Hello! I am writing to report an urgent and serious safety failure involving my 2025 Acura MDX A-Spec and to request immediate investigation and action. The vehicle’s driver-assist systems - specifically the lane departure warning and forward collision warning - failed to operate. In addition, both the steering wheel and the accelerator became stuck, causing my vehicle to collide head‑on with oncoming traffic. These failures placed my life and the lives of others in immediate danger. I previously opened a case with Acura Contact and Client Relations (Case #16550271). To investigate my vehicle failures that caused this major accident, the response I received was inadequate and deeply concerning. During my conversation with Acura representatives, I was told verbally without any willingness to provide this statement in writing that Acura “has nothing to do with inspecting their own car.” Instead, I was instructed to have my vehicle inspected by my insurance company, despite the fact that they are not certified to evaluate Acura safety systems and do not possess the diagnostic equipment required to assess failures of this nature. Given the severity of the malfunction and the resulting collision, I am requesting that Acura immediately arrange a proper inspection by qualified Acura technicians and provide a written explanation of how such critical safety and control systems could fail simultaneously.
Acura MDX collision warning problems
71 of the 3,339 owner complaints about the Acura MDX describe false forward collision warnings, most of them for the 2017 model year.
- owner complaints
- 71
- worst model year
- 2017
- typical repair cost reported
- $2,200
- typical mileage
- 9,747
By model year
Often reported together
Lane assist 36Adaptive cruise 33Headlights 12Warning lights 4Steering lock-up 3ABS 3Sudden acceleration 2Stalling 2
Trouble codes mentioned
U3000 8
What owners say
While driving on a residential street under normal daylight conditions, the forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking system failed without warning. A dashboard message appeared instructing me to clean the windshield and stating that collision avoidance services were unavailable. The windshield was clean and unobstructed. There was no precipitation, glare, or debris. The failure occurred while the vehicle was in motion. I had no indication of whether the vehicle was safe to continue driving or whether I should stop immediately, and no way to know whether the fault was limited to the camera or whether other systems were affected. There was no prior warning, no gradual degradation, and no fault indication before this event. I purchased this vehicle in part for its advanced driver assistance systems and rely on forward collision prevention in daily driving. That protection is now unavailable, and I am driving without a crash avoidance system I was sold and expected to have. I took the vehicle to an authorized dealer for diagnosis. The dealer determined that the forward facing camera module must be replaced and recalibrated, and quoted $2,700. No recall or technical service bulletin was identified. I believe this constitutes a safety defect. A primary crash avoidance system failed spontaneously under normal operating conditions on a vehicle marketed on its safety technology. The repair cost is also high enough that many owners will defer or decline it, leaving vehicles on public roads with disabled collision avoidance. I request that the federal safety agency investigate the failure rate of this camera module and consider a safety recall.
I am reporting repeated failures of the front safety camera / Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) on my 2017 Acura MDX Tech (FWD). The vehicle has experienced intermittent and sudden loss of all ADAS safety functions, including CMBS, Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Road Departure Mitigation. The failures occur without warning, while driving at normal speeds. The dash displays “Safety Support System Problem,” “Collision Mitigation System Problem,” “Lane Keeping Assist Problem,” and related alerts. When this happens, all forward‑facing safety systems shut down, increasing the risk of collision. The issue is persistent and unpredictable. It has occurred in clear weather, dry roads, and normal driving conditions. The vehicle does not have the Advance package or surround‑view system; this is the standard Tech‑package front camera. Multiple Acura service departments have confirmed the problem is caused by a faulty front monocular camera module (part number 36160‑TZ5‑A36). Acura has superseded this part several times (A63, A64, A65, A66), indicating an ongoing design or reliability issue. Replacement cost is extremely high, and the failure disables federally‑relevant safety systems. This is a safety‑critical component. When the camera fails, the vehicle loses collision‑avoidance capability, lane‑keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control. The failure happens while the vehicle is in motion, creating a risk of rear‑end collisions or lane‑departure accidents. I am requesting the federal safety agency review this issue for potential defects in the Acura MDX front safety camera system.
Problem Description: I am reporting a safety-related issue affecting multiple driver assistance systems on my 2017 Acura MDX. While driving, the vehicle displays several warning messages at the same time, including: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Problem Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) Problem Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) System Problem Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) Problem When these warnings appear, all of these safety systems become unavailable. The warning indicators remain on, and the systems do not function even after restarting the vehicle. The 12-volt battery was replaced approximately one month before this issue began, and the engine starts and runs normally. Despite the new battery, the warnings continue to appear, making the vehicle's advanced safety features unusable. This appears to be a widespread issue reported by many owners of the 2017 Acura MDX. Since multiple critical safety systems fail simultaneously, I believe this may be related to a defect in the vehicle's electrical system, charging system, control modules, wiring, or communication network. Because these features are designed to help prevent accidents, their sudden loss creates a significant safety concern. I respectfully request that Acura investigate this issue and consider issuing a recall or extending warranty coverage if a common manufacturing defect is identified.
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,
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.
I am reporting a severe safety defect regarding the sudden, unprovoked failure of the AcuraWatch driver-assist camera system (affecting LKAS, ADAS, and the Collision Mitigation Braking System), which directly and unexpectedly alters the vehicle’s powertrain and driving dynamics without driver input. While driving, the front windshield monocular camera module experienced an internal electronic failure, immediately lighting up multiple critical safety warning indicators on the dashboard and permanently disabling all forward collision prevention and lane-keep capabilities. I urge the federal safety agency to open a safety defect investigation into 2016–2019 Acura MDX models regarding camera system degradation and its hazardous, cascading impact on transmission shift timing and vehicle deceleration behavior.
I have my LKAS lights, collision mitigation light on, road departure mitigation lights on..
The subject 2019 Acura MDX model includes the tech package which adds several safety features that function through a windshield mounted camara/radar. The system has malfunctioned and none of the safety features are working. The dash displays the following messages: Collision Mitigation System Problem Adaptive Cruise Control Problem Lane Keeping Asist Problem Road Departure Mitigation System Problem automatic headlight system problem At the bottom of the dash, I see Brake System, Crash Warning and Lane Departure lights on as well. Acura is charging $2,319 to replace this unit in addition to a $270 diagnostic fee. This issue is widely reported as a significant issue in several model years for the MDX and should be part of a safety recall. The Acura technician acknowledged this issue is common. I should add this is the second major electronic issue with this MDX within the last several months. The prior issue was multiple system failure warnings that Acura determined were caused by a faulty wiring harness at a $1,604 cost, plus a $255 diagnostic fee. Please note I am the original owner of the vehicle and it has never been in a collision. Additionally, the system has recently mistakenly activated the brakes at very low speed and warned against collisions with other vehicles traveling in the opposite direction while on a curve.
Collision Mitigation, Automatic Cruise Control, and Lane Keep Assist features disabled. Safety equipment failure.
Related recalls
Forward collision avoidance: crash imminent braking
- What is wrong
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Acura MDX 2WD and AWD, RLX and 2014 Acura RLX Hybrid vehicles. In certain driving conditions, the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) may incorrectly interpret certain roadside objects such as metal fences or metal guardrails as obstacles and unexpectedly apply the brakes.
- Risk
- If the CMBS unexpectedly applies emergency braking force while driving, there is an increased risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the CMBS software, free of charge. The recall began on July 6, 2015. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1‑800‑382‑2238. Honda's numbers for this recall is JQ4, JQ5 and JQ6.
Recall number 15V301000 · Recall details
Traction control system
- What is wrong
- Honda is recalling certain model year 2005 Pilot vehicles manufactured July 29, 2004, through August 29, 2005; model year 2005-2006 Acura MDX vehicles manufactured September 16, 2004, through September 22, 2005; and model year 2005 Acura RL vehicles manufactured March 1, 2004, through June 29, 2005. An electrical capacitor may have been damaged during the manufacturing of the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) control module causing intermittent, automatic, minor brake application. However, if the driver applies the brakes while the VSA is malfunctioning, the vehicle may come to an abrupt stop. Additionally, due to a loose ground connection, certain model year 2005 Pilots have a VSA system that may apply partial brake force, without the illumination of the brake lights, whether or not the driver is using the brakes.
- Risk
- Sudden inadvertent braking, especially without illumination of the brake lights, may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Remedy
- Owners will be notified and instructed to take their vehicles to a dealer of their respective brand. The dealer will install a partial wiring harness containing a capacitor for the VSA modulator, free of charge. The affected model year 2005 Pilots will have their ground connection tightened. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Honda owners may contact Honda Automobile Customer Service at 1‑800‑999‑1009, and select option 4 or go to www.recalls.honda.com; Acura owners may contact 1‑800‑382‑2238, and select option 4, or go to www.recalls.acura.com.
Recall number 13V092000 · Recall details
Questions about the Acura MDX collision warning
Which Acura MDX years have false forward collision warnings problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2017 (15 complaints), 2020 (14 complaints) and 2018 (10 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix false forward collision warnings on the Acura MDX?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $2,200 (median of 10 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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