2018 Acura MDX Electrical System Problems
NHTSA lists 29 Electrical System complaints for the 2018 Acura MDX, 18% of its 165 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 12,000. Two recalls (25V259000 and 19V256000) cover moisture entering the tailgate lid light wiring on 2014-2020 MDX models.
- Electrical System complaints
- 29
- 18% of 165
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 2
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 12,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical electrical symptoms owners report
- Backup camera stays on screen after shifting from reverse to drive, blocking the forward view.
- Vehicle unexpectedly loses power or stalls at highway speed before regaining power moments later.
- Inner taillight housings fail after moisture intrusion, sometimes even after recall repairs were reported complete.
- Keyless access and TPMS control unit malfunctions cause dash lights, headlights, and alarm to activate randomly and steering wheel to move on its own.
- Vehicle attempts to start on its own with lights and alarm triggering unexpectedly, and doors occasionally require manual override to open.
When 2018 Acura MDX electrical complaints were filed
First complaint Aug 19, 2018, latest Jul 10, 2026.
Electrical System recalls for the 2018 Acura MDX
- 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 19V256000Mar 28, 2019Electrical System322,897 vehicles
Exterior lighting
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Acura MDX and 2017-2019 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid vehicles. Moisture may enter the tailgate lid lights, possibly causing a loss of the tailgate lid lights and the taillights.
Risk: Loss of the taillights reduces the vehicle's visibility, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: Acura will notify owners, and dealers will modify the tailgate lid lights and install updated gaskets and a wiring sub-harness or will replace both tailgate lid lights. The repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2019. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is M49.
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 the 2018 Acura MDX have?
- NHTSA lists 29 Electrical System complaints for the 2018 MDX, which is 18% of the 165 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for electrical problems on the 2018 Acura MDX?
- Yes. Two recalls, 25V259000 and 19V256000, address moisture entering the tailgate lid light assembly and wiring harness on 2014-2020 MDX vehicles, which can cause interior and exterior lights to fail.
- At what mileage do electrical problems typically appear on the 2018 MDX?
- NHTSA data shows a median failure mileage of 12,000 for Electrical System complaints on the 2018 MDX.
- Are the electrical issues dangerous?
- NHTSA records show 1 crash and 2 fires associated with Electrical System complaints on the 2018 MDX, with no reported injuries.