Buy Acura MDX Headlight Assembly

Snapshot

Snapshot

The Acura MDX headlight-often called the headlamp, front light assembly, or headlight housing-has changed a lot over four generations. Early models used halogen or HID bulbs; newer ones carry Acura's Jewel Eye LED system that shines farther while using less power and lasting much longer. 2022-25 MDX headlights earned a top "Good" safety score from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and U.S. law (FMVSS 108) sets clear rules for how bright, how high, and how wide the beams may be. Drivers most often ask about bulb sizes, aiming screws, moisture inside the lens, daytime-running-light (DRL) recalls, and upgrade options such as LED retrofit kits. Replacing a single bulb averages about $155 with labor, while a full LED assembly can cost far more.

Fit Years

Fit Years

• 2001-2006 (1st gen): Halogen 9005 high beam and 9006 low beam bulbs. (AUXITO)
• 2007-2013 (2nd gen): 9005 HB3 halogen high beam and D2S HID low beam in most trims.
• 2014-2020 (3rd gen): Jewel Eye LEDs became standard; low beams are part of the sealed LED array and not user-serviceable, while some trims still use replaceable 9005 high-beam bulbs. (NTXGlow)
• 2022-present (4th gen): All MDX SUVs use full-LED "Jewel Eye" projector headlights with auto-on/off and auto-high-beam. (Acura Info Center)

Light Types

Light Types

• Halogen: Cheap and easy to swap but use more energy and give a yellower glow. Typical 60-watt 9005 bulb outputs about 1,700 lumens. (etrailer)
• HID/Xenon: Brighter, whiter, and more efficient than halogen but need ballasts and can glare if aimed wrong. (Capital One)
• LED (Jewel Eye): Five LEDs per side on 2014-20, upgraded array on 2022-25. LEDs last 6× longer than halogen and 3× longer than HID, and their crisp beam reduces night-driving fatigue. (Acura Info Center, autonationacuragulffreeway.com)
• Coming Tech: U.S. regulators now allow Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB) headlights that dim only the area that would blind other road users. (Federal Register)

Safety & Law

Safety & Law

• The 2022 MDX earned a "Good" rating for headlight performance in IIHS tests. (IIHS Crash Testing)
• U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard FMVSS 108 (§571.108) says every replacement lamp must meet the same photometry and aiming rules as factory lights. (ecfr.federalregister.gov)
• Properly aimed lights stop glare: turn the horizontal gear through the top access hole to raise or lower the beam; each full turn moves the beam roughly 0.7 in. at 25 ft. (Mdxers, YouTube)

Common Issues

Common Issues

• Condensation: A small vent helps equalize pressure, but cracks or bad seals let water fog the lens. Dry the unit, then reseal with automotive-grade silicone. (Mdxers, Mdxers)
• Position-Light Recall (2014-19): Water intrusion can disable the LED parking/DRL strip; Acura recalled about 323,000 MDXs for a free fix. (Honda News, NHTSA)
• DRL Won't Turn Off: Fuse C22 (10 A) can be pulled to kill DRLs when troubleshooting, but replace it after repairs. (Mdxers)

Care & Cost

Care & Cost

• Average bulb-only job: $155 ($15 parts + $140 labor). (YourMechanic)
• Cloudy lens fix: Wet-sand with a drill kit, polish, then coat with UV-clear; lasts about five years if sealed well. (Reddit)
• Wear gloves-skin oil shortens bulb life. Disconnect the battery to avoid shorts.

Upgrades

Upgrades

• LED retrofit kits for older halogen housings can brighten the road but must keep the beam pattern sharp to stay legal under FMVSS 108 glare limits. (ecfr.federalregister.gov, Mdxers)
• Color temperature: 5,000-6,000 K looks white/blue; anything above 6,500 K gives less actual road light. (Capital One)
• Energy use: Jewel Eye LEDs draw about 40 W per side-one-third of comparable halogens-helping save fuel on hybrids. (Acura Info Center)

DIY Steps

DIY Steps

1. Open the hood and remove the plastic cover above the headlight.
2. Twist the bulb counter-clockwise, pull straight out, and swap the O-ring if cracked.
3. Do not touch the glass.
4. Re-aim the beam on a flat wall 25 ft. away: low beam cutoff should sit at or just below headlight height. (Mdxers, YouTube)

Helpful Links

Helpful Links

• Acura Jewel Eye feature guide
• IIHS headlight rating for 2022 MDX
• FMVSS 108 text
• NHTSA recall notice PDF
• Halogen vs HID vs LED explainer

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What bulb size fits a 2011 MDX low beam?
A: A D2S HID capsule is used for the low beam in 2007-2013 models. (AUXITO)

Q: Can I replace a 2014 MDX low-beam LED myself?
A: No. The LED array is built into the headlight assembly; the whole unit must be swapped. (NTXGlow)

Q: Why do my headlights fog up after rain?
A: Moist air leaks through a damaged seal. Dry the lamp, reseal the perimeter, and check vents. (Mdxers)

Q: How do I turn off the daytime running lights?
A: Pull fuse C22 (10 A) under the hood, but remember to reinstall it for normal driving. (Mdxers)

Q: What is Jewel Eye lighting?
A: Jewel Eye uses several small LED projectors that create a bright, precise beam and a signature look. (Acura Info Center)

Q: Are LED retrofits legal?
A: They are legal only if they keep glare within FMVSS 108 limits and are aimed correctly. (ecfr.federalregister.gov)

Q: How much does a bulb swap cost?
A: Average shop price is about $155 for one halogen or HID bulb. (YourMechanic)

Q: What's the headlight safety rating on the latest MDX?
A: The 2022-25 MDX headlight earns the top "Good" score from IIHS. (IIHS Crash Testing)

Q: Did Acura recall any MDX headlights?
A: Acura recalled 2014-19 MDXs for a position-light water leak that could dim the DRLs. (Honda News)

Q: How long do LED headlights last?
A: Jewel Eye LEDs can last over 20,000 hours-six times longer than halogen bulbs. (Acura Info Center)