2017 Acura Mdx Safety Report
2017 Acura MDX Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2017 Acura Mdx
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2017 Acura Mdx. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (6) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (222) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 10 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Engine | Compare engine issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2015 | Compare against the 2015 Acura Mdx with 68 complaints and 7 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2016 | Check the 2016 Acura Mdx before buying across this generation. |
Acura Mdx Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Acura Mdx years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Acura Mdx | 147 | 8 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2016 Acura Mdx | 340 | 6 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2019 Acura Mdx | 171 | 7 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2015 Acura Mdx | 68 | 7 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Acura Mdx | 193 | 6 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2022 Acura Mdx | 105 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2017 Acura Mdx Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2017 Acura Mdx, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Engine
41 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Acura onlyPower Train
33 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Acura onlyEngine And Engine Cooling
17 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine And Engine Cooling issues Acura onlyUnknown Or Other
15 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Acura onlyElectrical System
6 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Acura onlyPower Train,Electrical System
6 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train,Electrical System issues Acura onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Acura Mdx
Reliability Score
The 2017 Acura Mdx receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2017 Acura Mdx
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2017 Acura Mdx
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Acura Mdx:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine And Engine Cooling Recalls for hard parts internal/mechanical and fuel pump failures are common, affecting engine and engine cooling. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Exterior Lighting Recalls for tail lights and exterior lighting issues are frequent, impacting visibility. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Power Train And Electrical System Recalls for fuel pump and tail lights are common, affecting power train and electrical system reliability. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Service Brakes Recalls for foundation components disc caliper issues are frequent, impacting braking performance. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Acura Mdx:
33% of reported issues are related to engine and engine cooling.
25% of reported issues are related to exterior lighting.
20% of reported issues are related to power train and electrical system.
15% of reported issues are related to service brakes.
Recall Details for the 2017 Acura Mdx
The following 6 recalls have been issued for the 2017 Acura Mdx by NHTSA:
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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 NHTSA recall number 19V-25...
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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 NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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 ...
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Summary: 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."
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2017 Acura Mdx
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2017 Acura Mdx with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 complaint involved crashes. 1 reported injuries or fatalities.
I noticed a whirring sound while driving my MDX. The repair shop investigated and noted that the bearing in my transfer case assembly is failing and needs immediate replacement to prevent total power loss to the propulsion system of the car. Current milage of the vehicle is 99,500.
On 11.25.25, my MDX was involved in a multi-car hit and run on highway 101 SB at the Laurel Drive off ramp. The vehicle sustained two points of impact: (1) substantial front/driver side impact (2) rear-passenger side impact. Despite the severity, location of impact and speed of travel at the time of the collision, all airbags deployed except for the driver side curtain airbag. Importantly, at t...
Unknown Front left tire is rumbling. Ever since I purchased this vehicle I have had problems with the tires or suspension dealership replaced 2 tires since I purchased in July 2025
Manufacturer has not reimbursed recall repair paid out-of-pocket despite complete documentation and extended delay. Which was opened on 10/3/2025 the repair was done back in Feb 2024 !
One or more connecting rod bearings are failing. There is a knocking noise coming from the lower end of the engine which is more pronounced under load. There is a risk of the engine failing completely while driving and causing risk to myself, my passengers, and other drivers. This issue is know to happen in the same engine (J35Y5) and certain VINs are already under recall.
There were several instances where my vehicle either accelerated or decelerated while I was driving. I first noticed the issue about a week after I purchased the car in May 2022. I took it back to Acura of Brookfield, and they said they couldn’t replicate the issue. I also took my car to Acura of Brookfield in September 2023 for the same jerking issue. They charged me for an update, but the issue...
Hello, I am writing to report that my 2017 vehicle is experiencing the same issue that was subject to a recall on the 2016 models. Despite the recall being associated with the 2016 year, my 2017 vehicle is showing identical symptoms and concerns. This raises serious questions about safety, reliability, and whether this issue extends beyond the originally recalled model year. I would like this c...
Since 2020 the transmission does not shift properly from second to third gear. The power drops and the car shutters and makes noise like gear teeth are missing. This does not happen every time though. Sometimes multiple days will pass before the problem arises again. There have been a couple of times where I barely avoided a wreck because of the drop in power and underperformance of the transmissi...
Our 2017 Acura MDX has developed a crank rod bearing knock. Fox Acura in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has advised that our vehicle’s VIN is not included in service bulletin 23 036 concerning connecting rod bearing failure, despite evidence that similar failures have occurred in Acura 3.5 liter engines outside the bulletin’s listed VIN range. I intend to submit a safety complaint to the NTSB regarding t...
On my way home from work one evening, the car started making a loud knocking noise, then the car started losing power, the rpms jumping up and down and the dashboard lit up with warnings of all kinds. The traffic was somewhat heavy and and cars were speeding pass me, brakes screeching, horns blowing and my car steadily losing power. I was afraid, I didn't know what to do. I was trying to find a sa...
Dear Acura, My MDX is showing many lights on the dashboard (LKAS, ACC, Break System, CMBS, RDM) associates with the code U3000-49 and all those features are deactivated due to the failure mentioned. I was searching on the website for this error and found many Acura MDX oweners experiencing the same issue which apparently the Windshield Lane Departure Camera. Honestly, Acura should take a look i...
Automatic transmission. The car does not go to park when selecting park, it goes into neutral mode. It does not park at all.
Engine completely seized due to connecting rod bearing failure. This happened while driving, and I was stuck in traffic for almost an hour due to the vehicle being inoperable. vehicle was unable to be put in neutral due to a special tool being needed. Technicians from a third-party shop and Acura dealership stated this part does not break very often. The Vin does not fall in the parameters for the...
My 2017 Acura MDX has an engine failure due to connecting rod bearing seizure in the 3.5L V6 engine. Recall 23V-751 covered model year 2016-2020 Acura MDX vehicles and mine is a 2017. But, my VIN is not in Honda's recall range. The ODI had apparently received 414 reports of connecting rod bearing failures in the 3.5L V6 engine that are outside of 23V-751. There is now an ODI Resume with number P...
Blind spot warning, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lane keep assistance, and high beam lights keep flashing on dash giving a code of: U3000-49. The dealership quoted me $2000 to fix a faulty front facing camera. Research shows this is happening to thousands of people.
The contact owns a 2017 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the transmission system error message displayed. The contact pulled over to the right side of the road and turned off, and attempted to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to respond. A local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the trans...
The contact owns a 2017 Acura MDX. The contact stated that the dealer recommended that the timing belt be replaced. After the timing belt was replaced, there was a ticking sound coming from the vehicle while being started. The sound occurred while driving at various speeds or while the vehicle was idling. The check engine warning light was illuminated while driving approximately 60 MPH. The contac...
PLEASE SEE ATTACHMENT:
I was stopped, my vehicle brake stopped working after being stopped on a road at a traffic light behind a semi truck. My vehicle crawled slowly forward, it would not stop (like the car wash pace). My brake would not work, I tried putting car in park to stop it moving. It proceeded to ram into the semi in front of me and keep trying to go forward until the light turned green and the semi drove away...
2017 Acura Mdx. Earlier this year I suspected something was wrong with the car so we took it to Acura in weir canyon to get it checked out. They figured it was the throttle body so they replaced it and then about 2 weeks later the engine had a catastrophic failure. I was driving the car coming out of the freeway and right before I turned right the engine made a huge noise. We tried asking Acura fo...
Showing 20 of 222 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2017 Acura Mdx
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Engine
Opened 2024-11-08 · Closed 2025-08-20
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)2016–2020 Honda and Acura vehicles equipped with the 3.5L V6 engine. Honda recalled these vehicles due to a crankshaft manufacturing defect that caused premature conne...
Component: Engine
Opened 2025-08-20
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 gathere...
Component: Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Crank/Camshaft Position Sensor
Opened 2025-03-26
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, ...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Acura Mdx
Has the 2017 ACURA MDX been recalled?
Yes, the 2017 ACURA MDX has 6 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2017 ACURA MDX have?
The 2017 ACURA MDX has 222 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 7 involved crashes. 4 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2017 ACURA MDX?
The 2017 ACURA MDX received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 ACURA MDX?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2017 ACURA MDX involve engine (41 complaints), power train (33 complaints), engine and engine cooling (17 complaints). Other affected components include unknown or other, electrical system, power train,electrical system.
How many crash reports does the 2017 ACURA MDX have?
There are 7 crash reports associated with the 2017 ACURA MDX out of 222 total complaints (3.2% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2017 ACURA MDX have?
There are 3 fire reports for the 2017 ACURA MDX out of 222 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2017 ACURA MDX?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2017 ACURA MDX.
How many injuries are reported for the 2017 ACURA MDX?
4 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2017 ACURA MDX. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2017 ACURA MDX?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 ACURA MDX is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 222 complaints, 6 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2017 ACURA MDX?
The components with the most failures on the 2017 ACURA MDX are: 1. ENGINE (41 complaints), 2. POWER TRAIN (33 complaints), 3. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (17 complaints), 4. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (15 complaints), 5. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6 complaints). ENGINE is the single most-reported problem area with 41 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2017 ACURA MDX?
Be cautious of engine and engine cooling issues, as well as exterior lighting and power train/electrical system failures. Regular maintenance is crucial. The 2017 ACURA MDX has 222 NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2017 ACURA MDX?
The 2017 ACURA MDX receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 222 owner complaints, 6 recalls, and 10 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Engine and engine cooling and Exterior lighting.
What are the known issues with the 2017 ACURA MDX?
Known issues with the 2017 ACURA MDX include: Engine and engine cooling, Exterior lighting, Power train and electrical system, Service brakes. These are based on patterns found across 222 NHTSA complaints. 6 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the most common issues with the 2017 Acura MDX?
The most common issues include engine and engine cooling problems, exterior lighting failures, power train and electrical system issues, and service brake problems.
Are there any recalls for the 2017 Acura MDX?
Yes, there are recalls for engine and engine cooling, exterior lighting, power train, and electrical system issues.
What should I do if I experience engine or engine cooling issues?
If you experience engine or engine cooling issues, have the vehicle inspected by a professional to prevent further damage.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of engine and engine cooling issues, as well as exterior lighting and power train/electrical system failures. Regular maintenance is crucial.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Acura Mdx
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Acura Mdx. The data includes 222 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 6 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 7 reported crashes, 3 fire incidents, 4 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2017 Acura Mdx an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-13