NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 1 owner complaint for the 2018 Acura MDX Hybrid. Most complaints involve visibility/wiper (1). The EPA rates it 27 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Acura MDX and 2017-2019 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid vehicles. Moisture may enter the tailgate lid lights, possibly causing a loss of the tailgate lid lights and the taillights.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Acura MDX, 2017-2018 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda HR-V and Honda Odyssey, and 2016 Honda HR-V vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating, causing gas pockets to form, reducing brake performance. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW, IN LATE MARCH 2018; I BELIEVE WE TOOK DELIVERY ON MARCH 29, 2018. WE HAVE HAD AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH THE MEMORY POSITIONING OF THE STEERING WHEEL. OUR VEHICLE HAS THE ADVANCED PACKAGE. INTERMITTENTLY, THE SEAT WILL GO TO THE MEMORIZED POSITION, BUT THE STEERING WHEEL WILL STAY IN THE POSITION FOR EXITING THE VEHICLE. THAT POSITION IS IN THE HIGHEST POSITION THE STEERING WHEEL CAN BE PLACED IN. WE HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE AT BAKERSFIELD ACURA FOUR SEPARATE TIMES TO CORRECT THE ISSUE. BAKERSFIELD ACURA HAS BEEN UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE ISSUE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS AT THEIR FACILITY. THEIR SERVICE WRITER, OMAR, ACTUALLY WITNESSED THE MALFUNCTION WHEN I DROPPED THE VEHICLE ON JULY 16, 2018. I HAVE FILED A COMPLAINT WITH ACURA CLIENT RELATIONS, CASE NUMBER 08936387. ACURA REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT THE ISSUE. I HAVE EXPLAINED THAT THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL STAYS IN THE HIGHEST POSITION, IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE OVER THE STEERING WHEEL, BLOCKING OUR VISION OF THE ROAD. MY WIFE AND I JUST GET IN THE VEHICLE, START IT UP AND TAKE OFF. NORMALLY, IT IS NOT UNTIL WE ARE DRIVING THAT WE NOTICE THE ISSUE. AT THAT…”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MDX Hybrid AWD Auto (AM-S7), 6 cyl, 3.0 L · All-Wheel Drive | 26 | 27 | 27 | $2,800 | 330 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
3 safety recalls as of Nov 12, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 1 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are visibility/wiper (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2018 Acura MDX Hybrid at 27 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2018 Acura MDX Hybrid 5 out of 5 stars overall.