While driving my 2017 Acura MDX on I-35W in Fort Worth, Texas, at approximately 60 mph, the vehicle suddenly displayed a "Transmission Problem – See Manual" warning and completely lost the ability to move forward. The accelerator became unresponsive, and the vehicle would not move in Drive. We could only coast using the vehicle's remaining momentum. There were six people in the vehicle, including two children and two elderly passengers. We were in heavy highway traffic near a complex interchange, in the second lane from the left, with a very narrow left shoulder. The vehicle was rapidly losing speed while other cars continued approaching at highway speeds. We had to carefully cross approximately four to five lanes of traffic to reach the right shoulder. Other drivers honked and maneuvered around us, creating an extremely dangerous situation. If the vehicle had stopped in an active traffic lane, we could easily have been struck from behind by another vehicle traveling at highway speed. With six occupants, including young children and elderly passengers, the consequences could have been catastrophic or fatal. This sudden loss of power put not only our family but also other motorists at serious risk. We activated the hazard lights and called 911. A police officer eventually positioned a patrol vehicle behind us with emergency lights to protect the scene. The MDX was subsequently transported by flatbed tow truck. The mechanical cause has not yet been determined. The vehicle should be available for inspection upon request. I am reporting this incident because a sudden loss of the ability to move forward at highway speed is an extremely serious safety hazard that could result in a major collision, serious injuries, or loss of life.
The worst 2017 Acura MDX problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine97
- Transmission65
- Electrical46
- Driver assistance44
- Brakes23
- Acceleration21
- Fuel system19
- Body10
- Lights7
- Wheels4
- Seat belts3
- Seats3
- Airbags2
- Tires2
- Visibility2
- Steering1
- Suspension1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2017 Acura MDX
Knocking 44Engine failure 30Loss of power 26Stalling 24Jerking 23Adaptive cruise 21Lane assist 21Check engine light 18Warning lights 17Collision warning 15Hesitation 14Transmission failure 10Won't shift 9Harsh shifting 7Fuel pump 6Sudden acceleration 6Fire or smoke 5Headlights 5
Trouble codes owners of the 2017 Acura MDX mention
U3000 5P0716 2
Recalls 8
Suspension: rear
- What is wrong
- American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Honda Pilot, 2017-2023 Ridgeline, 2019-2023 Passport, and 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles that were sold in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. The rear subframe may corrode at the suspension mounting points, which can result in rear suspension component failure.
- Risk
- Failure of rear suspension components, such as the rear control arm, can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the rear subframe and install a rear subframe reinforcement kit and, as necessary, repair or replace the rear subframe components, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in the fall of 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are AOU and AOT. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on beginning June 10, 2026.
Recall number 26V365000 · Recall details
Air bags: sensor: occupant classification: front passenger
- What is wrong
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
- Risk
- Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous the federal safety agency recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on beginning May 29, 2026.
Recall number 26V332000 · Recall details
Interior lighting
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- Vehicle lights that fail to illuminate can decrease visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
- 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. Owners may contact Acura's customer service at 1‑800‑382‑2238. Acura's number for this recall is FLI. Vehicles included in this recall that were previously repaired under the federal safety agency recall number 19V‑256 will need to have the new remedy completed.
Recall number 25V259000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump
- What is wrong
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
- Risk
- Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of the federal safety agency recall numbers 21V‑215 and 20V‑314.
Recall number 23V858000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanical
- What is wrong
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, 2016 and 2018-2019 Pilot, 2017 and 2019 Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 Odyssey vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, damaging the engine.
- Risk
- A damaged engine may run improperly or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a fire, crash, or injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and repair, or replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 28, 2024. 2016-2017 Acura MDX owner letters were mailed November 1, 2024. 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed in mid-December 2024. Honda began mailing owner notification letters as of March 18, 2024. 2015-2016 Acura owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-December 2024, 2018 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed the end of March/early April 2024, 2019 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-May 2024, 2020 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-June 2024, and 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed January 27, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XG1 and GG0.
Recall number 23V751000 · Recall details
Exterior lighting
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- Loss of the taillights reduces the vehicle's visibility, increasing the risk of crash.
- 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. The recall began May 7, 2019. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Acura's number for this recall is M49.
Recall number 19V256000 · Recall details
Fuel system, other: delivery: fuel pump
- What is wrong
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Acura MDX, 2015-2019 Acura TLX and 2015-2017 Honda Accord vehicles, equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine. Particulates in fuel may adhere to the internal components of the fuel pump, reducing its performance.
- Risk
- Reduced fuel pump performance can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of crash.
- Remedy
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the fuel injection engine control unit (FI-ECU) software and, if necessary, replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began March 25, 2019. Owners may contact customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Acura's recall number for this recall is P3W. Honda's recall number for this recall is N3X.
Recall number 19V060000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper
- What is wrong
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Acura MDX, 2017-2018 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda HR-V and Honda Odyssey, and 2016 Honda HR-V vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating, causing gas pockets to form, reducing brake performance. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
- Risk
- A reduction of braking performance increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Owners will be notified, and Honda or Acura dealers will bleed the brakes, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are C31 and L30.
Recall number 18V777000 · Recall details
See all 8 recalls for the 2017 Acura MDX
Defect investigations
Engine failure
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 414 reports of connecting rod bearing failures in the 3.5L V6 engine used in the following vehicles: Model Years (MY) 2018-2020 Acura TLX, MY2016-2020 Acura MDX, MY2016-2020 Honda Pilot, MY2018-2020 Honda Odyssey, and MY2017-2019 Honda Ridgeline. The subject engine failures were analyzed as part of a Recall Query (RQ24013). It was determined that these engine failures are outside the scope of Honda Recall 23V‑751. Further, evidence gathered in conjunction with RQ24013 does not suggest this failure is caused by the same crankshaft manufacturing defect that is addressed by Honda in Recall 23V‑751. Based on analysis of data from RQ24013, the federal safety agency has closed that investigation. The significant number of reports of engine failure in vehicles outside the scope of RQ24013 presents a potential safety risk that warrants further investigation. ODI is opening this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to further evaluate the scope and severity of the potential problem and to fully assess the potential safety-related issues. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to
PE25008
No Restart After Auto Start/Stop Engages
On June 3, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE22005 after the agency received VOQs and several field reports concerning the Auto Idle Stop (AIS) feature on 2016-2019MY Honda Pilot vehicles. The complaints allege that the engine fails to restart on its own from a complete stop at a traffic light or road intersection with the AIS function engaged. The subject vehicles are equipped with a 3.5L engine with a 9-speed automatic transmission. On January 6, 2023, Honda released service bulletins 23-008 and 23-009. These service bulletins address the failure to restart issue in the 2016-2019MY Honda Pilot vehicles, as well as the 2015-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, 2019-2022 Honda Passport, and 2020-2023 Honda Ridgeline vehicles. The repair outlined in the service bulletins is a two-stage countermeasure to remedy the issue. The first stage is a Programmed Fuel Injection (“PGM-FI”) software update. The second stage is only deployed if the software update fails to remedy the issue. The second stage, depending on the model and model year, consists of replacement of the starter assembly, starter relays, and a valve adjustment. Additionally, Honda extended the warranty coverage to 10 years with unlimited mileage for vehicles requiring the second stage component replacement. ODI continues to receive complaints of the AIS failure to restart, with many complainants alleging the campaign countermeasures had been completed.the federal safety agency has reviewed Honda's Information Request Letter responses involving warranty claims, lawsuits, and consumer complaints in addition to ODI's own data. This Engineering Analysis is being opened to further consider the potential safety defect, including gathering additional data regarding Honda’s service campaign efficacy. ODI is additionally expanding the scope to encompass all vehicles addressed in Honda’s service bulletins 23-008 and 23-009 as well as newer model year vehicles, which are substantially similar to the vehicles covered by the service campaign. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to
EA25004
Engine failure
On November 8, 2024, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ24013 to assess the scope of Honda recall 23V‑751 after receiving complaints that alleged connecting rod bearing failures in vehicles that were not within the scope of recall 23V‑751. In November 2023, Honda recalled 248,999 various Model Year (MY)2016â2020 Honda and Acura vehicles equipped with the 3.5L V6 engine. Honda recalled these vehicles due to a crankshaft manufacturing defect that caused premature connecting rod bearing wear and engine seizure. While the out-of-scope failures involved in these complaints appear to have a very similar failure mechanism as the recalled engines, a thorough analysis of all available data from Honda has not indicated that the same manufacturing defect exists in the out-of-scope engines as the engines recalled by 23V‑751. Based on this analysis ODI has determined that Honda has properly defined the scope of recall 23V‑751. Consequently, ODI will close this RQ investigation. the federal safety agency will continue to investigate these complaints of engine failure as part of a new Preliminary Evaluation Investigation (PE25008). The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.
RQ24013
Technical service bulletins for the 2017 Acura MDX 230
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Dealer Message
- Owner Notification Letter
- An uneven sealing surface allows moisture to enter the inner taillight(s), causing one or both of the...
- Under certain circumstances, after coming to a stop and engaging idle stop the vehicle may not restart...
- Owner Notification Letter
- The AWD warning light is on with one or more AWD DTCs having been set due to water intrusion into the...
- The AWD warning light is on potentially due to water intrusion into the rear differential pump motor...
- Drivers may experience a chirping sound coming from the engine area with the engine warmed up due to the...
- The engine will not crank on the initial startup attempt after the vehicle has been exposed to...
- Warranty Extension
2017 Acura MDX crash test ratings
Government 5-star crash tests. Higher is safer. Each row is a body style and drivetrain that was tested.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acura MDX SUV AWD | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Acura MDX SUV FWD | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Acura MDX Sport Hybrid SUV AWD | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
2017 Acura MDX fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6‑cyl Hybrid | AWD | 26 | 27 | 27 |
| 3.5L 6‑cyl | FWD | 19-20 | 27 | 22-23 |
| 3.5L 6‑cyl | AWD | 18-19 | 26 | 21-22 |
What 2017 Acura MDX owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
Brake system, Cruise control, lane keeping system get malfunction erratically (ever since 2022, and has been like this), and one of the two sets of brakes never wears off (More than 100 K mileage now (Oct. 2026) , one set of brake pads still is still have sufficient life and does not seem to require replacement. Additiionally, recently (August 2026) the electronic system has gone very bad, the dashboard automatically restarts, headlight turns on, and trying to engaging something, then turned off automatically, then a new cycle starts, and even I turned off again, the cycle will restart until battery is drained and dead, if I do not lock the car (and I had to replace a new battery that was used for less than 1.5 year. If I lock the car, the car will start the same cycle and will honk, and honk, until the surrounding people had to remove the car.
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. The contact stated that there was an abnormal sound coming from under the hood. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions; however, the cause of the failures could not be determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
The on board camera mounted on windshield above rear view mirror has failed and now none of the safety feature function (lane keep assist, adaptive cruise, etc).
A lot of lights came on dash, multiple failures of systems listed. Had vehicle scanned, found code U3000-49, forward facing camera issues. Code is hard fault, will not clear. When inspecting camera, found it to be extremely hot(couldn't hold it without getting blistered)
The paint on my roof at the sunroof is peeling in the same exact manner the the already existing Warranty Extension: White Diamond Pearl Paint in Service Bulletin 19-029 or Models 2014-2016, I am aware that this Acura MDX is a 2017 02/17 to be exact and from the same MFG of Alabama that these issues are reported. if you look at the example pictures on the service warranty that are EXACT to the issues with the paint on mine. I have the same paint Color listed as NH603-P and I would like this covered as the year previous model.
When making a slow turn or rolling stop, the vehicle hesitates on light throttle and then experiences a sudden, jerky surge when the pedal is pressed further. This is very unsafe and scary for people around at school crossing and highway crossings
Moisture accumulating within the driver side headlight is limiting illumination and safe night driving. Photos compare driver side to passenger side.
On my 2017 Acura MDX SH-AWD with approximately 112,000 miles, the engine experienced a sudden catastrophic failure while I was traveling at highway speed. The vehicle abruptly lost power, the accelerator became unresponsive, smoke came from the vehicle hood and exhaust area, and multiple warning lights illuminated. The failure occurred with no advance warning and created a serious safety risk because I suddenly lost propulsion while traveling approximately 75 mph in highway traffic. An independent repair facility inspected the vehicle and reported that connecting rod/bearing failure resulted in catastrophic engine damage. I was advised that two connecting rods/bearings failed and caused holes in the engine block, with a rod/component also damaging the A/C compressor. Oil subsequently leaked from the damaged engine. Prior to the sudden failure, I did not have warning lights or other indications suggesting an imminent engine failure. The warning lights appeared during or immediately after the loss of power. The vehicle has been inspected by a repair facility and the engine requires replacement. The vehicle/failed components can be made available for inspection upon request. I am particularly concerned because Acura has previously recalled certain vehicles for connecting rod bearing failures that can result in engine damage, stalling, or loss of motive power. My vehicle is the same model year and has experienced an apparently similar catastrophic connecting rod/bearing failure, but my VIN is not currently included in the recall 23V‑751. I am submitting this complaint so the federal safety agency can evaluate whether the affected population may extend beyond the VINs currently covered in that recall. This is also linked to the federal safety agency’s new investigation PE25008.
Compare the 2017 Acura MDX
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Other model years
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Questions about the 2017 Acura MDX
Is the 2017 Acura MDX reliable?
Owners have filed 261 complaints about the 2017 Acura MDX, 1.5 times a typical MDX model year.
What is the 2017 Acura MDX year score?
The 2017 Acura MDX scores 53 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Acura MDX: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2017 Acura MDX?
Engine and cooling, with 97 complaints, typically around 86,000 miles. Next is transmission (65).
How many recalls does the 2017 Acura MDX have?
8 recalls, covering suspension, air bags and interior lighting.
Is the 2017 Acura MDX safe in a crash?
In government crash tests the 2017 Acura MDX scored 5 out of 5 stars overall, depending on body style and drivetrain (3 versions tested).
Was there a recall on the 2017 Acura MDX engine?
Yes, 1 recall: 23V751000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Acura MDX have bad engine?
The Acura MDX model years with the most engine complaints are 2016 (173 complaints), 2020 (104 complaints) and 2017 (97 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2017 Acura MDX get?
Official estimates for the 2017 Acura MDX range from 21 to 27 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.0L 6-cyl hybrid, AWD) gets 26 city and 27 highway.
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