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Acura · Known Issues

2013 Acura MDX Problems: 3 Known Issues

2013 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2013 Acura MDX has 3 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is J37 Oil Consumption, Spark Plug Fouling, and Active Motor Mount Failure ($400-$3,500 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $200 to $3,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • MDX Engine1
  • MDX Transmission1
  • MDX Suspension1
  • Recalls11
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Engine1
  • Transmission1
  • Suspension1
  • Recalls11
  • FAQ

All 3 Known Issues

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ALL YEARS20202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001

On the 2010-2013 Acura MDX J37A1, the 2010–2013 MDX J37A1 can develop oil consumption and spark-plug fouling from piston-ring or cylinder sealing problems. Separately, its front and rear active hydraulic engine mounts can leak or collapse, causing idle vibration and a clunk when shifting. Diagnose these as separate repair paths; this J37A1 MDX application does not use Variable Cylinder Management.

This issue also affects: Acura RDX, Acura RSX, Acura TL

Common Symptoms

  • Excessive oil consumption (1 qt per 1-2k mi)
  • Fouled spark plugs on cyls 1-3
  • Idle vibration / shaking
  • Clunk when shifting into gear
  • MIL with P0301/P0302/P0303 misfire codes

How to Fix

Diagnose oil consumption and plug fouling separately from mount vibration. Replace failed front or rear active hydraulic motor mounts and replace oil-fouled spark plugs after confirming the oil-consumption cause. Monitor oil level monthly and inspect for piston-ring fouling. The 2010–2013 J37A1 MDX is not a VCM application, so do not install a VCM tuner.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Four-piece engine and transmission mount set for 2007–2013 Acura MDX 3.7L

    Repair parts Includes hydraulic front and rear engine mounts plus companion mounts; valid for the issue’s 2010–2013 subset.

    eBay

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$400 - $3,500

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026

On the 2012-2015 Acura MDX, owners of the 6-speed 2012-2015 MDX feel a rhythmic 'rumble-strip' judder between roughly 20 and 60 mph during light/steady throttle. Honda's investigation found the torque converter itself is not damaged; the lock-up clutch judders due to ATF deterioration combined with calibration. TSB 16-062 documents the condition (follow-up TSB 16-063 covers repeat cases).

Common Symptoms

  • Rumble-strip vibration at 20-60 mph
  • Judder during light acceleration
  • Worse when transmission is cold
  • Briefly disappears with throttle lift

How to Fix

Have dealer perform TSB 16-062: update PGM-FI software then triple-drain-and-fill the ATF with Honda DW-1/ATF-DW1. Follow-up TSB 16-063 covers repeat cases needing additional flushes. Avoid universal/aftermarket ATF. Note: TSB itself does NOT extend powertrain warranty — coverage depends on standard 5yr/60k powertrain warranty status.

Typical repair cost:$200 - $1,200

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026

On the 2001-2013 Acura MDX, first- and second-gen MDX power-steering high-pressure hose deteriorates and cracks at the metal-to-rubber crimp, weeping Honda PSF onto the subframe and causing whine, low-fluid warnings, and eventually pump damage. Internally, the rack develops 'morning sickness' - stiff steering when cold that loosens once warm - from worn input-shaft Teflon seals. Note: morning-sickness/rack failure is best-documented on 2003-2013 (Gen 1.5 and Gen 2); high-pressure hose failure spans 2001-2013.

Common Symptoms

  • PSF puddle under right side of engine
  • Whining noise on cold-start when turning wheel
  • Stiff steering when cold ('morning sickness')
  • Low PSF reservoir level
  • Reddish oil residue on subframe

How to Fix

Identify the MDX generation and hose part number before purchase. Replace the leaking high-pressure feed hose with the matching application and use only Honda power-steering fluid. The verified links cover 2001–2002 and 2007–2013 subsets; 2003–2006 still requires VIN-specific sourcing. For rack morning sickness, replace the steering rack with a remanufactured unit rather than using stop-leak.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.2 parts are hidden until exact year, trim, and engine fitment can be confirmed.

  • 2007–2013 aftermarket pressure line
    Fits 2007-2013

    Verified repair component. Approved replacement: 2007–2013 aftermarket pressure line.

    Walmart

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$350 - $1,800

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026
NHTSA Recalls11 recalls

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

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.

Campaign #23V85800018/12/2023

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

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.

Campaign #19V25600028/03/2019

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2015 Acura MDX 2WD and MDX 4WD vehicles, 2016 Acura MDX 4WD vehicles, 2015-2016 Honda Odyssey vehicles, and 2016 Honda Pilot 2WD and 4WD vehicles. The affected vehicles have fuel tanks that were manufactured with insufficient welds which may separate and allow fuel to leak out.

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Other Acura Models

Acura Integra19Acura RDX17Acura TLX15Acura TL14Acura RSX14Acura ILX12

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Acura MDX problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2013 Acura MDX has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: J37 Oil Consumption, Spark Plug Fouling, and Active Motor Mount Failure, Torque Converter Lock-Up Clutch Judder at 20-60 mph (2012-2015 MDX), Power Steering High-Pressure Hose Cracking and Rack 'Morning Sickness' — Generation-Specific Fitment. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Acura MDX reliable?

The 2013 Acura MDX has 3 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 1 issue is rated critical: J37 Oil Consumption, Spark Plug Fouling, and Active Motor Mount Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Acura MDX problems?

Repair costs for known Acura MDX issues range from $200 to $3,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, J37 Oil Consumption, Spark Plug Fouling, and Active Motor Mount Failure, typically costs $400-$3,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2010-2013 Acura MDX J37 Oil Consumption, Spark Plug Fouling, and Active Motor Mount Failure?

The 2010–2013 MDX J37A1 can develop oil consumption and spark-plug fouling from piston-ring or cylinder sealing problems. Separately, its front and rear active hydraulic engine mounts can leak or collapse, causing idle vibration and a clunk when shifting. Diagnose these as separa… Repairs typically run $400-$3,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2012-2015 Acura MDX Torque Converter Lock-Up Clutch Judder at 20-60 mph (2012-2015 MDX)?

Owners of the 6-speed 2012-2015 MDX feel a rhythmic 'rumble-strip' judder between roughly 20 and 60 mph during light/steady throttle. Honda's investigation found the torque converter itself is not damaged; the lock-up clutch judders due to ATF deterioration combined with calibrat… Repairs typically run $200-$1,200. Severity: medium.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, automotive forums, and AI-assisted research. No aggregated owner-report counts available for this vehicle yet.

Campaign #16V41700009/06/2016

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: CRASH IMMINENT BRAKING

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Acura MDX 2WD and AWD, RLX and 2014 Acura RLX Hybrid vehicles. In certain driving conditions, the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) may incorrectly interpret certain roadside objects such as metal fences or metal guardrails as obstacles and unexpectedly apply the brakes.

Campaign #15V30100020/05/2015

SEAT BELTS

American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Acura MDX vehicles manufactured April 23, 2013, to August 25, 2014, and 2014 Acura RLX vehicles manufactured November 5, 2012, to November 25, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the driver and front passenger seat belt may not extend or retract in low temperatures.

Campaign #14V63900010/10/2014

+ 6 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

What is the 2001-2013 Acura MDX Power Steering High-Pressure Hose Cracking and Rack 'Morning Sickness' — Generation-Specific Fitment?

First- and second-gen MDX power-steering high-pressure hose deteriorates and cracks at the metal-to-rubber crimp, weeping Honda PSF onto the subframe and causing whine, low-fluid warnings, and eventually pump damage. Internally, the rack develops 'morning sickness' - stiff steeri… Repairs typically run $350-$1,800. Severity: medium.