Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise, lane keeping, backup camera).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2017 Acura MDX owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2017 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving, the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), brake, and Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) warning lights were intermittently illuminated. The contact associated the failure with the brake pads, which had not been replaced since the vehicle was purchased brand new; however, the dealer confirmed that the brake pads were in good condition. Additionally, the contact stated that there were electrical failures after the vehicle was parked. The steering wheel was raised, and the warning light was illuminated while making a continuous clicking sound, and the horn was honking continuously while the vehicle was parked and locked. The electrical failures caused the battery drain and the battery was replaced. The contact stated that several attempts were needed to jumpstart the vehicle. …
As I was driving in a stop and go traffic jam, the vehicle would not go forward although I was pressing on the gas pedal, the engine stall and when it finally reacted after pressing it for the second time it went too fast that I couldn't stop in time to avoid rear ending the other vehicle, the emergency braking system did not function properly either. This has happened multiple times even when I driven on highways and there's incoming traffic and the engine goes on stall. But this time it led to an unavoidable accident. I have been concerned for a long time about this issue but I have never received a recall to remedy this problem.
2017 Acura MDX purchased May 2020. Incidences has happened 5 times. Twice this month in July 2021 the brakes engaged! Anxiety and fear of being hit by cars behind. 1st incident:location back road When the brakes engaged the vehicle in front had taken a right turn. The vehicle was cleared from mine so it came as a scare as it stopped in the middle of the road with others behind me honking..... The brakes released and i proceeded driving. 2nd:location back road Again In front a vehicle turned right and the brakes engaged. I hit the gas gently i dont know if that helped to disengage the brakes or not. 3rd: location highway Brakes engaged and immediately released. I was in passing lane and a truck in middle lane ..... this made no sense. …
Problem Description: I am reporting a safety-related issue affecting multiple driver assistance systems on my 2017 Acura MDX. While driving, the vehicle displays several warning messages at the same time, including: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Problem Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) Problem Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) System Problem Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) Problem When these warnings appear, all of these safety systems become unavailable. The warning indicators remain on, and the systems do not function even after restarting the vehicle. The 12-volt battery was replaced approximately one month before this issue began, and the engine starts and runs normally. Despite the new battery, the warnings continue to appear, making the vehicle's advanced safety features unusable. This appears to be a widespread issue reported by many owners of the 2017 Acura MDX. …
The forward facing camera or monocular attached to the windshield has malfunctioned and is a wide spread issue across multiple models and years. When this item fails due to high heat which causes the camera (CMOS Image sensor) to degrade, the owner is given a slew of warnings and loses a lot of functionality. The dealership quotes an enormous amount of money to replace/calibrate the camera typically between $1500-2500 depending on location. Functionality that is lost includes cruise control, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keeping assistance and most importantly adaptive braking. There are also numerous dash lights and repetitive warnings that pop up for each bit of functionality that is broken. …
My Vehicle intermittently fails to go into "Drive" when pressing the gear shift button. Additionally, various warning messages appear at random, including: Lane Keeping Assist Problem, & Road Departure Mitigation System Problem. I have brought my vehicle to DCH Montclair Acura#709, located at 100 Bloomfield Ave, Verona, NJ 07044, on January 10, 2025, February 18, 2025, and March 13, 2025. Despite these visits and an inspection conducted by my extended warranty provider, the problem continues. On [redacted], while my daughter was a passenger, the vehicle once again failed to shift into drive when pressing the "D" button. This incident, like others before it, occurred without warning and reinforces my growing concern about the safety and reliability of the vehicle. I am now afraid to drive the car, unsure when it might fail again. …
Hello, I am writing to report that my 2017 vehicle is experiencing the same issue that was subject to a recall on the 2016 models. Despite the recall being associated with the 2016 year, my 2017 vehicle is showing identical symptoms and concerns. This raises serious questions about safety, reliability, and whether this issue extends beyond the originally recalled model year. I would like this concern formally documented and request a review of my vehicle to determine whether it qualifies for repair, inspection, or coverage related to the prior recall. Please advise on the next steps and whether this issue has been reported or addressed for 2017 models. Vehicle details: Year: 2017 I appreciate your prompt attention to this matter and look forward to your response. Sincerely, [redacted] If I get killed me or my [redacted] son, you all will be responsible. You made these faulty vehicles. …
I have a 2017 Acura MDX that had around 98k while I was driving down the highway at 65 mph all lights came on the dash and lost acceleration would not go over 45 MPH on a very busy highway. Had to have the vehicle towed per dealership- towed to Jay Wolfe Acura, Overland Park, KS. They said engine needed to be replaced due to the miss fire of rod knocking. There was no other option for replacing the rods had to replace the engine. In addition they replaced with an used engine that is a 2016 not even the same year. Dealer made us aware of the recall for this issue but advised us the Vin# is not under the recall so we had to pay out of pocket. I have tried to work with Honda and the dealership for reimbursement since there have been numerous vehicles with this exact issue but the Vin#'s not under the recall but with no help at all. …
Driving East on Interstate 20/59 10 miles East of Meridian, MS November 17, 2021 around 2:00 PM. A lot of trucks on the road. Had speed control set at 69 MPH. Came up behind a semi doing about 65, pulled over to the left lane to go around him. When I got about half way all of a sudden all hell breaks loose. Vehicle goes in into emergency stop with lights flashing all over the dash. Vehicle brakes to around 30 MPH within a couple of hundred feet with semi's and cars beside and behind me. Finally got the vehicle over to the side of the rode without and accident. (A miracle inself). Code DTC P0716. After about an hour of shutdown, started engine and all messages were gone. Took it to the Acura dealer and they, evidently, updated the TCM software. I had not been notified that it needed and update which is negligence on Acura. …
I am reporting a major safety failure on my 2017 Acura MDX regarding the forward-facing multipurpose camera. Out of nowhere, the camera failed and triggered a cascade of warning lights across my entire dashboard. Because of this hardware defect, all of the critical safety systems-including the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS), and Adaptive Cruise Control-are now completely disabled. Having these emergency systems shut down while driving in traffic is a serious safety hazard. Furthermore, the constant flashing of 5 or 6 different warning lights on the dash is a massive distraction while trying to operate the vehicle. This is a well-documented hardware failure in these models, and it shouldn't be left to the owners to pay thousands of dollars to fix a primary safety component that failed prematurely. …
Collision Avoidance complaints in other MDX years
Frequently asked questions
How common are collision avoidance problems on the 2017 Acura MDX?
NHTSA has 43 complaints about the driver assistance of the 2017 Acura MDX, 17% of the model year's 260 complaints. The component named most often is adaptive cruise control (20 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2017 Acura MDX collision avoidance problems?
No. NHTSA lists no driver assistance recall for the 2017 Acura MDX, though it has 8 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2017 Acura MDX collision avoidance problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 43,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to driver assistance problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.