Acceleration complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 11% | — |
| 2024 | 4 | 10% | 7,000 miles |
| 2023 | 3 | 7% | 71,000 miles |
| 2022 | 7 | 4% | 40,000 miles |
| 2020 | 14 | 6% | 45,000 miles |
| 2019 | 10 | 5% | 22,000 miles |
| 2018 | 14 | 8% | 18,000 miles |
| 2017 | 21 | 8% | 27,000 miles |
| 2016 | 19 | 5% | 24,000 miles |
| 2015 | 2 | 3% | 8,000 miles |
| 2014 | 19 | 11% | 14,000 miles |
| 2013 | 3 | 10% | 55,000 miles |
| 2012 | 2 | 3% | 2,000 miles |
| 2011 | 4 | 6% | 5,000 miles |
| 2009 | 5 | 10% | 55,000 miles |
| 2008 | 3 | 6% | 15,000 miles |
| 2007 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2006 | 5 | 6% | 75,000 miles |
| 2005 | 9 | 5% | 70,000 miles |
| 2004 | 4 | 2% | 85,000 miles |
| 2003 | 7 | 3% | 96,000 miles |
| 2002 | 12 | 6% | 100,000 miles |
| 2001 | 12 | 5% | 146,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2024 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH with the cruise control activated, the vehicle unintendedly decelerated to 6 MPH. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle returned to normal functionality. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 7,000.
Cruise control does not hold speed during transition from downhill coast to uphill acceleration. If set at 70mph on an interstate and car goes down a hill, coasting may slow to 68. When uphill is immediately encountered, speed drops to 64-65mph before finally accelerating to 70. Many trucks get very close and some honk because of the slowdown. Some road rage has been received. Also, throttle lags 0.5-1.0 seconds when transitioning from complete stop. Rear end collision has almost occurred when other drivers proceed to move forward and this car doesn't move.
The contact owns a 2023 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving and depressing the accelerator pedal, the pedal unintendedly travelled down to the floorboard, causing the vehicle to unintendedly accelerate. The contact stated that the vehicle exceeded 95 MPH while driving in a 25 MPH zone. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to stop while depressing the brake pedal and drove through a red traffic light. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where an Acura engineer flew in to examine the vehicle. The engineer determined that the driver's side floor mat was faulty, and the floor mat was replaced; however, the failure recurred on three separate occasions and lasted approximately 40 seconds. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 4,000.
The contact owns a 2023 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 71,000.
On April 17 2026 while driving my 2022 Acura MDX at very low speed in a parking lot, the vehicle suddenly accelerated forward without warning and surged into bushes before I could stop it. I did not mistake the gas for the brake pedal. This felt like a sudden unintended acceleration event. I was preparing to park in a stall and the vehicle lunged forward unexpectedly. I applied the brake, but the braking did not immediately stop the forward surge. Earlier, I experienced another unusual event in which the vehicle abruptly auto-braked, jerked, and made a warning sound while I was slowing for a red light. I noticed the car felt as if it was surging a bit on residential streets and was about to mention it during the next service. This incident has caused me to lose confidence in the safety of the vehicle. I contacted Niello Acura who has been very cooperative. …
The contact owns a 2022 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle independently accelerated. The contact stated that the failure occurred at various speeds. The contact stated that the failure had been intermittent but had become a reoccurring failure. Additionally, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle had not been repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the windshield had tiny air bubbles inside the glass. The contact stated that during nighttime driving the oncoming headlights created a glare. There was also a glare created by the sunlight, creating an obstacle while driving in the daytime. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. …
The contact owns a 2020 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating. The contact stated that later, while parking the vehicle, the vehicle unintended accelerated and drove over a curb and crashed into a tree. The vehicle crashed into the tree, and the front wheels continued spinning without the accelerator pedal being depressed, and the engine was turned off. During the crash, the front end was severely damaged, but the air bags failed to deploy. The vehicle was driven to the residence and examined by an independent mechanic, and it was determined that the PCM had malfunctioned and there was a computer miscommunication between the engine and the transmission. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer. The failure mileage was 45,000.
While braking into a parking spot, vehicle experienced sudden unintended acceleration. Brake did not engage, car rapidly surged forward over parking block, sidewalk and hitting building. Previously in day, car would not recognized key fob, would not unlock and would not start even though stepping on brake that would not depress. I had no control over vehicle,and this could have hit pedestrians on sidewalk or storefront. Thankfully no one hurt, and did not occur in traffic or on the road. The dealership was contacted immediately, and they declined to inspect vehicle, codes or EDR statign that's not what they do. I have asked dealership 3 times. Insurance contacted immediately, and they to will not investigate, saying up to Honda and dealership. Honda stating they don't do investigations, and Insurance should do that. Round and round we go. No one assisting. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Acura MDX years have acceleration problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2017 (21), 2014 (19), 2016 (19), 2018 (14) and 2020 (14) model years. Acceleration complaints make up 8% of all complaints for the 2017.
Is there a recall for Acura MDX acceleration problems?
No. NHTSA lists no speed control & acceleration recall for any Acura MDX model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Acura MDX acceleration problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 48,000 miles; 63% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the accelerator pedal (6 mentions), followed by the cruise control (2).
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.