Problems · NHTSA complaints
2023 Acura MDX problems
Owners filed 43 complaints about the 2023 Acura MDX with NHTSA between Nov 2022 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is power train (11).
Complaints
43
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
2
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
2
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Power train11
- Electrical system8
- Forward collision avoidance7
- Service brakes6
- Steering4
- Suspension3
- Vehicle speed control3
- Visibility/wiper2
- Structure2
- Service brakes, hydraulic2
- Equipment2
- Tires1
- Engine1
- Seats1
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
1
6
3
15
18
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2023 | 6 |
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 15 |
| 2026 | 18 |
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
Power train
11 reports
“My vehicle developed a leak at the seal between the transfer case and transmission. I was informed that, due to the original design, this seal cannot be replaced independently. The leak can result in the loss of gear oil and transmission fluid, further transmission damage, and a loss of power to the rear wheels. Repairs involve significant expense, including replacement of damaged components, seals, and both fluids. There were no apparent warning signs other than oil puddles beneath the vehicle. Two extended warranty companies inspected the vehicle and denied coverage, stating that the manufacturer should be responsible for addressing the issue. The vehicle was taken to John Eagle Acura in Houston, Texas, for repairs involving replacement of the transmission and transfer case, along with all associated fluids and seals. I understand that this dealership has repaired other vehicles with the same issue and that similar cases have been reported nationwide. I am concerned that this may be a recurring design-related problem with potential safety implications, particularly because of the possible loss of power to the rear wheels without adequate warning. I request…”
Electrical system
8 reports1 crash
“1) I was struck by a vehicle that ran the stop sign at 50mph. After the impact my vehicle continued rolling forward and wouldn’t stop. I ended up a block away from the accident and my emergency brake, brake pedal and center console brake would not engage. My vehicle was stopped after a car pulled up infront of me for me to rear end it to stop. Vehicle is a total loss and sitting in a tow yard. 2) I was in the vehicle with my 3 children under 7 years of age. Our safety was put at risk because If the accident would’ve happened on a main street I could’ve rolled into on coming traffic. 3) Not yet, they have declared the car a total loss and have no interest in inspecting for damage repair. 4) No 5) No failures were detected nor happening prior to accident.”
Forward collision avoidance
7 reports
“Was exiting I275 onto Westbound Route 32 when the brakes were unexpectedly applied by the vehicle’s safety system. No vehicles were in front or beside me. Very alarming when it happened. This also happed two other times at slower speeds.”
Service brakes
6 reports1 crash
“Unable to stop the car. Luckily no accident. Brake pedal was very hard to press and car didn't stop. Brake pedal became normal again in few seconds (5- 7 sec). Inspected car. nothing was stuck under brake pedal.”
Steering
4 reports
“LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND BRAKING ASSIST REDUCED. My spouse was driving our 2023 MDX approximately 45mph when she ran over a recessed manhole cover which created a bump. The MDX lossed power steering and brake performance reduced. The vehicle was very difficult to turn at that point. The car began to cycle through errors that would not clear until the car's engine could be stopped and restarted: HILL START ASSIST PROBLEM, TRAILER STABILITY ASSIST PROBLEM, ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL PROBLEM, LANE KEEPING ASSIST PROBLEM, COLLISION MITIGATION BRAKING SYSTEM PROBLEM, ROAD DEPARTURE MITIGATION SYSTEM PROBLEM, LOW SPEED BRAKING SYSTEM PROBLEM, ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING SYSTEM PROBLEM STEERING ASSIST IS NOT AVAILABLE DO NOT DRIVE, AWD SYSTEM PROBLEM FRONT WHEELS MAY ONLY BE POWERED, BRAKE SYSTEM PROBLEM BRAKE PERFORMANCE MAY BE REDUCED. All these errors said SEE YOUR DEALER. We took the vehicle in to our local Acura dealer's service department 2 times over the course of 3 days. Both times diagnostics were ran and the car was deemed without problem. The MDX's alignment was ok as well, so the impact of the road hazard was NOT severe.”
Suspension
3 reports
“The contact owns a 2023 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds over a bumpy road surface or a pothole, there was an abnormal metallic sound coming from underneath the passenger’s side of the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where a technician informed the contact that the sound was common after 50,000 miles. The contact was later informed that the cause of the failure was undetermined. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but the assigned case manager failed to help. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.”
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.