Service bulletin - After the software update, some vehicles, based on how they are driven (extreme conditions), may still experience ATF deterioration after updating the PGM-FI or A/T system and the shudder may return. The problem is typically diagnosedas a bad Torque Converter (TC). There is no damage to the TC, but because the ATF has deteriorated, it needs to be changed even though the "ATF Service Due" message has not appeared. Make sure the vehicle is updated by referring to the INSPECTION PROCEDURE.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Acura MDX electrical problems
severe Owners of the 2013 Acura MDX have filed 8 NHTSA complaints about the electrical at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Complaints
8
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 MDX | 15 |
| 2010 MDX | 9 |
| 2011 MDX | 7 |
| 2012 MDX | 13 |
| 2013 MDX (this page) | 8 |
| 2014 MDX | 19 |
| 2015 MDX | 13 |
| 2016 MDX | 23 |
| 2017 MDX | 31 |
3fires
When does it fail?
Of the 8 electrical complaints filed for the 2013 Acura MDX, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Electrical accounts for 28% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 5 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Tech line summary article - We?re currently looking at an issue that when connected to Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® using an iPhone with iOS 11, there?s no phonebook showing up on the On Demand Multi-Use Display? (ODMD). If the phonebook doesn?t download, clients will have trouble accessing phonebook contacts using the voice control system.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Servicenews article - Some clients may complain that the Low Oil Pressure indicator comes on, requiring engine oil to be added, while others who routinely check the oil level as recommended in their owner?s manual may find that oil consumption has exceeded their expectations.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Techline summary article - We?re currently looking at an issue that when connected to Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® using an iPhone with iOS 11, Pandora doesn?t work on the On Demand Multi-Use Display? (ODMD). We think this may be due to some changes made to the Bluetooth stack on iOS 11.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Techline summary article - We?re currently looking at an issue that when connected to Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® using an iPhone with iOS 11, there?s no phonebook showing up on the On Demand Multi-Use Display? (ODMD).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
The contact owns a 2013 Acura MDX. The contact stated that he was about to drive the vehicle when he noticed the front passenger-side headlight was flickering. The contact stated he decided not to drive the vehicle. The contact stated when he looked at the vehicle again he noticed the vehicle was on fire from the passenger side headlight. The contact stated a fire report was filed and the…
Internal vehicle fire started around front passenger seat and burned for an unknown amount time before it extinguished on its own while vehicle was off and parked. Fire department was contacted upon fire discovery and they confirmed it was out, could be electrically related, and disconnected my battery Vehicle is available for inspection for the time being (pending insurance). If I or any…
Back-up camera video / navigation module, and stereo / clock screens remained blank after starting engine, placing car in reverse gear and moving slowly down driveway in an approximate time frame of 3-4 minutes. All screens continued to be blank after exiting driveway, stopping, then placing car in drive and traveling 5-7 MPH on street. Stopped vehicle at stop sign after traveling 200 yards.…
During driving, Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) will activate and "BRAKE" light will blink, indicating that you should apply brakes. This happened multiple times. Finally the CMBS warning light came on permanently. I took my car to Acura Dealership for repairs. They informed me that it was a software issue and update of the software should resolve this problem.
Had electrical trouble with your 2013 Acura MDX?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2013 Acura MDX?
It's a meaningful issue. 8 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Based on the 8 complaints filed, electrical issues most often appear around 81,226 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Acura/MDX.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.