At the shop, Acura brake issues have a recognizable signature. 282 documented complaints across 37 year-model entries from 2005 to 2024 is consistent with what we see come in. Complaint volume is spread across the lineup rather than parked on one bad year. That's the signature of a platform or supplier issue, not a single-year flub. 23 crash reports and 12 injuries on the record. Severity is real, not theoretical. Across the 62 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 16,325 miles. Repair cost runs around $450 on average — relatively low for an aggregated category. Pulsing, grinding, soft pedal — none of those should sit more than a week. Brake problems compound fast on a vehicle already on the list.
ProblemsByVin ACURA / BRAKES
37 model-year entries · 2005–2024
Acura brakes problems
282 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Acura vehicles for brakes issues. 13 active recall campaigns. See brakes across all makes →
Complaints
282
Recalls
13
Year-models
37
Avg fix
$450
23crashes
12injuries
Worst-affected Acura model-years for brakes Top 25 by complaint volume
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
2009 Acura TSX
23 complaints · ~$450 moderate
2020 Acura RDX
20 complaints · ~$450 moderate
2024 Acura ZDX
15 complaints · 1 recall · ~$450 moderate
2010 Acura TSX
14 complaints · ~$450 severe
2019 Acura RDX
12 complaints · ~$450 moderate
2014 Acura MDX
12 complaints · ~$450 moderate
2019 Acura ILX
11 complaints · 1 recall · ~$450 moderate
2021 Acura RDX
10 complaints · ~$450 severe
2016 Acura ILX
10 complaints · 1 recall · ~$450 moderate
2017 Acura RDX
9 complaints · ~$450 severe
2017 Acura MDX
8 complaints · 1 recall · ~$450 severe
2016 Acura MDX
8 complaints · ~$450 severe
2015 Acura TLX
8 complaints · ~$450 severe
2006 Acura TL
8 complaints · ~$450 moderate
2005 Acura TL
8 complaints · ~$450 moderate
2022 Acura MDX
7 complaints · ~$450 severe
2020 Acura MDX
7 complaints · 1 recall · ~$450 severe
2012 Acura TSX
7 complaints · ~$450 moderate
2024 Acura MDX
6 complaints · 1 recall · ~$450 severe
2011 Acura TSX
6 complaints · ~$450 moderate
2007 Acura TL
6 complaints · ~$450 moderate
2005 Acura RL
6 complaints · 2 recalls · ~$450 severe
2023 Acura MDX
5 complaints · 1 recall · ~$450 moderate
2021 Acura TLX
5 complaints · 1 recall · ~$450 moderate
2019 Acura MDX
5 complaints · 1 recall · ~$450 severe
Active recalls — Acura brakes 3 on file
Honda (American Honda Motor Co
Reduced brake function can extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 4, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is RN5. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning December 17, 2025.
The information in your report suggests that Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) may have been aware of this issue more than five business days before filing a report with NHTSA. Please be reminded that under Federal law, this agency is to be notified of all safety defect and/or noncompliance decisions within five business days. 49 CFR 573.6 Significant civil penalties can be assessed for this violation.
Acura (American Honda Motor Co
A release of brake pressure can cause a loss of braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: The electronic brake control module software will be updated through an over-the-air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 26, 2024. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-800-382-2238. Acura's number for this recall is UJE.
Honda is recalling certain model year 2005 Pilot vehicles manufactured July 29, 2004, through August 29, 2005; model year 2005-2006 Acura MDX vehicles manufactured September 16, 2004, through September 22, 2005; and model year 2005 Acura RL vehicles manufactured March 1, 2004, through June 29, 2005
Sudden inadvertent braking, especially without illumination of the brake lights, may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix: Owners will be notified and instructed to take their vehicles to a dealer of their respective brand. The dealer will install a partial wiring harness containing a capacitor for the VSA modulator, free of charge. The affected model year 2005 Pilots will have their ground connection tightened. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Honda owners may contact Honda Automobile Customer Service at 1-800-999-1009, and select option 4 or go to www.recalls.honda.com; Acura owners may contact 1-800-382-2238, and select option 4, or go to www.recalls.acura.com.
Common questions
How many Acura brakes complaints are on file with NHTSA?
282 complaints across 37 model-year entries from 2005 to 2024. 13 active recall campaigns cover brakes issues across the Acura lineup.
Which Acura model has the most brakes complaints?
The 2009 Acura TSX leads with 23 complaints in this category. Next: 2020 RDX (20) and 2024 ZDX (15).
What does it cost to fix Acura brakes problems?
Independent shops average $450 for brakes repairs across the Acura lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Acura brakes recalls?
Yes — 3 active recall campaigns cover brakes on Acura vehicles. Recall fixes are free regardless of mileage or warranty status. The list below shows current campaigns with their NHTSA numbers.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Shop Foreman, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with Acura.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.