How common are transmission problems on the 2018 Acura MDX?

NHTSA lists 23 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2018 MDX, which is 14% of all 165 complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2018 Acura MDX transmission?

No related recall is listed in NHTSA data for this transmission and powertrain issue on the 2018 MDX.

At what mileage do 2018 MDX transmission problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 40,000 miles.

What do owners say happens with the 2018 MDX transmission?

Owners describe mis-shifts, hesitation before accelerating, lurching at low speeds, a shifter getting stuck in drive, and stalling while driving.

Have transmission problems caused crashes or injuries on the 2018 MDX?

NHTSA data for this problem area on the 2018 MDX shows 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries reported.

2018 Acura MDX Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 23 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2018 Acura MDX, 14% of its 165 total complaints for the year. Owners describe hesitation, mis-shifts, and stalling near a median mileage of 40,000. No related recall is listed for this issue.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 23; 14% of 165
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 40,000 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Owners report the vehicle missing shifts or hesitating to upshift in the 25 to 40 mph range, sometimes refusing to move to a higher gear on the freeway.
Some describe a delay of one to two seconds between pressing the accelerator and the vehicle actually moving, which they say creates a dangerous situation when turning in front of traffic.
Several owners report the transmission lurching forward unexpectedly at low speeds, such as in parking lots, which they attribute to how the throttle and transmission are programmed together.
One owner reported the gear shifter becoming stuck in drive and being unable to move it to park or neutral after the vehicle stalled while driving.
Multiple owners report the vehicle stalling or losing power outright while underway, including one case at highway speed, with the transmission slipping or hesitating just before the stall.
Owners say dealers have been unable to duplicate the problem during service visits, and that no repair has resolved the issue on repeat attempts.

When 2018 Acura MDX transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Aug 19, 2018, latest Jul 10, 2026.

23 complaints filed with NHTSA from Aug 2018 to Jul 2026; peak Jul 2026 (2).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2018 Acura MDX

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by MDX model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20105 (11%)
20118 (11%)
201213 (17%)
20134 (14%)
201426 (15%)
201512 (17%)
2016111 (30%)
201764 (25%)
201823 (14%)
201931 (16%)
202021 (10%)
202264 (42%)
202310 (26%)
20242 (5%)
20254 (4%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are transmission problems on the 2018 Acura MDX?: NHTSA lists 23 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2018 MDX, which is 14% of all 165 complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2018 Acura MDX transmission?: No related recall is listed in NHTSA data for this transmission and powertrain issue on the 2018 MDX.
At what mileage do 2018 MDX transmission problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 40,000 miles.
What do owners say happens with the 2018 MDX transmission?: Owners describe mis-shifts, hesitation before accelerating, lurching at low speeds, a shifter getting stuck in drive, and stalling while driving.
Have transmission problems caused crashes or injuries on the 2018 MDX?: NHTSA data for this problem area on the 2018 MDX shows 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries reported.