Acura MDX battery drain problems

Filed Oct 7, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 60,000 miles · NJ

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.

Filed Sep 12, 2026 · Electrical · TX

Battery keeps dying. Faulty starter leaving car stranded.

Filed Jan 29, 2026 · Electrical · TN

The battery drains quickly. Have replaced the battery twice since 2022. something in the car is draining the battery and making it fail. infotainment screen sometimes stays grey and doesn't go black when car is off. many 2022 mdx owners are having similar battery drain issues requiring frequent battery replacements. please push Acura for a recall and fix.

Filed Sep 11, 2025 · Body · NC

The hazard warning switch on my 2011 Acura MDX Technology & Entertainment Package VIN [XXX] sticks. It is due to a manufacturing defect and not because of normal wear and tear. That is a safety concern because when it is pressed and sticks, such as when giving the right of way to an emergency vehicle, or in bad weather, it not possible to make it unstuck while driving, and requires a screwdriver to pry it back to unstuck position, and if that option is not available then the stuck hazard switch will drain the battery when the vehicle is shut down. Please refer to enclosed Acura ServiceNews Article B15070C. On 8/9/2025, for my service at Hendrick Acura, I requested this known safety issue be fixed. I demonstrated by pressing the hazard switch that got stuck and required a screwdriver to unstick it. But the dealer unreasonably wanted me to pay $99 diagnostic fee to troubleshoot an obvious issue and even when I showed them the Acura ServiceNews Article B15070C. So, I was forced to confirm the issue indirectly myself. On 8/11/2025, I ordered a replacement hazard switch part number 33510-STX-A02 from another Acura dealer Contemporary Cars, for $37.02, per enclosed, even though it was a waste of my money. I swapped out the hazard switch and as expected it still got stuck. I have enclosed two pictures of my DIY diagnostic. I then searched for replacement dashboard center panel online from the Acura dealers, but I am unable to find any available. I then contacted Acura Client Relations on 8/25/2025, and they opened a Case # [XXX]. Kevin from Acura Client Relations called and stated that B15070C does not apply to my VIN. But I disagree because B15070C states for 'Affected Vehicles' - "2010-13 MDX (All trim levels except base." Hence, I am contacting the federal safety agency to ask Acura to cover my VIN as a saftey recall, and either provide me a replacement center panel that does not have the same manufacturing defect, or ask Hendrick Acura to replace it free of cost. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION A

Filed Sep 2, 2025 · Engine · IL

The engine suddenly shut off when the vehicle was waiting for traffic light and at full stop. The vehicle would not restart after multiple attempts and had to be towed to dealership. Mechanic at the dealership said the "Idle Stop" feature can drain the battery quickly and had to replace a new battery. We consider this a reportable safety hazard and a potential design defect because 1. The "Idle Stop" feature is turned on by default, though it can be manually turned off. 2. The incident occurred in a very abrupt and unpredictable fashion. The vehicle was started normally about 30-40 minutes before the incidents and has been driven normally in a typical city traffic condition till the incidents occurred. During this period, the computer system did not give off any warning related to a total battery failure.

Filed Jul 20, 2025 · Electrical · SC

The car alarm started going off randomly after the car was locked and armed. This would happen periodically. The car was locked using the indoor lock and then left unlocked and the lights would go off and on periodically. The internal dash periodically would flicker off and on (dash lights/screens). The car eventually drained the battery one night cycling down to 4.25v and had to be replaced (it was too damaged to be jumped). Upon replacing the battery codes were read, cleared and the car driven. The alarm and light issue came back, and the hood latch was disconnected. This stopped the alarm, but after rain events or humid days the lights would still come on (as if someone unlocked the car or walked up with the key) and the dash lights would occasionally flicker. The wireless control unit was removed and inspected and dendritic growth was noticed on one location of the board. This was cleaned with alcohol and this has appeared to solve the issue so far. The part of the board with the growth is not sealed and looks like it is right on the edge of the factory sealing.

Filed Jul 13, 2025 · Engine · 149,385 miles · FL

driving on freeway at 65mph and check engine light flashed as vehicle started to studder and turned off while driving. vehicle would not even try to start afterwards. vehicle got towed off freeway to my home. I continued to try to start, it sounded like a bad starter or dead battery, so I charged the battery and got the vehicle to crank and start. engine was knocking and squealing and pinging. immediately turned off and did some research. found out about recall and my engine is not on it . I found a local shop and had it towed there. it ended up being a bad rod/bearing in the engine. I had to have the engine replaced.

Filed Mar 29, 2025 · CA

Keyless access unit shorted and triggered alarm and drained the battery

Filed Jun 10, 2024 · Electrical · CA

There is a paracytic battery drain causing new batteries to fail. Troubleshooting says Hands Free Link system may be reason for drain/ dead battery. Or, the Navigation system. There are endless electrical issues within 5 fuse boxes. I’ve done this manually, it’s slow. I know a diagnostic meter would help! So, I’ve installed a battery switch inside car. Must turn off each night! You’d think I’d have a mobile battery charger by now. But thankfully road side service has been a life saver. Although, I was not permitted to sign up for ERS with my insurance after so many battery calls for a year or more. AAA same! It’s ridiculous. Today, had to call ERS again. Ugh. Fortunately I’ve been reinstated. Its been slow-like-molasses-paced.. One fuse disconnected after another. This leaves the vehicle operating without the necessary compenents, helpful features. Examples: x miles per gallon of gas driving city/freeway. . The stereo system completely out, no back up camera, and no Navigation system. All disconnected fuses. No, I don’t have the resources to buy a diagnostic or pay a mechanic $200-300. I’ve been dealing with this nightmare for the last year++. Thankfully, YouTube shows 2006 Acura MDX, Touring series w this drain problem. A huge help! It’s an older car with 240K miles, needs 4 new tires, alignment, both headlamps replaced, . Plus, somehow the rear view mirror got unhooked, torn off, consequently, I’m without the rear back up view. It’s stupid, I realize. Looking at it in hind sight, yes, it’s ridiculous!

Filed Mar 27, 2023 · Electrical · AZ

Keyless Access/TPMS Control Unit is failing. Vehicle randomly behaves where all dash lights blink on and off, head lights turn on, car alarm intermittently alarms, and motorized steering wheel moves. It is unknown if there is any malfunction to ADAS or other systems due to this random behavior. Vehicle cannot be parked with the battery connected as all of these events intermittently happen and drains the battery. The behavior is so startling and a concern to drive that it is unknown if it will completely fail and shutdown while driving. For example, the Keyless Control Unit could potentially fail to recognize the key while driving and then the vehicle would shutdown as if being stolen. Vehicle has been inspected by the dealer, confirmed malfunction and noted occurence with other customers vehicles of same make and model. Diagnostic report by dealer states the failing component.