Exterior Lighting Related Problems of the 2018 Acura MDX

Table 1 shows one common exterior lighting related problems of the 2018 Acura MDX.

Table 1. Exterior Lighting related problems of Acura MDX

Problem Category Number of Problems
Exterior Lighting problems
5

Exterior Lighting problem #1

Hello, my 2018 Acura Mdx has moisture and water inside the inner tailgate (trunk) tail light assembly, which caused the light to stop working. I understand there is a recall affecting some 2014–2020 Acura Mdx vehicles related to moisture entering the tailgate light assembly, and my vehicle appears to have the same issue. Recall link: [xxx] last week I visited the Acura dealership(Acura columbus) in dublin, OH for a fuel pump recall service. During that visit, the technician also noticed the water inside the inner tail light but quoted about $750 for the repair. Although my VIN does not show this recall, my vehicle is experiencing the same problem described. Could you please review and advise if this may qualify for recall coverage or goodwill assistance? thank you. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Exterior Lighting problem #2

•make: Acura •model: Mdx •year: 2018 •VIN: [xxx] •mileage: 80,594 (as of March 22, 2025) complaint type: vehicle component/recall reoccurrence component affected: exterior lighting – taillights summary of problem: I am filing a complaint regarding a recurring safety issue involving my 2018 Acura Mdx’s taillight assembly, which was previously the subject of a recall. In 2019, the left taillight was repaired under a manufacturer recall related to water intrusion that caused lighting failure. On March 22, 2025, during a routine visit to Acura of boston (bernardi Acura), it was determined that the same taillight assembly had failed again due to signs of water intrusion, causing the light to malfunction. The dealership estimated a cost of $805. 82 for the replacement. I contacted Honda and requested goodwill assistance since this issue was previously addressed as a safety recall, but they denied my request due to warranty expiration—even though this is clearly a recurrence of the original defect. This poses a potential safety hazard, as taillight failure can impair visibility and increase the risk of rear-end collisions, especially in low-light conditions. The fact that the exact issue has returned after an official recall fix raises concerns about the long-term effectiveness of the original repair. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether this issue is affecting other 2018 Acura Mdx vehicles and whether an extended recall or follow-up campaign should be considered. Dealership details: •service date: March 22, 2025 •dealer: Acura of boston, 1600 soldiers field rd, brighton, MA •original recall repair: prime Acura of westwood (2019) attachments available upon request: service estimate, VIN, dealer findings, and photos. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Exterior Lighting problem #3

Passenger rear, right inner tail light is not working. Was under recall but Acura is not replacing it. Obviously water has entered it and shorted it out. They said the recall was completed on it but why is the taillight not working. In report made by the dealer it says it is shorted after hooking it up to a voltmeter. Why are they not replacing it. It reduces visibility to the rear of the car.

Exterior Lighting problem #4

Brake light is not working properly, I was pulled over with a warning.

Exterior Lighting problem #5

Inner taillight on passenger side of vehicle not working. According to an independent service center, there is a faulty seal and water/moisture in inner taillight housing.


Exterior Lighting related problems in other Acura MDX model year vehicles:



MDX Service Bulletins
MDX Safety Recalls
MDX Defect Investigations