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2018 Acura

MDX FWD

Auto (S9), 6 cyl, 3.5 L, SIDI

Acura MDX: best and worst years
2018 Acura MDX FWD (photo 1 of 4)

Photo may show a different model year; you're viewing the 2018.

PhotoOWS PhotographyCC BY 4.0via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Body
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Transmission
Automatic (S9)EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Engine & performance

Power to weight
0.067 hp/lb
Aspiration
Naturally aspiratedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Efficiency

Smog score
3/10
SmartWay certified
No

Dimensions & capacity

GVWR class
Class 1D (5,001 to 6,000 lb)NHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 10/13/2026

Safety NHTSA record NHTSA, model year

Overall crash rating
★★★★★
Rollover rating
★★★★★
Stability control (ESC)
Standard
Forward-collision warning
Standard
Lane-departure warning
Standard
Recalls
10
Owner complaints
170 See on NHTSA
Reported injuries
3

Feature availability

Cameras & visibility

  • Backup camera
    Standard

Driver assist

  • Adaptive cruise control
    Standard
  • Automatic emergency brakingPart of AcuraWatch.
    Standard
  • Blind-spot monitor
    Standard
  • Lane-keeping assist
    Standard

Convenience

  • Push-button start
    Standard

Exterior

  • Adaptive headlights
    Standard

Reported problems NHTSA record NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • ENGINE13%
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM10%
  • FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM10%
  • FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE8%
  • FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE8%
  • POWER TRAIN8%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 276 total.

Acura MDX: best and worst years

Federal investigations NHTSA record NHTSA defect investigations, model year

  • PE25008Openopened Aug 20, 2025ENGINE

    Engine failure

  • EA25004Openopened Mar 26, 2025ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

    No Restart After Auto Start/Stop Engages

  • RQ24013opened Nov 8, 2024ENGINE

    Engine failure

  • DP22005opened Jan 27, 2023ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM

    Pedestrian alert sounds

Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year

125 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year

  • Jan 31, 2026FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMONL6AX01302026

    Owner Notification Letter - Under certain circumstances, after coming to a stop and the idle stop feature engaging, the vehicle may not automatically restart. Acura is providing a product update with a new PGM-FI software update to fix this issue.

  • Sep 4, 2025VISIBILITY/WIPERB25-003

    Service Bulletin - An uneven sealing surface allows moisture to enter the inner taillight(s), causing one or both of the inner taillights not to work.

  • Jul 7, 2025ENGINEB23-002

    Service Bulletin - Under certain circumstances, after coming to a stop and engaging idle stop the vehicle may not restart automatically due to excessive cylinder pressure and/or low cranking torque. Typically, the client can immediately restart the vehicle by selecting Park and pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button.

  • Jun 5, 2025EXTERIOR LIGHTINGONL6L806042025 Letter

    Owner Notification Letter - An uneven sealing surface allows moisture to enter the inner taillight(s), causing one or both of the inner taillights not to work.

  • Jun 5, 2025EXTERIOR LIGHTINGONL6L806042025 Form

    Owner Notification Letter - An uneven sealing surface allows moisture to enter the inner taillight(s), causing one or both of the inner taillights not to work.

  • Feb 19, 2025ENGINEB24-022

    Service Bulletin - The AWD warning light is on with one or more AWD DTCs having been set due to water intrusion into the electric oil pump motor connector area corrodes the terminals.

  • May 29, 2024ENGINEONL6AX05292024

    Owner Notification Letter - Under certain circumstances, after coming to a stop and the idle stop feature engaging, the vehicle may not automatically restart. Acura is providing a product update with a new PGM-FI software update to fix this issue.

  • Jan 10, 2024ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROLB23-035

    Service Bulletin - The MIL comes on during vehicle operation due to variations in the purge control solenoid valve spring, the valve wears unevenly and intermittently sticks. This may result in setting DTC P0441 (Evaporative Emission (EVAP) System Purge Flow Malfunction).

  • and 117 more

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
4 yr / 50k mi
Powertrain
6 yr / 70k mi
Roadside assistance
4 yr / 50k mi
EV battery
8 yr / 100k mi

Source: www.cars.com as of 2026-06

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.