2023 Acura Mdx problems
The Acura MDX is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV with three-row seating produced by the Japanese automaker Honda under its luxury Acura division since 2000. The alphanumeric moniker stands for "Multi-Dimensional" luxury. It has ranked as the second-best selling mid-size luxury SUV after the Lexus RX in the U.S.
The MDX is the first luxury crossover SUV to have standard third-row seating, and shares its platform with the Honda Pilot. The Pilot was made available with an eight person seating configuration, while the MDX exclusively seats seven, with two seating positions in the third row. The MDX was introduced on October 5, 2000 as a 2001 model, replacing the slow-selling U.S.-only body-on-frame SLX, based on the Isuzu Trooper. In Japan, it was made to replace the Honda Horizon (also based on the Trooper) which was discontinued in 1999. In 2003, the vehicle went on sale in Japan and Australia as the Honda MDX; sales with Honda badges ended with the introduction of the second generation three years later.
First generation (YD1; 2001)
Derived from Honda's Global mid-size platform which underpins cars like the Honda Accord, Acura TL, TSX and Odyssey, it is powered by a J35A3 3.5 L SOHC 24 valve V6 engine with VTEC. Curb weight is 4,451 lb (2,019 kg), with a 106.3 in (2,700 mm) wheelbase and 8 in (200 mm) of ground clearance. The cargo floor can flip up to provide two additional seats. The vehicle is designed to hold 7 passengers, but the third row seats are small and only seat two, in contrast to the Odyssey and Pilot whose third row holds three passengers.
The vehicle features an automatic four wheel drive system (named VTM-4) that engages during off the line acceleration as well as when wheel slippage is detected. Additionally, the system offers a lock mode which can be activated and operated at low speeds and provides permanent 4WD and the equivalent of a locked rear differential; designed for climbing steep hills and getting out of stuck situations. To reduce drivetrain noise and increase fuel efficiency, the system runs as front wheel drive during normal cruising. The VTM-4 AWD system in the MDX has the same design as the VTM-4 systems found in the Honda Pilot and Honda Ridgeline. It is different than Honda's "RealTime AWD" system in the Honda CR-V and other models in that it can lock and it attempts to predict when traction will be lost and apply power to all four wheels before slippage occurs (by monitoring throttle inputs).
The navigation system and DVD entertainment system (also popular on other Honda/Acura models, such as the CR-V and Odyssey) options were mutually exclusive in the 2002 model. Both could be ordered at the same time since the 2003 model. The navigation option comes with a backup camera since the 2003 model. Since 2005, the navigation system featured information from Zagat about restaurants and other points of interest. The 2003 model was rated as Ultra Low Emission Vehicle. The United States Environmental Protection Agency estimates 23 mpg‑US (10 L/100 km; 28 mpg‑imp) highway and 17 mpg‑US (14 L/100 km; 20 mpg‑imp) city.
The first two model years' 3.5-liter V6 engine produces 240 hp (179 kW) and 245 lb⋅ft (332 N⋅m) of torque from 3000 to 5000 rpm. For the 2003 model, the engine was improved to produce 20 hp (15 kW) more power than the earlier models, and the wheel designs were updated. The 2004 through 2006 engine received a modest increase in power and produces 265 hp (198 kW) and 253 lb⋅ft (343 N⋅m). The 2004 model is credited with a top speed of 137 mph, and a 0-60 time of 7.1 seconds. The 2004 model features dual tail pipes instead of the single pipe in earlier models, side curtain airbags, new head lights and tail lights, and new wheels. Some chrome trimmings on the 2004 model use matte finish to distinguish from the polished shiny finish on earlier models. Little changed for the MDX during the 2006 model year with a few minor revisions to the vehicle's chrome and faux wood interior trim which could now be had with a dark grey wood (as opposed to reddish wood on earlier models), and also a black dash and steering wheel in tan interiors.
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Common 2023 Acura Mdx problems
Common Problems with the Acura MDX 2023
Air Conditioning Issues
Acura MDX owners have reported problems with their air conditioning systems, including issues with refrigerant leaks, compressor failure, and inadequate cooling.
Suspension Problems
Suspension problems, including worn-out shocks and struts, can lead to a less comfortable ride and worse handling. Acura MDX vehicles equipped with air suspension systems may encounter more complex issues. Regular inspections and proper maintenance of the suspension components are crucial to ensuring a smooth and safe ride.
Transmission Problems
Transmission problems are a common issue with Acura MDX vehicles, especially those built between 2003 and 2007. Owners have reported issues such as harsh shifting, slipping gears, and even complete transmission failure.
Power Steering Fluid Leaks
Some Acura MDX models may develop power steering fluid leaks, which can result in a loss of power steering capability. This issue can be attributed to deteriorating seals or hoses in the power steering system. Regular maintenance and inspections can help identify and address power steering leaks before they become major problems.
Noisy Brakes
Some Acura MDX owners have complained about noisy brakes, often due to premature brake pad and rotor wear. It's important to replace brake components at the recommended intervals and use quality parts to optimize safety.
Infotainment System Issues
Some owners of the 2023 Acura MDX have reported issues with the infotainment system, including a high-pitch whining noise and difficulty with the wireless charger. These issues can be frustrating and affect the overall driving experience.
Auto Stop/Auto Start Feature
Some owners have reported issues with the Auto Stop/Auto Start feature, which can be incredibly annoying and useless. This feature may not be desirable for all drivers, and it can be a reason to not recommend or purchase the car.
It's important to note that while these problems have been reported by some Acura MDX owners, not all vehicles will experience these issues. Regular maintenance and inspections can help identify and address potential problems before they become major issues.
Are there any problems with the Acura MDX?
Acura MDX owners have reported problems with their air conditioning systems, including issues with refrigerant leaks, compressor failure, and inadequate cooling. Regular maintenance of the air conditioning system—such as refrigerant level checks and cleaning of the condenser—can help prevent these issues.
What is the predicted reliability of the 2023 Acura MDX?
The 2023 Acura MDX has a predicted reliability score of 78 out of 100.
Is the Acura MDX a reliable car?
The Acura MDX follows suit with four out of five stars from RepairPal for reliability, putting it second among 14 luxury midsize SUVs. This Acura SUV costs $571 annually to maintain. Average repair shop visits total 0.4 times yearly, with an 11% chance of severe repair.
Is 2023 Acura MDX quiet?
Yes, the 2023 Acura MDX interior cabin is peaceful and quiet, so you can stay well aware of your surroundings when behind the wheel.
2023 Acura Mdx car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Acura Mdx problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Forward collision avoidance problems
- Steering problems
- Service brakes problems
- Suspension problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2023 Acura Mdx vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2023 Acura Mdx complaints
The NHTSA has received 9 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2023 Acura Mdx.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-01
- VIN: 5J8YE1H41PL
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: While driving at approximately 25 mph with no vehicle in front of me and no objects in the road ahead of me, the automatic braking system suddenly and unexpectedly engaged and brought my vehicle to a near stop. This was sudden and unexpected and the vehicle behind me nearly collided with my vehicle. It also caused my head/neck to jolt forward and while I did not sustain an injury it was a significant “jolt”. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. My safety and the safety of others was put at risk by my vehicle suddenly and unexpectedly braking automatically for no reason. This issue could easily cause collisions and injure me, my passengers, and occupants of vehicles driving behind my vehicle who may not be able to slow down or stop in my time when my vehicle automatically brakes suddenly and without warning, for no apparent reason. The problem has not yet been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. The vehicle or component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. When the brakes suddenly engaged, the “Brake” warning flashed on the driver panel/screen in a yellow/orange color. There were no other warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the automatic braking system suddenly engaging for no reason.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-05
- VIN: 5J8YE1H84PL
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: Within a month of buying our 2023 mdx the rear parking sensor stopped working. When we took it to the dealer (10/23) they were unable to get the part. Car sat at dealer waiting on part but we finally decided to just get car back. Within a week of getting it back (12/23) I turned the car on one day and on the screen every system that could fail was flashing on the screen- brake system, power steering, parking assist, etc. The car was not draining correctly as all these alerts flashing. We finally had to get it towed to dealer (could not even get car in neutral to get onto tow truck). Still waiting on the rear sensor part to see if this fixes all the issues.
STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-31
- VIN: 5J8YD9H45PL
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: I bought the car in March 2023 and took the car for maintenance of 5k at Acura dealership at north Orlando and after that the car came never the same. The car is making so much noise skewing and clicking noise every time you turn the streering wheel. The dealership said the noise is from nuts and bolt and they did change it and noise became more loud 2nd time they said it is the front break and they did change it and the noise still the same and more of clicking noise with every tire turns . I do have a video but I could not upload it. Then for 3rd time and car been sitting at dealership for a month now they said this noise is normal and happens with all Acura MDX models. The Loaner I have is an MDX that never makes any noise . The car was running perfectly fine before the maintenance. Now noise and steering wheel very loose and does not feel the same as before and you can hear 2 different noises in car one with breaks on and one with car or park and just Turing the steering wheels. So unbelievable that the damaged my car and I barely have mileage on it and changing all of those parts and when they came to a point that they can’t solve the issue they are saying it is a normal noise. Is it in car manual ? Why you changed all those parts to start with if that car and noise were normal? Too many questions and hidden parts for the dealership and Acura manufacture they just know half of the story and only listen to dealerships. I don’t feel safe driving the car with all of those issues and having two kids with me all the time.
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-03
- VIN: 5J8YE1H88PL
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,WHEELS
- Summary: When driving to town with family, drove over train tracks and all warning lights on dash came on and power steering was lost. I was going about 30 mpg and barely able to steer the vehicle to shoulder of road in a populated neighborhood. My wife and kids were really scared and i was glad this didn't happen in a much busier area. The warning lights were: Adaptive Cruise Control, parking brake, Lane keep assist, All Wheel Drive, electric power steering, collision mitigation, trailer stability assist, and low speed breaking. Reading multiple reports online [XXX] etc.), others have reported the same failure and issues with their 2022/2023 MDX, likely being caused by a faulty wheel speed sensor. If my wife was diving i would fear she would be unable to steer the vehicle to safety. i have not taken to the dealer yet. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-25
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 5J8YE1H89PL
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I was maneuvering to park my car in a parking lot. Driving down the traffic lane of the parking lot, I slowed, braked and turned left 90 degrees into the parking space with my foot still on the brake. I reached the end of the parking space and prepared to shut the engine down. I remember looking at the shift console to find the park button when the car bolted forward. The car went over the concrete curb, clipping a tree and through bushes beyond the parking space. The car proceeded down the embankment of a dry retention basin, across rip rap stone of the basin then up the other bank to the next parking lot. I was pushing hard on the brake petal the entire time with no results. The car just kept moving forward. I’m now thinking “How am I going to stop this car before it enters the busy street ahead?”. Once in this second parking lot, with a bit of mental clarity, I purposely slid my foot across the brake petal a very little bit, right to left, confirming to myself that I had not been on the accelerator. I did not lift my foot off the pedal to reposition my foot. Somehow, I was able to stop the car, or the car stopped itself in this parking lot. I was lucky that nobody else was involved or injured and there was no additional property damage beyond my vehicle. At this time, I’m not sure I will be able to trust this car again. Have there been other incidences of this ‘Sudden Unintended Acceleration’ happening to other Acura owners? Can I expect this to happen again to me?
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-12-01
- VIN: 5J8YE1H42PL
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: The contact owns a 2023 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal was spongy whenever depressed. The contact stated that the brake pedal would depress to the floorboard. There was no warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer on three separate occasions. The brake reservoir and brake reservoir cap were replaced under warranty; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was given a case number. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 3,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-03-11
- VIN: 5J8YE1H34PL
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Safety systems failure . Awd lane keeping adaptive cruise automatic emergency brake tailgate can’t open . Est about 8 to 10 failure. And that is 2nd in a week . On march 4 same problem . Dealer said is a cable not plug tight . Got it back on Monday than happen again . Feel not safe when I driving it . Lucky was on local rd when happens .if high way might be a big diff .
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-02-19
- VIN: 5J8YE1H36PL
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Fuel leak from gas tank due to a retainer clip for engine supply fuel line not installed during assembly. Vehicle would not start because of this and fuel leaked excessively from the top of gas tank.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,BACK OVER PREVENTION,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-11-09
- VIN: 5J8YE1H87PL
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,BACK OVER PREVENTION,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: -Alerts for all safety systems going offline appeared. Also said AWD is not working. Car would turn off with on push of ignition. -tailgate went haywire. When opening it just went up and down and halfway. Had to push it close Both issues went away, for now, after several restarts
Negative 2023 Acura Mdx car reviews
Positive 2023 Acura Mdx car reviews
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The A Spec is a fantastic car that excels in appeal, quality, functionality, sound system, technology and price. It's no surprise that cars improve each year, but this MDX is truly exceptional. The seats are incredibly comfortable, and the instruments and interior are well laid out. The car is also very quiet inside, with only minor road noise noted. The A Spec is about $4000 less than the advance and while it may lack some features, such as a heated steering wheel, visual display on windshield, and touch-free rear opening hatch, I don't really need them. I absolutely love the sporty look and the car is very well designed. Even my wife, who always said I drove a mom's car, loves it a lot! While there are many fine mid-size SUVs out there, I keep coming back to the MDX since I purchased my first one in 2002. This 2023 model is a nice improvement from my prior 2018 MDX. I am very pleased overall.
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We drove 200 miles to get the MDX type S we were looking for. Although we were disappointed to find out that the type S did not come with a spare tire, we were expecting the spare tire kit to be available when we picked it up. Unfortunately, the kit was on back order. However, when we had a blowout on the way home, Acura care sent a flatbed and we had a new tire by 10 o'clock the next day, Saturday! We absolutely love the car - it's incredibly comfortable, sporty, and fun to drive, unlike the GLS that we replaced. I ordered a spare tire, hoist, and jack from three different dealers, just in case!😅 Most of the articles I read indicated mileage even below the EPA estimates, but our short sample so far has shown at least two or three miles per gallon better than anticipated. Hopefully, the first night is not a sign of things to come!
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I really like the exterior styling of the MDX, it's the best looking midsize SUV on the road today in my opinion. The V6 engine is non-turbo and has proven to be reliable over the years. The interior is very upscale and impressive for the price point. The sound system is phenomenal and ranks better than what 99% of other vehicle manufacturers offer. I was pleasantly surprised by the city MPG's, as I'm getting 22-23 in town. The front seats are super comfortable and the super handling all-wheel drive is just as advertised, way better than the Genesis, Lexus, Volvo, Lincoln or Mercedes midsize SUVs I test drove. The only one that handled and cornered better than the MDX was the BMW X5. The only downside is the highway MPG's, as I'm not getting anything better than 24-25.
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Great features on this all around 7 passenger vehicle. You can haul around your grandchildren and great-grandchildren safely and still be sporty on your own. It's a great looking and performing car.
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Handles like a sports car, and it's wider and roomier than my Lexus.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2023 Acura Mdx problems:
Getting every error possible on 2023 MDX! Anyone else had this ...
Jan 11, 2023 ... These modern cars love to set codes in a ton of different modules when something is wrong. One module will see a little problem and it will ...
2023 Reliability | Acura MDX SUV Forums
Apr 13, 2023 ... 2023 A-Spec here. 7 months and ~7K miles with no issues other than the infamous steering column grunt. Even that has become more intermittent as ...
MDX Type S - problems/issues | Acura MDX SUV Forums
Apr 29, 2022 ... Think it's more common than just mine. 2021 Honda Odyssey Elite - Obsidian Blue Pearl/Gray 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Limited AWD - Cyber Gray ...
Common Acura MDX Problems We Can Fix at Our Berkeley Auto Shop
Nov 9, 2023 ... Acura MDX owners have reported problems with their air conditioning systems, including issues with refrigerant leaks, compressor failure, and ...
Other years of Acura Mdx
Are you having problems with your 2023 Acura Mdx?
Deangelo Baumbach 2025-02-21
My first experience with the Acura brand has been disappointing. Unfortunately, I had to deal with a transmission defect just 950 miles into owning my MDX, and Acura was unable to provide a timely solution. However, I decided to trade it in for another MDX and give the brand another chance. So far, I find the car comfortable and stylish, but I am unsure about the durability of the drivetrain, especially the jerky and busy ten-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, I find the infotainment screen wasted on the illogical trackpad. In my opinion, the MDX feels half-baked.
Macey Hilpert 2025-01-20
I recently traded in my 2016 Volvo XC 90 for the 2023 MDX, but unfortunately, I have not been enjoying the ride as much as I had hoped. The car feels a bit clunky and the turn radius is not as good as I expected. Additionally, there have been some strange noises that I find concerning. While I am disappointed with my experience so far, I am hopeful that things will improve. I would not recommend this car based on my experience, but I understand that everyone's preferences are different. Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts.
Kian Will 2025-01-18
I have owned two 4th Gen MDX's, and unfortunately, both have had different sets of issues. My first one was a 2022 MDX Aspec, which had issues with acceleration and a weird vibration in the gas pedal. Acura did not seem to care about the issue and simply ruled it out, saying it was normal. Since I could still drive the car with the vibration in the gas pedal, I traded in the Aspec for a 2023 MDX Type S Advance, hoping that the Type S engine design was different and that I would not have any weird issues. Unfortunately, I was completely wrong. My 2023 Type S Advance has multiple issues. Firstly, there is a high-pitched whining noise that triggers at 45mph. This only happens when I slightly press the gas pedal to maintain speed. If I take my foot off the gas pedal, the noise stops. If I feather the gas pedal, it comes back. My dealer did not even attempt to identify the problem but instead test drove other Type S's in the lot, which had a similar noise but was barely noticeable, whereas it is pretty loud and annoying in my car. I opened a case with Acura, but they took my dealership technician's word and ruled it as a normal characteristic of the car, which is not true. Many other MDX owners are experiencing the same issue, and Acura is not bothering to look into the issue at all. Secondly, there is a rattle noise from the cluster/HUD part of the dashboard. My dealer tried to fix it, but it just doesn't go away. The Type S Advance is the most expensive and sort of flagship vehicle for Acura, but they decided to ignore the issues that customers are having and simply say it's normal. It seems like Acura knows about these issues and yet released a faulty product into the market and is only interested in making money. If Acura doesn't take these issues into consideration and fix them, this will be my last Acura product, and I will spread the word to my family and friends who are in the market for a new car and make sure they buy a better, more reliable car from a company that pays attention to customer issues and values them.
Isidro Kreiger 2025-01-18
I purchased the 2023 MDX AWD Tech a month ago, and unfortunately, I have noticed significant wind noise at several speeds. Despite not hearing it initially, the noise has become increasingly louder with more driving. In my experience, I cannot recommend this model. In fact, I find my 2016 MDX, which I traded in, to be a better and quieter vehicle. I regret my decision to purchase the 2023 model.
Max Jacobson 2024-10-18
Imagine driving across south central New Mexico on your way to visit your grandchildren in Arizona when suddenly you experience a flat tire and there's no one around to help. What do you do? Additionally, the constant downshifting can be quite disconcerting. It's surprising that the Honda engineers didn't think this through. I'm not aware of any other cars that have this annoying and hidden extra included in their 'extras.'