This page covers 8 recalls, 69 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2015 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
Powertrain and steering are the most-reported systems among 2015 MDX owners, followed closely by electrical complaints. On the powertrain side, owners describe issues consistent with transmission or drivetrain behavior problems, while steering complaints point to loss of assist or unusual handling characteristics. The electrical system draws several reports as well, with a recurring pattern around taillight assemblies, owners describe water intrusion into the taillight housing that causes the lights to short out or fail entirely, sometimes without the driver knowing until flagged by law enforcement. A smaller number of owners report the automatic emergency braking system activating unexpectedly at highway and local road speeds with no obstacle present, triggering hard, sudden stops. Two isolated reports describe odometer discrepancies discovered after private-party purchases, which fall outside vehicle mechanical behavior and reflect transaction disputes rather than a recurring mechanical pattern.
69
Total Complaints
5
Crash-Related
2
Fire-Related
6
With Injuries
By System
The 2015 Acura MDX has 8 recalls, the most serious being a fire risk from fuel tank welds that can separate over time and allow fuel to leak near potential ignition sources.
The automatic emergency braking system can misread metal guardrails or roadside fences as obstacles and apply full braking force without warning, raising the risk of a rear-end collision. On the suspension side, rear control arm components in vehicles sold in certain northern and mid-Atlantic states can corrode and fail, causing a sudden loss of handling control. The fuel pump can also fail outright, stalling the engine while driving. An air conditioning compressor bolt that may lack its anti-corrosion coating can rust through and break, sending the compressor clutch plate onto the road as a hazard for other vehicles. Two related lighting recalls address moisture that gets into the tailgate lid light assembly, which can knock out the taillights, license plate lights, and position lights, making the vehicle harder to see from behind.
At a glance
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.
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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 →
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
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
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 fuel tank has welds that are not strong enough. These welds may separate, causing fuel to leak from the tank.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel tank with a properly welded tank at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel tank may have incomplete welds from manufacturing. Over time, these weak welds can separate and cause fuel to leak.
What the fix does
Your dealer will replace the fuel tank with a properly welded one.
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
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.
