2015 Acura MDX: what it really costs to own

What owners actually report

Straight from the NHTSA complaints database for the 2015 Acura MDX — not an estimate.

Open recalls

8 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year.

• EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

  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.

• EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

  American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Acura MDX and MDX AWD vehicles manufactured April 23, 2013, to December 16, 2014. The affected vehicles have air conditioning compressor clutch drive bolts that may not have received the proper anti-corrosion coating.

• FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

  Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2015 Acura MDX 2WD and MDX 4WD vehicles, 2016 Acura MDX 4WD vehicles, 2015-2016 Honda Odyssey vehicles, and 2016 Honda Pilot 2WD and 4WD vehicles. The affected vehicles have fuel tanks that were manufactured with insufficient welds which may separate and allow fuel to leak out.

• FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: CRASH IMMINENT BRAKING

  Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Acura MDX 2WD and AWD, RLX and 2014 Acura RLX Hybrid vehicles. In certain driving conditions, the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) may incorrectly interpret certain roadside objects such as metal fences or metal guardrails as obstacles and unexpectedly apply the brakes.

• SEAT BELTS

  American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Acura MDX vehicles manufactured April 23, 2013, to August 25, 2014, and 2014 Acura RLX vehicles manufactured November 5, 2012, to November 25, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the driver and front passenger seat belt may not extend or retract in low temperatures.

• 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 tan

Common issues and what they cost

• Electrical system glitches (infotainment/seats/sensors) $150 - $1,500

  Reported in NHTSA complaints under Electrical System (15). At higher mileage, aging modules, weak grounds, and moisture intrusion can trigger intermittent faults (seat memory, steering wheel controls, GPS, warning lights). Diagnosis can be time-consuming because symptoms come and go.

• Transmission hesitation or slipping $250 - $4,500

  Reported in NHTSA complaints under Power Train (12). Owners describe slipping and delayed/erratic shifts at cruising speeds. Causes can include degraded fluid, software/pressure-control issues, or internal wear. A fluid service may help early; persistent symptoms can require deeper repair.

• Front axle/steering creak or knock at low speeds $600 - $1,600

  Reported in NHTSA complaints under Steering (8). A creaking/knocking while turning slowly (parking lots) is often linked to worn CV axles, joints, or related bushings. Noise may be intermittent at first but typically worsens with mileage and load.

• Paint peeling on roof/rear door (white diamond pearl) $800 - $3,000

  Reported in NHTSA complaints under Structure (8) and Unknown Or Other (14). Owners report clearcoat/paint delamination on the roof and rear door areas. It’s cosmetic but can lead to corrosion if ignored. Repair usually involves sanding and repainting affected panels.

• Tailgate/taillight moisture intrusion and lighting failures $200 - $1,200

  Reported in NHTSA complaints under Exterior Lighting (6) and also reflected in NHTSA recalls for moisture entering tailgate lid lights. Water intrusion can short bulbs/LEDs or corrode connectors, causing intermittent or complete light failure. Fix may require resealing or replacing assemblies.

Depreciation outlook