Problems · NHTSA complaints
2014 Acura MDX problems
Owners filed 172 complaints about the 2014 Acura MDX with NHTSA between Nov 2013 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is steering (38).
Complaints
172
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
10
Reported by owners
Fires
3
Reported by owners
Injuries
9
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Steering38
- Power train27
- Electrical system27
- Engine26
- Service brakes26
- Vehicle speed control19
- Structure14
- Exterior lighting13
- Fuel/propulsion system7
- Suspension6
- Electronic stability control (esc)5
- Fuel system, gasoline4
- Visibility4
- Wheels3
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 27, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
3
41
24
17
8
9
18
10
5
5
3
11
9
9
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 3 |
| 2014 | 41 |
| 2015 | 24 |
| 2016 | 17 |
| 2017 | 8 |
| 2018 | 9 |
| 2019 | 18 |
| 2020 | 10 |
| 2021 | 5 |
| 2022 | 5 |
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 11 |
| 2025 | 9 |
| 2026 | 9 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Steering
38 reports1 crash
“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…”
Power train
27 reports3 crashes1 related recall
“My 2014 Acura MDX had the same issue that it is currently being recalled (26V-365) except this happened to the front control arms. In August of 2024 I had to replace both the front lower control arms because the bushings were splitting. Had they split while driving I would've lost control of the car and crashed which is the concern with the current recall for the rear control arms. It was fortunate that this potentially dangerous crack was found during an unrelated service. I strongly feel that this recall for the MDX should be expanded to cover the front control arms too. This issue of dangerous corrosion is not limited to the rear.”
Electrical system
27 reports1 crash2 fires1 related recall
“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.”
Engine
26 reports2 fires
“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.”
Service brakes
26 reports4 crashes
“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.”
Vehicle speed control
19 reports6 crashes
“NOT LONG AFTER PURCHASING VEHICLE USED IT STARTED THIS LURCHING AND HESITATIONS IN MOVEMENT, THIS CAN ALSO BE OBSERVED (THE JUMPS AND HESITATIONS) IN RPMS ON THE TAC. THIS IS OCCURRING CONSISTENTLY PRIMARILY WHEN DRIVING BETWEEN 30-40 MPH; THIS DOES NOT STOP UNLESS YOU ACCELERATE QUICKLY OR ALLOW YOUR SPEED TO DROP BELOW 20 MPH”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 27, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.