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

39 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
13

Most reports here involve transmission slipping. Of these, 1 mention a crash.

transmission slipping 5fluid leaks 3unintended acceleration 2
A recent report: 2023 ACURA MDX TYPE S. 28k miles. While merging onto highway, I sped up and at 25 mph, I heard a loud metal clunk from underneath the car. Car still drove and functioned as a two wheel drive instead…
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2023 ACURA MDX TYPE S. 28k miles. While merging onto highway, I sped up and at 25 mph, I heard a loud metal clunk from underneath the car. Car still drove and functioned as a two wheel drive instead of AWD. Went in for service and was told that the transmission and Power train Unit would need to be replaced and will be replaced under powertrain warranty by Acura.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11758889 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Electrical & infotainment

Minor
6

Most reports here involve software faults.

software faults 3sudden stalling 1
A recent report: My 2023 Acura (VIN# [XXX] ) has experienced two separate incidents of sudden, total power loss while driving. In both cases, all dashboard warning lights came on, including the brake light, and the…
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My 2023 Acura (VIN# [XXX] ) has experienced two separate incidents of sudden, total power loss while driving. In both cases, all dashboard warning lights came on, including the brake light, and the vehicle reduced speed to 20 mph and would not accelerate. The first incident occurred while I was driving on a 55 mph expressway, creating a major safety hazard. I had to maneuver to safety in high-speed traffic. The second incident occurred under similar conditions. The dealer has been unable to resolve the issue. I am filing this report to document the safety risk for investigation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11679146 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Brakes

Worth reading
7

Most reports here involve loss of braking. Of these, 1 mention a crash, 2 mention an injury.

loss of braking 3software faults 3premature wear 1
A recent report: 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…
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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.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11762170 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Steering, suspension & tires

Minor
7

Most reports here involve loss of steering.

loss of steering 3corrosion 1
A recent report: 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…
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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.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11750299 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Structure & body

Minor
2

Most reports here involve other issues.

other issues 2
A recent report: The windshield washer fluid pump is weak and half the time does not spray when needed and left me on the highway with a dirty smeared windshield nearly making it impossible to see while driving. I…
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The windshield washer fluid pump is weak and half the time does not spray when needed and left me on the highway with a dirty smeared windshield nearly making it impossible to see while driving. I understand it’s a known issue and also a new pump and reservoir is on backorder after checking with dealer.. I believe it’s a poor design and a revision should be considered as this is a safety hazard. Thank you !!

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11707055 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Other systems

Minor
4

Most reports here involve premature wear.

premature wear 1unintended acceleration 1
A recent report: I have taken my vehicle to the Acura service department three times for this issue. Each time, they were unable to find a fault code or permanent fix. They have repositioned the front camera and…
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I have taken my vehicle to the Acura service department three times for this issue. Each time, they were unable to find a fault code or permanent fix. They have repositioned the front camera and removed an Acura sticker from the windshield, but the problem continues to occur at random. The service department said diagnostic tests show no error, yet the system still triggers false collision warnings. I’m concerned about the safety of driving a vehicle whose collision avoidance system malfunctions without warning. This issue has occurred on city streets and highways, in clear weather, at various speeds. The alerts come on suddenly with no obstruction ahead. Acura has not provided a permanent fix, and I feel unsafe driving the vehicle. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether this is a common defect in 2023 Acura MDX models.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11696233 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Is 39 complaints a lot? They were filed between 2022 and 2026, roughly 10 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.