Third generation
2017 Acura MDX
The most reported problem on the 2017 Acura MDX is engine failure, with 52 complaints, usually around 110,000 miles.
- 255owner complaints
- 8recalls
- 7involved a crash
- 44,000median miles at failure
Newest report Sep 14, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
What is your MDX doing?
Each one opens a sheet built from the owner reports of that problem on the 2017 model year.
Is the 2017 Acura MDX reliable?
The 2017 Acura MDX has 255 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, close to the median of 307 for 2017 SUVs on this site. Of the 11 MDX model years since 2014, it has the 2nd most complaints. Complaint counts rise with sales as well as faults, so read what owners report below before deciding.
At a glance
- Next to the 2016 and 2018
- Complaints ease off across these three model years. Counted per year on the road, the 2016 draws 34, the 2017 26 and the 2018 18.
- Top problem
- Two problems run close. Engine failure has 52 complaints and stalling has 43, out of 255 in all. It's a high-mileage complaint: half of the 25 owners who gave a mileage for engine failure were past about 110,000 miles.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- 12 of the 255 complaints (5%) report a crash, a fire or an injury, a little under the 6% typical of vehicles on this site. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 7 reports mention a crash, 4 mention a fire and 4 people were hurt. The most crash reports, 3 of 7, fall under brake wear.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- engine failure and stalling all have recalls on the same system, and the same campaigns cover them: 23V-751. A recall on the same system doesn't always cover the failure owners describe, so compare its summary with the complaints.
- When owners filed
- Complaints are still climbing. 2025 brought 59, the most of any year so far. So far in 2026, 45 more have come in.
When each problem shows up
Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: engine failure, knocking or rod bearing, 52 complaints.
middle half of reports, median tick. The heavier grey bars have 75 or more reports.
Behind you
Around your mileage
Ahead of you
How this compares
255 complaints is about the median for a 2017 model on this site and 1.2 times fewer than the median 2017 SUV. Among the 8 MDX model years here it ranks 2nd for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.
Service bulletins for the 2017 Acura MDX
Acura filed 229 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2017 Acura MDX. 20 of them deal with a problem owners have reported on this car. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 1 bulletin · 52 complaints
The vehicle may exhibit several of the following symptoms: - Multiple indicators are on. - The option fuse E21 (7.5 A) is blown. - It is hard to shut off the engine. - No communication with the i-HDS.
Engine stalls or loses power while driving 1 bulletin · 43 complaints
The vehicle may exhibit several of the following symptoms: - Multiple indicators are on. - No communication with the i-HDS. - The option fuse (7.5 A) is blown. - MDX: Fuse E21 - TLX: Fuse B7 - MDX: It is hard to shut off the engine.
Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 1 bulletin · 24 complaints
SERVICE BULLETIN IN A 9-SPEED A/T, THE ATF LEVEL IS CRITICAL. IF ITS TOO HIGH, THE TRANSMISSION COULD SHIFT HARD. IF ITS TOO LOW, THE TRANSMISSION COULD SLIP. THIS TRANSMISSION ALSO DOESNT USE A DIPSTICK. TO CHECK THE ATF LEVEL, YOU NEED TO RUN A SPECIAL PROCEDURE.
Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 3 bulletins · 20 complaints
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2017-2020 MDXs with a client complaint of an unexpected CMBS operation or a brake application.
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is investigating certain 2017-2019 MDXs with a client complaint of the vibration/judder in the front brakes when applying brakes.
1 more on this problem
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is investigating certain 2014-2018 MDXs with a client complaint of vibration in the steering wheel while braking.
Check engine light or misfire 10 bulletins · 19 complaints
Under certain circumstances, after coming to a stop and engaging idle stop the vehicle may not restart automatically due to excessive cylinder pressure and/or low cranking torque.
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2016-2020 MDXs, RLXs & TLXs with a client complaint of the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) on with the DTC P030X (Cylinder Misfire Detected), P0171 & P0174 (Rear/Front Bank Fuel System Too Lean), ...
8 more on this problem
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2016-2020 MDXs, RDXs & TLXs with a client complaint of the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) on with the DTC P030X (Cylinder Misfire Detected), P0171 & P0174 (Rear/Front Bank Fuel System Too Lean), ...
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2017-2020 MDX V6s (non-Hybrid) with a client complaint of the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) on with the misfire DTCs P0300-P0306 stored.
During a downshift from 9th or 8th gear to 7th gear or lower, a miscalculation in the TCM software causes the MIL to come on with DTC P0716 (input shaft [mainshaft] speed sensor [range/performance]).
The MIL comes on with DTC P0430 (front bank catalyst system efficiency below threshold [Bank 2]). The PCM software may misinterpret sensor inputs as a deteriorated catalytic converter.
Servicenews article - We?re getting reports of reduced engine power with the MIL on. Service techs are seeing DTC P0369 (CMP sensor circuit intermittent interruption) and signs of excessive camshaft end play.
Tech line summary article - If there?s an EVAP system leak from the filler neck (DTC P0455 [EVAP system large leak detected] or P0456 [EVAP system very small leak detected] is set), don?t replace the fuel fill pipe! Instead, replace the mis-fuel inhibit ...
The MIL comes on with DTC P0430 (front bank catalyst system efficiency below threshold [Bank 2]).
Tech line summary article - We're getting reports of reduced engine power with the MIL on. Service techs are seeing DTC P0369 (CMP sensor circuit intermittent interruption) and signs of excessive camshaft end play.
Transmission jerks, lurches or bangs into gear 1 bulletin · 18 complaints
The transmission has intermittent harsh or jerky upshifts with steady acceleration.
Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 2 bulletins · 13 complaints
Tech line summary article - We?re currently looking at an issue where the navigation icon wanders or shows up in the wrong location. It happens when the vehicle is started after it?s been sitting for more than 4 hours, and is put into gear within 15 seconds.
SERVICE NEWS ARTICLE JUST SO YOU KNOW, THE AUDIO UNIT IN THE 2017 NSX DOES NOT OFFER AM RECEPTION OR A CD PLAYER. FURTHERMORE, BOTH NAVIGATION AND SIRIUSXM® RADIO ARE OPTIONAL FEATURES.
Transmission fails or needs replacement 1 bulletin · 8 complaints
Some 9-speed transmission warmers were improperly manufactured and allow the engine coolant and ATF to mix. If the fluids mix, the engine and transmission may be permanently damaged and require replacement.
Complaints filed by year
59 complaints came in 2025. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.
NHTSA investigations
Engine failure. Open.
NHTSA summary
No restart after auto start/stop engages. Open.
NHTSA summary
Engine failure. Closed aug 20, 2025.
NHTSA summary
Recalls that include the 2017 Acura MDX
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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 and remedy
Remedy: 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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.
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 and remedy
Remedy: 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.
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 and remedy
Remedy: 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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair, or replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 28, 2024. 2016-2017 Acura MDX owner letters were mailed November 1, 2024. 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed in mid-December 2024. Honda began mailing owner notification letters as of March 18, 2024. 2015-2016 Acura owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-December 2024, 2018 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed the end of March/early April 2024, 2019 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-May 2024, 2020 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-June 2024, and 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed January 27, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XG1 and GG0.
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 and remedy
Remedy: 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.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Acura MDX, 2015-2019 Acura TLX and 2015-2017 Honda Accord vehicles, equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine. Particulates in fuel may adhere to the internal components of the fuel pump, reducing its performance.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the fuel injection engine control unit (FI-ECU) software and, if necessary, replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began March 25, 2019. Owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's recall number for this recall is P3W. Honda's recall number for this recall is N3X.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Acura MDX, 2017-2018 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda HR-V and Honda Odyssey, and 2016 Honda HR-V vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating, causing gas pockets to form, reducing brake performance. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Owners will be notified, and Honda or Acura dealers will bleed the brakes, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are C31 and L30.
All 8 recalls on the 2017 Acura MDX, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
Guide NHTSA has an open investigation on this car. What the investigation stages mean
Questions
What is the most common problem on the 2017 Acura MDX?
Engine failure, with 52 of the 255 complaints. Owners who gave a mileage for it put the median at about 110,000 miles.
At what mileage do 2017 Acura MDX problems start?
Of the 108 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 14,000 miles and half by about 44,000.
Is the 2017 Acura MDX better or worse than the 2016 and 2018?
Counted per year on the road, the 2017 has fewer complaints than the 2016 and more complaints than the 2018: 26 a year against 34 and 18.
How many 2017 Acura MDX complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
12 of them (5%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for engine failure on the 2017 Acura MDX?
Yes, NHTSA lists a recall on the same system: 23V-751. Its summary says which failure it covers, and that isn't always the one owners describe.