Model year

2017 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid

SUV, hybrid, 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from Apr 12, 2018 to Sep 23, 2025.

Recall campaigns covering this model year3388k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints8Below the median 2017 suv
Severity index0.02017 suvs average 5.6
First 24 months1Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 2017 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid peaked in 2018, with 2 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

00.511.522018220192020202120222023202420252026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

63% of complaints about the 2017 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid name powertrain

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Powertrain
5
Electrical system
2
Fuel system
2
Stability and traction control
1
Engine and cooling
1
Steering
1
Speed control
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

3 recall campaigns cover the 2017 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Recall campaigns for the 2017 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid
CampaignFiledSubjectComponentVehiclesRemedy
19V-256Mar 28, 2019Moisture may enter the tailgate lid lights, possibly causing a loss of the tailgate lid lights and the taillightsLighting322,897Part replacement
18V-777Nov 1, 2018Rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating, causing gas pockets to form, reducing brake performanceBrakes64,785Not stated
17V-424Jun 30, 2017Affected vehicles have an engine fuel feed hose and a fuel purge hose that may have been misrouted during vehicle assemblyFuel system193Part replacement
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 2017 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid

The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.

8 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

  1. Filed Sep 23, 2025Failure Jul 15, 2025Lee's Summit, MOPower train

    The car has been experiencing roughness and shaking in reverse 50% of the time. Some times it shakes and jerks much more than other times, but either way it seems to be a common problem when searching forums and there doesn't seem to be any solution besides replacing the transmission. The dealership has recommended a full transmission replacement which costs more than the value of the car. There are no lights that come up, but the jerkiness in reverse seems dangerous and there's a chance that if it jerks at the wrong time it can cause an accident.

    NHTSA complaint 11689105
  2. Filed Apr 16, 2021Failure Apr 14, 202115,000 milesFremont, CAPower train

    THE TRANSMISSION WILL JERK WHEN DRIVING UPON ACCELERATION AND HAS A CONTINUOUS SHIFTING SOUND AND FEELING AS THOUGH THE CAR IS IN NEUTRAL OR THE DRIVE MODE IS BEING CHANGED (LIKE THAT WHEN YOU SHIFT GEARS ON A BIKE). I AM UNABLE TO USE ALL DRIVE MODES AS THE ISSUE OCCURS IN EVERY MODE--BUT EVEN MORE IN THE SPORT MODES. WHEN THE PROBLEM OCCURS, I HAVE TO TURN OFF THE CAR AND TURN IT BACK ON AND THAT WILL USUALLY FIX THE PROBLEM--BUT IF I CHANGE IT TO ANOTHER DRIVE MODE OR HAVE IT IN THE SPORT MODES IT OCCURS RANDOMLY. IF I'M ON THE FREEWAY DURING COMMUTE TIMES, I DON'T PULL OVER TO DO SO. THE ISSUE FIRST STARTED AT 15K MILES WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. I WAS UTILIZING ONE OF THE SPORT MODES. IN THE PAST--THE RIDE WAS SMOOTHER, NOW IT'S A HIT OR MISS. IT WAS REPORTED TO THE DEALERSHIP DURING A SERVICE. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN REPORTED A TOTAL OF 6 TIMES TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY HAVE KEPT THE CAR OVERNIGHT, REPLACE THE SHIFT MECHANISM, UPDATED SYSTEM SETTINGS, AND THE GAS PUMP. DURING MY LAST VISIT, THE SERVICE MANAGER STATED THAT NO ISSUE WAS FOUND. THE ISSUE STILL PERSISTS. FROM MY RESEARCH, IT IS A COMMON ISSUE AND SHOULD NOT BE. IT STARTED BACK IN 2018 AND AS LATE AS 4/14/2021.

    NHTSA complaint 11408329
  3. Filed Apr 7, 2021Failure Apr 5, 202115,000 milesFremont, CAPower train

    TRANSMISSION WILL JERK HEAVILY WHEN DRIVING AND HAS A CONTINUOUS SHIFTING SOUND LIKE IT STAYS NEUTRAL. WILL JUDDER WHEN THE VEHICLE STOPS AND ON ACCELERATION. THE CAR NEEDS TO BE TURNED OFF AND BACK ON TO RESET. I CAN'T USE ALL DRIVE SETTINGS AS IT HAPPENS MORE FREQUENTLY IN THE SPORT MODES. THE ISSUE FIRST STARTED HAPPENING AT 15K MILES. I HAVE REPORTED IT TO RHE DEALERSHIP SIX TIMES, THE LAST TIME WAS A WEEK AGO. THE DEALERSHIP HAS KEPT THE CAR OVERNIGHT, REPLACED THE SHIFT MECHANISMS, UPDATED SYSTEM SETTINGS, AND THE GAS PUMPS. THE PROBLEM STILL PERSISTS. I ATTEMPTED TO UPLOAD SERVICE RECORDS, MULTIPLE DOCUMENTS.

    NHTSA complaint 11406968
  4. Filed Sep 29, 2020Failure Sep 3, 202020,000 milesBristol, TNCruise control

    THE VEHICLE CONSISTENTLY IGNORES THE MILES-PER-HOUR SET ON THE CRUISE CONTROLS - - EXCEEDING THE MPH BY OVER 5 MILES PER HOUR OR EVEN MORE. THIS IS A SAFELY HAZARD PLUS CAN EASILY LEAD TO SPEEDING TICKETS. I HAVE NOTICED THIS HAPPENING MANY TIMES ON HIGHWAYS (NORMALLY WITH A SPEED LIMIT OF 55 - 65.

    NHTSA complaint 11361871
  5. Filed Aug 2, 2020Failure Jul 18, 202037,000 milesCincinnati, OHElectrical system

    REAR BACK UP CAMERA HAS UP TO 1 MINUTE DELAY IN ACTIVATING WHEN I SELECTED REVERSE. ALSO DELAYS THE SAFETY SYSTEMS ASSOCIATED WITH IT LIKE CROSS TRAFFIC WARNINGS AND COLLISION AVOIDANCE.

    NHTSA complaint 11342770
  6. Filed Jan 7, 2019Failure Oct 26, 20186,500 milesRockville Centre, NYElectrical system, Power train

    VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY BREAKS DOWN WITH "POWER SYSTEM" AND "AWD" WARNING LIGHTS TRIGGERING SAFE MODE OPERATION. SAFE MODE LIMITS POWER AND POTENTIALLY CREATES UNSAFE CONDITION AS CAR CANNOT BE OPERATED AT FULL POWER. ACURA REFUSES TO REPAIR. PROBLEM OCCURS BOTH WITH IN MOTION AND WHEN AT IDLE.

    NHTSA complaint 11164832
  7. Filed Sep 7, 2018Failure Sep 7, 20183,000 milesRoanoke, VAEngine, Fuel/propulsion system, Power train

    UNINTENDED ACCELERATION - WHILE COASTING, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATES ON ITS OWN UP TO 30MPH. THIS HAS OCCURRED WHILE APPROACHING TRAFFIC LIGHTS, STOP SIGNS, PARKING LOTS, CROSSWALKS AND PARKING IN THE GARAGE. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WITH TWO DIFFERENT DRIVERS AND EVEN THE DEALER HAS EXPERIENCED THE SAME SYMPTOMS. THE VEHICLE ALSO STALLS WHILE STOPPED IN THE ROADWAY TO TURN. ACURA SENT A REGIONAL SERVICE DIRECTOR TO TEST THE VEHICLE AND MY DRIVING SKILLS AND STATES THAT SINCE THERE ARE NO TROUBLE CODES FROM THE COMPUTER, ALL SYSTEMS ARE OPERATING AS DESIGNED. BRAKING - THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL WILL SENSE LARGE VEHICLES IN ADJACENT LANES AND SMALL VEHICLES ON CURVES AND ABRUPTLY APPLY BRAKES. THE VEHICLE BELIEVES THESE VEHICLES ARE IN OUR LANE WHEN THEY ARE IN FACT IN THE ADJACENT LANE. WE HAVE HAD SEVERAL NEAR MISSES WHERE THE VEHICLE BEHIND US ALMOST REAR ENDED US DUE TO THE IMMEDIATE AND UNNECESSARY APPLICATION OF THE BRAKES. WE HAVE NO CONFIDENCE IN THIS VEHICLES TECHNOLOGY TO PERFORM AS INTENDED AND FEAR EVENTUALLY SOMEONE WILL BE HURT OR KILLED AS IT DOES NOT RECOGNIZE PEDESTRIANS EITHER.

    NHTSA complaint 11128155
  8. Filed Apr 12, 2018Failure Mar 29, 201816,000 milesGastonia, NCElectronic stability control (esc), Fuel/propulsion system, Steering

    THIS CAR HAS SERIOUS ISSUES. THE PREVIOUS BRAKING COMPLAINT IS ABSOLUTELY VALID! THE FIRST TWO ISSUES OUTLINED BELOW ARE MOST PROBLEMATIC AT HIGHWAY SPEED WITH THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL SET. THAT BEING SAID, PROBLEM NUMBER ONE IN PARTICULAR OCCURS ON A REGULAR BASIS WHENEVER THE CRUISE CONTROL IS SET. 1. BRAKING - THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL WILL SENSE LARGE VEHICLES IN ADJACENT LANES AND ABRUPTLY APPLY BRAKES. IT SEEMS THE MDX 'THINKS' THESE VEHICLES ARE IN YOUR LANE WHEN THEY ARE IN FACT IN THE LANE NEXT TO YOU. THE SAME WILL OCCUR WHEN A CAR IN AN ADJACENT LANE DRIFTS NEAR, BUT NOT INTO THE LANE OCCUPIED BY THE MDX. WE HAVE HAD NO LESS THAN THREE NEAR MISSES WHERE THE VEHICLE BEHIND US NEARLY REAR ENDED US DUE TO THE IMMEDIATE AND UNNECESSARY APPLICATION OF BRAKES BY THE MDX. 2. LANE KEEP ASSIST - ON A MULTIPLE OCCASIONS WE HAVE ATTEMPTED TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE WHILE REMAINING IN OUR LANE TO AVOID A ROAD HAZARD. THE CAR FIGHTS AGAINST YOU WITH SUCH FORCE AS TO NEARLY MAKE THE VEHICLE NON-MANEUVERABLE. BOTH OF THE ITEMS ABOVE HAVE BEEN REPORTED TO THE DEALER TWICE. IN BOTH CASES WE WERE TOLD THIS IS NORMAL AND THAT WE SHOULD ADJUST THE SENSOR SENSITIVITY. WE'VE TRIED ALL LEVELS OF THE SENSOR SENSITIVITY AND NOTHING HAS WORKED. 3. UNINTENDED ACCELERATION - THIS IS EASILY THE MOST SCARY THING THAT HAS OCCURRED. WHILE SLOWLY DRIVING THROUGH A GROCERY STORE PARKING LOT, MY FOOT WAS HOVERING OVER THE BRAKE. OUR MDX ALL OF A SUDDEN WITH NO DRIVER INPUT AUTOMATICALLY ACCELERATED ABRUPTLY. I IMMEDIATELY HIT THE BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE RESPONDED. THANKFULLY, NO PEDESTRIAN WAS CROSSING IN FRONT OF ME. I'VE YET TO SEE THIS PROBLEM AGAIN HOWEVER THIS CAUSES SERIOUS CONCERN.

    NHTSA complaint 11084738
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

1 NHTSA investigation on file

  • DP22005 Defect petition, Electrical system
    Pedestrian alert sounds
    Opened Jan 27, 2023, closed Aug 7, 2023 · led to a recall
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins

32 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.

  • B25-003 Sep 4, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    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.
  • B25-003 Jul 9, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    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.
  • ONL6L806042025 Form Jun 5, 2025 · Other
    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.
  • ONL6L806042025 Letter Jun 5, 2025 · Other
    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.
  • B25-003 Apr 18, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    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.
  • B19-019 Mar 3, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Service Bulletin - Recall update for 2014 - 2019 MDX and 2017 - 2019 MDX Hybrid Sport models. An uneven sealing surface allows moisture to enter the inner taillight(s), causing one or all of the taillights not to work. Honda updated the inspection procedure…
  • B23-008 Feb 23, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Service Bulletin - Due to a problem with the detection logic in the multipurpose camera software, the vehicle's LKAS, ACC, or CMBS indicator lights may come on incorrectly.
  • ONLJ8F20220830 Aug 30, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Owner notification - Our records indicate that a Emissions Recall has not been completed on this vehicle. When the powertrain control module (PCM) detects a malfunction in one of the odd number transmission gears, it will set one of four diagnostic trouble …
  • B98015 Mar 18, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Special Tool Loan Program: Under TOOLS AVAILABLE FOR LOAN, the list has been updated.
  • ONLJ8F11022020 Nov 2, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Owner Notification Letter - When the powertrain control module (PCM) detects a malfunction in one of the odd number transmission gears, it will set one of four diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). Due to inappropriate calibration of the PCM, the On Board Diagno…
  • BBOM09152020 Sep 15, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Dealer Message - Today, September 15, 2020, Acura is announcing a stop sale and emissions recall for certain 2017-2020 MDX Sport Hybrid and 2014, 2016-2020 RLX Sport Hybrid vehicles that may not properly clear specific diagnostic trouble codes (DTC). Presen…
  • B20-039 Sep 15, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    "Service Bulletin - When the PCM detects a malfunction in one of the odd number transmission gears, it will set one of the following DTCs: -P073F (unable to engage gear 1) -P074B (unable to engage gear 3) -P074D (unable to engage gear 5) -P074F (unable …
  • B20-022 Apr 8, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Service Bulletin - The bolt holes for the replacement second row seat frames are not threaded and require special self-tapping bolts to secure the seat cushion and seat-back frame to the seat frame.
  • B20-018 Mar 27, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Service Bulletin - The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) may illuminate and set DTC P061B (PCM internal malfunction torque calculation).
  • B19-017 Nov 19, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Service Bulletin - There is a loud buzzing or whining when adjusting the driver's or front passenger's seat forward and backward. The flex cable in the seat adjustment mechanism is not correctly lubricated.
  • B19-005 Mar 7, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    "Service Bulletin - The vehicle may exhibit several of the following symptoms: - Multiple indicators are on. - No communication with the i-HDS. - The option fuse (7.5 A) is blown. - MDX: Fuse E21 - TLX: Fuse B7 - MDX: It is hard to shut off the engine…
  • B19-004 Jan 23, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Service bulletin - The transmission judders, shudders, or surges while driving. The transmission fluid has deteriorated prematurely.
  • B18-073 Dec 20, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Service bulletin - The fuel fill door rear edge does not line up properly when closed. The fuel fill door latching mechanism does not line up properly.
  • Customer Letter Aug 10, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Customer letter - During assembly, the Owner's Information CD that was placed in the vehicle glove box did not include the rear differential parts in the Emission Warranty Parts List.
  • BBOM06262018901 Jun 26, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Dealer message - Today, June 26, 2018, Acura is announcing a Product Update for the 2017 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid due to the emissions warranty parts list in the owner?s information CD missing the rear differential parts. A dealership with any new or used u…
  • B18-030 Jun 26, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Service bulletin - During vehicle assembly, the owner's information CD that was placed in the vehicle did not include the rear differential parts in the emission warranty parts list. The failure to include the parts in the emissions warranty parts list may …
  • BBOM05242018901 May 24, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Dealer message - Today, May 24, 2018, Acura is announcing a warranty extension for 2002-17 Acura vehicles. This warranty extension applies in cases where any of the replacement driver?s and/or front passenger?s airbag inflators have failed internally.
  • B18-014 Apr 16, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Service bulletin - When adjusting seat height or tilt, the power seat does not move or moves just a small amount and clicks loudly during operation. The vertical transmission assembly (VTA) unit has a stripped internal gear.
  • B18010H Jan 10, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Servicenews article - Is the MIL coming on and staying on after installing the No. 15 RADIO (20 A) and No. 16 BACKUP (10 A) fuses at TQI? We?re aware of this issue and are looking for a solution.
  • B18010H Jan 10, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Servicenews article - Is the MIL coming on and staying on after installing the No. 15 RADIO (20 A) and No. 16 BACKUP (10 A) fuses at TQI? We?re aware of this issue and are looking for a solution.
  • B16-031 Nov 29, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Service bulletin - The power tailgate doesn?t open in temperatures near freezing or below, but will work in warmer temperatures. The power tailgate outer handle switch is inoperative in cold weather.
  • BTS170501 Sep 7, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Tech line summary article - Is the MIL coming on and staying on after installing the No. 15 RADIO (20 A) and No. 16 BACKUP (10 A) fuses at TQI? We?re aware of this issue and are looking for a solution.
  • BJA50809 Jun 29, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Servicenews article - While running an all DTC check with the i-HDS, are you seeing DTC P0562 (battery condition monitor module power source circuit unexpected voltage) with no other DTCs listed, yet the MIL is off and there?s no apparent symptom? If so, c…
  • B15060C Aug 3, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Service news article - To prevent damage during shipping, leather-wrapped steering wheels come with a protective plastic covering. The easiest way to remove it during PDI is to grab the covering with both hands near the top of the steering wheel and pull
  • BTS170501 May 31, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Techline summary article - Is the MIL coming on and staying on after installing the No. 15 RADIO (20 A) and No. 16 BACKUP (10 A) fuses at TQI? We?re aware of this issue and are looking for a solution.
  • B17-014 Mar 7, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SERVICE BULLETIN - THIS BULLETIN COVERS THE TOTAL QUALITY INSPECTION (TQI), INCLUDING TESTING, OF THE 2017 MDX SPORT HYBRID NAVIGATION SYSTEM.
  • B17-013 Mar 7, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SERVICE BULLETIN - THIS BULLETIN COVERS THE TOTAL QUALITY INSPECTION (TQI) OF THE 2017 MDX SPORT HYBRID.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.