Problems · by component

2025 Acura MDX engine problems

72 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2025 Acura MDX cite engine, 62% of all 117 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
72
62% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the engine

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“I own a 2025 Acura MDX Advance with approximately 18,500 miles. While stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle's Auto Idle Stop feature engaged and shut off the engine as designed. However, when it was time for the vehicle to restart, the engine would not restart. The failure left me unable to move the vehicle at an intersection, creating a potentially dangerous situation and exposing me and other motorists to the risk of a traffic accident. A vehicle that automatically shuts off at a traffic light must be able to reliably restart when traffic begins moving. The dealership diagnosed the problem as a failed starter and replaced the starter on November 2, 2026. The vehicle was only approximately 18,500 miles old at the time of the failure. A starter failure at such low mileage is extremely concerning, particularly when it occurs in connection with the Auto Idle Stop system. I am concerned that this may be a broader safety issue involving the 2025 Acura MDX and its Auto Idle Stop/start system. Failure to restart at an intersection can create an immediate traffic hazard, particularly in busy intersections where the driver may be unable to move the vehicle out of the…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 2, 2026EngineODI 11775223
“My vehicle is having on going start up issues a month after purchased. Failed to restart after the automatic idle-stop system They replaced the starter & starter rely and still never fix the issue. The battery on the vehicle passed the battery test and I feel like my safety and children safety is in danger! The vehicle is not even 2 years old. The vehicle has left me at a red light , stop sign , gas station stuck due to the vehicle not turning on/ struggling to turn on . The dash board would light up with check engine, and lock the wheel.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 30, 2026Unknown or other, EngineODI 11774686
“While driving and coming to a stop, the engine shuts down and will not restart. Error "To continue to drive, depress brake pedal and push Switch". After 10 minutes of trying to start the car it finally started.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 26, 2026Electrical system, EngineODI 11773609
“On three separate occasions, 2/27/26, 9/9/26, and 9/23/26 the Idle stop/start feature was inoperable and caused the vehicle to shut down. Upon attempting to turn the vehicle back on, vehicle would not immediately start back up. Inoperable and a major safety concern since this happened at a red light that was turning green. This poses a great concern due to traffic approaching the light while green not noticing the vehicle is stopped, as the entire vehicle shuts off when this happens. There is no way to get the vehicle moving again, so if there is traffic approaching, there is no way to avoid it or get out of the way. This was inspected by the dealership on 2/27/26 and dealer replaced the starter. Then this happened again on 9/9/26 and 9/23/26 - dealer replaced starter again.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 21, 2026EngineODI 11772712
“I have had a problem with the "Auto Idle Stop" in my 2025 Acura MDX. While at a stop light 2 different times and at a stop sign 1 time the car engine shut off as it should. Upon letting off the brake and pressing the gas the car would not go. It stayed in Park and I could not get it to go. The engine would not turn back on. I received a warning light that said "depress brake and push start". Upon doing this the car still would not start. I had to open the door, shut door, push brake and then start the car. Dealer confirmed that this has been an issue.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 15, 2026EngineODI 11771386
“My 2025 Acura MDX A-Spec Advance (VIN [XXX]) twice failed to restart after the Auto Idle Stop system shut the engine off — on XXX (~2:00 PM CDT) and again on October 10, 2026 (2:20 PM CDT). The vehicle was immobilized and would not restart. Sterling Acura of Austin ([XXX]) diagnosed a failed starter on XXX: bench testing showed 9.7 amp draw with voltage drop below 7.3V. The dealer replaced the starter motor (part 31200-5MR-A03) under warranty, test drove 10+ miles, cleared codes, and verified the repair. A no-restart after auto idle stop leaves the vehicle without motive power in traffic, which is a safety hazard. This matches the subject of NHTSA Engineering Analysis EA25004 (No Restart After Auto Start/Stop Engages, 2016–2025 MDX).”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 14, 2026EngineODI 11771218

Showing 6 of 72 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Other 2025 MDX problem areas