Most common 2023 Acura MDX Type S problems
Share of the 5 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Acura MDX Type S complaints by model year
2023 Acura MDX Type S recalls (1)
Electrical system › Software
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Acura MDX Type-S, 2023-2025 Honda Pilot, and 2021-2025 Acura TLX Type-S vehicles. A software error in the fuel injection electronic control unit (FI-ECU) may cause an engine stall or a loss of power.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the FI-ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 17, 2025. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2023 Acura MDX Type S:
All wheel drive allegation
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has completed its review of a Petition dated January 9, 2026, requesting an investigation into the loss of the optional all-wheel drive capability in model year (MY) 2021-2023 Acura TLX and MY 2022-2023 Acura MDX vehicles. The Petition alleges failures in the interfacing splines between the front wheel drive transaxle and the rear wheel drive power take off unit.
What 2023 Acura MDX Type S owners say
Transmission & drivetrain
The contact owns a 2023 ACURA MDX. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 45 MPH an abnormal sound was emitted from underneath the vehicle, and the vehicles steering was being pulled to the right, no warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was advised that that the PTU/PTO was faulty as metal shavings were found in the transfer case and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.
While making a left turn from an on-ramp, I heard a loud crunch from the drivetrain and experienced a momentary loss of power. Immediately afterward, the front tires began spinning under acceleration. I realized the vehicle was no longer sending power to the rear wheels and had effectively lost its all-wheel-drive capability. The instrument display continued to indicate that power was being sent to the rear wheels even though the rear wheels were not receiving power. This gave an inaccurate indication of the vehicle's operating condition. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized Acura dealer. The dealer confirmed that the splines between the transmission and the front power takeoff unit had stripped. The transmission/front differential assembly and power takeoff unit were replaced under warranty at approximately 52,280 miles. …
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2023 Acura MDX Type S a good car?
That is a low number of complaints for a car on sale this long. So far owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA.
What is the most common problem with the 2023 Acura MDX Type S?
The transmission & drivetrain — 5 complaints, 100% of all complaints for this model year.
How many recalls does the 2023 Acura MDX Type S have?
There is 1 recall for the 2023 Acura MDX Type S, the most recent from January 23, 2025 (software). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do 2023 Acura MDX Type S problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 50,000 miles; 0% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.