Service bulletin - The vehicle?s body and steering wheel vibrates while it?s at idle or very low speed when turning the steering wheel. The high pressure demand from the steering gearbox on the power steering pump causes a vibration in the accessory drive belt system.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Acura MDX steering problems
moderate Owners of the 2013 Acura MDX have filed 3 NHTSA complaints about the steering at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Complaints
3
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 MDX | 6 |
| 2013 MDX (this page) | 3 |
| 2014 MDX | 38 |
| 2015 MDX | 8 |
| 2016 MDX | 12 |
When does it fail?
Of the 3 steering complaints filed for the 2013 Acura MDX, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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
Of the 14 model years of Acura MDX we track for steering problems, this one has the fewest owner complaints on file (3).
No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 11 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering 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.
Service bulletin - The steering wheel vibrates or there is a moan from under the hood while turning at slow speeds. The increase in steering pump torque causes the belt to slip on the alternator pulley.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Engineering request for investigation - American Honda (AHM) is investigating certain 2010 & 2013 MDXs & TSXs with a complaint of the steering wheel vibration and the pulsation/vibration in the front brake when braking. To fully understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect specific parts from the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Dealer message - American Honda (AHM) is investigating certain 2010 & 2013 MDXs & TSXs with a complaint of the steering wheel vibration and the pulsation/vibration in the front brake when braking. To fully understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect specific parts from the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Dealer message - American Honda (AHM) is investigating certain 2010 & 2013 MDXs & TSXs with a complaint of the steering wheel vibration and the pulsation/vibration in the front brake when braking. To fully understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect specific parts from the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Acura mdx. The contact stated that the vehicle veered to the left while driving various speeds. The dealer stated that the torque control needed to be rebooted. The vehicle was repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 4,800. Updated 12/01/14*lj the consumer staed a non-Acura dealer identifed the steering wheel assembly as defective. Updated…
The vehicle shows all trouble codes, vsa stability, trailer stability, all wheel drive, engine system. Error. Once code comes on loss of power and stability control. *tr
Had steering 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 steering problem on the 2013 Acura MDX?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 3 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Based on the 3 complaints filed, steering issues most often appear around 36,500 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 $700 for steering 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 steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering 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.