2020 Acura MDX: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
217 owner complaints analyzed
8 distinct recall campaigns
36,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2020 model year. Data snapshot: . 36 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 81 of 217 complaints (37.3%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 49 | 22.6% |
| Engine operation | 35 | 16.1% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 26 | 12.0% |
| Transmission and shifting | 17 | 7.8% |
| Steering behavior | 9 | 4.1% |
| Fuel system concerns | 3 | 1.4% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Engine | 81 |
| Unknown Or Other | 39 |
| Electrical System | 37 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control | 22 |
| Power Train | 21 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 17 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | 16 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 15 |
Engine: 81; Unknown Or Other: 39; Electrical System: 37; Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control: 22; Power Train: 21; Engine And Engine Cooling: 17; Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings: 16; Fuel/Propulsion System: 15
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 12 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 12 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 8 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 1 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 3 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 12; 25,000 to 49,999: 12; 50,000 to 74,999: 8; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 3; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (12). 181 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 9 |
| 2022 | 13 |
| 2023 | 27 |
| 2024 | 58 |
| 2025 | 68 |
| 2026 | 42 |
2021: 9; 2022: 13; 2023: 27; 2024: 58; 2025: 68; 2026: 42
Pattern summary
Engine leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 49 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 35 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 26 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11387172 · 2021-01-08 (January 8, 2021)
1. (JULY 8, 2020) ON 1 OCCASION WITHIN A SHORT TIME AFTER PURCHASING MDX, I FLOORED THE GAS PEDAL ON THE HIGHWAY AS WHEN PASSING ANOTHER CAR, LET OFF THE GAS PEDAL AND THE ENGINE KEPT RUNNING AS THOUGH THE GAS PEDAL WAS STILL FLOORED. REPORTED IT TO DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND SAID MAYBE THE FLOORMAT CAUSED THE PROBLEM. POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS. 2. (JULY 8, 2020) ON AN INCLINE AT A STOP SIGN, MDX WILL ROLL BACKWARDS AFTER RELEASING BRAKE AND THEN WHEN PRESSING ON THE GAS PEDAL IT WILL LURCH FORWARD. REPORTED IT T…
Owner-reported narrative. 1,920 miles reported. Look up ODI 11387172 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11387623 · 2021-01-11 (January 11, 2021)
WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WITH THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED, THE VEHICLE DETECTS VEHICLES TO THE RIGHT (SAME DIRECTION OF TRAVEL) OR AT TIMES VEHICLES TO THE LEFT (OPPOSITE DIRECTION OF TRAVEL) AND ABRUPTLY APPLIED BACKING. NO VEHICLES WILL ACTUALLY BE IN LANE OF TRAVEL OF THE VEHICLE TO CAUSE ACTION. ON A 87 MILE DRIVE (ONE WAY TO WORK) HAPPENS MORE THAN EIGHT TIMES ON FIRST DRIVE AND OVER TEN TIME ON SECOND DRIVE. VEHICLE HAS UNDER 1500 MILES ON IT AND WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW. TAKEN TO ACURA AND TOLD TO TURN OFF LANE DEPARTUR…
Owner-reported narrative. 1,420 miles reported. Look up ODI 11387623 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11398665 · 2021-03-02 (March 2, 2021)
I HAVE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION PROBLEM NUMEROUS TIMES( 5 TO SIX TIMES. THE LATEST ONE WAS MARCH 1,2021. THE VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE (RPM RAPIDLY ) SUDDENLY WHEN DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS(AROUND 10 TO 15MPH TO A QUICK ALMOST 30MPH WITHOUT PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL) THAT ALWAYS REQUIRE ME TO BREAK IMMEDIATELY TO AVOID ANY ACCIDENTS. I HAD THE VEHICLE CHECKED THOROUGHLY BY A COMPANY SENT EXPERT LAST YEAR(SOMETIME NOV ,2020) AND THEY CAN'T REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. ACURA RELATIONS CAN'T HELP ME ANYMORE . IT MADE ME GOOGLE UNINTENDED ACCELER…
Owner-reported narrative. 13,400 miles reported. Look up ODI 11398665 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11403791 · 2021-03-18 (March 18, 2021)
TEMPORARILY LOSS CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE WHEN I WAS EXITING THE PARKWAY AND NEEDED TO STEER AROUND TO AVOID A STOP CAR MY CAR JUST TOOK A BIG ROCK IN MOTION FROM SIDE TO SIDE. THE STEERING IS VERY UNRESPONSIVE, VEHICLE HESITATES WHEN ACCELERATING RAPIDLY AND WHEN TURNING THEY IS NO STABILITY. ALSO MY BREAKING DOESN'T REACT THE WAY IT SHOULD IT'S VERY DELAYED. ALL OF THE THINGS THAT THE DYNAMIC MODE IS SUPPOSED TO ENHANCE APPEARS NOT TO BE FUNCTIONING. I WENT TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING BUT YET THE PROBLEM CO…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11403791 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11408182 · 2021-04-15 (April 15, 2021)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIEW OUT OF THE PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD NEAR THE A-PILLAR WAS DISTORTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIEW WAS LIKE LOOKING THROUGH A COKE BOTTLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO HUBLER ACURA (1265 US-31, GREENWOOD, IN 46143, (317)883-4560) TO BE INSPECTED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT REPLACING THE WINDSHIELD DID NOT GUARANTEE THAT THE ISSUE WOULD BE FIXED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAG…
Owner-reported narrative. 178 miles reported. Look up ODI 11408182 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11420506 · 2021-06-10 (June 10, 2021)
My fiancé is 8 months pregnant and her sunroof literally exploded on her while she was on the freeway yesterday. She was almost in an accident and could have been killed. She has a 2020 MDX and I’m reading online that she isn’t the only person this has happened to. The dealership told her that she’s on her own and this defect isn’t covered under warranty when she called. It has not been inspected, but I have taken many pictures. There were no warnings or indications anything was wrong.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11420506 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11421100 · 2021-06-16 (June 16, 2021)
Just recently purchased an 2020 Acura MDX AWD with Tech package. Noticed that the windshields have distortions near the A pillars, which happens from both driver side and passenger side. I feel nausea when looking through the window corner as objects are curved. I did a lot of research and found this issue has been there for a while. Distortion in windshield has safety issues that should be address by Acura.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11421100 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11432894 · 2021-09-14 (September 14, 2021)
The contact owns a 2020 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving 30-35 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond and would not move. There were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that after depressing the drive button several times, she was able to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who determined that the contact had inadvertently depressed an unknown button on the steering wheel causing the vehicle to shift to neutral. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact…
Owner-reported narrative. 3,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11432894 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
8 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
21V215000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump
Reported: 2021-03-25 (March 25, 2021)
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.
Consequence: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
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 record ↗23V458000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Master Cylinder
Reported: 2023-06-29 (June 29, 2023)
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Civic, 2020-2023 Ridgeline, 2021-2023 Passport, 2021-2022 Pilot, and 2020 Acura MDX vehicles. The tie rod fastener that connects the brake booster and the brake master cylinder may have been improperly assembled during manufacturing, which can cause the brake master cylinder to separate from the booster assembly.
Consequence: Brake master cylinder separation can cause a loss of brake function and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the brake booster assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are VEU, AEV, and ZET.
NHTSA campaign record ↗23V751000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical
Reported: 2023-11-13 (November 13, 2023)
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗23V858000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump
Reported: 2023-12-18 (December 18, 2023)
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗24V064000 · Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification:Front Passenger
Reported: 2024-02-01 (February 1, 2024)
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
Consequence: An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.
NHTSA campaign record ↗25V259000 · Interior Lighting | Exterior Lighting
Reported: 2025-04-17 (April 17, 2025)
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗26V332000 · Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification:Front Passenger
Reported: 2026-05-21 (May 21, 2026)
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗26V365000 · Suspension:Rear | Structure:Frame And Members
Reported: 2026-06-04 (June 4, 2026)
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗