Owners have reported 4 crashes, 2 fires and 4 injuries to NHTSA for the 2022 Acura MDX. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints22
POWER TRAIN
Owners report frequent issues with the 2022 Acura MDX's powertrain, particularly involving failures of the transmission and transfer case splines. Typical symptoms include a loss of all-wheel drive functionality, where the vehicle operates in front-wheel drive only, often without any warning lights or dashboard indicators. This loss of traction is commonly noted during adverse weather conditions such as rain or snow, posing a potential safety risk due to reduced stability and control. Complaints often mention these issues arising around 60,000 to 80,000 miles, with some cases requiring costly repairs outside the powertrain warranty. Buyers should be aware of these potential defects and the associated safety implications when considering a used 2022 Acura MDX.
Owner complaints17
STEERING
Owners of the 2022 Acura MDX frequently report issues with the steering system, particularly involving sudden steering wheel lock-up and multiple system failures while driving. Common symptoms include the loss of power steering, difficulty steering, and various warning lights for systems such as brakes, vehicle stability assist, and lane keeping assist. These issues often occur without prior warning, and some reports indicate they happen even at low mileage, such as around 800 miles. Safety implications are significant, with one reported crash due to steering lock-up leading to a loss of vehicle control. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring steering and electronic system malfunctions when considering this model.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints8
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2022 Acura MDX frequently report issues with the electrical system, particularly concerning battery drain, with multiple instances of batteries needing replacement within a short time frame. Symptoms often include the infotainment screen failing to turn off and various warning lights activating unexpectedly. Additionally, some owners experience the Low Speed Braking Control system engaging without cause, leading to sudden stops, and issues with the engine idle stop feature causing the vehicle to stall. These problems are reported across a range of mileages, with some vehicles having as few as 7,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, including sudden stops and stalling in traffic, which could pose risks of accidents. These patterns suggest potential concerns for used car buyers, especially regarding unexpected maintenance and safety.
Owner complaints5
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners report several issues with the service brakes on the 2022 Acura MDX, with common symptoms including brake failure to respond, brakes becoming stuck or jammed, and unpredictable rear brake squealing and grabbing. Complaints frequently mention brake system warning lights and uneven brake wear, with some owners experiencing these issues as early as 8,000 miles and others at higher mileages like 65,000 miles. Two complaints involve crashes, one at low speed and another during a gear shift, both resulting in injuries. These patterns suggest potential safety implications, including loss of vehicle control. The reports indicate that some owners have faced challenges in getting these issues addressed under warranty.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports
Owner complaints5
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Owners of the 2022 Acura MDX frequently report unexpected activation of the collision mitigation braking system, often occurring without any visible obstacles in front of the vehicle. Symptoms described include sudden and forceful braking, sometimes at high speeds or in intersections, with several instances leading to near rear-end collisions. These incidents occur both on highways and residential streets, suggesting no specific driving condition triggers the issue. Complaints do not specify exact mileage, but they consistently highlight safety risks, particularly the potential for rear-end collisions due to abrupt braking. This information may be crucial for potential buyers considering the reliability and safety of the vehicle's forward collision avoidance features.
Owner complaints4
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Owners of the 2022 Acura MDX report several issues related to the fuel/propulsion system. A common problem involves the integrated gas cap design where the fuel filler door acts as the cap, with complaints frequently mentioning the nozzle getting stuck and the filler neck detaching during refueling. Another issue described is the electronic fuel door failing to open, with some owners noting the existence of a manual release in the cargo area, although this is not immediately accessible. Additionally, one owner notes excessive fuel consumption despite using premium gas, suggesting potential issues with fuel readings or the fuel pump. Safety implications are highlighted in the reports of the filler neck detachment, which could pose an emissions risk. These problems are noted without specific mileage or timeline patterns, but they are significant for potential buyers to consider.
Owner complaints4
SUSPENSION
Owners of the 2022 Acura MDX report several suspension-related issues. Complaints frequently mention failures such as a lower ball joint and front left strut airbag burst, with the latter causing the vehicle to drop approximately six inches, potentially impacting driving ability. Some owners describe clicking noises when turning the wheel, which they attribute to improperly torqued tie rod and ball joints. Air suspension problems are also noted, with reports of inadequate absorption of road hazards leading to tire and rim damage. These issues generally occur early in the vehicle's life, with one owner experiencing a strut failure shortly after purchase. Safety implications include potential loss of control due to sudden suspension drops, though no crashes are reported.
Owner complaints3
STRUCTURE
Owners report several structural issues with the 2022 Acura MDX. A recurring problem involves water leaks from the sunroof drain plug, leading to interior water saturation and corrosion of electrical components, with potential safety risks if systems fail while driving. Another issue involves the front bumper becoming unattached, with growing panel gaps and detachment of underlying plastic, which may affect sensors if not addressed. Additionally, some owners describe the moon roof shattering spontaneously, creating a loud noise and posing a risk of distraction or injury. These complaints typically do not specify mileage but highlight concerns that could impact vehicle safety and usability.
Owner complaints3
AIR BAGS
Owners report issues with the airbag system in the 2022 Acura MDX, with one complaint involving a crash where no airbags deployed despite significant impacts, resulting in a total vehicle loss, a fire, and one injury. Another owner mentions a delay in recall repairs related to airbag components, indicating parts availability issues. Additionally, a separate complaint describes phantom braking incidents, linked to a need for a software update for side airbag sensors, occurring at approximately 41,000 miles. These reports highlight potential safety implications, particularly regarding airbag deployment in crashes and sensor-related braking anomalies.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 1 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints2
ENGINE
Owners of the 2022 Acura MDX report issues related to the engine, with one complaint involving a fire. A recurring problem involves the engine shutting off unexpectedly at a full stop, attributed to the "Idle Stop" feature draining the battery, requiring battery replacement. This issue occurs without prior warning, typically after short drives in city traffic. Another complaint describes a fire originating from the front passenger tire wheel well while idling, with smoke observed before the fire was extinguished. Both complaints suggest potential safety hazards, especially with incidents occurring around 26,000 miles.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports
