I have a 18 MDX Tech AWD. It has around 8k on it and it has always been a little inconsistent in the recognition of the key Fobs. The car unlocks and starts as it should but it doesn't always recognize Driver 1 or Driver 2 as it should and set the driver position and infotainment settings as it should. I will say that during these non-recognition events, the other fob is no where near the car, so it isn't a proximity confusion. This happens more with the Driver 1 fob than Driver 2. I know you can press the preset button on the door for the driving position, but I shouldn't have to, and even doing that doesn't change the preferences in the infotainment system.

I know a visit to the dealer is the recommended solution here, but there are no dealers that I would call "local" to us and I would like to avoid that trip if I can.

Any ideas would be appreciated.

 

I have similar problems with my 18 Hybrid, my steering wheel won't automatically go into position even after start up, when my key fob and phone are in the same pants/shorts pocket the keyless access doesn't work. I've had numerous instances of this happening but haven't had the chance to look into it.

 

When you start the car give it 30 seconds for everyrhing to set before releasing the Ebrake or putting it in gear.

 

yep - gotta wait before putting in gear

this is also a symptom of a battery going bad, but doubt that is it with a 2018

 

I have the exact same issue on our 2017 Sport Hybrid. When I'm in the MDX with Driver 2 fob, the steering wheel 50% of the time don't lower into position.
Already to complain to dealer twice, they have no fix for it. Always tell me "we can't replicate" BS!

I always wait at least 30 secs before putting into gear. And we never use the e-brake. so it's not that. It's some kinda of electronic gremlin.

 

I would check your battery - classic symptom
My RL and RLX would eat batteries - had to replace every 2 years

 

Sounds likely but our key fobs are only about a year old. Picked up our 2017 MDX last September. This symptom only occur on my driver 2 key fob. Wife driver 1 key fob never an issue.

 

A button battery is cheap. Worth a few dollars to check. Its possible the battery sat in the fob for a while.

 

Sorry - I meant the 12 volt car battery
if fob battery is low, you get a warning
the "warning" for car battery about to go is that steering wheel does not telescope all the time. Like I said, my RL ate batteries and that was the symptom every time

 

Damn really? Car battery should be brand new. I doubt our '17 Sport Hybrid sat for very long. We snatch it off the transport truck even before it was unloaded LOL.
Will have dealer do battery test.

Edit: actually they already did battery test when I went in for oil change couple weeks ago. Everything checks OK.

 

I had the telescope symptom and had battery checked at Dealer because I was going out of town for the weekend. They insisted battery was ok. Went on trip and on return trip stopped for gas. Car would not restart.
Luckily not far from home. Battery dead and had to replace. Depending on when you picked up your '17, battery could be ~2 yrs old

 

I had the same problems with my 2014 RLX (A) and when I took it back to the dealer the Lead Tech recommended that I leave the car on charge overnight to keep the battery always at peak charge.
I have used a Wall unit Battery Tender and have not had a re-occurrence.
Hope this helps,

Vic