Total Complaints
301 filings
ACURA MDX · model year
301 NHTSA complaints, 5 crash reports, and 6 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
New Car Assessment Program
The 2020ACURAMDX carries 301 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 5 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 5/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2020 MDX is engine with 69 filings, followed by unknown or other (35) and electrical system (33). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 6 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 3 investigation files overlapping the 2020 MDX, and 2 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
301 filings
Crashes Reported
5 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| ENGINE | 69 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 35 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 33 |
| POWER TRAIN | 18 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL | 18 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 13 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 13 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 13 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING | 12 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 11 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS | 11 |
| LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING | 9 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | 8 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 5 |
| LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST | 5 |
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
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, w
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
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 Ridgelin
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, F
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
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.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
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 RD
The contact owns a 2020 Acura MDX. The contact stated that the front windshield camera became inoperable. There were unknown warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the control arms failed. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The windshield was replaced with an aftermarket part at an auto body shop. The control arm was replaced at the local dealer. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
Mileage: 45,000
The contact owns a 2020 Acura MDX. The contact stated that the front windshield camera became inoperable. There were unknown warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the control arms failed. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The windshield was replaced with an aftermarket part at an auto body shop. The control arm was replaced at the local dealer. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
Mileage: 45,000
I was driving on a normal sunny day when every light on my dashboard came on. I initially panicked thinking my car was going to shutoff while I was driving it. This is in conjunction with the car stalling out when the auto shutoff feature malfunctions. After researching the issue, I realized the safety camera was no longer working and a major concern. A malfunctioning front camera can prevent the vehicle from automatically braking or maintaining lanes, hence increasing the risk of collision. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate the front multi-purpose camera system on the 2020 Acura MDX for potential defect and safety hazard.
I was driving on a normal sunny day when every light on my dashboard came on. I initially panicked thinking my car was going to shutoff while I was driving it. This is in conjunction with the car stalling out when the auto shutoff feature malfunctions. After researching the issue, I realized the safety camera was no longer working and a major concern. A malfunctioning front camera can prevent the vehicle from automatically braking or maintaining lanes, hence increasing the risk of collision. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate the front multi-purpose camera system on the 2020 Acura MDX for potential defect and safety hazard.
I was driving on a normal sunny day when every light on my dashboard came on. I initially panicked thinking my car was going to shutoff while I was driving it. This is in conjunction with the car stalling out when the auto shutoff feature malfunctions. After researching the issue, I realized the safety camera was no longer working and a major concern. A malfunctioning front camera can prevent the vehicle from automatically braking or maintaining lanes, hence increasing the risk of collision. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate the front multi-purpose camera system on the 2020 Acura MDX for potential defect and safety hazard.
The windshield washer fluid does not come out of the nozzles. On a wintry day, there was a lot of dirt and grime kicked up from other vehicles and I was unable to see out of the windshield and it caused a very dangerous situation. Acura knows this is an issue but does not want to accept responsibility. There is plenty of fluid in the reservoir and I made sure the nozzles were clear of debris. The vehicle has not been inspected by the dealership or anyone else. There are no warning lights.
The following issues occur on a 2020 Acura MDX with low 50k miles, maintenance was done regular whenever a maintenance schedule appear. For the past few years after purchasing the vehicle we started getting a non-start engine with the key fobs and automatic side mirrors did not open or close when parked. Brand new batteries were replace for the key fob and later the Car Battery and the issue occurs intermittently, this was brought to the attention of the dealership and each time (documented) that they were not able to reproduce when they turned off the vehicle, this was mid 2024 06-13-2024 and sporadically continues till this year 2026. The dealership did not test or trace the electrical system as they were told to reproduce the issue first as it will happen at that moment. A new recent event 2025 has also occur and was brought to the dealerships attention, a warning message indicating - Electric Parking Brake Problem follow by a Emissions System Problem will appear. This was also "re
The following issues occur on a 2020 Acura MDX with low 50k miles, maintenance was done regular whenever a maintenance schedule appear. For the past few years after purchasing the vehicle we started getting a non-start engine with the key fobs and automatic side mirrors did not open or close when parked. Brand new batteries were replace for the key fob and later the Car Battery and the issue occurs intermittently, this was brought to the attention of the dealership and each time (documented) that they were not able to reproduce when they turned off the vehicle, this was mid 2024 06-13-2024 and sporadically continues till this year 2026. The dealership did not test or trace the electrical system as they were told to reproduce the issue first as it will happen at that moment. A new recent event 2025 has also occur and was brought to the dealerships attention, a warning message indicating - Electric Parking Brake Problem follow by a Emissions System Problem will appear. This was also "re
The following issues occur on a 2020 Acura MDX with low 50k miles, maintenance was done regular whenever a maintenance schedule appear. For the past few years after purchasing the vehicle we started getting a non-start engine with the key fobs and automatic side mirrors did not open or close when parked. Brand new batteries were replace for the key fob and later the Car Battery and the issue occurs intermittently, this was brought to the attention of the dealership and each time (documented) that they were not able to reproduce when they turned off the vehicle, this was mid 2024 06-13-2024 and sporadically continues till this year 2026. The dealership did not test or trace the electrical system as they were told to reproduce the issue first as it will happen at that moment. A new recent event 2025 has also occur and was brought to the dealerships attention, a warning message indicating - Electric Parking Brake Problem follow by a Emissions System Problem will appear. This was also "re
Car started to accelerate randomly and 2 seperate occasions while driving, Car started to decelerate / Brake randomly while driving
Car started to accelerate randomly and 2 seperate occasions while driving, Car started to decelerate / Brake randomly while driving
Car started to accelerate randomly and 2 seperate occasions while driving, Car started to decelerate / Brake randomly while driving
On December 4th I noticed a rattling sound when I was driving. It worsened when my car would rev above 2RPMs and before shifting. It also would make a terrible grinding sound when I started the car. I had about 1/4 of a tank of gas and thought that maybe that was part of the issue. After filling up, the sound was not as loud, but was still present when I started the car and upon accelerating. I took my car to my Acura dealership on December 5th. Within an hour of having the car they called to tell me that the engine needed to be replaced due to a connecting rod failure. They told me that the car is no longer safe to drive and that the repairs would be required in order to continue to use the vehicle safely. There was no warning sign. My only other concern is that the downshifters of this vehicle have never worked properly. I have mentioned this to the dealership multiple times and even drove the vehicle with their representative to recreate the issue. The car would accelerat
I was at a red light with the idle stop automatically triggered. When the light turned green, and I pressed the accelerate pedal, the car would not move. I looked and saw the car had shifted itself to N (neutral) when it should have stayed at D (drive). I pressed the "D" button to drive but it stayed in N. There was a green light around the N button indicating the selected button. I had to turn off the car, turn on the car two times before the car recognized I wanted to press the "D" button. The screen by the steering wheel had some sort of message but I don't recall what it said. The word "accessory" might have been part of the message. This is absolutely a safety risk for myself and others. I had cars behind me at the green light honking. I had to turn on the hazard lights and wave to them out the window. If the driver before me did not pay attention, they could have hit me. This is the second time this has happened.
I was at a red light with the idle stop automatically triggered. When the light turned green, and I pressed the accelerate pedal, the car would not move. I looked and saw the car had shifted itself to N (neutral) when it should have stayed at D (drive). I pressed the "D" button to drive but it stayed in N. There was a green light around the N button indicating the selected button. I had to turn off the car, turn on the car two times before the car recognized I wanted to press the "D" button. The screen by the steering wheel had some sort of message but I don't recall what it said. The word "accessory" might have been part of the message. This is absolutely a safety risk for myself and others. I had cars behind me at the green light honking. I had to turn on the hazard lights and wave to them out the window. If the driver before me did not pay attention, they could have hit me. This is the second time this has happened.
There was a couple times where the car stalled at a red light. Also, there are a lot of times when I press the push to start, it will not start, advising me to place the key fob near the push to start. I find this to be dangerous when driving and very annoying when attempting to start and it doesn't start.
There was a couple times where the car stalled at a red light. Also, there are a lot of times when I press the push to start, it will not start, advising me to place the key fob near the push to start. I find this to be dangerous when driving and very annoying when attempting to start and it doesn't start.
This is a safety-related defect involving the multipurpose front camera used for Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) on the 2020 Acura MDX. The multipurpose front camera failed without warning, resulting in the simultaneous loss of multiple ADAS safety features, including (but not limited to) Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Mitigation Braking, and Road Departure Mitigation. These features are integral to the vehicleâs active safety systems and driver awareness. The failure required full replacement of the front camera assembly. The total repair cost was approximately $2,300, which I was required to pay out of pocket because no recall or extended warranty coverage was available. This failure creates a significant safety concern because: * The loss of ADAS functions occurred suddenly and without driver fault. * The driver may rely on these systems for collision avoidance, lane control, and adaptive braking. * The vehicle remains drivable, but with material
This is a safety-related defect involving the multipurpose front camera used for Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) on the 2020 Acura MDX. The multipurpose front camera failed without warning, resulting in the simultaneous loss of multiple ADAS safety features, including (but not limited to) Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Mitigation Braking, and Road Departure Mitigation. These features are integral to the vehicleâs active safety systems and driver awareness. The failure required full replacement of the front camera assembly. The total repair cost was approximately $2,300, which I was required to pay out of pocket because no recall or extended warranty coverage was available. This failure creates a significant safety concern because: * The loss of ADAS functions occurred suddenly and without driver fault. * The driver may rely on these systems for collision avoidance, lane control, and adaptive braking. * The vehicle remains drivable, but with material
This is a safety-related defect involving the multipurpose front camera used for Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) on the 2020 Acura MDX. The multipurpose front camera failed without warning, resulting in the simultaneous loss of multiple ADAS safety features, including (but not limited to) Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Mitigation Braking, and Road Departure Mitigation. These features are integral to the vehicleâs active safety systems and driver awareness. The failure required full replacement of the front camera assembly. The total repair cost was approximately $2,300, which I was required to pay out of pocket because no recall or extended warranty coverage was available. This failure creates a significant safety concern because: * The loss of ADAS functions occurred suddenly and without driver fault. * The driver may rely on these systems for collision avoidance, lane control, and adaptive braking. * The vehicle remains drivable, but with material
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.