Headlight complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 1% | 43,000 miles |
| 2020 | 7 | 3% | — |
| 2019 | 5 | 3% | 98,000 miles |
| 2018 | 5 | 3% | — |
| 2017 | 7 | 3% | — |
| 2016 | 11 | 3% | 141,000 miles |
| 2015 | 6 | 8% | 185,000 miles |
| 2014 | 13 | 8% | 72,000 miles |
| 2013 | 3 | 10% | 80,000 miles |
| 2012 | 2 | 3% | 7,000 miles |
| 2011 | 3 | 4% | 33,000 miles |
| 2010 | 2 | 4% | 18,000 miles |
| 2009 | 6 | 12% | 50,000 miles |
| 2007 | 3 | 3% | 72,000 miles |
| 2006 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2004 | 1 | 1% | 80,000 miles |
| 2003 | 2 | 1% | 150,000 miles |
| 2002 | 1 | 0% | 40,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2020 Acura MDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V259000 (Exterior Lighting, Interior Lighting); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Left rear inner tail light is inoperative. There is evidence of water intrusion in the lower left corner of the tail light assembly. Called dealer, was told by service manager that the concern was not covered under warranty as the vehicle has just over 51,000 miles. Called Acura Care and was told same. 2014-2019 models of this vehicle were recalled for this issue, but not the 2020 models, although they are the same body style and share same tail light part number. The lights are LED and have no replaceable bulbs; entire assembly must be replaced.
The contact owns a 2019 Acura MDX. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the rear tailgate lid light failed to illuminate as designed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the rear tailgate lid lighting assembly was faulty due to water intrusion and that the assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V256000 (Exterior Lighting). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 98,000.
The headlight assemblies to my vehicle have become defective. The headlight assembly, both right and left, has moisture intrusion within the headlight assembly, creating condensation build-up inside the housing. This issue also caused the headlights to become white and hazy in appearance. I was advised by the dealer that this would lead to failure with the lighting and would have to be replaced. I purchased a certified used vehicle with Tustin Acura in August of 2022 and also purchased an extended warranty for piece of mind. In the 2 1/2 years that I have owned the vehicle, I have added about 25k miles and have always garaged the vehicle. When the issue was reviewed by the dealer, they refused to cover the problem under warranty and requested that I reach out to American Honda for further assistance. …
Hello, My 2018 Acura MDX has moisture and water inside the inner tailgate (trunk) tail light assembly, which caused the light to stop working. I understand there is a recall affecting some 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles related to moisture entering the tailgate light assembly, and my vehicle appears to have the same issue. Recall link: [redacted] Last week I visited the Acura dealership(Acura Columbus) in Dublin, OH for a fuel pump recall service. During that visit, the technician also noticed the water inside the inner tail light but quoted about $750 for the repair. Although my VIN does not show this recall, my vehicle is experiencing the same problem described. Could you please review and advise if this may qualify for recall coverage or goodwill assistance? Thank you.
Passenger rear, right inner tail light is not working. Was under recall but Acura is not replacing it. Obviously water has entered it and shorted it out. They said the recall was completed on it but why is the taillight not working. In report made by the dealer it says it is shorted after hooking it up to a voltmeter. Why are they not replacing it. It reduces visibility to the rear of the car.
The rear tail lights stopped working completely due to manufacturing defect of rear tail lights causing electric short circuit by moisture . Defective tail lights Safety recall was performed in August 2021 by Dennisville Acura. The rear tail lights stopped working again due to same issue.Took to the dealer Davis Acura on 17 Feb 2022 to perform the safety recall again and dealer refused to perform the repair to fix the safety recall issue. I want to file a complaint against Honda of NA and Davis Acura of Langhorne for refusing to perform safety recall on a vehicle with safety recall issue.
NHTSA Recal #19V-256 So according to Acura, this vehicle had the tail lights replaced in 2019 but the tail lights broke again in 2023. How do we know if Acura just replaced with same OEM tail lights but didn't fix the problematic tail lights. These lights are not a simple bulb replacement, it is costly in $600/Ea range to replace whole assembly.
Related recalls (2)
Interior lighting
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles. Moisture may enter the tailgate lid light assembly and wiring harness, which can cause the interior and exterior lights to fail, including the lid lights, position lights, license plate lights and taillights.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the wiring and install a fuse harness, replace the lid light, and repair the body dust sealer, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 30, 2025.
Exterior lighting
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Acura MDX and 2017-2019 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid vehicles. Moisture may enter the tailgate lid lights, possibly causing a loss of the tailgate lid lights and the taillights.
Remedy: Acura will notify owners, and dealers will modify the tailgate lid lights and install updated gaskets and a wiring sub-harness or will replace both tailgate lid lights. The repairs will be performed free of charge.
Frequently asked questions
Which Acura MDX years have headlight problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2014 (13), 2016 (11), 2017 (7), 2020 (7) and 2009 (6) model years. Headlight complaints make up 8% of all complaints for the 2014.
Is there a recall for Acura MDX headlight problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 25V-259 (interior lighting, Apr 17, 2025); 19V-256 (exterior lighting, Mar 28, 2019). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Acura MDX headlight problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 82,000 miles; 40% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the turn signal › switch (1 mentions), followed by the tail lights (1).
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.