2018 Acura MDX Problems: 4 Known Issues
2018 model year · 1,200+ owner reports · Updated November 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 1,200+ owner reports, the 2018 Acura MDX has 4 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Fuel-pump impeller deformation — recall 23V858 and Intermittent hard upshifts during steady acceleration — bulletin 20-015. The most commonly reported issue is Navigation freezes or restarts mid-trip (owner reports) with 1,200 owner reports. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
2018 · All trims · All engines
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All 4 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls14 recalls
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Acura MDX, 2015-2019 Acura TLX and 2015-2017 Honda Accord vehicles, equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine. Particulates in fuel may adhere to the internal components of the fuel pump, reducing its performance.
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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
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."
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
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.
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.
+ 9 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Acura MDX problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 1,200+ owner reports, the 2018 Acura MDX has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Fuel-pump impeller deformation — recall 23V858, Intermittent hard upshifts during steady acceleration — bulletin 20-015, Engine may not restart after Idle Stop — Acura software update SB 23-001. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Acura MDX reliable?
The 2018 Acura MDX has 4 known issues documented across 1,200+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Fuel-pump impeller deformation — recall 23V858 and Intermittent hard upshifts during steady acceleration — bulletin 20-015. 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.
What is the 2014-2020 Acura MDX Fuel-pump impeller deformation — recall 23V858?
An affected pump's low-density impeller can deform and interfere with the pump body. Loss of fuel delivery can prevent starting or stall the engine, increasing crash risk. It affects certain 2014–2020 Acura MDX and 2018–2020 MDX Sport Hybrid vehicles covered by recall 23V858 (Acu… Severity: high.
What is the 2016-2020 Acura MDX Intermittent hard upshifts during steady acceleration — bulletin 20-015?
On an eligible 2016-2020 MDX with the nine-speed automatic, intermittent harsh upshifts during steady acceleration may involve abnormal transmission-control adaptation values. Bulletin 20-015 covers 2016-2019 MDX models with the nine-speed automatic (2WD and SH-AWD), plus 2020 MD… Severity: high.
What is the 2016-2020 Acura MDX Engine may not restart after Idle Stop — Acura software update SB 23-001?
Acura says that under certain circumstances, after the vehicle stops and Idle Stop shuts the engine off, the engine may not restart automatically. Acura notes the driver can typically restart it immediately by selecting Park and pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button. It affects o… Severity: medium.
What is the 2017-2019 Acura MDX Navigation freezes or restarts mid-trip (owner reports)?
Owners describe the navigation system on these MDX models freezing during a route, with the screen and buttons unresponsive, or showing the wrong position until the system resets. Some report it happening repeatedly on long trips with a destination set. Some owners report that de… Severity: low.
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.