2018 Acura MDX engine problems
35 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2018 Acura MDX — 22% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Transmission failed and light appeared. Speed reduced from 30 to 15. Acura stated they had to reset computer system and claimed when they started the car no lights shown and was able to reverse car. I was unable to reverse car, struggled and tugged feeling in the car. This is the 2nd time and they…”
filed Jul 10, 2026
“Rob bearing recall was performed on a 2018 Acura MDX at around 78,000 miles. After a long ordeal with Acura because the recall had not yet been extended to the 2018 MDX's yet, Honda agreed to replace the motor. The new replacement motor has already seized again with only 30,000 miles. Dealer has…”
filed May 13, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- Due to a manufacturing error, the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and…Campaign 23V751000 · Nov 13, 2023
- Timing belt teeth may separate from the beltCampaign 19V298000 · Apr 12, 2019
Related service bulletins
Service Bulletin - Under certain circumstances, after coming to a stop and engaging idle stop the vehicle may not restart automatically due to excessive cylinder pressure and/or low cranking torque. Typically, the…
B23-002 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 7, 2025Service Bulletin - The AWD warning light is on with one or more AWD DTCs having been set due to water intrusion into the electric oil pump motor connector area corrodes the terminals.
B24-022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 19, 2025Owner Notification Letter - Under certain circumstances, after coming to a stop and the idle stop feature engaging, the vehicle may not automatically restart. Acura is providing a product update with a new PGM-FI…
ONL6AX05292024 · Other · issued May 29, 2024
Engine problems in other MDX years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 MDX | 47 | 64% |
| 2024 MDX | 5 | 14% |
| 2023 MDX | 1 | 3% |
| 2022 MDX | 9 | 7% |
| 2020 MDX | 77 | 37% |
| 2019 MDX | 46 | 25% |
| 2017 MDX | 76 | 31% |
| 2016 MDX | 154 | 42% |
| 2015 MDX | 7 | 10% |
| 2014 MDX | 26 | 15% |
| 2013 MDX | 9 | 31% |
| 2012 MDX | 23 | 30% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2018 Acura MDX
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.