Electrical system, engine, and equipment issues among the top complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners
The 2020 Acura MDX is a luxury model that is supposed to offer more than the comparable Honda. It’s known as a “Premium Performance SUV” by the automaker, but this model has a hard time performing at all. With a faulty electrical system, defective engine and malfunctioning equipment, customers are already filing class action lawsuits against the company.
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As a luxury model, this vehicle should have every bell and whistle, plus it should all work seamlessly. However, that’s not the case.
Here’s one Edmunds review. “Issues with Apple CarPlay from day one still not fixed it only connects to my Apple IPhone when it wants to even after being swapped out w a loaner car. Acura has no fix. The ac is not near as cold as my old Murano or Toyota’s and just adjusting the heat and ac on the screen is bizarre reds normal heat and ac buttons/controls.”
Acura isn’t attempting to hide any electrical system issues. The company even issued Service Bulletin #BBTS210102 that discusses an inoperable center display. It turns out that the problems are caused by a software bug that needs to be repaired. So far, this performance SUV lacks passion and functionality, making owners wonder why they didn’t buy a Honda and save a little money.
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Engine | |
| Electrical System | |
| Power Train | |
| Unknown Or Other | |
| Fuel/propulsion System | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | |
| Service Brakes | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking |
The engine is undoubtedly one of the most important components of any vehicle, but this Acura seems to have some major malfunctions.
Another Edmunds review states, “The start stop feature on this and all other makes of vehicles needs to go away! It interferes with climate control comfort and will be a maintenance issue down the road. The gas savings is minimal and doesn’t justify the inconvenience.”
Acura doesn’t have a lot of information regarding engine problems. However, Service Bulletin #BPaS02102021902 does show that customers are complaining. This communication illustrates how DTCs are being set, but Acura doesn’t know how to resolve the issues. Maybe it’s time to get rid of those designers that simply can’t perform.
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With so much equipment on-board, there’s a lot that can go wrong, but it shouldn’t. Customers spend extra on the MDX to ensure a seamless operation.
Yet, this Edmunds review shows they are receiving something else. “Negative I’ve seen is the well reported delay in cruise control response, reference the time it takes the vehicle to move into a new speed when the cruise control is already engaged.”
It shouldn’t surprise anyone to know that there is a pending class action lawsuit against the company, but for something much more dangerous. It turns out that 2016-2020 models have a dangerous issue that hasn’t been resolved. Owners stated that the vehicle does not accelerate as it should after pressing the pedal. They can also decelerate rapidly, shut down without warning and stall, leaving people in a lot of danger. Then, the systems regain power as if it never missed a beat. Maybe this Acura is a “Performance” option, but it can only be the leader at the junkyard. It will win Best in Show.
Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work out your lemon case at no cost to you. The law makes Acura pay legal fees. You may be able to get your lemon out of your life. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you.
Brian Jones spent more than 30 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
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