2005 Acura MDX Electrical System Problems
NHTSA lists 18 Electrical System complaints for the 2005 Acura MDX, about 10% of its 180 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 100,000. A related recall, campaign 12V573000, covers the ignition interlock lever, which lets the key be removed without the vehicle being in park.
- Electrical System complaints
- 18
- 10% of 180 complaints
- All complaints this year
- 180
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 2
- Median mileage
- 100,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical electrical symptoms owners report
- Owners report the ignition key can be pulled out of the ignition while the vehicle is still in drive or another gear, matching the pattern in recall campaign 12V573000.
- Some describe the vehicle rolling away after the key was removed with the transmission left in drive, in one case causing a crash and injury.
- Several drivers report sudden battery or power-surge events, including dashboard shutdowns, stalling engines, and warning lights (VSA, airbag) illuminating together at highway speed.
- Owners report the navigation unit draining the battery, sometimes leaving the vehicle unable to restart.
- One owner reports the driver-side power window control unit connector loosening over time and disabling that window.
- A few owners who went in for the interlock recall repair say the problem returned or the dealer fix was incomplete.
When 2005 Acura MDX electrical complaints were filed
First complaint Apr 21, 2006, latest Jul 31, 2025.
Electrical System recalls for the 2005 Acura MDX
- NHTSA 12V573000Dec 11, 2012Electrical System807,161 vehicles
Electrical system:ignition:switch
Honda is recalling certain model year 2003 and 2004 Pilot and Odyssey and 2003 through 2006 Acura MDX passenger vehicles manufactured from November 26, 2001, through August 30, 2006. The interlock lever of the ignition switch may deform, which can allow the interlock function of a vehicle with an automatic transmission to be defeated.
Risk: Removal of the ignition key when the gear selector of a vehicle with an automatic transmission has not been shifted to the park position can allow the vehicle to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicle to a Honda or Acura dealer. The dealer will install an updated shift interlock lever and, if necessary, replace any necessary part of the ignition switch, free of charge. The recall began on February 22, 2013. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
Electrical System complaints by MDX model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many electrical complaints does NHTSA have for the 2005 Acura MDX?
- NHTSA lists 18 Electrical System complaints for the 2005 MDX, which is about 10% of all 180 complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2005 Acura MDX electrical system?
- Yes. Campaign 12V573000 covers the ignition interlock lever on MDX models built from November 26, 2001 through August 30, 2006, including the 2005 MDX.
- At what mileage do these electrical problems usually show up?
- The median mileage at failure for Electrical System complaints on the 2005 MDX is 100,000 miles.
- What does the ignition interlock recall fix?
- Dealers install a new part addressing the interlock lever so the key cannot be removed unless the vehicle is properly in park, per NHTSA campaign 12V573000.
- Were there any injuries linked to these electrical complaints?
- NHTSA data shows 2 crashes and 2 injuries tied to Electrical System complaints on the 2005 MDX.