Problems · by component
2018 Acura MDX electrical system problems
28 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2018 Acura MDX cite electrical system, 17% of all 169 complaints for this model year.
Complaints
28
17% of all complaints
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
2
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
What owners say about the electrical system
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Acura MDX on August 26, 2026. While registering the vehicle, the contact was informed that the previous title indicated that the odometer was reported at 277,000. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 77,000.”
“Transmission failed and light appeared. Speed reduced from 30 to 15. Acura stated they had to reset computer system and claimed when they started the car no lights shown and was able to reverse car. I was unable to reverse car, struggled and tugged feeling in the car. This is the 2nd time and they always repeat same solution no lights appeared and to reset system.”
“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Acura MDX. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 85,000. The contact stated that on the day of the purchase; after refueling the vehicle and then attempting to pull out of the gas station, the Emissions, check engine, and parking brake warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact took the vehicle to an auto repair shop, and had the vehicle scanned and then diagnosed, DTC: P0158 (Oxygen sensor Circuit High Voltage, DTC Severity 2 of 3, T0159 Oxygen sensor Circuit Slow Response (Bank2 and Sensor 2), and an Electric Parking Brake Failure were displayed. The scan indicated that the vehicle was subjected to odometer fraud. The contact reviewed the paperwork and received it at the time of sale and became aware that the mileage stickers, along with other indications that the documentations were false. The contact retrieved a Carfax Report and discovered that the actual mileage was 225,802. The contact reported the odometer fraud to the Police Department and was informed that the dealer was known for odometer fraud.…”
“Hello, My 2018 Acura MDX has moisture and water inside the inner tailgate (trunk) tail light assembly, which caused the light to stop working. I understand there is a recall affecting some 2014–2020 Acura MDX vehicles related to moisture entering the tailgate light assembly, and my vehicle appears to have the same issue. Recall link: [XXX] Last week I visited the Acura dealership(Acura Columbus) in Dublin, OH for a fuel pump recall service. During that visit, the technician also noticed the water inside the inner tail light but quoted about $750 for the repair. Although my VIN does not show this recall, my vehicle is experiencing the same problem described. Could you please review and advise if this may qualify for recall coverage or goodwill assistance? Thank you.”
“The contact owns a 2018 Acura MDX. The contact stated that the vehicle was designed with the engine Auto Start-Stop feature. The contact stated that while at a complete stop and releasing the brake pedal, the engine failed to restart. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to restart. The contact then noticed that the gear shift indicator displayed that the transmission was in neutral(N). The contact shifted to park(P) and was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring, almost causing the vehicle to be rear-ended. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and recommended a diagnostic testing to determine the cause of the failure, but the contact declined due to the cost. The contact stated that the starter was previously replaced under an unknown recall, which the contact related to the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.”
“The car alarm started going off randomly after the car was locked and armed. This would happen periodically. The car was locked using the indoor lock and then left unlocked and the lights would go off and on periodically. The internal dash periodically would flicker off and on (dash lights/screens). The car eventually drained the battery one night cycling down to 4.25v and had to be replaced (it was too damaged to be jumped). Upon replacing the battery codes were read, cleared and the car driven. The alarm and light issue came back, and the hood latch was disconnected. This stopped the alarm, but after rain events or humid days the lights would still come on (as if someone unlocked the car or walked up with the key) and the dash lights would occasionally flicker. The wireless control unit was removed and inspected and dendritic growth was noticed on one location of the board. This was cleaned with alcohol and this has appeared to solve the issue so far. The part of the board with the growth is not sealed and looks like it is right on the edge of the factory sealing.”
Showing 6 of 28 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 27, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.