2018 Acura MDX: false forward collision warnings

Filed Jul 24, 2026 · Driver assistance · MD

I am writing to report an urgent safety concern regarding my 2018 Acura MDX Tech SH-AWD. Upon starting the vehicle, all primary AcuraWatch driver-assist systems suffered a total failure. The center display continuously cycles through four warnings: Collision Mitigation System Problem Adaptive Cruise Control Problem Lane Keeping Assist Problem Road Departure Mitigation System Problem In addition, the Brake System, Crash Warning, and Lane Departure dash lights remain permanently illuminated. Diagnostic Findings An OBD-II diagnostic scan logged the following stored chassis code: DTC U3000-49: Internal Electronic Failure of Multipurpose Camera Unit / Millimeter Wave Radar I am aware of TSB #B23-008 regarding camera logic errors. However, clearing codes and software resets do not clear this persistent hardware failure within the monocular camera unit (Part # 36160-TZ6-A34). Safety & Request for Action The total shutdown of primary crash-prevention systems presents a clear safety hazard. Forcing owners to absorb $20,000+ out-of-pocket for camera replacement and mandatory dealer recalibration on a known hardware fault undermines Acura's commitment to safety and quality. Given the federal safety agency's oversight of active safety systems, I respectfully request: 1. Goodwill Repair: Acura/Honda assistance to replace and recalibrate the defective camera unit. 2. Quality Investigation: A broader review into premature failures of these Nidec monocular camera modules on 2017–2018 MDX vehicles. Thank you for your prompt attention to this critical issue. I look forward to your response. Sincerely,

Filed Jul 21, 2026 · Driver assistance · CA

SUPPLEMENTAL — REFERENCE ODI 11742372 Follow-up to ODI 11742372, 2018 Acura MDX, VIN 5J8YD3H33JL******. Intermittent multipurpose camera failure, DTC U3000-49, causing simultaneous loss of CMBS, ACC, LKAS, and RDM. The defect remains unresolved and I have been unable to obtain diagnosis or repair through Acura's authorized service network. Acura Client Relations case 16409871 was opened. Acura declined to acknowledge the failure as a manufacturing defect and offered no coverage for diagnosis or repair. I then attempted to schedule service with AutoNation Acura, an authorized service center. Over approximately one month I left more than 25 voicemails on both the reception and service department lines. I received no return call and no acknowledgment. I have been unable to secure a service appointment. On [DATE] I sent written correspondence to Acura Corporate Relations documenting the failed scheduling attempts, restating the safety nature of the failure, and requesting referral to an alternate authorized dealer. [No response as of this filing.] The effect is that a safety-critical driver assistance system has been intermittently non-functional since at least April 2, 2026, and the manufacturer has neither acknowledged the defect nor made its service network available to diagnose it. The vehicle remains in service. Failures occur without warning during normal operation, disabling collision mitigation braking, lane keeping, road departure mitigation, and adaptive cruise control at once. The vehicle retains its original factory windshield, never replaced, modified, or damaged, eliminating a common cause of camera misalignment. Mileage is low for the model year. Other Acura and Honda owners report comparable camera failures with similar codes. I renew my request that the federal safety agency evaluate whether this constitutes a safety-related defect and whether a broader pattern exists across vehicles using the same camera module and AcuraWatch/Honda Sensing architecture.

Filed Jun 5, 2026 · Driver assistance · CA

The multipurpose camera on my 2018 Acura MDX intermittently fails and stores DTC U3000-49. When the failure occurs, multiple AcuraWatch/Honda Sensing safety systems become unavailable, including Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), and Road Departure Mitigation (RDM). The vehicle displays numerous safety-related warning messages on the dashboard. The issue is intermittent and appears to occur randomly. In many cases, the warnings disappear after the vehicle is shut off and immediately restarted. This behavior can be observed in the attached video, where the warnings clear following a restart at approximately 1:08 into the recording. The vehicle retains its original factory-installed windshield and related components. The windshield has never been replaced, modified, or damaged, eliminating a common cause of camera calibration or alignment issues. I contacted Acura Client Relations and opened case number 16409871 regarding this issue. Acura declined to acknowledge the problem as a manufacturing defect and did not offer coverage for diagnosis or repair. Because the multipurpose camera is a critical safety component responsible for advanced driver assistance and collision avoidance functions, its intermittent failure raises significant safety concerns. The fact that the issue temporarily clears after a restart suggests a potential defect in the camera hardware, software, or related vehicle systems rather than normal wear and tear. I understand that other Acura and Honda owners have reported similar multipurpose camera failures. Given the safety implications of losing collision mitigation, lane-keeping, and driver assistance features while operating the vehicle, I respectfully request that the federal safety agency investigate whether this condition constitutes a safety-related defect and whether a broader pattern exists among affected vehicles.

Filed Apr 8, 2026 · Driver assistance · CA

While driving the car, several warning lights turned on all at once, saying that the following components were disabled: Lane Keep Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic High Beams, and Collision Mitigation Braking System. Not being able to use these features is more dangerous, not to mention that the warning lights associated with their disabling are distracting (making it likely that, if a more serious warning was flashing, it would not be noticed by the driver) and cannot be turned off without an expensive replacement. Yes, the problem was confirmed by a trusted mechanic (the warning lights will not turn off so it's not hard to confirm), who indicated that the radar camera needed to be replaced. No, the component has not been inspected by others. There was no warning of the problem.

Filed Mar 31, 2026 · Driver assistance · CA

Warning lights for Collision Mitigation System, Road Departure Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control. Lane Keeping Assistance, Auto High Beam. Features are now disabled causing safety issue. Dealer confirms issues and recommends repairs that have not not been solved by others online. Errors appeared before battery Failure in March 2026. Battery was replaced. Common complaint by many online. Need recall to fix.

Filed Feb 17, 2026 · Driver assistance · CA

Front multipurpose camera is starting to fail intermittently. Multiple warnings pop up (LKAS, Auto High Beam, Forward Collision Warning)

Filed Dec 16, 2025 · Driver assistance · VA

Got multiple warnings, systems don't work: Collision Mitigation System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Asist, Road Departure Mitigation System. All those additional systems designed for safety are no longer working. The front camera failed, as confirmed by the dealer. Part is available for inspection.

Filed Oct 10, 2025 · Driver assistance · TX

While operating the vehicle, multiple driver-assist warning indicators illuminated on the dashboard, including LKAS (Lane Keeping Assist System), ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control), and CMBS (Collision Mitigation Braking System). The systems either disengaged or functioned erratically during normal driving conditions. At times, the vehicle failed to maintain lane position, abruptly disengaged adaptive cruise control, or displayed collision alerts when no obstruction was present. Now it is constant. Safety Impact: The failure of the LKAS, ACC, and related systems can cause unexpected loss of vehicle assist functions, leading to abrupt speed changes or compromised lane control, increasing the risk of collision if not promptly corrected.

Filed Apr 25, 2025 · Driver assistance, Electrical · MS

Lane Keep assist, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning all stopped working and received error codes. Dealership stated camera was faulty and needed to be replaced at my cost. Continued issues with electrical systems where the car alarm will go off intermittently, and vehicle will not lock unless manually locking. Dealership stated smart control unit needs to also be replaced at my cost. part number for control unit #38320 was issued by honda motor company service bulletin 21-055 for their honda ridgeline. Acura Dealer will not honor since part number does not specify acura. Part issued in Service bulletin is 38320-T6Z-A11 (honda ridgeline) part needed to be replaced by acura is 38320-TRX-A11. Other service bulletins related to original issues: 20-015, 19-005, 23-008, and 24-022 and safety recall report 23V‑751. Dealership is still placing responsibility of repair of defective parts on car owner.

Filed Sep 24, 2019 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 24,300 miles · VA

Merging onto a 6 lane highway, specifically the 3 northbound lanes, the collision mitigation braking system activated suddenly. I was moving from the right lane to the middle lane accelerating as needed to maintain the appropriate speed with the middle lane. As I began to ease off the accelerator, the cmbs slammed on the brakes. Speed went from 60 to 25mph on a congested highway at rush hour. The car behind me swerved to avoid. I frantically stomped on the gas pedal to try to keep going, eventually the car stopped braking and I continued. The car in front of me was a few hundred feet away and not braking at the time this happened. Time of day was just before sunrise.