2018 Acura MDX power train problems
23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2018 Acura MDX — 14% 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
“Driving my Acura MDX on the highway, I hear a noticeable engine whine as I accelerate, and it rises in pitch when I take my foot off the accelerator.”
filed Jul 6, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Power Train problems in other MDX years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 MDX | 2 | 3% |
| 2024 MDX | 2 | 6% |
| 2023 MDX | 8 | 22% |
| 2022 MDX | 52 | 38% |
| 2020 MDX | 20 | 10% |
| 2019 MDX | 31 | 17% |
| 2017 MDX | 63 | 26% |
| 2016 MDX | 111 | 31% |
| 2015 MDX | 12 | 17% |
| 2014 MDX | 26 | 15% |
| 2013 MDX | 4 | 14% |
| 2012 MDX | 13 | 17% |
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.