This page covers 9 recalls, 175 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2019 Acura MDX.
22–27 mpg combined
8.7–10.7 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 3 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Complaints about the 2019 Acura MDX cluster most heavily around the engine, electrical system, and powertrain. On the engine side, owners frequently describe sudden loss of power while driving, sometimes accompanied by multiple warning lights illuminating at once. Several report the vehicle dropping to very low speeds or stalling on the highway, then restarting on its own with no fault code a shop can act on. Electrical complaints often involve the forward-facing camera near the rearview mirror failing and taking related driver assistance features down with it, parts availability reportedly stretched repairs out for months in some cases. Powertrain reports overlap with the engine complaints, with owners describing hesitation or failure to accelerate normally when pressing the gas pedal. A handful of owners also note a loose driver's seat that shifts noticeably during acceleration and braking, though that appears in fewer reports than the powertrain and electrical themes.
175
Total Complaints
4
Crash-Related
3
Fire-Related
2
With Injuries
By System
The 2019 Acura MDX has 9 recalls, the most serious involving a connecting rod bearing inside the engine that can seize, causing the engine to stall or catch fire while driving.
A second engine recall covers the timing belt, whose teeth can strip away from the belt and stall the engine without warning. The fuel pump also appears in two related recalls: the pump inside the fuel tank can fail and cut fuel delivery, again stalling the engine while driving. On the suspension side, certain vehicles sold in northern and mid-Atlantic states are affected by a recall where rear control arms can corrode and fail, causing sudden loss of handling. The front passenger seat sensor can misread occupant presence and cause the airbag to deploy incorrectly in a crash. The rear brake calipers on some trims can develop internal gas pockets that reduce stopping power. There are also two related lighting recalls: moisture can get into the tailgate lid light assembly and wiring, knocking out the taillights, license plate lights, and interior lid lights, reducing how visible the vehicle is to drivers behind it.
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
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
The low-pressure 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 assembly at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The timing belt teeth may separate from the belt, which could cause the belt to fail.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace any affected timing belt at no cost. The engine will be inspected and any damaged components replaced for free.
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
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.
