN ELECTRICAL FIRE REMAINED NOTICEABLE IN THE VEHICLE. PRIOR TO THE EVENT, THE DRIVER OBSERVED NO VEHICLE WARNING INDICATIONS, AND BOTH THE NAVI AND THE ODMD APPEARED TO BE FUNCTIONING NORMALLY. THE CD PLAYER WAS NOT BEING USED. THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE MANAGER ADVISED ME THAT THEY CONSULTED WITH ACURA ENGINEERING PERSONNEL, INSPECTED AND TESTED WIRING INSIDE THE DASHBOARD AND HAVE ISOLATED THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM TO "A SHORT IN THE RADIO." THE DEALER SAYS THAT THE ODMD AND THE HARD DISK DRIVE HAVE BEEN SENT TO ALPINE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE AT ALPINE'S REQUEST. I HAVE ASKED THE DEALERSHIP TO CONFIRM THAT THE REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE WILL ENSURE THAT THIS KIND OF EVENT WILL NOT RECUR.

WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 11/30/2019

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

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 03/07/2020

THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH SAFETY FEATURES WHICH ARE DESIGNED TO ALERT YOU IF BRAKING IS REQUIRED AND TO BRAKE TO AVOID A COLLISION THE VEHICLE ALSO HAS ACTIVE CRUISE CONTROL WHICH IS DESIGNED TO SLOW YOUR VEHICLE WHEN A VEHICLE ENTERS YOUR LANE WITH IN A PRE SET DISTANCE. CRUISE CONTROL: WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY USING ACTIVE CRUISE CONTROL MY VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN FROM 70 TO 45 NO VEHICLES ENTERED MY LANE I WAS PASSED ON MY LEFT BY A VEHICLE DOING 80 PLUS. THIS HAPPENED TWICE WITH IN TWENTY MINUTES. I DROVE THROUGH COSTCO AT UNDER 5MPH NO VEHICLES INFRONT OF ME MY SAFETY SYSTEM STOPPED MY VEHICLE. NO CARS JUST ONE PEDESTRIAN ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. I HAVE BEEN STOPPED A RED LIGHT WHEN MY BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR FLASED THIS SHOULD ONLY HAPPEN WHEN I AM MOVING AND NEED TO BRAKE TO AVOID HITTING SOMEONE OR SOMETHING NOT WHEN I AM ALREADY STOPPED ALSO HAPPENS WHEN USING THE VEHICLES BRAKE HOLD FEATURE.