Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2018 Acura MDX owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2018 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled, with several unknown warning lights and the traction control warning light illuminated. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the oil pressure switch. The oil pressure switch was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 - 75 MPH, the vehicle unintentionally decelerated to 40 - 45 MPH. The accelerator pedal was pumped until the vehicle accelerated with a crunching sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the remote start failed to operate as designed occasionally. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic and was diagnosed with transmission failure; however, the vehicle was not repaired. …
The contact owns a 2018 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. Additionally, the contact was unable to shift into park (P) or into neutral (N) as the gear shifter became stuck into drive (D) position. The contact stated as he turned off and restarted the vehicle several times, the gear shifter responded as needed. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who informed the contact that they could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number:19V298000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Acura MDX. While the contact's wife was driving and stopped at a stop light, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the transmission hesitated, and the vehicle jerked forward. The contact stated that the failure was persistent. In addition, the contact stated that the transmission was shifting abnormally hard. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,365.
This is the exact problem I am experiencing: https://carbuzz.com/news/some-acura-rdx-and-mdx-owners-have-a-troubling-problem https://www.carcomplaints.com/news/2020/acura-mdx-and-rdx-acceleration-problems-lawsuit.shtml https://www.wirtzlaw.com/2020/04/19/defects-in-2016-2017-2018-2019-and-2020-acura-mdx-and-rdx-cause-acceleration-problems-are-subject-to-california-lemon-laws/#:~:text=Model%20years%202016%2C%202017%2C%202018%2C%202019%2C%20and%202020,neutral%2C%20and%20engines%20that%20stall. Transmission slip: sudden hesitation on acceleration, sudden deceleration then acceleration on low speed, 'hiccup' on transmission shifting The issue happened since day one I leased the car. At the first oil change service, I reported to the dealership. The dealer performed transmission check and told me everything was 'normal'. …
It seems that, from the day we purchased the vehicle, there have been issues with the transmission regarding how it is programmed and how it responds to drive or input through the throttle. This causes the vehicle the occasionally lurch forward under acceleration, especially at low speeds in the parking lot. And times the throttle gets really confused and the transmission fails to deliver power to the vehicle for a second. This has happened to me two or three times. I was turning left when the vehicle lost power momentarily and oncoming traffic was headed straight for me and my vehicle. If the delay had lasted just a while longer, things would have looked very bad. Based on my research online, I am not the only driver experiencing this kind of problem with the transmission.
From a stop, the vehicle will lurch forward after 1 second of acceleration without a change in the amount of pressure on the gas pedal, as if there is a delayed input to the throttle position. This only happens from a complete stop, such as at red lights, stop signs, or in heavy stop and go traffic. On multiple occasions I have almost rear ended the vehicle in front of me as a result of this. There are no warning lamps or error messages displayed in the gauge cluster. I have not been able to have this inspected by any of the Acura dealers in a 25 mile radius, because when I called to make an appointment for the connecting rod bearing recall, the earliest opening was March of 2026.
While accelerating, the vehicle to decelerated rapidly, the gas pedal became unresponsive when pushed down. Numerous warning lights started Additionally, the vehicle shifted into neutral while the vehicle was being driven and would not shift out even after stopped. I was on a very busy 6 lane highway going 80 mph in thanksgiving traffic, my wife, 1 year old and 3 year old were in the vehicle. This appears to be a known issue from Honda, please see [redacted], et al. v. American Honda Motor Company Inc., et al., Case No. [redacted],
While driving car turned cel/epb/emission, car lost power while engine still running suddenly so I pulled to the side of the street. I put in park and turn engine off and on, it would not let me put in any gears . I hold down parking brakes and finally it let me engage the gears. The Acura technician found clutch positions controlled error which caused engine stall conditions, this DTC is typically caused by outdated TCM, PCM software. This situation is a safety issues, the manufacturer should fix for free, the engine stall may cause a major accident if i am on the highway
The transmission of my 2018 has a slip or hesitation where it stalls when going in gear. This has put me and my family in danger. Acura is aware of the issue but claims there is no remedy. I have taken the car to service multiple times and nothing has been done. Last time it stalled while going up hill and I had my children in the car which is extremely dangerous. I had the same issues with my 2016 MDX which had the same issue. The transmission was replaced 3 times on the vehicle. Acura needs to open up a recall on these transmissions.
I want to say that the engine or transmission is faulty. Sometimes while at a complete stop, the car will not advance and tries to stall or lose power. It takes about 2 or 3 seconds to finally go after I push the accelerator pedal almost 3/4 throttle. No it has not been reproduced at the dealer. I took it May of 2024 for the engine recall repair. They said that the repairs should fix the problem but it has maybe even worsened. No warning lamps appear when the problems happen.
Transmission complaints in other MDX years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2018 Acura MDX?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2018 Acura MDX, 14% of the model year's 169 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2018 Acura MDX transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2018 Acura MDX, though it has 10 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 2018 Acura MDX transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 40,000 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.