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2014 Acura MDX Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2014 Acura MDX carries 9 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering tail lights and crash imminent braking. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Transmission judder and torque converter shudder.” Acura's Maintenance Minder calculates oil life from real engine conditions and shows service codes instead of fixed mileages — code A or B (oil / oil + inspection) plus sub-codes for items like tire rotation (1), air filters (2), or transmission fluid (3). Follow the codes, not the calendar. One interval you should never stretch: most Acura 3.5L V6 engines (MDX, TL) use a timing belt with a roughly 105,000-mile / 7-year replacement — a snapped belt on this interference engine means bent valves. SH-AWD models add a rear-differential fluid service that's essential for the torque-vectoring unit.

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9 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

Campaign #19V256000 · Mar 28, 2019

Issue: 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.

Risk: Loss of the taillights reduces the vehicle's visibility, increasing the risk of crash.

Fix: 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.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: CRASH IMMINENT BRAKING

Campaign #15V301000 · May 20, 2015

Issue: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Acura MDX 2WD and AWD, RLX and 2014 Acura RLX Hybrid vehicles. In certain driving conditions, the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) may incorrectly interpret certain roadside objects such as metal fences or metal guardrails as obstacles and unexpectedly apply the brakes.

Risk: If the CMBS unexpectedly applies emergency braking force while driving, there is an increased risk of a crash.

Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the CMBS software, free of charge. The recall began on July 6, 2015. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-800-382-2238. Honda's numbers for this recall is JQ4, JQ5 and JQ6.

EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

Campaign #15V417000 · Jan 7, 2015

Issue: American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Acura MDX and MDX AWD vehicles manufactured April 23, 2013, to December 16, 2014. The affected vehicles have air conditioning compressor clutch drive bolts that may not have received the proper anti-corrosion coating.

Risk: If a bolt was not coated, it may corrode and break as a result. If the bolt breaks, the compressor clutch plate may separate from the vehicle, possibly becoming a road hazard.

Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air conditioning compressor clutch drive bolt and install a new clutch plate if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on August 7, 2015. Owners may contact Acura client relations at 1-800-382-2238. Honda's number for this recall is JQ7.

SEAT BELTS

Campaign #14V639000 · Oct 10, 2014

Issue: American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Acura MDX vehicles manufactured April 23, 2013, to August 25, 2014, and 2014 Acura RLX vehicles manufactured November 5, 2012, to November 25, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the driver and front passenger seat belt may not extend or retract in low temperatures.

Risk: A seatbelt that does not function increases the risk of injury in a crash.

Fix: Honda has notified owners, and dealers will replace the driver and front passenger seat belts, free of charge. The recall began in November 2014. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-800-382-2238. Honda's number for this recall is JK7 for the MKX, and JK8 for the RLX.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Campaign #13E040000 · Jul 22, 2013

Issue: American Honda Motor Co. is recalling certain Trailer Hitch Harness Kits, Part Number 08L91-TZ5-200. These kits are for use in 2014 model year Acura MDX vehicles. The trailer hitch kit has a subharness that is incorrectly wired such that there may be no power supplied to an accessory trailer brake controller.

Risk: If the trailer brake controller is not powered, when towing a trailer, longer stopping distances could be required, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Honda will notify owners and Acura dealers will correct the trailer hitch subharness wiring, free of charge. The recall began on August 23, 2013. Owners may contact Acura Customer Service at 1-800-382-2238. Honda's number for this campaign is JB2.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Campaign #13V571000 · Nov 14, 2013

Issue: American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2014 Acura MDX AWD vehicles manufactured May 6, 2013, through October 14, 2013. The bolts that attach the drive shaft to the automatic transmission transfer assembly may not have been properly tightened. As a result, the bolts could loosen possibly allowing the shaft to detach.

Risk: If the drive shaft detaches while driving it could cause excessive noise and possibly damage the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the drive shaft attaching bolts as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on July 3, 2014. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009 or visit their website at www.recalls.honda.com. Honda's recall number is JC8.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Campaign #23V858000 · Dec 18, 2023

Issue: 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.

Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Campaign #25V259000 · Apr 17, 2025

Issue: 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.

Risk: Vehicle lights that fail to illuminate can decrease visibility and increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

Campaign #26V365000 · Apr 6, 2026

Issue: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2014 Acura MDX.

Reported to NHTSA

Transmission judder and torque converter shudder

POWER TRAIN

25 NHTSA complaints · 2015-09 → 2025-04

“The power train experiences jutters. Known issue and many torque converters have been replaced while under warranty. Our vehicle had minimal miles when warranty expired and now this problem has occurred”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11656957
“TRANSMISSION AND TORQUE CONVERTER PROBLEM. EXPERIENCING SHUTTER WHEN SHIFTING FROM 2ND GEAR INTO 3RD GEAR. STARTING AT 40,000K MILES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11133487
“I HAD THIS 2014 ACURA MDX FOR 4YR SINCE 2016 AS CPO AT LOCAL ACURA DEALER. SINCE 2YRS AGO, MY RPM DO NOT CLIMB STEADY AND IT IS JUMPING UP AND DOWN ,ESPECIALLY AT THE SPEED BETWEEN 40 TO 60”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11405970

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Taillight assembly water intrusion

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

12 NHTSA complaints · 2019-04 → 2026-06

“The contact owns a 2014 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while approaching the vehicle after the vehicle had been started, the contact noticed that the taillights were inoperable”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11657599
“TL* THE CONSUMER OWNS A 2014 ACURA MDX. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THEY HAD RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V256000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE TAIL LIGHTS WERE FILLED WITH WATER AND BECAME INOPERABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11268932
“HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY LEAKING AND HOLDING WATER CAUSING DEGRADED ILLUMINATION AND SHORT CIRCUIT HAZARD. THIS IS KNOWN RECALL ISSUE WITH ACURA TSL HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY AND ACURA MDX TAIL LAMPS, BOTH MADE OF SIMILAR CONSTRUCTION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11203041

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake rotor vibration during braking

SERVICE BRAKES

10 NHTSA complaints · 2014-01 → 2016-12

“THE VEHICLE START SHAKING VIOLENTLY WHEN BRAKING AT HIGH SPEEDS OR WITH EMERGENCY BRAKING. BRAKING EFFICIENCY MAY BE SUFFERING AS WELL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10930346
“WHEN DRIVING DOWN A LONG, DOWNHILL SLOPE THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE REST OF THE CAR STARTED SHAKING WHEN THE BRAKE IS APPLIED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10906868
“OUR 2014 ACURA MDX'S BRAKE ROTORS HAD TO BE RESURFACED AFTER ONLY 13,000 MILES. THE MECHANIC AT THE DEALER NOTED THAT THEY HAVE SEEN MANY SIMILAR CASES WITH THE NEW MDX BECAUSE IT'S SO HEAVY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10759830

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sunroof glass shattering while driving

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

6 NHTSA complaints · 2015-08 → 2023-07

“The contact owns a 2014 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, there was a loud popping sound was heard. The contact stopped and inspected the vehicle and discovered that the glass sunroof had shattered”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11530084
“SUNROOF EXPLOSION - SATURDAY 1/13/18 EVENING 7:30 PM DRIVING ON OPEN HIGHWAY (HARDY TOLL ROAD IN NORTH OF HOUSTON) TO AIRPORT TO PICK UP MY FAMILY. CLEAR SKIES, ~50F”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11062678
“SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODED WHILE DRIVE APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH ON INTERSTATE 83 NORTH OF BALTIMORE MARYLAND. NO TRAFFIC AHEAD WITHIN QUARTER MILE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10956132

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Roof paint delamination and peeling

STRUCTURE

5 NHTSA complaints · 2024-04 → 2026-02

“This car is consistently garaged. It was pulled out one morning and a large sheet of paint peeled off roof while it was sitting in the driveway”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11714839
“Large spot of paint has peeled off, exposing bare metal in front of the sunroof and above the windshield in the center of the roof”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11648366
“The white paint on the roof of my car peeled off in huge chunks between the sunroof and the windshield. Acura had extended the warranty on the paint to 8 years from the date in service and ours was fine at the deadline”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11605291

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel pump failure and loss of motive power

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

4 NHTSA complaints · 2024-08 → 2026-08

“The contact owns a 2014 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed an abnormal sound, the vehicle lost motive power, and the contact noticed a fuel odor inside the vehicle. No warning lights illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11759967
“The contact owns a 2014 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, and while driving up an incline, the vehicle briefly hesitated and lost motive power before returning to normal functionality”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11611474
“The fuel pump impeller was improperly moulded, resulting in low density impellers. Over time, the low-density impeller can deform and interfere with the fuel pump body, rendering the fuel pump inoperative”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11608582

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electric power steering lockup during driving

STEERING

34 NHTSA complaints · 2014-06 → 2025-12

“my daughter drove the vehicle for an appointment. Parked it went in and upon return, started it but could not turn the steering wheel. It was nearly impossible to turn the wheel. When turned with force, it would vibrate”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11705732
“The EPS system failed while driving on a major highway. I was in the passing (left) lane, and had to manually steer the vehicle. I had to have the vehicle towed to the dealership”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11635766
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 ACURA MDX. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE POWER STEERING FAILURE ERROR MESSAGE DISPLAYED AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10980411

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unintended acceleration in Park or Reverse

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

11 NHTSA complaints · 2013-11 → 2017-08

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 ACURA MDX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND CRASHED INTO A ROD IRON FENCE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10917899
“THIS IS THE THIRD INCIDENT OF UNINTENDED ENGINE REVVING WITH THIS VEHICLE. THIS THIRD INCIDENT OCCURRED AT 5925 MILES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10586577
“UNINTENTIONAL ACCELERATION AND FAILURE OF COLLISION MITIGATION SYSTEM 2014 ACURA MDX ADVANCED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10732013

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Oil & Filter (Maintenance Minder A/B)

Every 8,000 mi

Change when the Maintenance Minder reaches 15% oil life or shows code A/B — typically every 7,500-10,000 miles with 0W-20 synthetic. Short-trip city driving triggers the code sooner; that's the algorithm doing its job.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Timing Belt (3.5L V6 — MDX, TL)

Every 105,000 mi

J-series V6: replace the timing belt around 105,000 miles or 7 years (Maintenance Minder sub-code 4). It's an interference engine — a failed belt destroys valves. Replace the water pump and tensioner in the same job. (2022+ MDX 3.5L remains belt-driven; the Integra's turbo four is chain-driven.)

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$935–$1175

Shop

~$655–$825

DIY

Pro only

On interference engines, a snapped belt destroys valves. Worth doing on schedule. Bundle water pump + tensioner — labor is already there.

Tire Rotation (Sub-code 1)

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate when sub-code 1 appears — roughly every 7,500 miles. SH-AWD models: keep tread depths matched across all four corners.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and fluid level with every A/B service. Type S models with Brembo front calipers: pads wear faster and cost more — budget ahead.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace every 3 years regardless of mileage — Honda/Acura schedules this on time because the fluid absorbs moisture.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Transmission Fluid (Sub-code 3)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace ATF when sub-code 3 appears — commonly every 30,000-60,000 miles depending on duty. Use Honda/Acura ATF only (DW-1, or the 10-speed's specified fluid); aftermarket 'universal' ATF causes shudder in these gearboxes.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

SH-AWD Rear Differential Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

SH-AWD (MDX, TLX, RDX): replace the rear differential fluid roughly every 30,000 miles (sub-code 6) — the torque-vectoring clutch packs run in this fluid, and whining or binding in tight turns is the classic overdue symptom.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Spark Plugs (Sub-code 4)

Every 100,000 mi

Iridium plugs around 100,000 miles on most models. Turbocharged Integra/ADX engines: check the manual — forced induction typically shortens the interval.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Air Filter (Sub-code 2)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace with sub-code 2, roughly every 30,000 miles — sooner in dusty conditions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter (Sub-code 2)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace with sub-code 2 alongside the engine air filter. Behind the glovebox — an easy DIY on most Acuras.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Coolant Replacement (Sub-code 5)

Every 100,000 mi

Honda/Acura Type 2 coolant: first change around 10 years / 100,000 miles, then every 5 years / 50,000. Use the blue Type 2 coolant only.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

15 crashes 1990–2024

How the 15 occupant deaths break down

10

driver deaths

5

passenger deaths

15

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2014 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

10

complaints mentioning a crash

3

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2014 Acura MDX reflects Acura's published service intervals and the Maintenance Minder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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