This Owner’s Guide is intended to help you quickly get acquainted with your 2015 Acura
MDX. It provides basic information and instructions on technology and convenience
features, as well as emergency procedures and how to get assistance.
This guide is for vehicles sold in the United States and Canada. It covers all MDX models, so
you may find descriptions of features and equipment that are not in your vehicle. Images
throughout this guide are from U.S. vehicles and represent features and equipment that are
available on some, but not all, models.
This guide is not intended to be a substitute for the Owner’s Manual. The Owner
Information CD enclosed in your glove box kit includes the Owner’s Manual, Navigation
Manual, and vehicle and tire warranties in electronic format. This information can be viewed
on a computer (PC or Mac platform) and saved or printed for your reference. You can
also visit owners.acura.com (U.S.) or myacura.ca (Canada) to view the complete and most
current information.
If you are the first registered owner of your vehicle, you may request a complimentary
printed copy of the Owner’s Manual, Navigation Manual, or Vehicle Warranty up to six
months after vehicle purchase. To request a copy, visit owners.acura.com (U.S.) or myacura.
ca (Canada) and create or log in to your account. In Canada, please request a copy from
your Acura dealer.
American Honda Motor Company strives to be proactive in protecting our environment and
natural resources. By using electronic delivery for a considerable portion of the information
typically found in a vehicle owner’s manual, we are further reducing our impact on the
environment.
Acura Total Luxury Care r oadside Assistance
Your Acura TLC Roadside Assistance representative is here to help you
24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Under your 4-year/50,000-mile (80,000 km) warranty, the
following benefits are available:
- Towing services — full cost of towing to the closest Acura dealer
- Roadside assistance — jump starting, fuel delivery, lockout, and flat tire
- Trip planning — detailed trip routing, emergency services, and more
Call (800) 594-8500 (U.S.) or (800) 565-7587 (Canada)
Acura Client relations
Your authorized Acura dealer should be able to answer any questions you have about your
vehicle. However, if you are dissatisfied with the information you receive, you can call Acura
Client Relations (see page 140).
Call (800) 382-2238 (U.S.) or (888) 922-8729 (Canada)
INTroDUCTIoN TABLe oF CoNTeNTS
*if equipped
vISUAL INDex ...................................1
Steering Wheel and Nearby Controls
1
Dashboard and Ceiling Controls ..... 2
SAFeTy INFormATIoN .................. 3
Important Safety Information ....... 3
Seat Belts ........................................... 5
Airbags ............................................... 9
Child Safety ..................................... 15
Safety Label Locations ................... 21
r eporting Safety Defects .............. 22
INSTrUmeNT P ANeL .................... 23
malfunction Indicators .................. 23
Condition Indicators ...................... 25
on/off Indicators .......................... 26
multi-Information Display ........... 27
veHICLe CoNTroLS ..................... 28
Using the remote Transmitter ..... 28
Keyless Access System .................. 29
Power Tailgate operation ............. 30
Door operation from Inside the v ehicle
31
Power Window operation ............ 32
Power moonroof operation ........33
Interior and exterior Lights ...........34
one-Touch Turn Signal .................. 36
Wiper operation ............................ 36
Adjusting the Seats ........................ 38
Adjusting the mirrors..................... 41
Adjusting the Steering Wheel ...... 42
Driving Position memory System ... 42
r ear Seats ........................................ 43
HomeLink® Garage opener .......... 45Climate Control System
................46
Seat Heaters and ventilation* ..... 49
Customized Features ..................... 50
AUDIo AND CoNNeCTIvITy ....... 51
Basic Audio operation .................... 51
Fm/Am radio .................................. 54
Siriusxm® radio ............................. 55
Compact Disc .................................. 56
Hard Disc Drive (HDD) Audio* .... 57
iPod® or USB Flash Drive .............. 58
Bluetooth® Audio ........................... 59
Pandora® ......................................... 60
AcuraLink featuring Aha™ ............. 61
r ear entertainment System* ....... 62
Bluetooth® HANDSFreeLINK ®.... 66
Basic HFL operation ...................... 66
Pairing a Phone ............................... 68
making a Call .................................. 69
SmS Text messaging and e-mail .... 72
A CUrALINK
®* ................................. 73
AcuraLink messages ....................... 73
Subscription Features .................... 74
NA vIGATIoN* ............................... 76
Basic Navigation operation ......... 76
entering a Destination .................. 79
r outing ............................................ 81
DrIvING .......................................... 83
Before Driving ................................. 83
maximum Load Limit ..................... 85
Towing a Trailer .............................. 87
r emote engine Start* ..................... 91
Starting to Drive ............................. 92
Integrated Dynamics System ....... 94
10 || 11
SAFeTy
SAFeTy
Side Airbags
The side airbags help protect the upper torso and pelvis of the driver or a front passenger
during a moderate-to-severe side impact. They are housed in the outside edge of the
driver’s and front passenger’s seat-backs. Both are marked SIDe AIrBAG.
Side Curtain Airbags
Side curtain airbags help protect the head and torso of the driver and passengers in outer
seating positions during a moderate-to-severe side impact. The side curtain airbags
equipped in this vehicle are also designed to help reduce the likelihood of partial and
complete ejection of vehicle occupants through side windows in crashes, particularly
rollover crashes.
The side curtain airbags are located in the ceiling above the
side windows on both sides of the vehicle.
The side curtain airbags are designed to deploy in a rollover
or moderate-to-severe side impact. If the SRS control unit
senses that your vehicle is about to roll over, it immediately
deploys both side curtain airbags and activates both front
seat belt tensioners. If the impact is on the passenger’s side,
the passenger’s side curtain airbag will inflate even if there
are no occupants on that side of the vehicle.
To get the best protection from the side curtain airbags,
occupants should wear their seat belts properly and sit
upright and well back in their seats.
Do not attach any objects to the side windows or roof pillars, as they can interfere with
the proper operation of the side curtain airbags.
When side curtain airbags deploy in a frontal collision
One or both side curtain airbags may inflate in a moderate-to-severe angled frontal
collision. In this case, the side curtain airbags will deploy slightly after the front airbags.
Side curtain airbag storage
Deployed side curtain airbags
Important Facts About your Airbags
Always wear your seat belt properly, and sit upright and as far back from the steering
wheel as possible while allowing full control of the vehicle. A front passenger should
move their seat as far back from the dashboard as possible.
Do not place hard or sharp objects between yourself and a front airbag. Carrying hard
or sharp objects on your lap, or driving with a pipe or other sharp object in your mouth,
can result in injuries if your front airbag inflates.
Do not attach or place objects on the front and driver’s knee airbag covers. Objects on
the covers marked SRS AIRBAG could interfere with the proper operation of the airbags
or be propelled inside the vehicle and hurt someone if the airbags inflate.
Do not attach accessories on or near the side airbags. They can interfere with the
proper operation of the airbags, or hurt someone if an airbag inflates.
Do not attach any objects to the side windows or roof pillars. They can interfere with
the proper operation of the side curtain airbags.
Do not cover or replace the front seat-back covers. This can prevent your side airbags
from properly deploying during a side impact.
Ignoring the SRS indicator can result in serious injury or death if the airbag
systems or tensioners do not work properly.
Have your vehicle checked by a dealer as soon as possible if the SRS indicator
alerts you to a possible problem.
Airbag System
(SRS) Problem
WArNING
Airbag System Indicators
If a problem occurs in the airbag system, the SRS indicator comes on and a message
appears on the multi-information display.
SrS (Supplemental r estraint System) Indicator
If the indicator comes on at any other time besides vehicle
start-up, or does not come on at all, have the system
checked by a dealer as soon as possible. If you don’t, your
airbags and seat belt tensioners may not work properly
when they are needed. An open glove box can cause serious injury to your passenger in a crash, even
if the passenger is wearing the seat belt.
Always keep the glove box closed while driving.
WArNING
138 || 139
CLIeNT INFormATIoN
SPeCIFICATIoNS
v ehicle Specifications
engine and Fuel
Fluids
*1 :2 WD model s
*2 :A WD model s
ModelAcura MDX
No. of Passengers:
t
n
o
r
F
l
a
t
o
TWeights:Gross Vehicle
Weight Ratin gU.S.:5,368 lbs (2,435 kg)*15,677 lbs (2,575 kg)*2Canada:2,575 kgGross Axle Weight
Rating (Front )U.S.:2,811 lbs (1,275 kg )*12,910 lbs (1,320 kg)*2Canada:1,320 kgGross Axle Weight
Rating (R ear)U.S.:2,734 lbs (1,240 kg )*12,965 lbs (1,345 kg)*2Canada:1,345 kgGross Combined Weight Rating*19,833 lbs (4,460 kg )*2Canada:4,460 kgAir Conditioning :Refrigerant TypeHFC-134a (R-134a )Charge Quantity23.8 – 25.6 oz (675 – 725 g)Lubricant TypeRL897PAG
Engine Specifcatio\hn s
FuelDisplacement211.8 cu-in (3,471 cm3)
Spark Plug sN GKDILZKR7B11 G
TypeUnleaded premium gasoline, Pump octane number of 91 or higher
Fuel Tank Capacity 19.5 US gal (74 )
Light \fulbsHeadl ights (High/Low Beam )LED
Front Turn Signal/Side Marker /
Parking Lights 28
/8W (A mber)
Daytime Running Light sLED
Si de Turn Si gnal Lights (on Door
Mirrors ) LED
Brake Lights21
W
Taillight sLED
Rear Turn Signal Li ghts21W
Rear License Plate Ligh tLED
Interior LightsFront, Second Row and Third
Ro w LightsLED
Front and Rear Ambient LightsLEDVa nity Mirror Lights 1.4WDoor Courtesy Lights3.4WConsole Compartment Ligh t1.4WGlove Box Ligh t1.4WFoot Lights5WCargo Area Lights5WAutomatic Transmis\Dsion Fluid
Rear Di\ferential Fl\Duid*
Transfer Assembl\b Fl\Duid*
Specife dAcura ATF DW-1(au\fo\(ma\fic \fran\bmi\b\bion fuid\( )Capaci\fy Change 3.3 US q \f (3.1 )
Specife dAcura All Wheel Dr\(ive Fluid (DPSF )
Ca paci\fy Change2.7 US q\f (2.5 )
Specife dAcura HGO-Type1 \fo \(be appli ed.
Ca paci\fy Change0.45 US q\f (0.43 )
Engine Oil
Engine Coolant
Recommended·Genuine Acura Mo\for\( Oil 0W-20·API Premium-grade \(0W-20 de\fe rgen\f oil
Capaci\fy Change
5.4 US q\f (5.1 )
Change
including
fl\fer 5.7 US q\f (5.4 )
SpecifedAcura Long L
ife An\fifreeze/Cool\(an\f Type 2Ra\fio50/50 wi\fh di\b\filled\( wa\fer
Capaci\fy1.93 US g al (7.3 )(change including \fhe\( remaining 0.19 US ga\(l (0.72 ) in \fhe re\ber\(ve \fank)
Tire
*1:B ASE model\b
*2 :E xcep\f BASE model \b
Regula r Size
245/60R18 105H
*1245/55R19 103H*2Pre\b\bure
p\b i (kPa [kgf/c m2])35 (24
0 [2.4])
Compac\f
Spar e
*Size T165/80D17 104M
Pre\b\bure
p\b i (kPa [kgf/cm
2]) 60 (42
0 [4.2])
Wheel Size Regular
18 x 8J*119 x 8J*2Compac\f Spare*17 x 4T
* Not applicable to all models
Washer Fluid
Tank Capaci\fyU.S.: 4 US q\f (3.8 )
Ca nada: 6.3 US q\f (6.0 \( )
Brake FluidSpecifedAcura Heavy Du\fy Br\(ake Fluid DOT 3
SPeCIFICATIoNS
*1:2 WD model s
*2 :A WD model s
ModelAcura MDX
No. of Passengers:
t
n
o
r
F
l
a
t
o
TWeights:Gross Vehicle
Weight Ratin gU.S.:5,368 lbs (2,435 kg)*15,677 lbs (2,575 kg)*2Canada:2,575 kgGross Axle Weight
Rating (Front )U.S.:2,811 lbs (1,275 kg )*12,910 lbs (1,320 kg)*2Canada:1,320 kgGross Axle Weight
Rating (R ear)U.S.:2,734 lbs (1,240 kg )*12,965 lbs (1,345 kg)*2Canada:1,345 kgGross Combined Weight Rating*19,833 lbs (4,460 kg )*2Canada:4,460 kgAir Conditioning :Refrigerant TypeHFC-134a (R-134a )Charge Quantity23.8 – 25.6 oz (675 – 725 g)Lubricant TypeRL897PAG
Engine Specifcatio\hn s
FuelDisplacement211.8 cu-in (3,471 cm3)
Spark Plug sN GKDILZKR7B11 G
TypeUnleaded premium gasoline, Pump octane number of 91 or higher
Fuel Tank Capacity 19.5 US gal (74 )
Light \fulbsHeadl ights (High/Low Beam )LED
Front Turn Signal/Side Marker /
Parking Lights 28
/8W (A mber)
Daytime Running Light sLED
Si de Turn Si gnal Lights (on Door
Mirrors ) LED
Brake Lights21
W
Taillight sLED
Rear Turn Signal Li ghts21W
Rear License Plate Ligh tLED
Interior LightsFront, Second Row and Third
Ro w LightsLEDFront and Rear Ambient LightsLEDVa nity Mirror Lights 1.4WDoor Courtesy Lights3.4WConsole Compartment Ligh t1.4WGlove Box Ligh t1.4WFoot Lights5WCargo Area Lights5W
TiresAutomatic Transmis\Dsion Flui d
Rear Di\ferential Fl\Dui d
*
Transfer Assembl\b Fl\Duid*
SpecifedAcura ATF DW-1(au\fo\(ma\fic \fran\bmi\b\bion fuid\( )Capaci\fy Change 3.3 US q \f (3.1 )
Specife d Acura All Wheel Dr\(ive Fluid (DPSF )
Ca paci\fy Change2.7 US q\f (2.5 )
Specife d Acura HGO-Type1 \fo \(be appli ed.
Ca paci\fy Change0.45 US q\f (0.43 )
Engine Oi l
Engine Coolan t
Recommended ·Genuine Acura Mo\for\( Oil 0W-20·API Premium-grade \(0W-20 de\fe
rgen\f oil
Capaci\fy Change
5.4 US q\f (5.1 )
Change
including
fl\fer 5.7 US q\f (5.4 )
Specifed
Acura Long L ife An\fifreeze/Cool\(an\f Type 2Ra\fio50/50 wi\fh di\b\filled\( wa\fer
Capaci\fy 1.93
US g al (7.3 )
(change including \fhe\( remaining 0.19 US ga\(l (0.72 ) in \fhe re\ber\(ve \fank)
Tire
*1:B ASE model\b
*2 :E xcep\f BASE model \b
Regula rSize245/60R18 105H*1245/55R19 103H*2Pre\b\bure
p\b i (kPa [kgf/c m2])35 (240 [2.4])
Compac\f
Spar e
*Size T165/80D17 104M
Pre\b\bure
p\b i (kPa [kgf/cm
2]) 60 (42
0 [4.2])
Wheel SizeRegular18 x 8J*119 x 8J*2Compac\f Spare*17 x 4T
* Not applicable to all models
Washer Fluid
Tank Capaci\fy U.S.: 4 US q\f (3.8 )
Ca nada: 6.3 US q\f (6.0 \( )
Brake FluidSpecifed Acura Heavy Du\fy Br\(ake Fluid DOT 3
Light Bulbs
*1:2 WD model s
*2 :A WD model s
ModelAcura MDX
No. of Passengers:
t
n
o
r
F
l
a
t
o
TWeights:Gross Vehicle
Weight Ratin gU.S.:5,368 lbs (2,435 kg)*15,677 lbs (2,575 kg)*2Canada:2,575 kgGross Axle Weight
Rating (Front )U.S.:2,811 lbs (1,275 kg )*12,910 lbs (1,320 kg)*2Canada:1,320 kgGross Axle Weight
Rating (R ear)U.S.:2,734 lbs (1,240 kg )*12,965 lbs (1,345 kg)*2Canada:1,345 kgGross Combined Weight Rating*19,833 lbs (4,460 kg )*2Canada:4,460 kgAir Conditioning :Refrigerant TypeHFC-134a (R-134a )Charge Quantity23.8 – 25.6 oz (675 – 725 g)Lubricant TypeRL897PAG
Engine Specifcatio\hn s
FuelDisplacement211.8 cu-in (3,471 cm3)
Spark Plug sN GKDILZKR7B11 G
TypeUnleaded premium gasoline, Pump octane number of 91 or higher
Fuel Tank Capacity 19.5 US gal (74 )
Light \fulbsHeadl ights (High/Low Beam )LED
Front Turn Signal/Side Marker /
Parking Lights 28
/8W (A mber)
Daytime Running Light sLED
Si de Turn Si gnal Lights (on Door
Mirrors ) LED
Brake Lights21
W
Taillight sLED
Rear Turn Signal Li ghts21W
Rear License Plate Ligh tLED
Interior LightsFront, Second Row and Third
Ro w LightsLED
Front and Rear Ambient LightsLEDVa nity Mirror Lights 1.4WDoor Courtesy Lights3.4WConsole Compartment Ligh t1.4WGlove Box Ligh t1.4WFoot Lights5WCargo Area Lights5W
Learn about information specific to you as an Acura client and how to get help.
Frequently Asked Questions/Troubleshooting
Below are some frequently asked questions and troubleshooting items that you may have
about the vehicle.
Q: How do I set the vehicle clock?
A: For vehicles without navigation, see page 50. For vehicles with navigation, the
time is automatically set using GPS signals.
Q: Why doesn’t the vehicle start when I press the ENGINE START/STOP button?
A: The brake pedal must be pressed to start the engine.
Q: What is the AUTO setting on my headlight lever?
A: When in the AUTO position, the vehicle’s exterior lights will automatically turn
on or off depending on the ambient lighting.
Q: Why won’t the driver’s door unlock when I grab the door handle, even though the
keyless access remote is within range?
A: If you pull the handle too quickly, the system may not have time to confirm the
door is unlocked. Wait to hear a beep to confirm the door is unlocked. If you are
wearing gloves, the system may be slow to respond.
Q: After my battery was disconnected or went dead, the audio system is asking for a
code. Where do I find this?
A: In most cases, you do not need to enter a code. Turn on the vehicle and the audio
system, and press and hold the power button until the system reactivates.
Q: Why can’t I operate Pandora through the audio system?
A: Audio may be streaming through Bluetooth® Audio. Make sure Pandora mode
is selected and the phone cable is properly connected to the USB adapter. Some
phones may prompt you to “Allow” a connection.
Q: Is my phone compatible with Bluetooth features?
A: Visit www.acura.com/handsfreelink (U.S) or www.handsfreelink.ca (Canada) to
check phone compatibility for Bluetooth® Audio, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®,
and SMS text messaging.
Q: Every time I press the Talk button, the system gives me voice prompts. Can I turn
these off?*
A: Press SETTINGS. Use the interface dial to select System Settings then Voice Rec.
For the Voice Prompt option, select Off.
CLIeNT INFormATIoN
*if equipped