2018 Acura MDX: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 144 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the engine, electrical, and transmission. The 8 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2018- Owner complaints
- 144
- Recalls
- 8
- Crashes reported
- 3
- 3 injuries
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/8 checked
2018 Acura MDX: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/3
Walk-around and cabin
Engine off, key in hand0/1
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/1
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/3
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Which MDX is it?
EPA figures for each version of the 2018 Acura MDX. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6-cylGas | AWD, FWD | 22–23 mpg |
| 3.0L 6-cylHybrid | AWD | 27 mpg |
- The 2018 Acura MDX was sold in two versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
- On the hybrid, watch for the car moving off on electric power at low speed and for any hybrid system warning on the dash.
- Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A MDX that averages well under the EPA 22 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2018 Acura MDX, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Engine281 crash
Most of these reports are about the connecting rod bearing recall, not a failure the owner felt. Owners describe long waits for repair parts that dealers confirm are unavailable, often along with the fuel pump recall. When owners do report symptoms, they include hesitation, stalling while pulling away from a stop, unintended acceleration, and a rattling noise. In one case the car stopped suddenly during a left turn and was rear-ended. One report describes stalling near 100,000 miles.
Worn connecting rod bearings that lead to engine failure are the main concern. Before the engine fails, owners report stalling while driving, hesitation when pulling away, and check engine lights. Some blame long recall delays for the damage. One owner reports a bottom-end rebuild at 40k miles and the same problem coming back at 80k. Dealers often refused to inspect cars until recall parts arrived. One report describes an engine compartment fire while the car was parked in a garage.
Electrical201 crash
The alarm goes off at random, the headlights turn on, and the dash lights flicker while the car sits locked. These events often drain the battery overnight. Dealers point to the keyless access or smart control unit, and some owners pay for the replacement. A failed front multipurpose camera shuts off adaptive cruise, lane keep assist, and forward collision warning all at once. Some cars won't restart after Auto Start-Stop, or the transmission drops into neutral. Two reports describe under-hood fires, one during a failed start in a garage.
Transmission20No crashes
The car pauses for 1 to 2 seconds when pulling away from a stop and then lurches forward. This is the most common complaint here. Owners also report hard or jerky shifts and stalling or loss of power in gear. Some say this happened at highway speed with the transmission dropping into neutral. Dealers often can't reproduce it, and transmission software updates rarely fix it. Drivers call it dangerous when turning left across traffic or merging. One report puts onset near 92,365 miles. Several say it started when the car was new.
Fuel system17No crashes
Most of these filings are about the fuel pump recall and repair parts that dealers couldn't get for long periods. Owners with actual symptoms report stalling and loss of power at speed, sudden slowing on the highway, engine hesitation, and lunging forward when the pedal is pressed. In one case a loud vibrating noise continued after the recall repair, and a mechanic suspected the second fuel pump, which the recall does not cover. Reported mileages fall between about 50,000 and 87,000.
The main complaint is throttle delay from a stop followed by a sudden takeoff. Owners say they were nearly hit while turning across traffic. Others report the car losing power or jerking with every warning light on. In one case a mechanic traced this to the high-pressure fuel pump. Recall repairs did not always cure the delay, and some dealers had not completed the fuel pump recall. Single reports mention check engine codes P0441 and P04F1 and a fuel nozzle sticking in the capless filler.
Acceleration and cruise control11No crashes
The throttle fails to respond for 1 to 3 seconds when pulling away from a stop, and then the car lunges forward. It happens intermittently, sometimes more often when the engine is cold. Owners find it most dangerous during left turns and merges. A few report the same loss of response at highway speeds. Dealers often find nothing wrong. Neither software updates nor the fuel pump recall repair has fixed it. Separate reports describe false automatic braking to a full stop and cruise control engaging from a crawl.
Wipers and visibility6No crashes
The edges of the front windshield are distorted, which is the most repeated complaint. Straight lines look bent and objects seem to grow and shrink. Some drivers report dizziness, nausea, and trouble judging distance while parking or checking for cross traffic. Other reports describe a washer fluid pump that stops working after the reservoir runs low and is refilled, a sunroof that shattered while driving, and a steering wheel that sometimes fails to return to its memory position.
Body and structure3No crashes
Only 3 reports fall here, and they show no clear pattern. In one, a fire started in the engine compartment shortly after the car was parked and spread to a building. The owner suspects a fuel line leak. In another, rain leaked in through a misaligned front passenger area on a new car, and the manufacturer called it a factory defect. The third reports paint chipping off the tailgate.
Brakes21 crash
The automatic braking system engages when there is no real hazard and brings the car to a hard or full stop at around 35 to 40 mph. In one report this sudden braking caused a crash with 2 injuries. In both reports another vehicle was nearby, either turning off the road or passing. The dealer found no stored errors and could not reproduce the problem.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints MDX owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
Passenger rear, right inner tail light is not working. Was under recall but Acura is not replacing it. Obviously water has entered it and shorted it out. They said the recall was completed on it but why is the taillight not working. In report made by the dealer it says it is shorted after hooking it up to a voltmeter. Why are they not replacing it. It reduces visibility to the rear of the car.
Filed with NHTSA, December 2023
The car attempts to start on its own, light come on and at times the alarm goes off. The car does not open at times and requires manual override to oepn.
Filed with NHTSA, June 2023
First it was start knocking under the hood and the car suddenly stop on the freeway at 80 miles an hour. The car lost all the power. We were lucky we didn't get hit by other cars on the freeway.
Filed with NHTSA, January 2024
Car miss shifts especially in the 25 to 40 mph range. Sometimes hesitates when taking off. Also stays in one gear and will not upshift when entering the Freeway. Very dangerous. I found numerous complaints on the web in reference to these problems, but still no recall??? Have told the dealership about these problems with every service, but they said that there is nothing wrong.
Filed with NHTSA, December 2021
How the 2018 compares with other MDX years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2018 ranks third for owner complaints among 8 MDX years, about 1.8 times the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Engine2814
- Electrical2013
- Transmission2011
- Fuel system172
- Acceleration and cruise control112
- Wipers and visibility61
Where the 2018 fits in the MDX's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2018 is the fifth model year of the MDX's third generation (2014–2020).
It includes the 2017 update.
What changed for 2017
- Diamond pentagon front grille introduced
- Front fenders switched to aluminum panel
- Standardization of AcuraWatch™ technologies
Recalls to confirm (8)
Recall repairs are free at any Acura dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
25V259000Exterior lightsApr 2025
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles. Moisture may enter the tailgate lid light assembly and wiring harness, which can cause the interior and exterior lights to fail, including the lid lights, position lights, license plate lights and taillights.
Risk: Vehicle lights that fail to illuminate can decrease visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the wiring and install a fuse harness, replace the lid light, and repair the body dust sealer, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 30, 2025. Owners may contact Acura's customer service at 1-800-382-2238. Acura's number for this recall is FLI. Vehicles included in this recall that were previously repaired under NHTSA recall number 19V-256 will need to have the new remedy completed.
23V858000Fuel systemDec 2023
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
23V751000EngineNov 2023
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, 2016 and 2018-2019 Pilot, 2017 and 2019 Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 Odyssey vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, damaging the engine.
Risk: A damaged engine may run improperly or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a fire, crash, or injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and repair, or replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 28, 2024. 2016-2017 Acura MDX owner letters were mailed November 1, 2024. 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed in mid-December 2024. Honda began mailing owner notification letters as of March 18, 2024. 2015-2016 Acura owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-December 2024, 2018 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed the end of March/early April 2024, 2019 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-May 2024, 2020 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-June 2024, and 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed January 27, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XG1 and GG0.
19V298000EngineApr 2019
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Acura MDX and Honda Pilot vehicles and 2019 Acura RLX, RLX Sport Hybrid, TLX and Honda Odyssey and Ridgeline vehicles. The timing belt teeth may separate from the belt.
Risk: Teeth separation from the timing belt may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle and replace any affected timing belt free of charge. Vehicles receiving a replacement timing belt will also have the engine inspected and any damaged components will be replaced for free. The recall began June 7, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is L4M. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is Z4L.
19V256000Exterior lightsMar 2019
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Acura MDX and 2017-2019 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid vehicles. Moisture may enter the tailgate lid lights, possibly causing a loss of the tailgate lid lights and the taillights.
Risk: Loss of the taillights reduces the vehicle's visibility, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix: Acura will notify owners, and dealers will modify the tailgate lid lights and install updated gaskets and a wiring sub-harness or will replace both tailgate lid lights. The repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2019. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is M49.
19V060000Fuel systemJan 2019
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Acura MDX, 2015-2019 Acura TLX and 2015-2017 Honda Accord vehicles, equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine. Particulates in fuel may adhere to the internal components of the fuel pump, reducing its performance.
Risk: Reduced fuel pump performance can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the fuel injection engine control unit (FI-ECU) software and, if necessary, replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began March 25, 2019. Owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's recall number for this recall is P3W. Honda's recall number for this recall is N3X.
18V777000BrakesNov 2018
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Acura MDX, 2017-2018 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda HR-V and Honda Odyssey, and 2016 Honda HR-V vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating, causing gas pockets to form, reducing brake performance. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems.".
Risk: A reduction of braking performance increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Owners will be notified, and Honda or Acura dealers will bleed the brakes, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are C31 and L30.
18V221000SeatsApr 2018
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018 Honda Pilot and Ridgeline vehicles and 2018 Acura MDX vehicles. The front driver and passenger powered seats in the Honda vehicles and the driver powered seats in the Acura vehicles may have been assembled with improperly manufactured rivets. In the event of a crash, the rivets can break causing the seats not to be secured to the floor. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems," and 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages.".
Risk: In the event of a crash, if the seat does not remain secured to the floor, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver seat frame assembly in Acura MDX vehicles, and replace the driver and front passenger seat slide rail frames in Honda Pilot and Ridgeline vehicles, free of charge. The recall began May 30, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall is D0S, and T0T.
Also looking at these instead of a MDX?
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2018 owner complaints, side by side
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- 2018 Acura MDX144
