Car Defect Radar
Built from NHTSA complaints and recalls collected for this model, generated September 22, 2026. Totals reflect what has been collected, not every complaint ever filed.

Recalls

0 total

Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.

No recalls on record for this model

No safety recalls were found in this dataset. It is still worth entering the exact VIN on NHTSA before purchase, since recalls can be added at any time.

Owner complaints by system

70 total

Unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, grouped by the part of the car. Useful for spotting patterns. Open a group to read recent examples.

Engine & powertrain

Worth reading
35

Most reports here involve fluid leaks. Of these, 1 mention a crash, 1 mention an injury.

fluid leaks 14premature wear 6
A recent report: Check engine light continues to come on after repair, lack of power and transmission skip at times. Reverse light dark, unable to see at all.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11687765 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Electrical & infotainment

Minor
7

Most reports here involve sudden stalling.

sudden stalling 2software faults 1
A recent report: The hazard warning switch on my 2011 Acura MDX Technology & Entertainment Package VIN [XXX] sticks. It is due to a manufacturing defect and not because of normal wear and tear. That is a safety…
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The hazard warning switch on my 2011 Acura MDX Technology & Entertainment Package VIN [XXX] sticks. It is due to a manufacturing defect and not because of normal wear and tear. That is a safety concern because when it is pressed and sticks, such as when giving the right of way to an emergency vehicle, or in bad weather, it not possible to make it unstuck while driving, and requires a screwdriver to pry it back to unstuck position, and if that option is not available then the stuck hazard switch will drain the battery when the vehicle is shut down. Please refer to enclosed Acura ServiceNews Article B15070C. On 8/9/2025, for my service at Hendrick Acura, I requested this known safety issue be fixed. I demonstrated by pressing the hazard switch that got stuck and required a screwdriver to unstick it. But the dealer unreasonably wanted me to pay $99 diagnostic fee to troubleshoot an obvious issue and even when I showed them the Acura ServiceNews Article B15070C. So, I was forced to confirm the issue indirectly myself. On 8/11/2025, I ordered a replacement hazard switch part number 33510-STX-A02 from another Acura dealer Contemporary Cars, for $37.02, per enclosed, even though it was a waste of my money. I swapped out the hazard switch and as expected it still got stuck. I have enclosed two pictures of my DIY diagnostic. I then searched for replacement dashboard center panel online from the Acura dealers, but I am unable to find any available. I then contacted Acura Client Relations on 8/25/2025, and they opened a Case # [XXX]. Kevin from Acura Client Relations called and stated that B15070C does not apply to my VIN. But I disagree because B15070C states for 'Affected Vehicles' - "2010-13 MDX (All trim levels except base." Hence, I am contacting NHTSA to ask Acura to cover my VIN as a saftey recall, and either provide me a replacement center panel that does not have the same manufacturing defect, or ask Hendrick Acura to replace it free of cost. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11686570 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Brakes

Worth reading
2

Most reports here involve software faults. Of these, 1 mention a crash.

software faults 1unintended acceleration 1
A recent report: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO PARK HER VEHICLE, BUT WHEN SHE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO HER HOME. THE RPMS CONTINUED TO…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO PARK HER VEHICLE, BUT WHEN SHE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO HER HOME. THE RPMS CONTINUED TO INCREASE UNTIL SHE ENGAGED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR CUTS AND BRUISES BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION BUT THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #10525553 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Steering, suspension & tires

Minor
4

Most reports here involve loss of steering.

loss of steering 1premature wear 1
A recent report: I OWN TWO ACURA MDXS. 2009 SPORT AND 2011 ADVANCE. BOTH THESE VEHICLES ACTIVE DAMPER SYSTEMS HAVE FAILED MULTIPLE TIMES. ACURA OR AMERICAN HONDA KEEPS REPLACING THESE FAILED PARTS WITH THE SAME…
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I OWN TWO ACURA MDXS. 2009 SPORT AND 2011 ADVANCE. BOTH THESE VEHICLES ACTIVE DAMPER SYSTEMS HAVE FAILED MULTIPLE TIMES. ACURA OR AMERICAN HONDA KEEPS REPLACING THESE FAILED PARTS WITH THE SAME FAILED PART # 51606-STX-A59. THESE PARTS ARE FAILING PREMATURELY. WE SHOULD NOT BE REPLACING THESE PARTS AT 50,000 MILES. THIS IS A SUSPENSION PART AND A REAL SAFETY CONCERN. I HAVE REPLACED THESE ADS STRUTS NOW 5 TIMES ON MY 2009. 3 FRONTS AND 2 REARS. I RECENTLY HAD 2 STRUTS REPLACED ON MY 2011 MDX ADVANCE. I TAKE THE TIME NOW TO POINT OUT THIS MAJOR GLARING ISSUE SO THE NHTSA CAN LOOK INTO THIS MATTER FURTHER. PLEASE LOOK AT MDXER'S AND ACURAZINE COMPLAINTS ON THIS ISSUE. EVERY PERSON WHO OWNS THESE HIGHER PRICED MODELS IS HAVING THESE SAME ISSUES. MANY ARE DRIVING AROUND WITH THIS ISSUE NOT KNOWING. I DID FOR 20,000 MILES ON MY 2009 MDX NOT KNOWING WHY MY VEHICLE WAS MAKING CLUNKING NOISES AND HAD A SUSPENSION LIKE A TRUCK. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE. ACURA SOMETIMES COVERS THESE FAILED PARTS 100%, SOME 50%, BUT MOST THEY LET THE CUSTOMER PAY 100%. THE GLARING FACT IS THAT THESE ADS STRUTS SEEM TO FAIL JUST OUTSIDE THE VEHICLES WARRANTY. ACURA KNOWS THIS IS AN ISSUE, THEY EXTENDED THE WARRANTY ON THESE LONGER BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. I FEEL STRONGLY THAT THIS IS A MAJOR ISSUE AND THAT ALL ADS STRUTS SHOULD BE COVERED BY AMERICAN HONDA 100%. I URGE YOU TO LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE. I HAVE REPLACED 7 ADS STRUTS ,SO FAR, ON BOTH MY MDXS WHICH I STILL BOTH OWN. PLEASE I URGE YOU TO LOOK INTO THIS MAJOR ISSUE

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11310728 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Airbags & seat belts

Worth reading
6

Most reports here involve airbags not deploying. Of these, 1 mention a crash, 1 mention an injury.

airbags not deploying 2software faults 1
A recent report: The contact owns a 2011 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the airbag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed…
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The contact owns a 2011 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the airbag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the driver's side airbag needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11452053 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Structure & body

Worth reading
12

Most reports here involve other issues. Of these, 2 mention an injury.

other issues 12
A recent report: Moonroof / Sunroof glass spontaneously exploded as while driving on Interstate at approximately 65mph. This caused many small peices of glass to break inward some of which entered into the cabin and…
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Moonroof / Sunroof glass spontaneously exploded as while driving on Interstate at approximately 65mph. This caused many small peices of glass to break inward some of which entered into the cabin and onto passengers including the driver. The glass exploding was very loud and caused me to jerk my steering wheel. It scared the passenger as well. Also small slivers of glass can be felt in the skin.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11528882 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Other systems

Worth reading
4

Most reports here involve other issues. Of these, 1 mention a crash, 2 mention an injury.

other issues 4
A recent report: Unknown

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11683178 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Is 70 complaints a lot? They were filed between 2011 and 2025, roughly 5 a year, which is more than the typical model in this dataset. We do not have sales figures for this model, so treat this as a rough volume, not a rate per car on the road. Popular, high-volume models naturally collect more complaints over time.