NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
This page covers 16 recalls, 166 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2014 Acura MDX.
21 mpg combined
11.2 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The dominant pattern in 2014 MDX complaints centers on the steering system, which draws the highest complaint volume by a wide margin. Owners frequently report the electric power steering locking up or becoming extremely stiff, often accompanied by a warning message on the dash. Several owners also describe a cluster of warning lights appearing together at startup, brake system, stability assist, anti-lock brakes, and power steering warnings illuminating simultaneously, sometimes paired with a grinding noise from underneath the vehicle. Powertrain complaints are the next most common, with owners describing jerking or hesitation during acceleration, occasional stalling, and recurring emissions warning lights. Engine complaints, while fewer in number, include reports of internal wear concerns such as connecting rod bearing failure. A handful of owners also report paint peeling from the roof in large sheets, though that appears in a smaller number of reports compared to the steering and drivetrain issues.
166
Total Complaints
10
Crash-Related
3
Fire-Related
5
With Injuries
By System
The 2014 Acura MDX has 16 recalls, with the most serious being a drive shaft that can detach on all-wheel-drive models, a rear subframe that can rust through until suspension components fail and the vehicle loses handling control, and an automatic emergency braking system that can trigger unexpectedly when passing metal guardrails or fences.
Several recalls cluster around chassis and drivetrain safety. The rear subframe corrosion issue is limited to vehicles sold or operated in rust-belt states, where the suspension mounting points can deteriorate until a rear control arm or similar component gives way. The drive shaft concern affects AWD models where bolts were not fully tightened at the factory and can work loose over time.
On the mechanical side, air conditioning compressor clutch bolts can corrode and break, sending the clutch plate off the vehicle as road debris. The fuel pump can fail and stall the engine while driving. In extreme cold below -20°C, front seatbelts may jam and refuse to extend or retract properly, making them difficult or impossible to use in a crash.
Two recalls cover trailer hitch wiring kits sold as accessories for this model: incorrectly wired subharnesses can cut power to the trailer brake controller, extending stopping distances when towing.
The tailgate lighting system has its own cluster of recalls. Water can enter the tailgate lid light assembly, blow a fuse, and knock out the taillights entirely. A prior repair attempt did not fully resolve this issue for some vehicles, requiring a second fix.
At a glance
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What can fail
The rear subframe can corrode at suspension attachment points, potentially causing rear suspension components to fail.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the rear subframe, install a reinforcement kit, and repair or replace components as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Rust can develop at the suspension attachment points on the rear subframe, potentially causing rear suspension parts to fail and affecting vehicle handling and control.
What the fix does
A dealer will inspect the rear subframe and install a reinforcement kit or replace the subframe as needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Moisture can seep into the tailgate lid light assembly and wiring, causing interior and exterior lights to stop working, including lid lights, position lights, license plate lights, and taillights.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the wiring, install a fuse harness, replace the lid light, and repair the body dust sealer as needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Water can enter the tail lamps on the tailgate and cause a short circuit, blowing the fuse and eliminating all rear lighting. Previous repair attempts under recall AL65/AL66 may not have been effective.
What the fix does
A dealer will install a fuse harness, inspect and replace tail lamps if needed, and repair the body dust sealer.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail, potentially stopping fuel delivery to the engine.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel pump module at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Water can seep into the tail lamps on the tailgate, causing them to malfunction or blow a fuse, which may result in complete loss of rear lighting.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect tailgate lamps. If either lamp is not working, both lamps and the fuse will be replaced. If both work, lamps will be modified and updated gaskets and wiring installed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Moisture can enter the tailgate lid lights, causing the tailgate lid lights and taillights to stop working.
What the fix does
Dealers will modify the tailgate lid lights, install updated gaskets and wiring, or replace both tailgate lid lights.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The bolts that connect the air conditioning compressor clutch may lack proper rust protection, potentially causing corrosion and compressor failure.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the compressor clutch drive bolt and install a new clutch plate if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Some A/C compressor clutch drive bolts may be defective. If the bolt fails while driving, the clutch drive can fall off and strike other vehicles, objects, or people.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the clutch drive bolt and install a new clutch plate if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The Collision Mitigation Braking System may misidentify roadside objects like metal fences or guardrails as obstacles and unexpectedly apply the brakes during certain driving conditions.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the Collision Mitigation Braking System software at no cost to correct the object detection.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The Collision Mitigation Braking System may unexpectedly activate and apply emergency braking when it misidentifies roadside objects like metal fences or guardrails as obstacles, risking crashes and injuries.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the Collision Mitigation Braking System software to correct the detection logic.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
In very cold temperatures below minus 20° Celsius, the driver's and front passenger's seatbelts may not extend or retract properly, making them unusable and increasing injury risk in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace both the driver's seatbelt and front passenger's seatbelt.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Drive shaft bolts may not have been tightened enough during manufacturing and could loosen over time, potentially causing the drive shaft to detach and creating excessive noise and vehicle damage.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the drive shaft bolts and repair them as needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The bolts connecting the drive shaft to the transmission transfer assembly may not be tight enough, allowing the drive shaft to potentially detach.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and tighten the drive shaft bolts as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The trailer hitch subharness wiring is incorrect, which may prevent power from reaching a trailer brake controller.
What the fix does
Acura dealers will repair the subharness wiring at no cost to restore proper power supply.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Some trailer hitch wiring kits were made incorrectly and may cause the trailer brake controller to malfunction, resulting in longer stopping distances when towing.
What the fix does
Dealers will repair or replace the wiring kit to restore proper trailer brake function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
