Acura MDX ball joint problems

Filed Nov 4, 2026 · Body, Suspension · PA

The contact owns a 2019 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while the dealer was performing a State Inspection on the vehicle, it was discovered that the front sub frame and control arms were severely corroded and were fractured. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 26V365000 (Structure, Suspension); however, the recall scope was restricted to the rear sub frame and components. The vehicle remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone and referred the contact to the federal safety agency hotline for assistance.

Filed Oct 1, 2026 · Transmission · MA

My 2014 Acura MDX had the same issue that it is currently being recalled (26V‑365) except this happened to the front control arms. In August of 2024 I had to replace both the front lower control arms because the bushings were splitting. Had they split while driving I would've lost control of the car and crashed which is the concern with the current recall for the rear control arms. It was fortunate that this potentially dangerous crack was found during an unrelated service. I strongly feel that this recall for the MDX should be expanded to cover the front control arms too. This issue of dangerous corrosion is not limited to the rear.

Filed Aug 31, 2026 · Transmission · IN

While driving home on a Sunday afternoon, out of nowhere, a very loud pop sound happened followed by grinding. We were so worried that my husband pulled over thinking we had done major damage to the car somehow. Visual inspection under the car yielded nothing leaving us puzzled. No warning lights came on before, during, or after. We had it taken to the Acura dealership in Fairfield, Ohio. The car was still within warranty at this time, and they found nothing nor could they replicate the sound. My husband explained that it sounded to be transmission related. They chalked it up to a loose tie rod end which they “tightened” to solve all of our problems. We left the dealership and took the car home experiencing no further problems. Fast forward to the winter of that same year we realized that no matter what mode we put the car in we didn’t have AWD. Still no warning lights. The following spring, approximately 20,000 miles after experiencing the first loud pop and grind, we started getting error messages on our user dashboard. “All wheel drive system problem. Only front wheels may be powered. See your dealer”. We immediately scheduled a service appointment with the same Acura dealership. Within minutes of having the car examined on the lift the Acura certified technician found the problem to be the AWD transfer case and additionally the transmission. Stating we would need to replace both. They came back with a quote of approximately $18,000 for a new transmission, transfer case, labor, and all associated materials, for which we declined. Currently seeking help for recall as we do not believe a transmission/ transfer case should fail so quickly under normal driving circumstances.

Filed Jul 21, 2026 · Body, Steering · TX

The vehicle developed repeated front‑end structural and steering problems shortly after purchase. During normal driving, it produced loud popping, creaking, and clunking noises when turning, entering driveways, or driving over small inclines. Steering felt inconsistent and the front suspension felt unstable. These symptoms created a serious risk of loss of control. A dealer confirmed the problem multiple times and replaced several major components, including the left front strut, the left front lower control arm, and the front shock absorber fork. The most serious finding was cracked welds in the front subframe, requiring the entire subframe to be replaced. A cracked subframe weld is a structural failure that can affect steering stability and crashworthiness. The issues were reproduced and documented by the dealer on multiple visits. The manufacturer’s engineering team was involved due to the severity and difficulty of diagnosis. Despite repeated repairs and extended time out of service, the same steering and suspension symptoms continued, and the vehicle was returned multiple times with ongoing issues. There were no warning lights or messages before the failures. The defects occurred during low‑speed maneuvering and normal driving conditions. The vehicle did not perform like a safe, structurally sound new vehicle, and the repeated structural and steering failures pose a safety risk to occupants and others on the road.

Filed Jul 8, 2026 · Engine, Steering · NY

I am filing a safety and compliance complaint regarding execution of Federal Recall Campaign #26V365 by Valley Stream Acura and sales fraud by Paragon Acura. I purchased this 2016 Acura MDX from Paragon Acura on May 29, 2026. I have driven it only 550 miles, placing it strictly within the statutory New York State 60-Day Used Car Lemon Law Warranty window. A certified 6-page independent ASE forensic report documents that Valley Stream Acura bolted the federal recall brackets directly onto severely cracked rear control arms and rusted struts without disclosure. Furthermore, Paragon Acura forced a brand-new front control arm link onto a deeply pitted, scaling, and structurally compromised front steering knuckle to mask pre-sale defects, signing a false NYS highway safety certification. The vehicle was released to me with a bone-dry, empty engine cooling loop, creating an immediate fire hazard. Acura Corporate (Case #16437213) refuses to issue a corrective directive, willfully leaving a non-compliant vehicle on public roads.

Filed May 28, 2026 · Suspension · MD

Clunking or Looseness in the Outer Tie Rod. The issue is related to TSB-B23-019 Bulletin. The exact same issue is occurring that has happened with years 2022-2023. I have had at the dealership to fix the issue and they never mentioned the outer tie rod cotter pin or castle nut loosening.

Filed Feb 17, 2026 · Driver assistance, Suspension · 45,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2020 Acura MDX. The contact stated that the front windshield camera became inoperable. There were unknown warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the control arms failed. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The windshield was replaced with an aftermarket part at an auto body shop. The control arm was replaced at the local dealer. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

Filed Oct 30, 2025 · Steering · MD

Loud clunking noise when steering, possibly the rack and pinion. Control arms and struts have been replaced.

Filed Jan 11, 2025 · Suspension, Transmission · CA

There were two major failures in my vehicle within a couple of weeks. The first was a lower ball joint failure. The passenger side lower control arm was replaced. The second major failure was the transfer case seal on the transmission failed and the transmission is being replaced. The vehicle has been serviced since its new purchase at Acura dealerships.

Filed Nov 12, 2024 · Suspension · IL

I brought my 2020 Acura MDX with 61,086 miles on it for a routine service and was informed that the front suspension control arms were failing and needed to be replaced within weeks otherwise it could break causing a safety issue while driving. I have never had a car including prior MDX's that required this to be replaced and when I asked about it, I was told by the dealer and other dealers that I spoke to that is was unusal for this to happen with this many miles but it can. I feel that this is a manufacturer flaw and could be an issue in other MDX's. Again, if I did not go in for routine service at that time, it could have resulted in a safety incident within weeks according to them without notice and there was no mention of this with my prior routine service back in June 2024.