Independent · Not affiliated with NHTSA or any automaker MethodologyData sourcesData refreshed Oct 6, 2026

2018 Acura MDX: Problems, Recalls and MPG

What this means

NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns for the 2018 Acura MDX, most recently filed June 2026. Owners have filed 168 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the engine. In NHTSA crash tests it earned 5 stars overall.

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Recalls 10campaigns 2 lighting · 2 fuel pump · 2 engine Source: NHTSA Complaints 168filed Owner reports, 2014–2024 shown Source: NHTSA ODI Crash tests 5★overall ★★★★★ Frontal 5★ · Side 5★ · Rollover 4★ Source: NHTSA NCAP Fuel economy 27mpg combined $2,419/yr at this week's prices Source: EPA · EIA Specs 3 L 6-cyl· Automatic 5 engine and transmission configurations Source: NHTSA vPIC
Compare

Recalls (10)

NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns for the 2018 Acura MDX. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.

Check on NHTSA ↗
Listed for 2018 Acura MDX. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 26V365000 Filed Jun 4, 2026

Rear Suspension Components May Fail

Structure · frame and members
Official NHTSA text
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.
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.
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.
Repair progress not yet reported880,514 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 26V365000
Listed for 2018 Acura MDX. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 26V332000 Filed May 21, 2026

Air Bags May Deploy Unintentionally During a Crash

Air bags · sensor · occupant classification · front passenger
Official NHTSA text
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.
Consequence
Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
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.
Repair progress not yet reported98,892 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 26V332000
Listed for 2018 Acura MDX. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 25V259000 Filed Apr 17, 2025

Vehicle Lighting Failure

Exterior lighting
Official NHTSA text
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.
Consequence
Vehicle lights that fail to illuminate can decrease visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
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.
64.1% repairedof 152,800 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 25V259000
Listed for 2018 Acura MDX. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 23V858000 Filed Dec 18, 2023

Fuel Pump May Fail

Fuel system, gasoline · delivery · fuel pump
Official NHTSA text
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.
Consequence
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
76.7% repairedof 2,490,460 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 23V858000
Listed for 2018 Acura MDX. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 23V751000 Filed Nov 13, 2023

Engine Damage from Connecting Rod Bearing Wear

Engine and engine cooling · engine · hard parts internal/mechanical
Official NHTSA text
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.
Consequence
A damaged engine may run improperly or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a fire, crash, or injury.
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.
77.8% repairedof 248,999 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 23V751000
Listed for 2018 Acura MDX. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 19V298000 Filed Apr 12, 2019

Timing Belt Teeth May Separate

Engine and engine cooling · engine · gasoline · belts and associated pulleys
Official NHTSA text
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.
Consequence
Teeth separation from the timing belt may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of crash.
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.
93.7% repairedof 93,946 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 19V298000
Listed for 2018 Acura MDX. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 19V256000 Filed Mar 28, 2019

Possible Loss of a Tailgate Lid Light

Exterior lighting
Official NHTSA text
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.
Consequence
Loss of the taillights reduces the vehicle's visibility, increasing the risk of crash.
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.
86.3% repairedof 322,897 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 19V256000
Listed for 2018 Acura MDX. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 19V060000 Filed Jan 29, 2019

Reduced Fuel Pump Performance May Cause Stall

Fuel system, other · delivery · fuel pump
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
Reduced fuel pump performance can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the fuel injection engine control unit (FI-ECU) software and, if necessary, replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began March 25, 2019. Owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's recall number for this recall is P3W. Honda's recall number for this recall is N3X.
90.3% repairedof 437,032 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 19V060000
Listed for 2018 Acura MDX. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 18V777000 Filed Nov 1, 2018

Coating on Rear Brake Caliper Pistons/FMVSS 135

Service brakes, hydraulic · foundation components · disc · caliper
Official NHTSA text
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."
Consequence
A reduction of braking performance increases the risk of a crash.
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.
91.9% repairedof 64,785 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 18V777000
Listed for 2018 Acura MDX. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 18V221000 Filed Apr 5, 2018

Rivets that Secure Seats may Fail/FMVSS 207, 210

Seats
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018 Honda Pilot and Ridgeline vehicles and 2018 Acura MDX vehicles. The front driver and passenger powered seats in the Honda vehicles and the driver powered seats in the Acura vehicles may have been assembled with improperly manufactured rivets. In the event of a crash, the rivets can break causing the seats not to be secured to the floor. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems," and 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
Consequence
In the event of a crash, if the seat does not remain secured to the floor, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver seat frame assembly in Acura MDX vehicles, and replace the driver and front passenger seat slide rail frames in Honda Pilot and Ridgeline vehicles, free of charge. The recall began May 30, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall is D0S, and T0T.
86.9% repairedof 5,810 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 18V221000

PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.

Which MDX years had the most recalls?Best & worst years →Every recall for the Acura MDXAll model years →Where is the VIN on my car?VIN location guide →

Owner complaints (168)

168 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The engine is mentioned most often.

3involved a crash
4involved a fire
3injuries reported
0deaths reported

As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.

Most-reported components

Complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Acura MDX, by component (top 10). One complaint can list several components, so these add up to more than 168.Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 · Report a data error

How 2018 compares with other MDX years

Best and worst MDX years →
171 71 374 256 168 188 222 153 41 40
2014201520162017201820192020202220232024
This year (2018)Other yearsStill collecting reports

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Crash tests: 5 stars overall

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crashDriver 5★ · Passenger 5★★★★★★
Side crashDriver 5★ · Passenger 5★★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
RolloverRollover risk 16.4%★★★★☆
Front seat of a modern car with the seat belt buckled across the passenger seat
Compare fairly. Compare stars only between vehicles of similar size and weight. Ratings apply to the tested configuration.

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), 2018 Acura MDX suv fwd, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fuel economy: up to 27 mpg combined

27
mpg combined
26
city
27
highway
EPA annual fuel cost
$3,050
CO₂ tailpipe
330 g/mi
EPA class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle

What it costs you to run

$2,419per year
$202per month
556gallons a year

Miles ÷ 27 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.

EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.

Specs by configuration

2018 Acura MDX configurations with EPA data
Engine · transmissionDriveCity / Hwy / CombEPA $/yrCO₂ g/mi
3 L 6-cyl · AutomaticAll-Wheel Drive26 / 27 / 27$3,050330
3.5 L 6-cyl · 9-speed automaticFront-Wheel Drive20 / 27 / 23$3,550390
3.5 L 6-cyl · 9-speed automaticFront-Wheel Drive19 / 27 / 22$3,750404
3.5 L 6-cyl · 9-speed automaticAll-Wheel Drive19 / 26 / 22$3,750404
3.5 L 6-cyl · 9-speed automaticAll-Wheel Drive18 / 26 / 21$3,900424

Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.

Used blue SUV on a sunny dealer lot with its hood open and a clipboard on the fender

Looking at a 2018 MDX for sale?

Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.

All MDX years

Where to next

Which MDX years drew the fewest complaints?Best & worst years →2019 Acura MDX report188 complaints · 9 campaigns →2017 Acura MDX report256 complaints · 8 campaigns →Have a VIN? Decode itVIN decoder →

2018 Acura MDX FAQ

How many recalls does the 2018 Acura MDX have?

NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns: 26V365000 (suspension), 26V332000 (air bag), 25V259000 (lighting), 23V858000 (fuel pump), 23V751000 (engine), 19V298000 (engine), 19V256000 (lighting), 19V060000 (fuel pump), 18V777000 (brake), 18V221000 (seat). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.

What are the most common 2018 Acura MDX problems?

Owners filed 168 complaints with NHTSA. Engine (35), Fuel/propulsion system (28), Electrical system (27) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.

What mpg does the 2018 Acura MDX get?

EPA rates the 3 L 6-cyl · Automatic version at 26 city, 27 highway and 27 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.

What safety rating did the 2018 Acura MDX get?

NHTSA rated the 2018 Acura MDX suv fwd 5 stars overall, with 5 stars frontal, 5 stars side and 4 stars rollover (16.4% rollover risk).

How does the 2018 MDX compare with other years?

Among the 2014–2020 Acura MDX model years at least five years old, the 2015 drew the fewest complaints (71) and the 2016 the most (374). The 2018 drew 168. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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