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Model-year record

2010 Acura MDX
Image: Wikimedia Commons contributor · See source file

2010 Acura MDX

See the complaints, recalls, crash rating, and fuel economy in the public record. Then check the mileage and history of the car you found.

This page shows records, not a buy or avoid call.

The same model year can include a well-kept car and a neglected one. Use these records to plan what to check. Use the specific-car check when you know the mileage.

Complaints filed

45

Reports to NHTSA, 2010

Safety recalls

1

NHTSA campaigns on record

NHTSA crash test

Not rated

Overall NCAP rating

Combined MPG

18

EPA estimate

Known issues

Electrical System issues lead owner complaints (20% of 45 reports), followed by steering (13%).

Electrical System20% · 9 reports
Steering13% · 6 reports
Engine11% · 5 reports
Power Train11% · 5 reports
Unknown Or Other9% · 4 reports
Air Bags7% · 3 reports
Seat Belts7% · 3 reports
Structure7% · 3 reports

+ 5 more component categories with fewer reports.

Share of all 45 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11557109, ODI 10633536, ODI 11388720, ODI 10817431, ODI 10745698.

Individual complaint reports(45)

Showing the 45 most recent reports
StructureJul 2025 · ODI 11673735Details +

The contact owns a 2010 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while attempting to open the door, the contact’s grandson exited the vehicle, and the door closed independently. The contact stated that his daughter had experienced the door closing independently onto her right hand while exiting the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was diagnosed over the phone by the dealer, and the contact was informed that the door check strap needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred by the manufacturer to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 184,000.

Reported
Jul 2025
Incident date
Jul 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11673735 at NHTSA →
Power TrainApr 2025 · ODI 11655948Details +

SO my car had a torque converter recall at some point i was not notified of it to get it fixed. as such i drove it across the us and ended up making the transmission slip so bad that it would not go into gear anymore. since this i have taken it a dealership where the recall was performed after the fat and now they want me to buy a new transmission.

Reported
Apr 2025
Incident date
Apr 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11655948 at NHTSA →
VisibilitySep 2024 · ODI 11615437 · fireDetails +

The contact's wife owned a 2010 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while parked in his garage, the passenger's low beam headlamp was removed after it stopped illuminating. The contact observed then observed the driver's low beam heal lamp blinking. The contact stated after 10 minutes, he and his family observed a smokey odor in the house and retreated to the garage to inspect the origin of the odor. The contact then observed flames emanating from the passenger headlamp. The fire spread and within 45 minutes the entire house was engulfed in flames and the vehicle remained trapped under a collapsed roof. The fire was extinguished by the Fire Department and a police report was filed. The Fire Inspector determined that the fire originated from the vehicle. There were no injuries. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 240,000.

Reported
Sep 2024
Incident date
Sep 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Fire
Open ODI 11615437 at NHTSA →
StructureJun 2024 · ODI 11595518 · 4 injuriesDetails +

This is in reference to Acura Service Bulletin 14-032, Rear Side Body Plug is missing. Both my right and left side body plugs were missing, causing myself and family to experience symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning for at least a year. I had the exhaust system checked by Acura and and independent garage and they found no issues. I would not have know about the cause if I had not found it in a chat thread in an Acura online community. All owners need to be notified. THIS SHOULD BE A MANDATORY SAFETY RECALL for Acura MDX for 2010-2013.

Reported
Jun 2024
Incident date
Jun 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
4 injuries
Open ODI 11595518 at NHTSA →
Power TrainApr 2024 · ODI 11583911Details +

Massive consumption of oil2 qts every 1000 miles

Reported
Apr 2024
Incident date
Oct 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11583911 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherDec 2023 · ODI 11560634Details +

THE OIL ISSUE. WE BOUGHT A 2010 ACURA MDX FROM ANOTHER PERSON, UNAWARE THAT NO MATTER HOW MUCH OIL YOU PUT IN IT, IT DOES NOT LAST VERY LONG. I TRAVEL 60 MILES/DAY BETWEEN WORK AND PICK-UP KIDS AND HOME. THE OIL LASTS MAYBE 2 DAYS SAYS EMPTY AND WE NEVER NEED TO ADD MUCH FOR IT TO BE FULL. WE HAVE A TOYOTA SEQUOIA THAT IS BIGGER AND WE HAVE NO PROBLEMS WITH THIS ISSUE. HAD A HONDA DIDN'T HAVE THIS ISSUE, AND HAD A FEW PICK-UPS WITH OUT THIS ISSUE. ALL OLDER THAN THE ACURA.. THIS IS EXPENSIVE AND WHAT CAN WE DO TO FIX THIS??

Reported
Dec 2023
Incident date
Dec 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11560634 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemNov 2023 · ODI 11557109 · fireDetails +

My wife went to the grocery store and turned the car off. And upon doing so the car started smoking and she opened the hood and it was on fire. She opened the hood and put out the fire.

Reported
Nov 2023
Incident date
Nov 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Fire
Open ODI 11557109 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherJun 2023 · ODI 11529438Details +

Backup camera doesn’t function. This is a know. Problem in Honda and 1.2 M car has been recalled few days back. However there is no recall for MDX though same issue exist. If you check Acura MDX forum there are number of people complaining about back up camera and harness wire having issue.

Reported
Jun 2023
Incident date
Jun 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11529438 at NHTSA →
Air BagsJul 2021 · ODI 11424713Details +

Never been in accident, Srs warning on dash, so took to Acura service dept in November of 2020, they confirmed it's the opds unit & the opds sensor inside seat, said it's not the seatbelts, & no airbags will deploy if in accident, they want to charge $1700+tax, we are poor & can not afford that or to buy another vehicle, our safety of our family with kids are at risk if in a accident because we can not afford the charge to replace the parts

Reported
Jul 2021
Incident date
Nov 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11424713 at NHTSA →
EngineJun 2021 · ODI 11420938Details +

Car has repeatedly stalled in oncoming traffic over the last 4 months.

Reported
Jun 2021
Incident date
Jun 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11420938 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJan 2021 · ODI 11388720Details +

VEHICLE: 2010 ACURA MDX. I WAS ON HWY 395 AT NIGHT AND THE CHECK BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON. WE RECENTLY REPLACED THE BATTERY AND I FELT IT SAFE TO DRIVE TO THE NEXT TOWN TO HAVE THE BATTERY CHECKED BEFORE CONTINUING. WITHIN ABOUT 50 MILES, ALL OF THE OTHER WARNING LIGHTS COMING ON IN SUCCESSION. THERE WAS NO SHOULDER OR AREA TO PULL ON THIS SECTION OF HIGHWAY NEAR MONO LAKE AND WITHIN 30 SECONDS THE CAR LOST ALL POWER AND ALL THE LIGHTS WENT OUT. I TRIED TO TURN ON THE EMERGENCY FLASHERS AND THEY WOULDN'T WORK. I COULDN'T SEE THE ROAD AND WAS GOING TO RAM THE SIDE OF THE CAR INTO THE RAILING ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY TO TRY TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY AT NIGHT (STILL NO SHOULDER ON MY SIDE AND I COULDN'T SEE ANYTHING WITHOUT HEADLIGHTS) AND MY DAUGHTER THOUGHT TO TURN ON HER CELL FLASHLIGHT WHICH GAVE ME ENOUGH LIGHT TO COAST ONTO THE OPPOSITE SHOULDER FACING AGAINST TRAFFIC. OUR CAR WAS COMPLETELY DEAD AND WE ALSO HAD NO EMERGENCY LIGHTS. WE QUICKLY GOT OUT OUR CAMPING LANTERN AND WRAPPED OUR REFLECTIVE SAFETY ROPE AROUND THE CAR AND LUCKILY HAD CELLPHONE RECEPTION AND CALLED FOR ASSISTANCE. IT TOOK A CHP OFFICER OVER AN HOUR TO SHINE LIGHTS ON THE CAR AND ANOTHER 90 MINUTES FOR A TOW TRUCK TO ARRIVE. WE WERE TOWED TO MAMMOTH LAKES WHERE WE WERE TOLD THAT IT WAS THE BATTERY WHICH THEY REPLACED WHEN THEY OPENED IN TWO DAYS. PULLING OUT OF THE REPAIR SHOP, WE GOT A CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM LIGHT AND TURNED AROUND FINDING OUT IT WAS ACTUALLY THE ALTERNATOR WHICH WAS REPLACED THE NEXT DAY. MY CONCERNS ARE THAT WE SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN A CHARGING SYSTEM ALERT AND WHEN THE BATTERY DIED WE HAD NOTHING, NO POWER, HEADLIGHTS, TAILLIGHTS, OR EMERGENCY FLASHERS. IF WE WERE UNABLE TO GET THE CAR OFF OF THE HIGHWAY, I'M CERTAIN THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A BAD OUTCOME FOR US AND WHOMEVER WOULD HAVE SLAMMED INTO OUR CAR IN THE DARK.

Reported
Jan 2021
Incident date
Aug 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11388720 at NHTSA →
EngineMar 2020 · ODI 11319277Details +

MY VEHICLE STARTED TO BURN A LOT OF OIL I TOOK IT TO ACURA AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS INDEED BURNING A LOT OF OIL AND THAT THERE IS A RECALL FROM ACURA, BUT BECAUSE THERE ARE 215,000 MILES ON MY CAR THEY ARE NOT WANTING TO COVER IT. EVEN THOUGH I WAS NEVER TOLD OF THE RECALL AND BECAUSE OF A MECHANICAL ISSUE ON THEIR PART I SHOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST. IT'S NOT FAIR AT ALL.

Reported
Mar 2020
Incident date
Mar 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11319277 at NHTSA →
EngineNov 2019 · ODI 11280694Details +

THE ENGINE IS CONSUMING A LOT OF OIL, THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT THE PISTON RINGS NEEDS TO BE CHANGE BUT THE WARRANTY OR THE RECALL FOR THAT HAVE BEEN EXPIRED AND WOULDN'T ALLOW ME TO CHANGE THAT WITH THE DEALERSHIP

Reported
Nov 2019
Incident date
Mar 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11280694 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherAug 2019 · ODI 11245367Details +

WHENEVER THERE IS A HEAVY RAIN PRACTICALLY EVERY CODE FLASHES ON THE DASHBOARD. I'VE ALREADY HAD THE ACURA DEALER SUPPOSEDLY FIX THIS PROBLEM AT A COST OF $499.52, A YEAR AGO. IT HAPPENED AGAIN TWO WEEKS AGO AFTER A HEAVY RAINSTORM BUT THE NEXT DAY EVERYTHING WAS BACK TO NORMAL. HAPPENED AGAIN 2 DAYS AGO, AGAIN THERE WAS A HEAVY RAIN STORM. BASED ON ONLINE COMPLAINTS WATER SEEMS TO BE GETTING INTO THE DRIVER KICK PANEL FUSE BLOCK AREA AND IS CAUSING RUST. I WOULD THINK THIS IS A DESIGN DEFECT.

Reported
Aug 2019
Incident date
Aug 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11245367 at NHTSA →
EngineJul 2019 · ODI 11232788Details +

ENGINE HAS QUIT SUDDENLY WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING ON 3 OR 4 OCCASIONS. HAVE BEEN ABLE TO RESTART BY TURNING IGNITION SWITCH TO OFF (WHICH REQUIRES VEHICLE TO BE PUT INTO PARK) THEN TURNED BACK TO START. LATEST INCIDENT WAS ON A DIVIDED CITY STREET YESTERDAY WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT JUST PAST A RAILROAD CROSSING; VEHICLE BEHIND ME HAD STOPPED ON THE RAILROAD TRACK. AS THE TRAFFIC LIGHT CHANGED TO GREEN A TRAIN WAS APPROACHING...WITH CROSSING GATES COMING DOWN AND RED LIGHTS FLASHING. THAT'S WHEN MY ENGINE JUST SUDDENLY STOPPED RUNNING. DRIVER BEHIND ME STARTED FRANTICALLY BLOWING HIS HORN. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE AND DRIVE AWAY WHICH ALLOWED THE CAR BEHIND ME TO GET OFF THE TRACK. OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE IN THE AREA WAS 80 DEGREES PER NWS. I HAVE WONDERED IF MY VEHICLE'S BLUETOOTH COULD BE AFFECTING THE ENGINE IGNITION OR COMPUTER IN SOME WAY SO AS TO CAUSE THE ENGINE TO SUDDENLY STOP. SO, SOME WEEKS AGO I TURNED THE VEHICLE'S BLUETOOTH OFF. I HAD NO MORE ENGINE STOPPAGES UNTIL YESTERDAY WHEN THE RAILROAD CROSSING GATES AND RED LIGHTS ACTIVATED CLOSE BY. NOW WONDERING IF THERE COULD BE SOME TYPE OF RADIO WAVE OR ELECTRICAL TRIGGER INVOLVED IN THIS ENGINE STOPPAGE PROBLEM.

Reported
Jul 2019
Incident date
Jul 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11232788 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJun 2019 · ODI 11221926Details +

BOUGHT THE CAR BRAND NEW OFF THE LOT. IT STARTED HAVING ISSUES SOON AFTER PURCHASE. TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND TREATED ME AS IF I WAS A CRAZY FEMALE DRIVER. WAS TOLD THAT OUR PURCHASE INCLUDED OIL CHANGES FOR THE FIRST YEAR AND A 100,000 MILE WARRANTY, WHICH THEY CONVENIENTLY COULDN'T FIND AND WE MOVED SO I CAN'T FIND OUR PAPERWORK. ISSUE HAS ONLY GOTTEN WORSE OVER THE YEARS. IT ACTS LIKE IT DOESN'T KNOW WHICH GEAR IT WANTS TO BE IN. IT CAUSES A SHUDDER FEELING LIKE YOU ARE DRIVING OVER RUMBLE STRIPS. AFTER SEARCHING ON THE INTERNET, I FIND THAT THE TRANSMISSION, TORQUE CONVERTER, AND TRANSMISSION SOFTWARE HAS BEEN A PROBLEM FOR YEARS IN THE MDXS, BUT I NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE. ACCORDING TO THE RECALL LETTER THAT ACURA SENT OUT TO OTHER PEOPLE, THEY CALL IT A TRANSMISSION JUDDER. I AM CALLING A NEW DEALERSHIP FOR AN APPOINTMENT AND PLAN ON MAKING A MECHANIC RIDE WITH ME TO PROVE WHAT'S GOING ON. I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. YOUR SYSTEM WANTS ME TO ENTER A DATE FOR THEN THIS HAPPENED. IT BEGAN IN OCTOBER OF 2009, HAS BEEN ONGOING, AND HAS GOTTEN WORSE. THE CAR HAD 21 MILES ON IT WHEN I DROVE IT OFF THE LOT. NOW IT HAS 120,000+. THE ISSUES BEING ON ACCELERATION AND CONTINUES UNTIL AT LEAST 60MPH, EVEN AT HIGHER SPEEDS IF I TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR IN TRAFFIC OR TRY TO GO UP A HILL UNTIL THE NEXT GEAR KICKS IN BECAUSE IT IS SLUGGISH WHEN YOU PRESS THE ACCELERATOR DOWN EVEN TO THE FLOORBOARD.

Reported
Jun 2019
Incident date
Oct 2009
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11221926 at NHTSA →
SteeringApr 2019 · ODI 11195787Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE PRODUCED A LOUD RUBBING NOISE AND SHOOK VIOLENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE ROAD SHOULDER. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE TO DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO ACURA PEABODY (233 ANDOVER ST, PEABODY, MA 01960, (978) 532-9110) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE TEST COULD NOT READ THE CODES. THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURES. CONSUMER WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THE TIRE NEEDED TO BE TORQUED THEY ALSO ROTATED ALL THE TIRES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES AND DID NOT ASSIST DUE TO THE EXPIRED WARRANTY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000. *BF*JB

Reported
Apr 2019
Incident date
Mar 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11195787 at NHTSA →
SuspensionJan 2019 · ODI 11170113Details +

RECEIVED A NOV 2016 LETTER FROM ACURA HQ. TORRANCE , CA THAT THERE WAS A WARRANTY EXTENSION ON 2007-2013 ACURA MDX WITH FRONT & REAR ACTIVE DAMPERS, MAY HAVE HARD TO DETECT LEAKS ESPECIALLY ON FRONT SUSPENSION. I HAD PURCHASED MY ONE OWNER 2010 MDX ADVANCE OVER A YEAR BEFORE, BUT ALMOST IMMEDIATELY AFTER PURCHASE FOUND THE REAR COULD NOT BE ALIGNED PROPERLY...THIS AFTER 3-4 ALIGNMENTS & NOTICED MY NEW MICHELIN TIRES WERE WEARING NOTCHED. WELL UPON FINDING OUT ABOUT THE ABOVE DEFECT & ALSO FINDING THE PRICE TO REPLACE THESE 4 ELECTONIC MAGNETIC SHOCKS WERE IN THE $2500 BALLPARK FOR PARTS, PLUS LABOR ADDITIONALLY, AS A 72 YR. OLD MARINE CORPS VETERAN W/LIMITED INCOME, I WAS IN A STATE OF SHOCK UPON FINDING FURTHER THAT ACURA REFUSED TO REPLACE THESE DIRECTLY SAFETY RELATED EXPENSIVE SHOCK ABSORBERS EVEN THOUGH THEY STATED IN LETTER THEY WOULD REPLACE EVEN WITH MULTIPLE PREVIOUS OWNERS. MY MILEAGE WAS JUST OVER THEIR IMPOSED LIMITATIONS & WOULD NOT BRING THE VEHICLE TO SAFETY STANDARDS EVEN THOUGH I ASKED & APPEALED AS A LONG TIME HONDA/ACURA CUSTOMER. SO THESE TOTALLY UNSAFE SUSPENSION PARTS ARE STILL ON MY ACURA. FURTHERMORE ON 1/6/19 I HIT A SLIGHT BUMP ON AN INTERSTATE HWY AT ABOUT THE 70MPH SPEED LIMIT. THE VEHICLE LOST CONTACT WITH ROADWAY APPARENTLY & UPON COMING BACK TO PAVEMENT, VEERED WILDLY INTO & OUT OF BOTH LANES OF INTERSTATE PLUS ALMOST TURNING OVER AS TIRES SEEMED TO "OUT OF CONTROL" GRAB PAVEMENT BUT ALMOST UNSTEERABLE. IN 56 YRS OF DRIVING, I'VE NEVER EVER HAD ANYTHING CLOSE TO THAT HAPPENING...SO ACURA I APPEAL TO YOU TO DO THE RIGHT THING IN THIS MATTER PLUS FOR THOSE OTHER 7 YEARS OF ACTIVE DAMPER PROBLEMS OF MANUFACTURE DEFECT ORIGIN. WE NOTICE THE PART #'S ARE CHANGED, SO THERE HAS TO HAVE BEEN AN UPGRADE IN SOLVING THIS PROBLEM, WE TRUST. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PROMPT ATTENTION TO THIS CRITICAL SAFETY MATTER.

Reported
Jan 2019
Incident date
Jan 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11170113 at NHTSA →
SeatsJan 2018 · ODI 11063792Details +

EXCESSIVE OIL USE. 2 QUARTS EVERY 1500 MILES. VSA CHECK TRAILER ASSIST CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON OFTEN.

Reported
Jan 2018
Incident date
Oct 2014
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11063792 at NHTSA →
EngineSep 2017 · ODI 11023015Details +

MY ACURA VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION AT LEVELS THAT REQUIRE THE ADDITION OF ENGINE OIL BETWEEN ACURA'S RECOMMENDED OIL CHANGE INTERVALS. WHEN PRESENTED THE CAR TO ACURA FOR REPAIR AI WAS INFORMED THAT ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION IS CONSIDERED NORMAL.

Reported
Sep 2017
Incident date
May 2015
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11023015 at NHTSA →
SteeringMay 2017 · ODI 10992272 · fireDetails +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 ACURA MDX. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, AN ABNORMAL CRANKING SOUND WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT NOTICED SPARKS COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. ON THE THIRD ATTEMPT TO START THE VEHICLE, IT FAILED TO OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,200. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.

Reported
May 2017
Incident date
May 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Fire
Open ODI 10992272 at NHTSA →
SteeringMay 2017 · ODI 10984415Details +

THE STEERING HAS BEEN A PROBLEM SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN 2013. THE STEERING WHEEL IS REALLY TIGHT. I AM NOT ABLE TO PERFORM A "K" TURN, WITHOUT EXTREME PHYSICAL EXERTION.

Reported
May 2017
Incident date
Jan 2014
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10984415 at NHTSA →
Air BagsJan 2017 · ODI 10944333 · crash · 2 injuriesDetails +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 ACURA MDX. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED PINCHED NERVE DAMAGE TO THE LEFT SIDE OF THE BODY AND TWO BULGED DISCS IN THE BACK THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE RIGHT LEG AND A DISLOCATED DISC IN THE BACK THAT ALSO REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND THE BODY DAMAGE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Reported
Jan 2017
Incident date
Nov 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash 2 injuries
Open ODI 10944333 at NHTSA →
Air BagsJul 2016 · ODI 10884440Details +

TAKATA INFLATORS DEAR NHTSA, I HAVE THE FOLLOWING QUESTION THAT I WAS HOPING YOU COULD ANSWER FOR ME: EVERY 2010 ACURA VEHICLE IS RECALLED WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE MDX, HOW IS IT THAT THE MDX IS NOT ON THE LIST? DID THEY USE A DIFFERENT AIRBAG CONFIGURATION IN THE MDX THAT THEY DID NOT USE IN ALL OTHER MODELS, THAT DOES NOT SOUND LIKE IT WOULD BE COST EFFECTIVE FOR HONDA? MY WIFE'S 2010 TL WAS ONLY RECENTLY ADDED TO THE LIST (~3 MONTHS AGO), SO I WOULD NOT BE SURPRISED TO SEE THE MDX APPEAR ON THE LIST NEXT MONTH. I AM INQUIRING BECAUSE, QUITE FRANKLY, I DO NOT WANT TO DRIVE THE MDX IF THE AIRBAG IS SUSPECT. BEST REGARDS, CONCERNED ACURA OWNER

Reported
Jul 2016
Incident date
Jul 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10884440 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherJun 2016 · ODI 10873194 · crashDetails +

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON A STATE ROAD. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN FROM THE LEFT LANE THE KEY BLADE SEPARATED FROM THE KEY FOB AND FELL TO THE FLOOR. THE KEY FOB HAS A ENGINE IMMOBILIZER AND WHEN IT FELL THE ENGINE SHUT OFF. WITH NO POWER STEERING OR BRAKES THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT TURN PROPERLY WHICH CAUSED IT TO GO STRAIGHT INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE IN THE RIGHT TURN LANE. I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY DEFECT OF THE KEY DESIGN. THE KEY BLADE POPS OPEN FROM THE FOB AND GETS LOOSE AS TIME GOES BY. THE MANUFACTURER'S POSITION IS THIS IN NOT A DEFECT BUT NORMAL WEAR. A $50,000 VEHICLE LESS THAN SIX YEARS OLD SHOULD NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM. ESPECIALLY WHEN IT CAN BREAK ANYTIME AND CAUSE A ACCIDENT LIKE MY WIFE HAD.

Reported
Jun 2016
Incident date
May 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash
Open ODI 10873194 at NHTSA →
Seat BeltsFeb 2016 · ODI 10838343 · 1 injuriesDetails +

CPSC: 2010 ACURA MDX: CONSUMER STATED THE CHILD CHOKED ON THE HANGING STRAP FROM THE CEILING WHICH CAUSED HIM TO BE HOSPITALIZED. *SS

Reported
Feb 2016
Incident date
Jan 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
1 injuries
Open ODI 10838343 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJan 2016 · ODI 10817431Details +

THE POWER LIFT GATE WON'T CLOSE WITH PUSH OF THE BUTTON FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND THE BUTTON ON THE POWER LIFT GATE. IT WOULD MAKE SEVERAL BEEPING NOISE AND THE LIFTGATE WOULD NOT CLOSE. IT WOULD HAVE TO BE DONE MANUALLY BY HAND TO CLOSE IT. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY DONE WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY.

Reported
Jan 2016
Incident date
Aug 2015
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10817431 at NHTSA →
Power TrainDec 2015 · ODI 10811150Details +

I HAVE BEEN A PROUDLY HONDA/ACURA CUSTOMER FOR LAST 20 YEARS. IN NOVEMBER, MY WIFE ACURA MDX 2010 WHICH HAS TRANSMISSION FLUID CHANGED EVERY 9000 MILES / 1 YEAR AND LESS THAN 50000 MILES ON ODOMETER SUDDENLY HAD STRONG SHUDDER/VIBRATION ( LIKE ANOTHER IS HITTING BEHIND OR THE CAR ITSELF IS RUNNING OVER THE BIG ROCK) AND IT WAS STRUGGLING TO GO OVER 40 MPH WHEN PRESSING ON GAS PADDLE. THE ISSUE WAS NOT REPRODUCIBLE AT DEALER AFTER WE TURNED OFF AND ON THE ENGINE. TODAY ON DECEMBER 17 2015, THE ISSUE HAPPENED AGAIN AND WE WERE ABLE TO SHOW TO THE TECHNICIAN AT SOUTH COAST ACURA AND THE TECHNICIAN ACKNOWLEDGED IT AFTER TEST DRIVE AS WELL AS NOTED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID SMELLED LIKE OVER BURNT OIL. STILL HE STILL NEEDS TO PERFORM DIFFERENT/ADDITIONAL DIAGNOSTIC TESTS UNTIL TOMORROW. THE MAIN REASON THAT I BOUGHT MDX 2010 5 YEARS AGO IS SAFETY FOR MY KIDS AND MY WIFE. IF THE ISSUE IS NOT IDENTIFIED AND RESOLVED TOMORROW THEN I EXTREMELY WORRY ABOUT THE SAFETY FOR MY FAMILY AS THEY WILL HAVE TO CONTINUE TO COMMUTE IN UNSAFE CAR WHICH CANNOT DELIVER ITS BASIC DRIVING FUNCTION NORMALLY. I HOPE ACURA WOULD STEP UP TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION/TORQUE EVEN IF DIAGNOSTIC TEST WILL OR WILL NOT IDENTIFY THE ROOT CAUSE AS I STRONGLY BELIEVE IT IS A SIGN OF BAD TRANSMISSION AND/OR CONVERTER TOGETHER BASED ON MY RESEARCH VIA ONLINE FORUM.

Reported
Dec 2015
Incident date
Dec 2015
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10811150 at NHTSA →
SteeringDec 2015 · ODI 10808739 · crashDetails +

WHILE MAKING LEFT TURN INTO A ROAD AT A SIGNAL TRAVELING AT 30 MPH - 35 MPH IN MOTION, ENGINE RUNNING - ALL OF A SUDDEN VEHICLE STEERING LOCKED AND COULDN'T STRAIGHTEN AGAIN. MY WIFE ENDED UP CRASHING INTO A ROAD DIVIDER LUCKILY IT WAS AROUND 10:30 PM IN THE NIGHT AND DIDN'T HAVE VEHICLES EITHER ONCOMING OR BEHIND. SHE TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE AND RESTARTED AGAIN, VEHICLE ACTED NORMAL. SHE PULLED OVER TO THE CURB FOR SAFETY. DEALERS REPORTED THEY COULDN'T REPRODUCE THIS ISSUE. BUT DEALER SAID CONTROL ARM WAS VISIBLY BENT AND NEED TO BE REPLACED WITHOUT LINKING REASON FOR THE MAIN ISSUE. I SPOKE TO ACURA CLIENT RELATIONS TO HEAR THEY CANNOT DO MUCH EITHER SINCE DEALER CANNOT REPRODUCE. IT SEEMS LIKE THERE MAY BE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT WITH THIS VEHICLE AND NO ONE AT HOME WANTS TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE AFTER THIS INCIDENT.

Reported
Dec 2015
Incident date
Dec 2015
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash
Open ODI 10808739 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemAug 2015 · ODI 10745698Details +

AFTER PURCHASING MY 2012 ACURA MDX BACK IN APRIL 2012 JUST A FEW WEEKS LATER OF THIS DATE MY VEHICLE PRESENTED AN ISSUE WITH THE DRIVER CAR SEAT MOTOR, AS IN NOT WORKING PROPERLY AND SAFELY ENOUGH TO ACCOMMODATE THE HEIGHT OF THE SEAT TO MY NEEDS. AS SOON AS THIS HAPPENED I CALLED IT IN AND WAS REQUESTED TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIR. FEW MONTHS WENT BY UNTIL THE SAME ISSUE OCCURRED AND HERE I AM UNABLE TO SIT SAFELY AND PROPERLY DUE TO THE SEAT BASE NOT WORKING AGAIN. FOR THE SECOND TIME THE VEHICLE WAS CALLED IN AND BROUGHT IN FOR A SUPPOSED NEW/ORIGINAL PART CHANGE. THE SERVICE DEPT MANAGER OVER AT ACURA OF BOSTON HAD TOLD ME THE SECOND TIME THAT THIS WILL FULLY BE REPAIRED AND THAT IT SHOULDN'T REOCCUR. ON JUNE 2015 THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM REOCCURS AND HERE I AM DRIVING AROUND WITH A PILLOW BECAUSE THE SEAT BASE IS NOT WORKING AT ALL THEREFORE SEAT CANNOT BE LEVELED TO MY HEIGHT. I AM EXTREMELY TIRED AND VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH THIS VEHICLE DUE TO THIS ONGOING PROBLEM WHICH FOR ME SEEMS TO BE A MECHANICAL DEFECT FROM THE ORIGINAL FABRICATION.

Reported
Aug 2015
Incident date
Jun 2012
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10745698 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJun 2015 · ODI 10723890Details +

THE VEHICLE WAS STRANDED ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS AND WOULD NOT START. THE BATTERY STILL WORKED. THE DEALERSHIP, HENDRICK'S ACURA IN CHARLOTTE, NC, REPLACED A FUSE TWICE AND REMOVED THE AUTOMATIC STARTER AND REPLACED A WIRE. TODAY, THE CAR WOULD NOT START AGAIN. IT HAS LESS THAN 35000 MILES ON IT. A VEHICLE THAT CANNOT START AND GETS STRANDED MULTIPLE TIMES CREATE A SAFETY HAZARD. MOREOVER THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOT SURE WHAT WAS CAUSING THE PROBLEM, BUT CHARGED US TO TRY TO FIGURE IT OUT.

Reported
Jun 2015
Incident date
Jun 2015
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10723890 at NHTSA →
Seat BeltsDec 2014 · ODI 10661657Details +

PARTIALLY CLOSED DRIVERS DOOR ON SEAT BELT. OPENED DOOR REMOVED SEAT BELT. THEN AFTER DRIVING HOME I WAS UNABLE TO OPEN THE DRIVERS DOOR WITH OR WITHOUT THE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS NOR FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE OR WITH A KEY. HAD TO CLIMB OUT OF THE CAR OVER THE CENTER CONSOLE OR OUT THE WINDOW. THIS SEEMS LIKE SOMETHING THAT SHOULD NOT HAPPEN AND A SAFETY CONCERN IF NEEDING TO EXIT THE CAR SWIFTLY. *JS

Reported
Dec 2014
Incident date
Nov 2014
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10661657 at NHTSA →
Exterior LightingSep 2014 · ODI 10640238Details +

ACURA'S MDX HAS INSUFFICIENT BACK-UP LIGHTING, WHICH MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE TO SAFELY BACK UP AT NIGHT. IT ALSO RENDERS THE BACK-UP CAMERA USELESS. THE ACURA SERVICE DEPARTMENT WAS UNABLE TO ADVICE ON A SOLUTION; AS THEY TELL YOU TO MOVE THE NAVIGATION DIAL TO BRIGHTEN THE LIGHT, BUT THAT DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT THIS PROBLEM ONLY EXISTS IF THERE IS NO ADDITIONAL STREET LIGHTING THAT COULD ASSIST WITH ILLUMINATING THE AREA BEHIND THE VEHICLE. THEREFORE, DRIVERS WHO LIVE IN A WELL-LIT COMMUNITY (CITY) MAY NOT NOTICE THE PROBLEM. BUT BACKING UP ON A COUNTRY ROAD, OR SOMEWHERE WITH NO OTHER ARTIFICIAL (STREET) LIGHTING, THERE'S NO SAFE WAY TO BACK UP MY ACURA. THE BACKUP LIGHTING IS SIMPLY INSUFFICIENT AND DOES NOT OFFER A WAY TO SAFELY BACK-UP THE VEHICLE. *TR

Reported
Sep 2014
Incident date
Nov 2011
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10640238 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemSep 2014 · ODI 10633536 · fireDetails +

I WANTED TO REPORT A RECENT INCIDENT ON AUG 23RD IN WHICH THE ENGINE OF MY MDX CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED WHILE I WAS DRIVING AT 7:30 PM. I HAD TO PULL THE CAR OVER AND DIALED 911. SUBSEQUENTLY THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT USING A FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. ALL OF THIS HAPPENED WITHIN THE SPACE OF 2 MINUTES WITH NO APPARENT REASON. THE CAR WAS TOWED BY THE POLICE AND PLACED IN AN IMPOUND LOT. MY INSURANCE COMPANY GEICO AFTER EXAMINING THE DAMAGE INFORMED ME THAT THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOTALED DUE TO SAFETY CONCERNS. THE ENGINE WAS PARTIALLY CHEWED OFF DUE TO THE FIRE. THE CONCERNS I HAVE BASED ON THIS INCIDENT ARE THE FOLLOWING: 1. I DID NOT GET ANY KIND OF WARNING FROM THE COMPUTER OR DASHBOARD WHILE THIS INCIDENT WAS OCCURRING. 2. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. 3. MY CAR WAS SERVICED JUST A WEEK PRIOR AT POHANKA ACURA AND RECEIVED A CLEAN SAFETY RECORD. 4. MY CAR WAS IMPECCABLY SERVICED AND MAINTAINED WITH A MILEAGE OF ONLY 31,000 MILES. 5. I HAVE NOT UNDERSTOOD WHAT CAUSED THIS INCIDENT. I SPOKE TO ACURA AND THE DEALER POHANKA ACURA BUT RECEIVED NO CLEAR EXPLANATION OF WHY THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED. *TR

Reported
Sep 2014
Incident date
Aug 2014
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Fire
Open ODI 10633536 at NHTSA →
SteeringMar 2014 · ODI 10573765Details +

BEGAN LEAKING FLUID, THE ACURA DEALERSHIP SAID IT IS THE STEERING RACK AND PINION. REPAIR COST $1800!!! THIS IS AFTER HAVING THE POWER STEERING PUMP REPLACED X3. I AM NOT IMPRESSED WITH ACURA AT ALL AND WILL PROBABLY TRADE THIS MONEY PIT IN :( I DO NOT KNOW HOW ACURA HAS SUCH A REPUTATION FOR BEING A WELL MADE VEHICLE. *TR

Reported
Mar 2014
Incident date
Mar 2014
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10573765 at NHTSA →
Exterior LightingNov 2013 · ODI 10553749 · crashDetails +

ON 2 DIFFERENT TIMES MY VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. THE FIRST TIME WAS ON OR ABOUT MAY 24, 2011. I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE OF AN APARTMENT COMPLEX. IT WAS AROUND 5:30 PM. I WAS DRIVING SLOWLY (BETWEEN 2-3 MPH) AS THERE WAS A CONSTRUCTION CREW WORKING DIRECTLY BEHIND THE PARKING SPACE IN WHICH I WAS GOING TO PARK. I WAS MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN INTO THE PARKING SPACE. AS I PROCEEDED INTO THE PARKING SPACE MY LEFT FOOT WAS ON THE FLOOR AND MY RIGHT FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE, ALTERNATING BETWEEN BRAKING AND IDLING. I WAS NOT USING THE ACCELERATOR, JUST THE BRAKE AND THE IDLING ENGINE. AS I APPROACHED THE CURB TO MY FINAL STOP, THE CAR SUDDENLY LUNGED FORWARD OVER THE CURB AND HIT A TREE. I REPORTED THESE DETAILS TO THE ACURA DEALERSHIP WHEN I TOOK THE CAR IN FOR REPAIRS. I TOLD THE REPRESENTATIVE THAT SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH THE CAR AND THEY NEEDED TO CHECK THE ACCELERATION. ABOUT A MONTH LATER MY CAR WAS RETURNED TO ME AND THE REPRESENTATIVE AT THE DEALERSHIP SAID THEY DID NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH ACCELERATOR. ABOUT 10 MONTHS LATER (MARCH 2013) A SIMILAR ACCELERATION HAPPENED. THIS TIME I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE IN A PARKING LOT. I ENTERED THE PARKING SPACE BY MAKING A RIGHT TURN. MY LEFT FOOT WAS ON THE FLOOR; MY RIGHT FOOT WAS ON THE BREAK. THERE WAS ONLY 1 OTHER CAR IN THE PARKING LOT. IT WAS ABOUT 10:30 AM. I WAS ALTERNATING BETWEEN BRAKING AND IDLING. JUST BEFORE THE FINAL STOP THE CAR LUNGED FORWARD HITTING A BRICK WALL. THE DEALERSHIP RECOGNIZED ME FROM MY PREVIOUS VISIT. I TOLD THE REPRESENTATIVE WHAT HAPPENED. I TOLD HIM THAT SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH THE CAR IT IS NOT SUPPOSE TO ACCELERATE LIKE IT DID. ONCE AGAIN THE CAR WAS REPAIRED AND I WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. I SAID THIS CAR IS A SAFETY HAZARD; I AM NOT GOING TO DRIVE THE CAR. I LEFT THE CAR THERE. *TR

Reported
Nov 2013
Incident date
May 2012
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash
Open ODI 10553749 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesDec 2012 · ODI 10490208 · crashDetails +

I WAS DRIVING AND PRIOR TO HITTING MY BRAKES, SEVERAL ALERT MESSAGES POPPED UP AND A VOICE STARTED READING THEM OUT. THE MESSAGES ARE STILL SAVED ON THE ACURA'S COMPUTER, BUT SINCE THE CAR IS IN THE SHOP RIGHT NOW, I DON'T HAVE ACCESS TO RECALL THEM EXACTLY. THE ONLY ONE I REMEMBER SAID THAT THE VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST AND TCS MAY NOT OPERATE AND IT TRIED TO DIRECT ME TO FIND THE NEAREST ACURA DEALERSHIP. THERE WAS ALSO A MESSAGE ABOUT ABS. WHEN I PRESSED THE BRAKES, THERE WAS MINIMAL RESISTANCE, AND THE CAR DIDN'T STOP WHATSOEVER. IT DIDN'T SKID OR SLIDE, THERE WAS NO BRAKE PRESSURE AT ALL. I HAD A FEW SECONDS TO DECIDE IF I WANTED TO: PULL INTO A DITCH AND PROBABLY FLIP THE SUV, PULL INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC, OR HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME THAT WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. I ENDED UP CHOOSING THE LATTER AND HITTING THE CAR, AFTER MY CAR DIDN'T DECELERATE OR BRAKE WHATSOEVER. THE ALERT MESSAGES REMAINED ACCESSIBLE ON THE COMPUTER OF THE CAR AFTER THE ACCIDENT AND I CAN RETRIEVE THEM AFTER THE CAR IS REPAIRED. THERE WAS SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE FRONT OF THE SUV, BUT I AM OBVIOUSLY MOST CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THE CAR BEING THAT THE BRAKES WERE NOT FUNCTIONAL DURING TO THE ACCIDENT WHATSOEVER. THE BRAKES WERE FUNCTIONAL AFTER THE ACCIDENT AND THE CAR HAD BEEN RESTARTED, SO THE PROBLEM IS CONCERNING FOR SURE, BUT INTERMITTENT. *TR

Reported
Dec 2012
Incident date
Dec 2012
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash
Open ODI 10490208 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemNov 2012 · ODI 10485847Details +

I AM WRITING WITH RESPECT TO A DEFECT IN A 2010 ACURA MDX (VEHICLE ID #: [XXX]) THAT I PREVIOUSLY LEASED. ON AUGUST 27, 2012, MY WIFE WAS DRIVING SAID VEHICLE ON THE MERRITT PARKWAY IN CT. THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND ENGINE OF THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION AND MY WIFE LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR AND COULD NOT BRING THE CAR TO A STOP AND EVENTUALLY THE CAR ROLLED TO A STOP. MY WIFE WAS TERRIFIED BY THE INCIDENT AND CALLED 9-1-1. AFTER WAITING A WHILE, THE CAR WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED AND WE BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER WHERE WE HAD LEASED THE AUTOMOBILE. THE DEALER RAN A SERIES OF TESTS BUT COULD NOT IDENTIFY A REASON FOR WHAT HAPPENED, AND DROVE THE CAR FOR SEVERAL MINUTES, BUT TOLD US THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. WE WERE, OF COURSE, NO LONGER COMFORTABLE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND IMMEDIATELY TERMINATED THE LEASE. I SUBSEQUENTLY HAD A SERIES OF COMMUNICATIONS WITH ACURA CLIENT RELATIONS AT 1919 TORRANCE BLVD. M/S 500-2N7E, TORRANCE, CA 90501-2746 (800-382-2238) DURING WHICH I ULTIMATELY LEARNED THAT THERE WERE ADDITIONAL TESTS THAT ACURA COULD HAVE PERFORMED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. I INQUIRED AS TO WHAT THOSE TESTS WERE, WHETHER THOSE TESTS WERE PERFORMED ON THE CAR AND, IF SO, WHAT THE TEST RESULTS SHOWED, AND IF THE CAR WAS ULTIMATELY REPAIRED. HOWEVER, I DID NOT RECEIVE ANY RESPONSE FROM ACURA. ACCORDINGLY, I AM WRITING TO ADVISE THE NHTSA OF THE ABOVE, AND TO SEEK THE ASSISTANCE OF THE NHTSA IN OBTAINING ANSWERS TO THE QUESTIONS THAT I HAVE ASKED ACURA. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).*TR

Reported
Nov 2012
Incident date
Aug 2012
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10485847 at NHTSA →
StructureOct 2012 · ODI 10478446Details +

EXHAUST ENTERING CABIN WHILE UNDER ACCELERATION OR UNDER LOAD. THE EXHAUST ENTERED CABIN ESPECIALLY WHEN THE HVAC SYSTEM WAS IN "RECIRC" THE DEALER AND ACURA WERE UNABLE TO FIND THE PROBLEM AFTER MULTIPLE VISITS. I DOCUMENTED THAT CARBON MONOXIDE WAS BUILDING UP INSIDE TO ALARMING LEVELS USING A REAL-TIME INDUSTRIAL GAS DETECTOR LEVELS EXCEEDING 160PPM WHILE PULLING A ~3000 LBS BOAT ON THE INTERSTATE WITH A SLIGHT HEAD WIND. (BEING MEASURED FROM FRONT SEAT/ I HAVE VIDEO RECORDINGS OF THIS AND OTHER DOCUMENTATION SHOWING THE BUILDUP AFTER NORMAL ACCELERATION ENTERING INTERSTATE ETC. THE ACTUAL PROBLEM WAS DISCOVERED WHEN I PERSONALLY WAS INSPECTING THE VEHICLE AND FOUND BOTH REAR BODY PLUGS MISSING. THEY ARE AT THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE ONE ON EACH SIDE THAT LEADS TO THE INTERIOR OR THE VEHICLE. ONCE POINTED OUT TO THE DEALER THEY WERE EMBARRASSED AND FIXED IMMEDIATELY. THE PLUGS WERE LOOSE FITTING SO THEY GLUED THEM IN. THE ISSUE NOW SEEMS TO BE RESOLVED. I HAVE NOTICED SEVERAL OTHER INTERNET POSTINGS WITH SIMILAR ISSUES. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE IN MY MIND BECAUSE OF THE CO IF YOUR DRIVING NORMALLY AGAINST THE WIND AND THE HVAC IS IN "RECIRC" THE LEVELS WILL BUILD UP >35PPM ESPECIALLY IN HIGH WINDS OR HIGHER ALTITUDES AND YOU CAN'T SMELL IT. CLIPS THAT ILLUSTRATE HOLE HTTP://YOUTU.BE/SRPUKAXV83O HTTP://YOUTU.BE/1I0AUN8VT4S PARTS TO REPLACE BODY PLUGS GROMMET, SIDE PANEL - 2010 ACURA MDX (74514-STX-A00) ITEM 9 ON THE DIAGRAM HTTP://WWW.ACURAPARTSNOW.COM/PARTS-C...PER/GROMMET-RR THREAD THAT ALLOWED ME TO FIND REAL PROBLEM (BEGINNING AND END IS THE RELEVANT SECTIONS) HTTP://MDX.ACURAZINE.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=867878. *TR

Reported
Oct 2012
Incident date
Feb 2012
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10478446 at NHTSA →
Power TrainOct 2011 · ODI 10430708Details +

CAR SHUTTERS BETWEEN 1500-1800 RPMS. ALSO "POPS" WHEN IT DOWN SHIFTS. TOOK IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THE TORQUE CONVERTER HAD TO BE REPLACED. I WAS TOLD THERE WAS ONLY ONE OTHER VEHICLE THAT THEY KNEW OF THAT THIS HAPPENED TO AND IT WAS ALSO A 2010. SINCE THEN, I WENT ONLINE TO SEE WHAT IF ANYTHING A DEFECTIVE TORQUE CONVERTER COULD DAMAGE AND FOUND OUT THERE WERE MANY, MANY COMPLAINTS FOR YEARS. IT APPEARS THAT ACURA HAS AN ISSUE WITH THE TORQUE CONVERTER THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. *TR

Reported
Oct 2011
Incident date
Oct 2011
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10430708 at NHTSA →
SteeringJul 2011 · ODI 10415019Details +

IN THE MIDDLE OF MY ROADTRIP FROM TAMPA TO BUFFALO, IN ONE OF THE REST AREAS CLOSE TO FLORENCE, SC ON I-95 MY STEERING WHEEL WAS HARD TO TURN, REALIZED THAT THE POWER STEERING RESERVOIR WAS EMPTY DUE TO A LEAK IN MY NEW ACURA MDX 2011( ~7000 MILES). FILLED IT UP WITH POWER STEERING FLUID AND DROVE TO AN ACURA DEALER, WHO COULD NOT DIAGNOSE/FIX THE PROBLEM SINCE HE DID NOT HAVE A TECHNICIAN ON SATURDAY, DROVE TO THE ACURA DEALER FALLS CHURCH, VA ( SINCE HE WAS OPEN ON SUNDAY) AND THEY DIAGNOSED THAT THE LEAK WAS FROM THE POWER STEERING RACK AND IT HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE RACK AND IT HAS NOT LEAKED EVER SINCE. THIS IS FOR AN ACURA MDX 2011 ADVANCED PACKAGE ( CANNOT FIND ACURA 2011 INFORMATION ON VEHICLE TAB). *TR

Reported
Jul 2011
Incident date
Jul 2011
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10415019 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemMar 2011 · ODI 10390603Details +

RECEIVE "BATTERY CHARGE LOW" WARNING MESSAGE ON CONSOLE ALMOST ON A DAILY BASIS AS SOON AS I OPEN THE CAR DOOR. TOOK TO ACURA DEALER AND HAD CORPORATE INVOLVED AND WAS TOLD THAT ITS THE DESIGN OF THE CAR AND DEEMED THE ISSUE AS A STANDARD LOGIC FEATURE WITH NO ACTION REQUIRED. THIS YEAR MODEL HAS A POWER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM WHICH I BELIEVE IS NEW FOR 2010. I POINTED OUT THAT IT COULD BE THE BATTERY, THE CHARGER, OR THE ALTERNATOR, BUT THEY INSIST ITS NORMAL. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR MONTHS AND TOOK CAR BACK TO THEM ABOUT 5 TIMES TOTALING OVER 20 DAYS IN SHOP WITH THEM TELLING ME NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. THE CAR WAS BOUGHT NEW IN 2010 AND I SHOULD NOT HAVE SUCH ISSUES WITH A BRAND NEW CAR. ANOTHER ISSUE DEALS WITH THE DRIVER CONSOLE, GPS CONSOLE, AND RADIO CONSOLE. THEY ALL SEEM TO HAVE A MIND OF THEIR OWN AND LIGHT INTENSITY FLUCTUATED WITH NO LOGIC TO WHEN AND WHY. FOR EXAMPLE, THE HEAD LIGHTS TURN ON WHEN SENSES NIGHT AND THE CONSOLE ADJUSTS ITSELF ACCORDINGLY BUT THAT IS NOT THE CASE WITH THE REST OF THE CONSOLE, THE GPS WILL STAY IN DAY MODE AND THE RADIO WILL BE BRIGHT AS IF IT IS IN DAY MODE. I ALSO COMPLAINED ABOUT THE REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER NOT WORKING TO EXPECTATION AND WAS TOLD BY DEALER THAT ITS WORKING NORMAL. THIS ALL SURFACED A FEW MONTHS AFTER I PURCHASED THE CAR AND DON'T KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT. THERE ARE BLOGS THAT CAN BE GOOGLED SUCH AS MDXERS.ORG WITH PAGES OF COMPLAINTS ON THIS ISSUE. PICTURE OF THE MESSAGE IS AVAILABLE ON REQUEST. *TR

Reported
Mar 2011
Incident date
Aug 2010
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10390603 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesMar 2011 · ODI 10392152Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 ACURA MDX. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING DOWN AN INCLINE APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE BRAKES WERE ENGAGED YET THERE WAS NO RESPONSE. THE CONTACT VEERED OFF THE ROAD AND TRAVELED OVER A CURB. THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED NUMEROUS TIMES BEFORE THE VEHICLE ENGAGED AND BEGAN TO DECELERATE. THE ENGINE WAS THEN TURNED OFF TO ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE A ROAD TEST AND AN INSPECTION WERE PERFORMED. IN ADDITION, PHOTOGRAPHS WERE TAKEN OF THE VEHICLE. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DETECT THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 9,000.

Reported
Mar 2011
Incident date
Mar 2011
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10392152 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemAug 2010 · ODI 10351809Details +

IGNITION KEY CAN BE REMOVED WHEN ENGINE IS TURNED OFF BUT CAR IN IS IN A GEAR OTHER THAN PARK. IT HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE PAST MONTH AND THE DEALER SERVICE TECH WAS ABLE TO REPLICATE IT TODAY. I WAS QUOTED A REPAIR COST OF OVER $550 TO REPLACE KEY CYLINDER AND REKEY THE DOOR CAR TO MATCH "NEW" IGNITION KEY. AS OF TODAY, I HAVE NOT FIXED THE DEFECT BUT AM GOING TO SEEK ANOTHER ESTIMATE TO REPAIR. *TR

Reported
Aug 2010
Incident date
Jul 2010
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10351809 at NHTSA →
Seat BeltsMar 2010 · ODI 10317024 · crash · 1 injuriesDetails +

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE SITTING AT A STOP LIGHT ANOTHER VEHICLE GOING 65MPH CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF HER VEHICLE. THE SEAT BELT DID NOT HOLD HER IN, AND HER FACE HIT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CAUSING LACERATIONS TO HER EYES AND TWISTING OF HER BACK. THE AMBULANCE TOOK HER TO THE HOSPITAL. A POLICE REPORT IS AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED FROM THE SCENE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 500.

Reported
Mar 2010
Incident date
Mar 2010
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash 1 injuries
Open ODI 10317024 at NHTSA →

Recalls(1)

Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.

Air BagsApr 2010 · 10V002000Details +

HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR ACURA 2010 MDX VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN OCTOBER 7, 2009 AND NOVEMBER 14, 2009. A BOLT USED TO ATTACH AN INTERIOR TRIM PIECE TO EITHER THE DRIVER'S OR PASSENGER'S SIDE A-PILLAR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN INSTALLED DURING MANUFACTURING.

Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH RESULTING IN SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, THE TRIM PIECE MAY NOT REMAIN PROPERLY SECURED TO THE A-PILLAR, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE DRIVER AND/OR FRONT SEAT PASSENGER.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE INTERIOR TRIM PIECE OF THE A-PILLAR AND IF A BOLT IS MISSING IT WILL BE INSTALLED FREE OF CHARGE. FOUR VEHICLES WERE PURCHASED BEFORE THE STOP-SALE WAS ISSUED AND ALL THE VEHICLES HAVE BEEN INSPECTED AND REPAIRED IF NECESSARY.

Open full NHTSA recall record →

A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.

Investigations

0 NHTSA investigations on record

No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.

Crash-test ratings

2010 Acura MDX 4-DR. w/SAB NHTSA source

Overall
Not rated
Frontal
Not rated
Side
Not rated
Rollover

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Fuel economy by trim

TrimEngineDrivetrainCityHwyCombined
MDX 4WD3.7L 6-cylAll-Wheel Drive162118

EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.

Before you buy

Useful next checks

Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.

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Compare the year-by-year record

Open another year for its own evidence-gated decision. TireKick does not crown a best year from raw complaint totals.

2010 Acura MDX: frequently asked

What does the complaint record show for the 2010 Acura MDX?

Owners filed 45 NHTSA complaints about the 2010 Acura MDX. This is raw owner-reported complaint volume with no production or exposure normalization, so it is not a reliability score or a best/worst-year ranking.

What are the most common problems on the 2010 Acura MDX?

The most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (20% of complaints) and steering (13%).

How many recalls does the 2010 Acura MDX have?

1 recall has been issued that affect the 2010 Acura MDX, covering components such as air bags. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.

What gas mileage does the 2010 Acura MDX get?

The EPA rates the 2010 Acura MDX at 18 mpg combined.