Problems · by component

2018 Acura MDX fuel/propulsion system problems

28 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2018 Acura MDX cite fuel/propulsion 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
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the fuel/propulsion system

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“I had a recall done by local Acura dealer, Miami Doral Acura, where they replaced parts that connected the engine to the car, they are like rods. I recently took the car to a mechanic because I needed to change the timing belt components and he advised me that one of the rods that were replaced failed. This means that the engine was attached by only one rod, the other rod was cut, not connected. I called Acura today reporting the issue with the recall, they gave me a case number 16125924, advising me that some one would get back to me. The same mechanic also advised me that the high pressure fuel pump was not working properly and that my car could stall while driving it and he advised that it would be dangerous to drive it without replacing it. The part he quoted me was around $700. I looked for recalls for this car with this fuel pump issue and found that Acura only recalled some VIN numbers and my car is not one of the VIN numbers recalled. I believe Acura has not recalled all cars involved with the pressure pump. I find it hard to believe that they are not aware of this issue affecting more of the 2018 MDX model. The recall with the rods failed just a year…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 26, 2026Suspension, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11713484
“Vehicle experiences dangerous throttle delay from a stop. When making left-hand turns across traffic, pressing the accelerator results in no response for 1–2 seconds. Vehicle hesitates while exposed in intersection, creating risk of collision. Issue has been present since low mileage and not resolved by recall repairs.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 28, 2025Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11707405
“While driving at freeway speeds (70–85 mph), I experience a sudden and complete loss of acceleration when pressing the gas pedal fully. The vehicle stops responding to throttle input entirely for 1–2 seconds. To regain power, I must take my foot off the pedal for a moment and then press it again. This has happened multiple times and presents a severe safety hazard when merging, passing, or trying to avoid collisions. •Frequency & Reproducibility: This has occurred at least 3 times over the past year, under similar conditions. It is intermittent, but consistently happens during high-speed acceleration. •Dealership Response: I’ve reported the issue to the dealership, but they claim they cannot replicate the problem and do not consider it a concern. No resolution or inspection has been offered beyond a basic check. •Why It’s Dangerous: This issue could lead to a deadly accident if I’m unable to accelerate in time to avoid a crash. It creates a sudden and unexpected loss of control at highway speeds.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 25, 2025Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11662989
“Car has two unrepaired recalls. ( Please refer to your site)Fuel pump is never available, needs to be ordered. Recall related to engine bearings, crankshaft and other essential parts has not been repaired to any MDX in Puerto Rico. A year and a half after notifying recall the Dealer informs that Acura is developing a tool to diagnose damage. No date to repair situation is available. Permanent damage to engine can be in progress while original warranty expired during waiting period and private extended warranty will soon expire. Possible solution may involve engine replacement, separating engine from transmission, gaskets, seals and other related parts not included in the recall. Both recalls are a safety concern. Your assistance is appreciated. [XXX]”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 10, 2025Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11653865
“From a stop, the vehicle will lurch forward after 1 second of acceleration without a change in the amount of pressure on the gas pedal, as if there is a delayed input to the throttle position. This only happens from a complete stop, such as at red lights, stop signs, or in heavy stop and go traffic. On multiple occasions I have almost rear ended the vehicle in front of me as a result of this. There are no warning lamps or error messages displayed in the gauge cluster. I have not been able to have this inspected by any of the Acura dealers in a 25 mile radius, because when I called to make an appointment for the connecting rod bearing recall, the earliest opening was March of 2026.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 8, 2025Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11634984
“We have two stop sale safety recalls on our 2018 Acura MDX that have gone over a year without being addressed. I have contacted Acura and the dealership multiple times. Acura refers me to the dealer and the dealer refers me to Acura. Apparently there is no accountability for important safety recalls. Would appreciate some help from NHTSA”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 5, 2024Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11628987

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.

Other 2018 MDX problem areas