This page covers 8 recalls, 233 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2017 Acura MDX.
21–27 mpg combined
8.7–11.2 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. Ranges reflect the 5 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The dominant complaint pattern for the 2017 Acura MDX centers on the engine and powertrain. Owners frequently report engine seizure and sudden internal engine failure, often accompanied by multiple warning lights illuminating at once. Several describe the transmission unexpectedly shifting into neutral while driving at highway speeds, which owners say happened without warning and required the vehicle to be towed. A smaller but consistent group of complaints involves the engine and cooling system, with reports of overheating and related failures. Outside the drivetrain, a recurring cosmetic issue appears: paint peeling on the roof panel between the sunroof and windshield, which owners report dealers have sometimes declined to cover under warranty. A handful of reports mention the front camera system failing and disabling multiple driver assistance features, lane keeping, adaptive cruise, and forward collision warning, simultaneously.
233
Total Complaints
7
Crash-Related
3
Fire-Related
3
With Injuries
By System
The 2017 Acura MDX has 8 recalls, the most serious involving a connecting rod bearing inside the engine that can seize and cause the engine to stall while driving, raising the risk of fire or a crash.
Rear suspension components, particularly the rear control arm, can corrode and fail on vehicles sold in certain northern and mid-Atlantic states, causing a sudden loss of handling control. There is also a concern with the front passenger seat sensor, where airbags can deploy unexpectedly during a crash, raising the risk of injury. On the fuel system side, two separate issues affect the fuel pump: particulates or internal wear can degrade pump performance and cause the engine to stall. The rear brake calipers on some trims carry an additional concern, where insufficient coating on the caliper pistons allows gas pockets to form and reduces braking force.
Moisture getting into the tailgate lid assembly rounds out the list. Water infiltration can knock out the taillights, license plate lights, and other exterior and interior lighting, making the vehicle harder to see from behind at night.
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.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
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
The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and create an electrical short, potentially causing airbags to deploy unexpectedly during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger seat weight sensor at no cost to you.
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
A manufacturing error may cause the connecting rod bearing in the engine to wear and seize, which damages the engine.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the engine and repair or replace it as necessary 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
Fuel particles can build up inside the fuel pump, reducing how well it works.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the engine control software and replace the fuel pump if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Rear brake caliper pistons lack proper coating, allowing gas pockets to form and reduce braking power.
What the fix does
Dealer will bleed the brakes to restore proper brake function at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
