2018 Acura MDX Problems
Electrical issues:
- Complete electrical failure: People have, time and again, complained of electrical issues in the crossover. These failures are completely unprecedented and have happened while driving as well. The worst thing is that the car shuts down and stalls, increasing the chances of an accident.
- Backup camera issues: There have been many complaints about the backup camera going bust. The image is not visible in the infotainment system and if it does, the image freezes the infotainment system. The delay in the backup camera also disables the related driver-assistance features.
Mechanical issues:
- Engine stalling: The 2018 MDX engine stalling issue is a rather well-known one. The engine stalls at lower speeds with a jerk. The issue has also popped up when driving at highway speeds, causing close-calls with the other vehicles. People had to cool down the car and restart it to get the engine working.
- Transmission issues: The Acura MDX transmission is reported to give a lot of issues. The gearbox slips gears while moving. The issue is also observed in other Acura products equipped with the same gearbox. Complainants also state that the transmission is very jerky at low speeds and has resulted in the engine stalling many times.
Safety issues:
- Vehicle Speed Control (VSC) issues: The VSC in the MDX gives issues and accelerates from a standstill. People have reported this unintended acceleration to the dealerships and a solution is being worked upon. In some cases, the MDX has plowed into another vehicle and caused injuries to the occupants.
2018 Acura MDX Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. |
April 5, 2018 |
18V221000 |
Seats |
Improperly manufactured rivets may not secure the eats properly to the floor, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. The affected units fail to comply with the requirements of FMVSS Numbers 207, “Seating Systems” and 210, “Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages”. |
The recall began on May 30, 2018. The dealers will replace the driver-seat assembly. |
|
2. |
November 1, 2018 |
18V777000 |
Service Brakes |
Insufficient coating on the rear brake caliper pistons may form gas pockets, increasing the risk of a crash. The affected units fail to comply with the requirements of FMVSS Numbers 135, “Light Vehicle Brake Systems”. |
The recall began on December 11, 2018. The dealers will bleed the brakes. |
|
3. |
January 29, 2019 |
19V060000 |
Fuel System |
Presence of particulates in the fuel pump reduces its performance, increasing the risk of a crash. |
The recall began on May 25, 2019. The dealers will update the fuel injection control unit or replace the fuel pump. |
|
4. |
March 28, 2019 |
19V256000 |
Exterior Lighting |
Moisture in the tailgate lid lights may cause them to malfunction. This affects the rearwards visibility and increases the risk of a crash. |
The recall for this issue began on May 7, 2019. The dealers will bleed the brakes at no extra cost. . |
|
5. |
April 12, 2019 |
19V298000 |
Engine and Engine Cooling |
Separation of the timing belt teeth from the belt may stall the engine, increasing the risk of a crash. |
The recall for this issue began on June 7, 2019. The dealers will inspect the engine and replace the damaged parts at no extra cost. |
Should you buy the 2018 Acura MDX?
The 2018 Acura MDX is a superb offering but has a flawed gearbox. This is further magnified by the rampant electrical issues people are facing. The issues are solvable but a more prompt response from the Japanese manufacturer is appreciated. If you want to go for a used Acura MDX, take an insightful look at the electrical issues and recall history. Apart from this, the usual due diligence works fine and ensures tension-free ownership.
