Recall 15V301 affects 19,502 2014-2015 Acura Rlx, Rlx Hybrid, and Mdx vehicles for unexpected CMBS braking. Repair is free at any franchised Acura dealer.
Acura is recalling 19,502 2014-2015 Rlx, Rlx Hybrid, and Mdx vehicles because the Collision Mitigation Braking System can mistake roadside metal fences or guardrails for obstacles and apply the brakes unexpectedly. Unexpected emergency braking increases the risk of a crash, and Acura dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The Collision Mitigation Braking System, or CMBS, on 2014-2015 Acura Mdx, Rlx, and Rlx Hybrid vehicles is designed to watch the road ahead and apply emergency braking when it reads an imminent obstacle. It is part of the forward collision avoidance system, so its job is to help reduce speed when a real object is in the vehicle's path.
In this recall, the problem is in the programmed logic that interprets what the system sees. In certain driving conditions, the CMBS processing can combine a nearby moving vehicle with a roadside metal fence or guardrail and read that scene as an obstacle ahead. When that happens, the system can apply the brakes even though the lane ahead is clear.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner would notice the problem only when the vehicle brakes unexpectedly during normal driving near objects such as metal fences or guardrails.
Who's affected?
Covers the Rlx, Rlx Hybrid, and Mdx across the 2014 and 2015 model years, all tied to the crash imminent braking system.
| 2014 Acura Rlx | Crash imminent braking |
|---|---|
| 2014 Acura Rlx Hybrid | Crash imminent braking |
| 2014 Acura Mdx | Crash imminent braking |
| 2015 Acura Mdx | Crash imminent braking |
| 2015 Acura Rlx | Crash imminent braking |
| Units affected | 19,502 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Unexpected emergency braking from the CMBS can apply braking force while you are driving and increase the risk of a crash. If your VIN is included, drive cautiously and schedule the CMBS software update soon. Repair is free at any franchised Acura dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014-2015 Acura Rlx, Rlx Hybrid, or Mdx is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Acura dealer to schedule the free CMBS software update that fixes unexpected emergency braking from roadside-object detection.
- Bring the recall notice if Acura mailed one. If not, reference recall number 15V301 when you call.
- Drive with extra space until the software update is complete. Be ready for unexpected braking in traffic.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Acura technician updates the Collision Mitigation Braking System software to address the condition where CMBS can misread certain roadside objects and apply the brakes unexpectedly. The software update and labor are free under recall 15V301. Acura has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who paid for this related repair before the recall notice. Bring repair invoices and payment records to the service desk so Acura can review documented expenses.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| May 13, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
|---|---|
| May 14, 2015 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 20, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
| July 6, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V301?
Recall 15V301 covers 19,502 2014-2015 Acura Rlx, Rlx Hybrid, and Mdx vehicles with CMBS software that can mistake certain roadside objects for obstacles and apply emergency braking. Acura dealers will update the CMBS software for free.
What should I do if my 2014-2015 Acura Rlx, Rlx Hybrid, or Mdx is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Acura is included in recall 15V301. If it is, contact a franchised Acura dealer and schedule the CMBS software update. Reference recall 15V301 or Acura recall numbers JQ4, JQ5, and JQ6 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Acura dealers will update the CMBS software free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for vehicles included in recall 15V301.
What is the safety risk in recall 15V301?
The safety risk is unexpected emergency braking while driving. In recall 15V301, the CMBS can incorrectly read certain roadside objects, including metal fences or guardrails, as obstacles. If the system applies braking force without a real obstacle ahead, crash risk increases.
When did Acura notify owners about recall 15V301?
Acura began the recall on July 6, 2015. If you never received a letter, check your VIN because ownership changes and address changes can interrupt mailed notices. A franchised Acura dealer can confirm the open recall and perform the free software update.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V301000 |
|---|---|
| Acura customer service | 1-800-382-2238 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V301 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V301000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 1, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →