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Buying a used 2018 Acura MDX? Check these 10 recalls first
This is the busiest of the MDX years listed, with ten recalls spanning a critical engine bearing failure that can seize the engine, loosening seats, poor rear braking, two fuel pump stalling recalls, a timing belt that can lose teeth, a seat sensor tied to unintended airbag deployment, rear frame rust-through, and tailgate light moisture. The 165 unverified NHTSA complaints track the same areas — engine, fuel and propulsion, electrical, power train — and include four fire reports.
Before you buy
- Get the 17-character VIN from the seller and run it at nhtsa.gov/recalls. It shows which recalls are still unrepaired on that exact car.
- Run the VIN for open recalls — the engine bearing and timing belt especially.
- Inspect the rear frame underside for rust or perforation; ask about winter use.
- Check seat mounting for movement and confirm no airbag light on startup.
- Open recalls are repaired free at any Acura dealer, whoever owns the car — an open recall is a to-do item, not a bill.
Recalls covering the 2018 Acura MDX
| Recall | Area | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Honda and Acura engines can seize from faulty bearing | Engine And Engine Cooling | critical |
| Honda Pilot, Ridgeline and Acura MDX seats may loosen | Seats | high |
| Honda and Acura rear brakes may stop poorly | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | high |
| Acura MDX and TLX fuel pump may stall engine | Fuel System, Other | high |
| Honda and Acura SUVs: timing belt can lose teeth | Engine And Engine Cooling | high |
| Honda and Acura fuel pump can fail, stalling engine | Fuel System, Gasoline | high |
| Honda and Acura front passenger airbags may deploy unintentionally | AIR Bags | high |
| Honda, Acura SUVs: rear frame can rust through | Structure | high |
| Acura MDX: water in tailgate lights can knock out taillights | Exterior Lighting | medium |
| Acura MDX tailgate moisture can knock out vehicle lights | Exterior Lighting | medium |
What owners have reported to NHTSA
165 complaints filed for this model year, including 3 mentioning a crash, 4 a fire and 3 injuries. Complaints are unverified owner reports, and popular models collect more of them simply because more are on the road.
| Problem area | Complaints | Recall in this area? |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 54 | Yes |
| Fuel System | 50 | Yes |
| Electrical System | 27 | None found |
| Power Train | 23 | None found |
| Driver Assistance | 22 | None found |