2018 Acura MDX Problems: 4 Known Issues
2018 model year · 1,200+ owner reports · Updated October 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, 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 Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 CR-V vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
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, which can cause the brake master cylinder to separate from the booster assembly.
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.
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 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.
+ 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 2018-2020 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. Applies to: Certain 2014–2020 Acura MDX and 2018–2020 MDX Sport Hybrid vehicles covered by recall 23V858 (Ac… Severity: high.
What is the 2018 Acura MDX Intermittent hard upshifts during steady acceleration — bulletin 20-015?
On an eligible 2018 MDX with the nine-speed automatic, intermittent harsh upshifts during steady acceleration may involve abnormal transmission-control adaptation values. This bulletin does not establish a cause for stalling or every shift complaint. Applies to: 2018 Acura MDX wi… 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. Applies to:… 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.