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The 2018 MDX has about average reliability compared to other cars from the same model year.
The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2018 Acura MDX owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.
Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.
""The rough shifting from a standing start was resolved temporarily when the dealer updated the software, which implies that it was a computer issue. Unfortunately, the problem has returned.""
Anonymous A., MD (2018 Acura MDX Base 3.5-L V6)Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.
"2 manufacturer recalls"
Anonymous, CA (2018 Acura MDX Base 3.5-L V6)"Two recall: fuel pump and main bearing connector rod"
Anonymous, TN (2018 Acura MDX Unsure 3.5-L V6)Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.
"We did not notice anything concerning before this major problem occurred. -Rod tore through the engine wall. This problem was outlined in recall campaign number 23-603, addressed a potential engine failure due to a manufacturing defect in the connecting rod bearings according to Honda, however the damage occurred before the complete recall was published or notified. The manufacturer replaced the engine gave only a 10,000 mile warranty and very little information about what was reported in the engine repair. Currently the dealership is trying to sell us timing chain/belt on an engine with 35,000 miles actually driven. The manufacturer refused to pay us for 1,100.00 rental car costs while we waited for them to agree that they would repair our vehicle. They did not offer us any option to replace the vehicle. Honda was not kind to us and the dealership keeps looking for ways to charge us for services. When this vehicle is paid for in the next year, we will not be able to have a good trade in value due to such a major repair. We have purchased 6 Hondas and 3 Acuras and are done with this manufacturer and its products."
Anonymous, AL (2018 Acura MDX Hybrid 3.5-L V6)""During vacation in New Hampshire, drove to the top of Mt Washington, on the way down the engine began to run rough, made it to the bottom, still running rough, went another 5 miles and it died! Had to be towed to a local shop. There is no Acura dealer in northern New Hampshire. had to wait almost a week for new injector to be installed, it worked.""
Anonymous, (2018 Acura MDX Unsure 3.5-L V6)Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.
"Bluetooth receiver in the infotainment system randomly drops the pairing with my Apple iPhone 14 with latest iOS. The Bluetooth has never worked reliably in this SUV."
Anonymous, AZ (2018 Acura MDX Base 3.5-L V6)Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.
"Noise comes and goes and has not been diagnosed yet"
Anonymous A., NY (2018 Acura MDX Hybrid 3.0-L V6 hybrid)Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.
""It has always had a noise, and even after bringing it to the dealership they said "All the MDX's make noise". I've been trying to track it down, but it is difficult to pinpoint. It is not mechanical, but a body part that is poorly fitting or loose.""
Anonymous, IL (2018 Acura MDX Hybrid 3.0-L V6 hybrid)Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.
"LED taillight in rear tailgate lid stopped working due to water seal leakage failure and had to replace. Contacted Acura Customer Service and they refused to pay even though tailgate light recall was performed."
Anonymous, AZ (2018 Acura MDX Base 3.5-L V6)Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.
"Started at 80,000 miles. Trouble changing gears brought in and replaced under warranty"
Anonymous, FL (2018 Acura MDX Base 3.5-L V6)Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.
"I bought it used in early 2025. The brakes started pulsing shortly thereafter. To save money, I bought new calipers and pads at O'Reilly Auto Parts. The Acura dealership installed them. They were terrible. I then had the dealership take all four of them off, and replace them with Acura OE. Problem solved after a fairly significant amount of time - and money, since O'Reilly did not refund all that I spent with them. (It's likely not their fault, as they were adhering to the manufacturer's warranty.)"
Anonymous, KS (2018 Acura MDX Unsure 3.5-L V6)Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.
Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.
Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.
Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.
Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.
AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.
Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.
Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.
""The transmission shifts erratically at times, especially from a standing start. Had the dealer update the software, which resolved the issue for several months, but the problem has returned.""
Anonymous A., MD (2018 Acura MDX Base 3.5-L V6)