Federal safety data shows 4 recalls and 162 complaints for the 2018 Acura MDX, a elevated safety profile overall. Check the known issues section below for the most common problem areas.

Recalls

162

Complaints

Crashes

Fires

Recall Findings

19V2560002019-28-03

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

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.

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

View at NHTSA

25V2590002025-17-04

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.

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

View at NHTSA

26V3320002026-21-05

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.

Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.

View at NHTSA

View all 4 recalls

26V3650002026-04-06

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

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.

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.

View at NHTSA

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Top Complaint Areas

Of 162 issues reported over 1 model years, engine and engine cooling,fuel system, gasoline problems are the most common for the 2018 Acura MDX. A pre-purchase inspection should focus here first.

01Engine And Engine Cooling,fuel System, Gasoline11

02Forward Collision Avoidance,lane Departure9

03Engine9

04Fuel System, Gasoline9

05Power Train8

162 total across 1 model years (2018–2018)Full data at NHTSA.gov

Acura MDX Fuel Economy

21–27mpg combined

19-26city

26-27hwy

$3,050-$3,700/yr

The 2018 Acura MDX delivers 21 to 27 MPG combined across 5 powertrain combinations. If fuel cost matters to you, pay attention to engine and drivetrain. The spread is significant.

By Trim

MDX Hybrid AWD - Automatic (AM-S7)

27mpg

3.0L 6-cyl · All-Wheel Drive

26 city27 hwy~$3,050/yr6/10 Average

MDX FWD - Automatic (S9)

23mpg

3.5L 6-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

20 city27 hwy~$3,550/yr5/10 Average

MDX AWD - Automatic (S9)

22mpg

3.5L 6-cyl · All-Wheel Drive

19 city26 hwy~$3,700/yr4/10 Average

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Where to Find 2018 Acura MDX

32States

30%in top 3

Texas has the most inventory at 11%, with options spread across 32 states. Willing to ship? Your selection opens up significantly.

TXTexas

1,84911%

NYNew York

1,55710%

FLFlorida

1,4629%

NJNew Jersey

1,3468%

DCWashington DC

1,1377%

ILIllinois

8996%

PAPennsylvania

7955%

DEDelaware

7174%

CACalifornia

6634%

MOMissouri

6514%

MDMaryland

6354%

GAGeorgia

4873%

NCNorth Carolina

3742%

AZ311

OH284

MN242

CO228

OK203

RI172

OR171

WI148

TN134

CT133

IN127

NH123

VA119

NV119

WA114

MS112

MI94

SD92

KY92

Geographic distribution reflects all active listings for this model, not just 2018.

2018 Acura MDX: Questions Buyers Ask

Pricing, reliability, and ownership answers

Is the 2018 Acura MDX a good car to buy?

Here's the short version on the 2018 Acura MDX. There are 4 recalls to verify before purchase. Dig into the safety overview and pricing trends for recall-by-recall detail.

Are there recalls on the 2018 Acura MDX?

Yes, 4 recalls on record. The good news: recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Check the safety report for specifics, and always run the VIN before buying.

What's the gas mileage of the 2018 Acura MDX?

Fuel economy ranges from 21 to 27 MPG combined. If you drive 15,000 miles a year, that gap is worth about $556 annually. See the fuel economy section for per-trim data.

What are common problems with the 2018 Acura MDX?

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE problems top the list with 162 total complaints filed. Not every car is affected, but it's worth asking about and inspecting. Full details in the known issues section.

How does the 2018 compare to other Acura MDX years?

Each Acura MDX model year has different pricing, recall counts, and owner satisfaction patterns. Compare all available years on the Acura MDX overview page.