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2015 Acura Mdx Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2015 Acura Mdx carries 8 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering tail lights and air conditioner. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Transmission shudder and hesitation at low speed.” 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.

8 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.

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.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

Campaign #16V417000 · Sep 6, 2016

Issue: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2015 Acura MDX 2WD and MDX 4WD vehicles, 2016 Acura MDX 4WD vehicles, 2015-2016 Honda Odyssey vehicles, and 2016 Honda Pilot 2WD and 4WD vehicles. The affected vehicles have fuel tanks that were manufactured with insufficient welds which may separate and allow fuel to leak out.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.

Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tanks, free of charge. Owners may contact Honda/Acura customer service at 1-888-234-2138. The recall began on July 29, 2016. Honda's numbers for this recall are KA9 (Honda vehicles) and KB0 (Acura vehicles).

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.

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.

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 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2015 Acura Mdx.

Reported to NHTSA

Transmission shudder and hesitation at low speed

POWER TRAIN

10 NHTSA complaints · 2015-10 → 2022-09

“Torque converter shutter at speeds of 30mph - 45mph causing erratic acceleration fluctuations. I addressed the concern with the dealership at around 72,000 miles (just out of manufacturers warranty)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11442215
“VEHICLE SHUDDERS AT 35-40 MPH, THE SHUDDERING IS HARDER WHEN GOING UP A SLIGHT INCLINE. IT SEEMS THAT THE VEHICLE DOESN'T WANT TO SHIFT DOWN A GEAR. I HAVE TO EITHER LET GO OF THE GAS OR GIVE IT MORE GAS FOR THE SHUDDERING TO STOP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11258246
“TRANSMISSION SLIPS ,AND HESITATES TO SHIFT NORMALLY AND THEN GOES NORMAL AGAIN. VEHICLE IS IN MOTION WHEN THIS OCCURED ,IT HAPPENED WHILE CRUSING AT 35 MPH, AND AT 50 MPH, STREET ,AND HIGHWAY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11348639

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Taillight failure and condensation in assembly

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

5 NHTSA complaints · 2023-11 → 2026-03

“My driver side taillight is malfunctioning. It appears there is a problem with the seal which is allowing water to get inside the assembly, causing it to short out”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11728195
“The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, he observed condensation in both taillights and the taillights did not illuminate as intended. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the lid light needed to be replaced”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11579573
“The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the tailgate lid lights did not function as intended. The contact was pulled over by the local Police and was informed that the taillights were not operating”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11647955

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Door auto-relock and keyless entry malfunction

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 NHTSA complaints · 2015-06 → 2018-08

“AUTOMATIC SAFETY DOOR RELOCK FAULTY. THE REMOTE WAS USED TO UNLOCK THE DOORS. THE REAR DOOR WAS OPENED AND THE BABY WAS PLACED IN THE CAR SEAT. THE DIAPER BAG WAS THEN PLACED ON THE FLOOR OF THE BACK SEAT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11119473
“THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM FAILED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO UNLOCK THE DOORS IF THE CELL PHONE AND KEYLESS FOB WERE IN THE SAME LOCATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10759256

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Roof paint peeling on white diamond pearl finish

STRUCTURE

2 NHTSA complaints · 2024-08 → 2025-01

“Paint peeling on roof (white diamond pearl paint)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11636349
“Acura issued Warranty Extension TSB 19-029 on 2014-2016 MDX with white diamond pearl paint. The extension covers the roof and rear door. My roof began peeling in or around 2022 and the roof was repainted without issue”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11608615

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Automatic braking activation with no vehicle ahead

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

4 NHTSA complaints · 2015-09 → 2025-06

“All of a sudden the brakes are automatically applied with collision avoidance amber coming on dash heads up display while I am on freeway approximate speed 30-40 mph with no apparent vehicle in front.this has also happened at lower speeds in local driving roads”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11667443
“AS I GOT CLOSER TO THE STEEL PLATE, THE VEHICLE'S COLLISION MITIGATION BRAKING SYSTEM APPLIED THE BRAKES ON ITS OWN, I ASSUME BECAUSE IT PERCEIVED THE STEEL PLATE TO BE A COLLISION THREAT. I HAD NO CONTROL OVER MY SUV, AND THERE WAS NOTHING I COULD DO TO RESUME NORMAL…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10786197
“WITH THE NEW RECALL SOFTWARE. THE MDX STOPS OR APPLY THE BRAKING ON THE FREEWAY. THIS IS A CONTINUES TO THIS DAY. THE DEALERSHIP HAD THE VEHICLE FOR ABOUT ONE WEEK. THEY SAID THAT IT COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10763775

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sunroof glass spontaneous shattering

VISIBILITY

4 NHTSA complaints · 2015-03 → 2023-06

“The sun/moon roof glass on our 2015 Acura MDX spontaneously shattered while my wife was driving down a major thoroughfare in our area. If the inside cover below the glass had been open, my wife could have been seriously injured by falling shards of glass”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11528062
“EXPLODING SUNROOF - WHILE DRIVING SOUTH ON 91 IN MA WE EXPERIENCED AN EXTREMELY LOUD BOOM IN THE VEHICLE. NOTHING HIT US NOR DID WE HIT ANYTHING - IT WAS SPONTANEOUS. THE SUNROOF EXPLODED COMPLETELY SHATTERING INTO SMALL PIECES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10694095
“I WAS DRIVING THIS CAR EARLY IN THE MORNING WHEN I PRESSED THE BUTTON TO OPEN THE MOONROOF, IT VIOLENTLY EXPLODED CAUSING GLASS TO SHOWER UPON ME. I HAVE SUFFERED CUTS ON MY HAND AND ON MY HEAD AS A RESULT OF THIS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10722449

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power steering (EPS) failure while turning

STEERING

3 NHTSA complaints · 2017-09 → 2020-01

“THREE MONTHS AFTER OWNING THIS 2015 MDX MY POWER STEERING FAILED AS I WAS DRIVING (EPS FAILURE) AND MAKING A LEFT TURN. THIS CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO LOSE POWER STEERING MAKING IT ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11058534
“POWER STEERING SYSTEM (EPS) PROBLEM. STEERING JAMMED. VERY HARD TO STEER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11022388

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stall and loss of motive power

ENGINE

5 NHTSA complaints · 2018-04 → 2026-07

“My 2015 AcuraMDX engine seized while driving creating an unsafe condition as it occurred on a busy roadway. I suspect a rod bearing failure. It has been reported to Honda”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11750652
“The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact pulled over onto the shoulder of the roadway. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to start”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11639599
“VEHICLE STOPS ACCELERATING WHILE DRIVING AND LOSES POWER WITHOUT WARNING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11150754

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

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

8 crashes 2010–2024

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

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.

5

complaints mentioning a crash

2

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 2015 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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