NHTSA FEDERAL EVIDENCE AUDITAudited: 2026-08-24

2019 Acura MDX Common Problems & Defect Telemetry

Authoritative defect intelligence synthesized from 184 verified NHTSA owner complaints, 9 federal safety recalls, and interquartile failure mileage telemetry.

Data Grade: HIGH14 Odometer Verified EntriesMethodology
Executive AI Defect Summary

The 2019 Acura MDX receives a 3.6/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 184 verified NHTSA federal complaints and 9 safety recalls. The primary reported failure mode is Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports with a median failure point at 52,600 miles (IQR: 28,34459,875 mi). Out-of-warranty repairs benchmark at $950 – $3,200 .

Acura MDX PlatformAcura MDX Series
DLC Port: Driver side lower dash assembly

*Representative vehicle platform imagery. Body styling varies across generations.

MazicBay Reliability Index
3.6 / 10

40.9 complaints / 10k sold

NHTSA Owner Complaints
184

Verified US federal records

Safety Severity Grade
Critical Risk

Crash, fire & stall audit

Federal Safety Recalls
9

9 Active / Free Remedies

Switch MDX Model Year (2014–2025)
Defect Clustering

Top Reported Problem Clusters (7)

Ranked by NHTSA Complaint Frequency
#1 ENGINE & COOLINGCritical Severity88% Match Confidence

Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports

90
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):52,600 milesIQR: 28,34459,875 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$950 – $3,200 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Out-of-Pocket / TSB RemedyNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Engine sudden stall / hesitation while driving
  • Abnormal oil burning / consumption
  • Check Engine Light (MIL) flashing
  • Engine overheating / coolant loss
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11745700 • Filed: 06/22/2026

On ..., while traveling at highway speeds on ..., the vehicle suffered a sudden, complete loss of engine propulsion. The vehicle rapidly decelerated, refused to respond to accelerator input, and forced itself into a dangerous "Limp Mode" in live traffic, creating an immediate ...

ODI #11736180 • Filed: 05/06/2026

I am reporting a recurring safety issue following the Acura rod bearing recall repair on my 2019 Acura MDX SH-AWD. The original recall resulted in catastrophic engine failure and Acura replaced the long block assembly. Since that repair, the vehicle has repeatedly failed and r...

ODI #11728714 • Filed: 04/02/2026

My car has stalled while driving on the highway multiple times now. The first time it happened, it lost power, stopped accelerating, and cycled through multiple warning lights, causing a significant safety risk. I pulled over and it restarted within minutes. I took it to a rep...

#2 TRANSMISSION & DRIVETRAINCritical Severity80% Match Confidence

Transmission Hesitation, Hard Shifting & Slipping Reports

51
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):44,318 milesIQR: 12,00052,600 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$1,400 – $3,800 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Hard gear shifts / delayed engagement into Drive/Reverse
  • Transmission shudder / jerking under acceleration
  • Transmission slipping between gears
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11757986 • Filed: 08/19/2026

The contact owns a 2019 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the driver’s and passenger’s side front seats shifted unexpectedly. The contact stated that there was an abnormal popping sound coming from the center of the seat backrest, which was fe...

ODI #11752240 • Filed: 07/22/2026

Car shifted on its own from drive to park right after warning lights stating Electrical Parking System then Emissions the Transmission came on while in stop and go traffic. Car had just come back from Acura mechanic 4 hours earlier as these warning lights had come when startin...

ODI #11746202 • Filed: 06/24/2026

While driving, the vehicle experienced a sudden internal mechanical and electronic transmission failure. Without warning, the vehicle shifted itself directly into Park while navigating the busy intersection of ... and .... This caused a complete loss of propulsion and left the...

#3 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM & BATTERYCritical Severity88% Match Confidence

Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports

44
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):4,088 milesIQR: 4,0884,088 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$280 – $850 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Unexplained battery drain after sitting overnight
  • Infotainment display / instrument cluster blackouts
  • Accessory malfunction / alternator fault warnings
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11752240 • Filed: 07/22/2026

Car shifted on its own from drive to park right after warning lights stating Electrical Parking System then Emissions the Transmission came on while in stop and go traffic. Car had just come back from Acura mechanic 4 hours earlier as these warning lights had come when startin...

ODI #11746803 • Filed: 06/26/2026

The subject 2019 Acura MDX model includes the tech package which adds several safety features that function through a windshield mounted camara/radar. The system has malfunctioned and none of the safety features are working. The dash displays the following messages: Collision ...

ODI #11746202 • Filed: 06/24/2026

While driving, the vehicle experienced a sudden internal mechanical and electronic transmission failure. Without warning, the vehicle shifted itself directly into Park while navigating the busy intersection of ... and .... This caused a complete loss of propulsion and left the...

#4 FUEL SYSTEM & INJECTIONMedium Severity78% Match Confidence

Fuel Pump Pressure Loss & Fuel Delivery Defect Reports

33
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):55,000 milesIQR: 35,00075,000 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$650 – $1,250 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Out-of-Pocket / TSB RemedyNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Sudden loss of propulsion power at highway speeds
  • Extended engine cranking / failure to restart
  • Fuel odor near fuel tank / engine bay
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11745700 • Filed: 06/22/2026

On ..., while traveling at highway speeds on ..., the vehicle suffered a sudden, complete loss of engine propulsion. The vehicle rapidly decelerated, refused to respond to accelerator input, and forced itself into a dangerous "Limp Mode" in live traffic, creating an immediate ...

ODI #11736180 • Filed: 05/06/2026

I am reporting a recurring safety issue following the Acura rod bearing recall repair on my 2019 Acura MDX SH-AWD. The original recall resulted in catastrophic engine failure and Acura replaced the long block assembly. Since that repair, the vehicle has repeatedly failed and r...

ODI #11702598 • Filed: 12/02/2025

Since the purchase of my Acura MDX 2019, the following problems have been reported to the dealership and to Honda Manufacturing Inc. without any resolution. The dealer shop has replaced recall parts, but the problems persist and have not gone away. The vehicle stalls and stops...

#5 BRAKING SYSTEM & ABSCritical Severity69% Match Confidence

Service Brakes, ABS Actuator & Master Cylinder Reports

32
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):105,254 milesIQR: 105,254105,254 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$350 – $1,100 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Spongy or hard brake pedal travel
  • ABS / Brake warning light illuminated
  • Extended stopping distance / pedal vibration
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11746803 • Filed: 06/26/2026

The subject 2019 Acura MDX model includes the tech package which adds several safety features that function through a windshield mounted camara/radar. The system has malfunctioned and none of the safety features are working. The dash displays the following messages: Collision ...

ODI #11744197 • Filed: 06/15/2026

Under normal driving conditions warning lights for "electric parking brake" and "emissions system problem" came on the dashboard and the 'brake' light began flashing. No change in performance. Auto parts store diagnostic indicated EVAP valve as the possible problem code, along...

ODI #11744263 • Filed: 06/15/2026Odometer: 105,254 mi

On 04/03/2026, 6:04 PM, Acura MDX 2019, Base, SH-AWD, at 105,254 miles on the odometer, posted U3000-49 control module internal electronic failure. The fault appears to be at the 36160-TYS-A02 camera assembly monocular results in a series of cascading errors on the dash with i...

#6 STEERING & SUSPENSIONMedium Severity68% Match Confidence

Electric Power Steering Assist & Suspension Noise Reports

14
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):12,000 milesIQR: 8,04422,638 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$450 – $1,400 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Out-of-Pocket / TSB RemedyNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Sudden loss of electric power steering assist
  • Steering wheel pull or highway wander
  • Clunking / knocking noise over bumps
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11740641 • Filed: 05/28/2026

Clunking or Looseness in the Outer Tie Rod. The issue is related to TSB-B23-019 Bulletin. The exact same issue is occurring that has happened with years 2022-2023. I have had at the dealership to fix the issue and they never mentioned the outer tie rod cotter pin or castle nut...

ODI #11728714 • Filed: 04/02/2026

My car has stalled while driving on the highway multiple times now. The first time it happened, it lost power, stopped accelerating, and cycled through multiple warning lights, causing a significant safety risk. I pulled over and it restarted within minutes. I took it to a rep...

ODI #11712458 • Filed: 01/21/2026

Factory wheels on Acura MDX cracking at low mileage under normal driving conditions. Structural failure concern.

#7 AIRBAGS & SAFETY RESTRAINTSCritical Severity66% Match Confidence

Airbag Occupant Detection & Inflator Defect Reports

3
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):105,254 milesIQR: 105,254105,254 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$400 – $1,200 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • SRS Airbag warning lamp illuminated
  • Passenger occupant classification sensor failure
  • Seat belt retractor lockup
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11744263 • Filed: 06/15/2026Odometer: 105,254 mi

On 04/03/2026, 6:04 PM, Acura MDX 2019, Base, SH-AWD, at 105,254 miles on the odometer, posted U3000-49 control module internal electronic failure. The fault appears to be at the 36160-TYS-A02 camera assembly monocular results in a series of cascading errors on the dash with i...

ODI #11725634 • Filed: 03/19/2026

While driving at 25 miles an hour on a smooth curving road out of a housing area my wife who was driving and my grand daughter in the front passenger seat heard a loud boom that sounded like somthing hit the roof. My grand daughter looked into the back passenger area and said ...

ODI #11430987 • Filed: 08/30/2021

The contact owns a 2019 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving approximately 3-4 mph, he depressed the brake pedal but it failed to respond. The contact drove into a pole. The brake message was displayed. There was no reported injuries, fire or air bag deployment. A ...

Safety Enforcement

Official NHTSA Safety Recalls (9)

100% Free Dealer Repair
NHTSA Campaign #21V215000Reported: 25/03/2021

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Acura MDX, MDX Sport Hybrid, RDX, TLX, Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Insight, 2019 Acura ILX, Honda Accord Hybrid, Civic Coupe, Civic Coupe Si, Civic Sedan, Civic Sedan Si, Civic Type R, Fit, HR-V, Odyssey, Passport, Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 CR-V vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Safety Consequence: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 18, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-314.
NHTSA Campaign #19V256000Reported: 28/03/2019

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Acura MDX and 2017-2019 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid vehicles. Moisture may enter the tailgate lid lights, possibly causing a loss of the tailgate lid lights and the taillights.

Safety Consequence: Loss of the taillights reduces the vehicle's visibility, increasing the risk of crash.
Manufacturer Remedy: Acura will notify owners, and dealers will modify the tailgate lid lights and install updated gaskets and a wiring sub-harness or will replace both tailgate lid lights. The repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2019. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is M49.
NHTSA Campaign #19V298000Reported: 12/04/2019

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS

Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Acura MDX and Honda Pilot vehicles and 2019 Acura RLX, RLX Sport Hybrid, TLX and Honda Odyssey and Ridgeline vehicles. The timing belt teeth may separate from the belt.

Safety Consequence: Teeth separation from the timing belt may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of crash.
Manufacturer Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle and replace any affected timing belt free of charge. Vehicles receiving a replacement timing belt will also have the engine inspected and any damaged components will be replaced for free. The recall began June 7, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is L4M. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is Z4L.
NHTSA Campaign #18V777000Reported: 01/11/2018

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Acura MDX, 2017-2018 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda HR-V and Honda Odyssey, and 2016 Honda HR-V vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating, causing gas pockets to form, reducing brake performance. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

Safety Consequence: A reduction of braking performance increases the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer Remedy: Owners will be notified, and Honda or Acura dealers will bleed the brakes, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are C31 and L30.
NHTSA Campaign #23V751000Reported: 13/11/2023

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, 2016 and 2018-2019 Pilot, 2017 and 2019 Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 Odyssey vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, damaging the engine.

Safety Consequence: A damaged engine may run improperly or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a fire, crash, or injury.
Manufacturer Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair, or replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 28, 2024. 2016-2017 Acura MDX owner letters were mailed November 1, 2024. 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed in mid-December 2024. Honda began mailing owner notification letters as of March 18, 2024. 2015-2016 Acura owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-December 2024, 2018 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed the end of March/early April 2024, 2019 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-May 2024, 2020 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-June 2024, and 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed January 27, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XG1 and GG0.
NHTSA Campaign #23V858000Reported: 18/12/2023

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Safety Consequence: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
NHTSA Campaign #25V259000Reported: 17/04/2025

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles. Moisture may enter the tailgate lid light assembly and wiring harness, which can cause the interior and exterior lights to fail, including the lid lights, position lights, license plate lights and taillights.

Safety Consequence: Vehicle lights that fail to illuminate can decrease visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer Remedy: Dealers will inspect the wiring and install a fuse harness, replace the lid light, and repair the body dust sealer, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 30, 2025. Owners may contact Acura's customer service at 1-800-382-2238. Acura's number for this recall is FLI. Vehicles included in this recall that were previously repaired under NHTSA recall number 19V-256 will need to have the new remedy completed.
NHTSA Campaign #26V332000Reported: 21/05/2026

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER

Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.

Safety Consequence: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
Manufacturer Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.
NHTSA Campaign #26V365000Reported: 04/06/2026

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

Summary: American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Honda Pilot, 2017-2023 Ridgeline, 2019-2023 Passport, and 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles that were sold in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. The rear subframe may corrode at the suspension mounting points, which can result in rear suspension component failure.

Safety Consequence: Failure of rear suspension components, such as the rear control arm, can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Manufacturer Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear subframe and install a rear subframe reinforcement kit and, as necessary, repair or replace the rear subframe components, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in the fall of 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are AOU and AOT. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning June 10, 2026.

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist for 2019 Acura MDX

Before purchasing a used 2019 Acura MDX, perform the following targeted inspections based on reported federal defect patterns:

1. Cold Start & Idle Diagnostics

Scan the OBD-II port under the dash for pending freeze-frame codes (e.g. P0300 misfires, P0087 fuel rail pressure, P0420 catalytic efficiency).

2. Transmission Shift Quality Audit

Test vehicle at low-speed stop-and-go and highway merges. Check for delayed reverse engagement or gear shift shudder between 2nd and 3rd gears.

3. Federal Recall Completion Check

Verify that all 9 NHTSA safety recall campaigns have been performed by an authorized dealership using the VIN.

4. Electrical & Infotainment Drain Check

Ensure the instrument cluster, center screen, and auxiliary charging ports operate with stable 12.0V–14.4V alternator voltage.

Frequently Answered Questions

Defect & Reliability Q&A: 2019 Acura MDX

Is the 2019 Acura MDX a reliable used car?

The 2019 Acura MDX earns a 3.6/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 184 federal owner reports. Vehicles maintained under factory service schedules exhibit strong longevity past 150,000 miles.

What is the most frequent defect reported on the 2019 Acura MDX?

The leading complaint category is Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports, with a median failure point around 52,600 miles (IQR: 28,34459,875 mi).

Are there free recall repairs available for the 2019 Acura MDX?

Yes, the NHTSA records 9 safety recall campaign(s) for this model year. All safety recalls are performed 100% free of charge by authorized franchise dealerships regardless of vehicle warranty status.