2014 Acura MDX Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2014 Acura MDX has 170 NHTSA complaints, 8 recalls, and a complaint index of 68, ranking 7th worst of 20 model years. It carries a Caution verdict, with Engine problems the leading complaint area at 24% of reports.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 68/100
- #7 of 20 MDX years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 170
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 8
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 10
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 3
- Injuries
- 9
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 22
- 19 city / 27.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 9 / 0
Top 2014 Acura MDX problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine41 (24%)
- Electrical System39 (23%)
- Steering38 (22%)
- Brakes30 (18%)
- Transmission & Powertrain26 (15%)
- Other18 (11%)
- Structure & Body16 (9%)
- Fuel System10 (6%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires9 (5%)
- Visibility & Wipers5 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners describe the vehicle suddenly lurching forward or surging to full throttle while parking or entering a garage, with the brake failing to stop it.
- Some describe the engine revving up on its own to what felt like full throttle right after shifting into park.
- Several report the vehicle crashing into structures, fences, or store windows after unintended acceleration at low speed.
- One owner reported haze and then black smoke coming from the air conditioning vents near the glove compartment, followed by a fire inside the vehicle.
- Another described flames shooting from the front passenger vents and under the dashboard while driving, resulting in a total loss.
- One owner reported airbags deploying only on the passenger side during a crash on snowy roads, despite the impact being on the driver side.
2014 Acura MDX recalls
8 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 26V365000Jun 4, 2026Structure & Body880,514 vehicles
Structure:frame and members
American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Honda Pilot, 2017-2023 Ridgeline, 2019-2023 Passport, and 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles that were sold in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. The rear subframe may corrode at the suspension mounting points, which can result in rear suspension component failure.
Risk: Failure of rear suspension components, such as the rear control arm, can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear subframe and install a rear subframe reinforcement kit and, as necessary, repair or replace the rear subframe components, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in the fall of 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are AOU and AOT. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning June 10, 2026.
- NHTSA 25V259000Apr 17, 2025Electrical System152,800 vehicles
Interior lighting
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.
Risk: 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-256 will need to have the new remedy completed.
- NHTSA 23V858000Dec 18, 2023Fuel System2,490,460 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
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.
Risk: 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.
2014 Acura MDX fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 19 MPG
- Highway
- 27.5 MPG
- Combined
- 22 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,625
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2014 compared with other MDX years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2014 Acura MDX reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2014 MDX has a complaint index of 68 and ranks 7th worst out of 20 model years, earning a Caution verdict relative to other MDX years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2014 Acura MDX?
- Engine issues lead at 24% of complaints, followed by Electrical System at 23%, Steering at 22%, and Brakes at 18%, according to NHTSA data.
- How many recalls does the 2014 Acura MDX have?
- NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for the 2014 Acura MDX, covering areas including Structure & Body, Electrical System, Fuel System, Transmission & Powertrain, Seat Belts, and Collision Avoidance & Cameras systems.
- Did the 2014 Acura MDX have any fires reported?
- NHTSA complaint data lists 3 fire incidents for the 2014 Acura MDX, including cases involving smoke and flames from the front passenger side vents.
- Is the 2014 MDX better or worse than other years?
- The 2014 MDX has a Caution verdict with a complaint index of 68, worse than years like 2012 and 2013 (Best verdicts, complaint indexes of 21 and 0) but better than 2016, 2017, 2020, 2022, and 2025, which carry Avoid verdicts.