2009 Acura MDX
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Owner complaints
52 complaints4 involved a crash1 involved a fire6 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Tires
No major incidents, hits, or bumps no off roading only drove on city roads and highways. Tread and all rubber on the outside half of the tire has completely seperated from the inner tire on a section.
- Electrical system › Instrument panel › Speedometer/odometer
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2009 Acura MDX. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of the purchase, the mileage was 117,500. At the time of the vehicle registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 140,223.
- Air bags
On Jan 21, 2025 the drivers side air bag deployed as I was driving. I did not hit or get hit by anyone or anything, I did not run over anything either the airbag deployed on drivers side from the front to the back of my Acura MDX it was sudden it was random Nd damn scary. I was injured from the…
On Jan 21, 2025 the drivers side air bag deployed as I was driving. I did not hit or get hit by anyone or anything, I did not run over anything either the airbag deployed on drivers side from the front to the back of my Acura MDX it was sudden it was random Nd damn scary. I was injured from the impact of the air bag ... I have had my car approximately 6 months I am purchasing from Drive now in Wichita, KS and am still making payments on this vehicle..
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting · Power train
I just got this car in September and it is now throwing all kinds of different codes to the point where I can’t drive it sh-awd /check charging station / emission light etc
- Electrical system · Engine · Power train
While driving vehicle, all power shut off after all lights(airbag, tire, engine, etc. came on the dashboard) not able to start vehicle now at all. Has power but will not run, turn over, stay running, etc. has brand new battery so that’s not the problem no problems until today.
- Steering · Suspension
I was driving onto an exit ramp around 50 to 60 mph on Rt 50 yo 495 south and VSA light appeared on dash. Also steering felt extremely loose. No control to steer and could not accelerate either.
- Air bags
Vehicle produced a dash warning light for airbag/supplemental restraint system on January 29th or 30th, 2022. Went away and back on again 3 times in the following week. No prior issues related to this. Vehicle has never been in an accident. Acura dealer scanned vehicle 2/5/2022 to find vehicle…
Vehicle produced a dash warning light for airbag/supplemental restraint system on January 29th or 30th, 2022. Went away and back on again 3 times in the following week. No prior issues related to this. Vehicle has never been in an accident. Acura dealer scanned vehicle 2/5/2022 to find vehicle code 11-11, meaning bad airbag and possibly bad cable reel. No recalls or effort by Acura (contacted by me) to assist with fix. Replacement isn't readily available, nor is a dealer loaner. Part is $1202.75. Vehicle is 2009 with only 89,7XX miles.
- Electrical system
The battery has been drained on three separate occasions this year (2021). I replaced the battery after the first occurrence. Each time I have had to use a battery jump to restart the vehicle which sufficed to get it operating and return home. On the last occasion, the car started to display…
The battery has been drained on three separate occasions this year (2021). I replaced the battery after the first occurrence. Each time I have had to use a battery jump to restart the vehicle which sufficed to get it operating and return home. On the last occasion, the car started to display dash board warning messages before arriving at home after driving only 15 miles. This came with a fully charged battery installed to get the car restarted. Previously I could see no error codes, but following this latest incident the AWD error code 77-01 is displayed by an OBD reader. The vehicle began to run roughly and flashed many dashboard warnings as the battery began to draw down to zero power. Latest incident required a battery replacement instead of just a jump to restart.
- Power train
The contact owns a 2009 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and approaching a stop sign, the accelerator pedal was depressed however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact shifted the vehicle to neutral and back to drive and the vehicle responded slowly. The…
The contact owns a 2009 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and approaching a stop sign, the accelerator pedal was depressed however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact shifted the vehicle to neutral and back to drive and the vehicle responded slowly. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,061.
- Exterior lighting
Low beam headlight IS extremely dim, can barely see at night. Changing the light bulb does not solve. Headlight cover IS not foggy or cloudy, it IS clear. Suspecting internal reflector issue as acura has done recalls on other models for the same issue but not on RDX.
- Exterior lighting
My headlights in my 2009 MDX are getting very foggy like they turnnig white in outside surface IS hard to see at night time whit the low beans I use the high beans to be able to see I take it to a repair shop and they cannot do nothing I think this IS a safety hazard I see others acura whit the same problem they sure put this problem in recall...thanks
- Electrical system
Hfl module # 39770-stx-a011-m1 stopped working preventing connection to my cell phone. 2009 MDX with 92,004 miles. called all the dealerships in my area and others on the internet and no one has the module. I was told by them it's on national back order for sone time now ( 2/5/2020 ) . doing…
Hfl module # 39770-stx-a011-m1 stopped working preventing connection to my cell phone. 2009 MDX with 92,004 miles. called all the dealerships in my area and others on the internet and no one has the module. I was told by them it's on national back order for sone time now ( 2/5/2020 ) . doing further research brought to light there IS a 2016 or 2017 class action suit on this hfl module/system failing and draining power from the battery, causing premature failure of said battery, which also happened to me as well as no start conditions which also has happened to me. So far no stall outs with the vehicle moving. I currently have a hfl module on order from acura and was told because their on back order it could be several months before they get their order. also they want my old module which they added a $50.00 core charge to the price. Though there maybe just a few official complaints listed here just check the web. there IS obviously a fault in these modules and the manufacture IS either doing reverse failure analysis on the returned modules or wirse yet fixing the broken ones and sending them out as the replacements. either way they obviously know IS wrong with these modules. this module IS not what IS considered a normal attrition piece like tires, brakes, light bulbs , belts , hoses. when was the last time you planned on replacing a broken radio in your vehicle, you don't. I shouldn't have to plan or pay to replace my hfl module, quality control and manufacture loyalty to their customers IS abismal.
- Electrical system · Electronic stability control (esc)
I have accura MDX 2009.unable to open car door using my key.could not open trunk.both sides light signals do not work.called aaa service to open door.vehicle was stationary
- Electrical system
The bluetooth module drains the battery when the vehicle IS turned off and I am afraid that my vehicle could be turned off by draining the battery when running causing a safety issue. I have registered the case with acura customer server and have not helped me with the free replacement. The…
The bluetooth module drains the battery when the vehicle IS turned off and I am afraid that my vehicle could be turned off by draining the battery when running causing a safety issue. I have registered the case with acura customer server and have not helped me with the free replacement. The acura case number IS [xxx] 2009 acura MDX AWD vin: 2hnyd28679h[xxx] [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *Tt
- Structure › Body · Vehicle speed control · Wheels
On june 30TH 2019 after leaving from work I was on my way to pier 1 which IS approximately 2 miles away. I turned into the parking lot parked in front of pier 1 and all of a sudden my car accelerated out of control. it jumped the curb crashed through pier 1 window into the store and didn't stop…
On june 30TH 2019 after leaving from work I was on my way to pier 1 which IS approximately 2 miles away. I turned into the parking lot parked in front of pier 1 and all of a sudden my car accelerated out of control. it jumped the curb crashed through pier 1 window into the store and didn't stop until it hit a wall. At this time I'm in shock glass IS every where and I could move I hear people in the background telling me to get out of the car but I was frozen from what just happened. I just want to hold acura accountable because I see this has happened to several people
- Electrical system · Power train
All door locks, windows, trunk, fuel door, and sunroof does not work
- Electrical system
Bluetooth handfree link (hfl) in my 2009 acura MDX was draining my battery. I had to call towing service a few times to start the vehicle. when I opened the compartment where hands free link device IS located, I noticed that the device was extremely hot (fire hazard). finally, it gave up after…
Bluetooth handfree link (hfl) in my 2009 acura MDX was draining my battery. I had to call towing service a few times to start the vehicle. when I opened the compartment where hands free link device IS located, I noticed that the device was extremely hot (fire hazard). finally, it gave up after a while. this happened after my extended warranty expired at 100K miles. My state (state of illinois) requires using a hands free link while driving, so, I feel acura should recall the hfl unit and replace this free of charge to comply with the state law. will appreciate if nhtsa looks into this case and requires acura/honda to issue an immediate recall. this IS a very common issue in many acuras based on my google search.
- Unknown or other
After 4-5 years of usage, the bluetooth doesn't work any more. the acura dealer said it costs more than $600 to be replaced with new one. I checked up the internet, and lots of acura MDX owners have already acknowledged this problem and looking for a solution on the internet. everyone has exactly same problem and it exactly happened 4 -5 years after purchase.
- Engine
TL* the contact owned a 2009 acura MDX. While driving 25 mph, the check engine indicator flashed. The contact pulled the vehicle over to a shoulder lane and exited the vehicle prior to the engine compartment catching fire. The fire department extinguished the fire. A police report was filed. There…
TL* the contact owned a 2009 acura MDX. While driving 25 mph, the check engine indicator flashed. The contact pulled the vehicle over to a shoulder lane and exited the vehicle prior to the engine compartment catching fire. The fire department extinguished the fire. A police report was filed. There were no injuries. The insurance company towed the vehicle to a storage area. The vehicle was destroyed. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted and provided no additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
- Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owned a 2009 acura MDX. While the contact's spouse was driving 5 mph pulling into a parking space, the vehicle inadvertently accelerated and crashed into a store. The contact was unsure if any warning indicators were illuminated. The air bags deployed and the driver sustained minor…
TL* the contact owned a 2009 acura MDX. While the contact's spouse was driving 5 mph pulling into a parking space, the vehicle inadvertently accelerated and crashed into a store. The contact was unsure if any warning indicators were illuminated. The air bags deployed and the driver sustained minor injuries, which did not require medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot and deemed a total loss. The manufacturer stated that they would not send an inspector to diagnose the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
- Power train
Engine oil pump (premature failure) - I own a 2001 TL and 2009mdx. On the MDX, I have found premature failure of oil pump. The vehicle has been driven less than 8000 miles per year and failed at 85000 miles. A leak over time could result in engine ceasing. On the TL, it took 225000 miles to replace the oil pump.
- Electrical system
My MDX has only 62,400 miles and today I got a message "check starter system" due to the hfl module IS draining the battery. Luckily the car was in my garage at the time. I had to charge the battery so I could start the car. All the info I have read online states the the hfl module gets real hot…
My MDX has only 62,400 miles and today I got a message "check starter system" due to the hfl module IS draining the battery. Luckily the car was in my garage at the time. I had to charge the battery so I could start the car. All the info I have read online states the the hfl module gets real hot and can cause fire. My garage IS under my bedroom. This IS a part made by johnson controls, acura needs to recall this item.
- Electrical system
Bluetooth stopped working and a few weeks later, my car wouldn't start. I replaced the battery and a few days later the car stalled on me as I was pulling out of my spot!!!!! I went to the acura dealer and explained to the guy that my battery kept draining. he asked me if my bluetooth stopped…
Bluetooth stopped working and a few weeks later, my car wouldn't start. I replaced the battery and a few days later the car stalled on me as I was pulling out of my spot!!!!! I went to the acura dealer and explained to the guy that my battery kept draining. he asked me if my bluetooth stopped working, I was shocked because I hadn't mentioned any issues with my bluetooth but I let him know that in fact, the bluetooth had stopped. the rep said it's a common problem in my vehicle. had to replace the bluetooth and paid $600!!!! my friends sister has the same make car and her bluetooth stopped working and her car battery keeps going dead. it's very scary since apparently I must have started the car right before the battery died again. imagine what would've happened if it had stalled on a highway or a busy street!
- Unknown or other
Not sure if this related to takata airbags. My wife was in bad rollover accident involving a 2009 acura MDX on nov 5, 2015. At 5:15 pm on 11/5, thursday, it was dark and raining as she was heading east on us route 12 close to the arcelormittal USA office and slipped, veered off the road and SUV…
Not sure if this related to takata airbags. My wife was in bad rollover accident involving a 2009 acura MDX on nov 5, 2015. At 5:15 pm on 11/5, thursday, it was dark and raining as she was heading east on us route 12 close to the arcelormittal USA office and slipped, veered off the road and SUV rolled over and cart wheeled and fell in a ditch. The SUV was upside down when I arrived after a first responder called me from the scene. Not sure why she veered off when she was on the left most lane. She suddenly crossed 2 lanes and shoulder and ended up in a ditch. she was not fatigued since it was less than 3 min since she left from the office and we have blue tooth handsfree in our 2009 acura MDX tech. Not sure if the air bag went off falsely or if she had a tire burst. I know both front tires were flat when I saw it in the salvage yard. All she recalls IS air bags going off - not sure if they deployed before or after she hit the ditch... http://m.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/woman-rushed-to-trauma-center-after-crash-in-burns-harbor/article_f7d452e6-980e-5ec1-ab08-c57a83e2bedc.html?mobile_touch=true there was no other vehicle involved.. an eerily similar incident in an 2009 acura MDX very similar to what my wife encountered on nov 5. http://6abc.com/archive/9502999/ I want the nhtsa to investigate this.the responding police department for the nov 5 incident IS the burnsharbor police department contact phone. [Xxx] file/case # [xxx] thanks, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6).
- Air bags
Was told on today show (nbc) that could check to see if acura air bags need to ne replaced even though not an official recall. please let me know if these airbags are the ones that are to be replaced and if so, when. Many thanks.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10237044Service News - The navigation clock and date are incorrect. This is due to a limited GPS receiver capacity resulting in rollover of internal chip memory. The rollover occurred on January 1, 2022 at 12:00AM local time
- 10211608Special Tool Loan Program: Under TOOLS AVAILABLE FOR LOAN, the list has been updated.
- 10207004ServiceNews Article - The clock shows the incorrect time. This issue is due to a limited GPS receiver capacity resulting in "rollover" of the internal chip memory; the "rollover" will occur on January 1, 2022, at 12:00AM local time. As a result, the navigation date and time will be incorrect.
- 10177598These SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no longer be sold as they do not meet CARB standards, but parts on vehicles are not effected.
- 10139576Dealer message - Today, May 24, 2018, Acura is announcing a warranty extension for 2002-17 Acura vehicles. This warranty extension applies in cases where any of the replacement driver?s and/or front passenger?s airbag inflators have failed internally.
- 10128873Service bulletin - The VSA indicator or the trailer stability assist warning is on with DTCs 59-1, 66-1, 67-1, or 69-1, or you can?t move the shift lever out of Park. The symptoms may be intermittent, and you may not be able to duplicate them after clearing the DTCs.
- 10118196Service bulletin - There is a screech or squeak when the windows are raised or lowered. The lower seal on the door glass outer weatherstrip rolls over, causing a screech or squeak.
- 10116793Reimbursement form - the front and rear active dampers may leak. While leaks on the rear active suspension are visible, the front active dampers are mounted in an inverted position and the leak is not visible on the exterior of the damper. If an excessive amount of damper oil has leaked, the active dampers may make a clunk or a bang sound when driving on rough roads or over speed bumps.
- 10116792Customer letter - owner notification for the front and rear active dampers may leak. While leaks on the rear active suspension are visible, the front active dampers are mounted in an inverted position and the leak is not visible on the exterior of the damper. If an excessive amount of damper oil has leaked, the active dampers may make a clunk or a bang sound when driving on rough roads or over speed bumps.
- 10116783Dealer message - Today, November 8, 2016 Acura is announcing four warranty extensions for model years 2007-2013 Acura MDX and model years 2010-2012 Acura ZDX vehicles to address Active Damper System(ADS) dampers from failures in cold regions. Basic Problem Dampers with ADS use metal particles in the damper oil to control movement/recoil. In cold temperatures the oil inside the dampers has reduced viscosity and a gap is generated between the main seal and the rod guide. The iron particulates in the ADS oil are then deposited in this gap blocking the path of the moving oil which damages the seal resulting in an oil leak. Cavitation occurs once enough oil is lost and the damper cannot keep up with operation of wheel up and down movement.
- 10116777Service bulletin - Warranty Extension: 2007?13 MDX and 2010?12 ZDX Rear Active Damper - In cold areas, the rear active dampers may be susceptible to leaking. If an excessive amount of damper oil has leaked, the active dampers may make a clunk or a bang when driving on rough roads or over speed bumps.
- 10116776Service bulletin - Warranty Extension: 2007?09 MDX and 2010 ZDX Rear Active Damper - In cold areas, the rear active dampers may be susceptible to leaking. If an excessive amount of damper oil has leaked, the active dampers may make a clunk or a bang when driving on rough roads or over speed bumps.
- 10116775Service bulletin - Warranty Extension: 2007?13 MDX and 2010?12 ZDX Front Active Damper - cold areas, the front active dampers may be susceptible to leaking. Since these dampers are mounted in an inverted position, the leak is not visible on the exterior of the damper. If an excessive amount of damper oil has leaked, the active dampers may make a clunk or a bang when driving on rough roads or over speed bumps.
- 10116774Service bulletin - Warranty Extension: 2007?09 MDX and 2010 ZDX Front Active Damper - This bulletin will expire May 8, 2017. In cold areas, the front active dampers may be susceptible to leaking. Since these dampers are mounted in an inverted position, the leak is not visible on the exterior of the damper. If an excessive amount of damper oil has leaked, the active dampers may make a clunk or a bang when driving on rough roads or over speed bumps.
- 10115221Service bulletin - For any TPMS-related warranty repairs, all recorded DTCs must now be entered into the warranty claim. Make sure your repair order includes those DTCs.
- 10108841Service bulletin - There is a screech or squeak when the windows are raised or lowered. The lower seal on the door glass outer weatherstrip rolls over, causing a screech or squeak.
- 10100505"Reimbursement form - on some 200713 MDX and 201012 zdx vehicles located in cold areas, the front and rear active dampers may leak. While leaks on the rear active suspension are visible, the front active dampers are mounted in an inverted position and the leak IS not visible on the exterior of the damper. If an excessive amount of damper oil has leaked, the active dampers may make a clunk or a bang sound when driving on rough roads or over speed bumps."
- 10100504"Customer letter - on some 200713 MDX and 201012 zdx vehicles located in cold areas, the front and rear active dampers may leak. While leaks on the rear active suspension are visible, the front active dampers are mounted in an inverted position and the leak IS not visible on the exterior of the damper. If an excessive amount of damper oil has leaked, the active dampers may make a clunk or a bang sound when driving on rough roads or over speed bumps."
- 10100462Service bulletin - navigation system information.
- 10099141Service bulletin - in cold areas, the rear active dampers may be susceptible to leaking. If an excessive amount of damper oil has leaked, the active dampers may make a clunk or a bang when driving on rough roads or over speed bumps.
- 10099129"Service bulletin - in cold areas, the front active dampers may be susceptible to leaking. Since these dampers are mounted in an inverted position, the leak IS not visible on the exterior of the damper. If an excessive amount of damper oil has leaked, the active dampers may make a clunk or a bang when driving on rough roads or over speed bumps."
- 10086865Service bulletin - there IS a rattling coming from the headliner, near the moonroof. One or more of the headliner stiffeners has detached from the headliner.
- 10054471Acura: while driving, the front wheel bearing would have a noise or vibration. Like moaning, droning, or humming, coming from it, and IS being investigated. Model 2007-2013 MDX.
- 10053748Honda: an investigation, on some vehicles, into humming, moaning, or a droning noise, along with vibration, coming from the front wheel bearing, while driving. Model 2007-2013 MDX.
- 10053207Acura: information in the service news, from manufacturer, regarding various issues of troubleshooting, installation, replacing, servicing and repairing various model and model year vehicles.
- 10049199Acura: see document search button for owner letter. A software update for transmission IS available for the torque converter lock up clutch where the judder IS felt while driving, and extended warranty IS applied to torque converter if judder returns after software, for transmission, was updated. Models 2007-2009 MDX, 2009-2010 RL, 2009-2011 TL.
- 10045679Acura: see document search button for owner letter. Certain vehicles steering wheel IS hard to turn, while driving at slow speeds, in certain areas, due to power steering pump not providing correct assistance. Models 2007-12 MDX.
- 10043249Acura: update on some model vehicles regarding testing of alternators with the GR8 alternator/starter tester (ast) module that IS installed on GR8 diagnostic battery station.
- 10041670Acura: after vehicle parked for a time, a/c blows warm air or battery dies out or both.
- 10040495Honda acura: the air bag light IS on with a stored trouble code. The drivers seat wire harness has an open circuit.
- 10038668Honda acura: vehicle stability or trailer assist light IS on with four possible trouble codes stored. The shift lever may not move from park. A brake pedal position switch malfunction IS the likely cause. 2007-2011 MDX.
- 10038347Honda acura service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. Damper system coil connectors may corrode from road salt and result in damper fluid loss. 2009 MDX. Updated on 08.31.2011.
- 10037486Acura: there are guidelines for various situations and procedures including: tire pressure valve stem installation, trailer stability malfunction light IS on, engine oil application guide, new software, new transmission fluid, notchy steering feeling.
- 10036972Honda: the windshield wipers will randomly turn on by themselves and cannot be turned off.
- 10036959Acura: american honda would like to inspect certain model year 2009-2011 vehicles (MDX), concerning one of the doors will not open using the inner handle.
Every Acura MDX model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.