general problems of the 2016 Acura MDX - part 2

One morning I noticed the engine in 2016 Acura Mdx was making a loud knocking noise. The check engine light immediately came on. As such, I immediately drove to Acura of baton rouge to report the problem to get it fixed. They ran a diagnostic on the car and didn't find anything. For some reason they said they needed to take the oil pan off to see if there was metal in the oil pan. I said ok. I got a call a few days later from the service department stating that I needed a new engine at the price of $8,000 because they said a connecting road bearing had failed which destroyed the 6th cylinder. The vehicle only had 78,000 miles on it. The oil had always been timely changed. There is no reason the connecting rod bearing should fail on an engine with 78,000 miles on it. I contacted Honda and Honda eventually came back to me and said they would not do anything to help replace the engine because the car was not under warranty, despite the office of defect having an ongoing investigation into connecting rod bearing failures in 2016 Acura Mdx's. Honda has not operated in good faith, this is a major safety issue and the federal government must do something before people are hurt as a result of Honda's negligence.

The contact owns a 2016 Acura Mdx. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 mph, there were several unknown warning lights flashing on the instrument cluster. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was coasted over to the side of the road; however, while attempting to shift into park(p), the transmission was unable to be shifted into park(p). The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 23v751000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

While driving on the highway this vehicle shifted into neutral and lost power. Once pulled to the side of the road, the vehicle was able to be turned off and re started. This happened to my teenage daughter without warning.

On Sunday, while driving approximately 70 mph on the highway with my two young children in the car, the check engine light began flashing, the vehicle suddenly lost power, and would not accelerate past 60 mph. The engine then began producing loud clanking or knocking noises. I pulled over as quickly as I could and had the vehicle towed to my local Acura dealership. The technician who inspected the vehicle indicated it is in the early stages of catastrophic engine failure—likely due to a spun rod bearing. These symptoms are nearly identical to those described in NHTSA recall 23v751000, which addresses rod bearing failure, sudden loss of power, and potential engine seizure in certain Acura models. A less severe version of this issue occurred a few days earlier, on Thursday, also while driving on the highway. The check engine light began flashing and the vehicle experienced a noticeable loss of power. I pulled over and restarted the vehicle, and that resolved the issue. I drove the vehicle multiple times—including on the highway—between Thursday and Sunday with no further issues until the much more severe failure occurred. Despite the clear safety concerns—and the fact that both incidents closely mirror the description in recall 23v751000—my VIN is not currently included in the recall. The vehicle has fewer than 90,000 miles and has been maintained exclusively at Acura dealerships. I’ve reported this to Acura, and my case has been escalated for internal review. An Acura representative encouraged me to contact NHTSA directly, as your agency is responsible for determining whether the scope of the recall should be expanded. This is a serious safety issue that occurred without warning—at highway speeds, with children in the car – and put my family at risk. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate and consider expanding recall 23v751000 to include similarly affected vehicles like mine. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Catastrophic engine failure occurred while driving on July 4, 2025, resulting in the car briefly stopping at 60mph skidding tires on I-70 (a major highway in colorado), then tires unlocked and now engine moving again but with a check engine light, and acceleration was sluggish. It freaked out the family and we pulled over at the next exit to find the engine was knocking like crazy. No injuries occurred, but the sudden engine failure while driving created a serious safety hazard. Complete loss of power could have resulted in accident if this had occurred in traffic, on highway, or during emergency maneuver. We later found out engine the rod bearing failed on cylinder 4 and shattered in several pieces. We took it to both independent auto repair shop, then the dealer, both confirmed rod bearing problem, and engine replacement now required. Dealer is quoting us $24000. Failure was due to connecting rod bearing failure - a known defect currently under NHTSA investigation rq24-013. This failure is consistent with NHTSA investigation rq24-013 covering connecting rod bearing failures in 1. 4 million Honda/Acura vehicles including 2016 Mdx. The failure appears related to unaddressed atf warmer defect covered under Acura's kg9 warranty extension (service bulletin 17-026) that compromised cooling system in December 2024, leading to thermal stress and bearing failure. Acura was aware this defect was serious enough to warrant 10-year unlimited mileage warranty coverage but failed to honor it. We had the car serviced June 25th 2025 at the dealer just 9 days prior to the July 4th 2025 incident for its regular maintenance oil change, brake fluid flush, and valve adjustment.

Driving on freeway at 65mph and check engine light flashed as vehicle started to studder and turned off while driving. Vehicle would not even try to start afterwards. Vehicle got towed off freeway to my home. I continued to try to start, it sounded like a bad starter or dead battery, so I charged the battery and got the vehicle to crank and start. Engine was knocking and squealing and pinging. Immediately turned off and did some research. Found out about recall and my engine is not on it . I found a local shop and had it towed there. It ended up being a bad rod/bearing in the engine. I had to have the engine replaced.

The contact owns a 2016 Acura Mdx. The contact stated while driving 75 mph, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the contact stated that the engine and low oil pressure warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated the vehicle was shaking abnormally, and the vehicle failed to exceed 30 mph. The vehicle was driven to a nearby parking lot. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic to be inspected. The contact was informed that the engine was covered in engine oil. The contact stated that the vehicle had recently received an oil change. The contact was advised to have the vehicle towed to the dealer. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with fractured bearings and engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine and the bearings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 23v751000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.

Our 2016 Acura Mdx sh-awd has the exact same engine problem/damage caused by the connecting rod bearing recall. Our vehicle displayed the exact symptoms described by countless other Mdx owners including owners who have vehicles both on & not included on the current recall list.

While driving southbound on I-5 from san francisco to anaheim, the vehicle began making rattling and squeaking noises from the engine compartment. Within minutes, multiple warning systems activated, including alerts for power steering, brake system, abs, and other critical components. The vehicle quickly lost power and could no longer shift gears. We were forced to exit the highway near kettleman city, but the engine completely shut off as we were exiting. Brake pressure was lost, and the vehicle could not be stopped using the primary braking system. We had to use the emergency brake to avoid a collision. The vehicle was towed by roadside assistance to a dealership for inspection. The dealer confirmed that the engine had spun a connecting rod bearing in cylinders #3 and #4, which caused piston damage and full engine seizure. The service department acknowledged this failure matched a known recall (recall no. 23v-751), but stated the vehicle was not eligible for repair due to its VIN not being listed. Despite this, the failure is identical in cause and outcome to those covered by the recall and poses the same safety risks.

The contact owns a 2016 Acura Mdx. The contact stated while driving 65 mph, the contact felt a big bang with an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle then stalled. The contact inspected the vehicle and observed a liquid pouring out from the engine compartment onto the ground. The vehicle was not able to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 92,380.

Driving up a hill, new knocking noise, car lost engine power, steered the car to the curb and turned engine off. Got car towed to mechanic, ultimately diagnosed as connecting rod bearing failure at cylinder 1. No noted leaks nor other issues at engine nor transmission, this appeared to be defect of the connect rod itself.

I purchased a used 2016 Acura Mdx and shortly afterward began experiencing a rhythmic metallic knocking noise under load, particularly at low rpms (e. G. , accelerating in low gears or when the engine is bogged). The noise is not present at idle or during coasting, and it closely matches the symptoms described in recall 21v-215, which affects certain 2016–2018 Acura/Honda models for premature connecting rod bearing wear. However, my vehicle’s VIN is not included in the existing recall. I purchased a used 2016 Acura Mdx and shortly afterward began experiencing a rhythmic metallic knocking noise under load, particularly at low rpms (e. G. , accelerating in low gears or when the engine is bogged). The noise is not present at idle or during coasting, and it closely matches the symptoms described in recall 21v-215, which affects certain 2016–2018 Acura/Honda models for premature connecting rod bearing wear. However, my vehicle’s VIN is not included in the existing recall. This vehicle has received on-time oil changes using high-quality synthetic oil, and I have taken care to immediately investigate any new or unusual noises. The knock has persisted across multiple oil changes and several thousand miles without worsening, but recently I noticed metallic sparkles in the used oil—potential signs of rod bearing wear. There has been no check engine light, but based on the symptom pattern, operating conditions, and consistency with the defect description in recall 21v-215, I believe this vehicle may be experiencing the same issue and is simply outside the current recall range. I am submitting this report in support of the ongoing recall query (rq) into whether Honda failed to include all affected vins. This appears to be the same failure mode as those already recalled, and it presents a serious long-term risk to engine safety and reliability.

***this is a resubmit with corrected information*** I purchased a used 2016 Acura Mdx from a family member, and shortly afterward began experiencing a rhythmic metallic knocking noise under load, particularly at low rpms (e. G. , accelerating in low gears or when the engine is bogged). The noise is not present at idle or during coasting, and it closely matches the symptoms described in recall 23v-751, which addresses premature connecting rod bearing wear that may lead to engine failure in certain Honda and Acura vehicles. However, my vehicle’s VIN is not included in the existing recall. The knocking has persisted across several thousand miles and multiple oil changes. I recently inspected the drained oil and found metallic sparkles/particles, which may indicate active bearing wear. There has been no check engine light, and the vehicle has received on-time oil changes using high-quality synthetic oil, with immediate mechanical inspection when the noise first appeared. I know for certain the previous owner maintained the vehicle properly, as he is a family member and I occasionally helped with maintenance myself. Based on the symptom pattern, operating conditions, and consistency with the failure mode described in 23v-751, I believe this vehicle may be affected by the same underlying defect, but is excluded due to an overly narrow recall scope. I am submitting this complaint in support of recall query rq24-013, which is currently under review to determine whether Honda failed to include all affected vehicles. I am concerned this poses a long-term safety and reliability risk, and that vehicles like mine are being improperly excluded from coverage. It is available for inspection. I am deeply concerned for my significant other to drive my vehicle in any capacity, and myself as well. I have videos as well. Please reach out if you need them because the bearing has not spun out yet.

The vehicle frequently experiences problems while idling at red lights or stop signs. Specifically, the engine suddenly shuts off after displaying a message that "idle mode is unavailable. " this has occurred multiple times, and on five separate occasions, the vehicle became completely immobile, requiring towing to the nearest mechanic. Initially, I had the flywheel and starter motor replaced, which cost me approximately $5,000. However, just three months later, the same issue reappeared. Most recently, while driving home from work, the idle mode failed again at a stop sign, and the engine stopped running. I contacted Acura/Honda regarding this issue, but they informed me that it is not their responsibility. At this point, I am unsure how to proceed or where to seek a reliable fix, and I am concerned about the safety implications of this recurring failure.

Engine shut off due to rod bearing failure.

This specific vehicle has an issue with the starter and flywheel breaking up for no reason. After being replaced twice, they were broken again in three months. The suspension has also been broken many times, and even after replacing the entire four sides, it still did not fix the problem. It also produces a rubber smell when driven over than 1 hour non stop.

We have a 2016 Acura Mdx. The connecting rod bearing caused the engine to be damaged, resulting in a knocking noise, and decreased engine output. This resulted in the engine needing to be replaced. The reason for the engine failures was the exact issue in NHTSA recall 23v-751. While our vehicle is the same year, make and model of the recall, we are being told that because our manufactured date falls a few months outside of this recall, Honda will not pay for the repairs. We therefore had to pay for the repairs out of pocket in the amount of $6,170. 59. We are asking the NHTSA to expand the recall as this failure obviously occurred outside the previously issued recall window.

I drive a 2016 Acura Mdx, with less than 80k mileage. My car has an idle stop feature which was not working and I was having trouble starting my car in the mornings when it was cold. I assumed the battery was getting low, replaced to a new battery and the idle stop began working again momentarily. However, after coming to a stop and the idle stop feature engages, the vehicle was not always automatically restarting. More than once a day it turns off engine as intended with idle stop, but then my car shifts into neutral and the engine fully dies. I'm left at stop lights or stop signs with a car that is off and will not restart. The last instance I was almost hit by a car when the light turned green and I could not drive forward. I have to shift into park, turn the on/off button, press my foot on the brake and push on/off button 2-3 times to get the car to start back up. All of this on a battery that’s less than a week old. More often then not the idle stop is not working at all. I’m left with a message on my dashboard “auto engine idle stop unavailable. ” my VIN was not listed under the Acura sb to “update the pgm-fi software that may affect the idle stop operation and starter under certain conditions. ”.

My Acura Mdx 2016 has always had oil changes on time . Also only 93 octane gas . Online there are 100’s of people complaining about my issue which there is a recall for same year make and model but my VIN is not included. The recall is for rod knock , and this is what I’m experiencing right now out of nowhere. And Acura will not own up to it very upset . This is a very dangerous situation that can cause an accident with my family in the vehicle . Do to engine lock up .

Due to a manufacturing defect of the engine crankshaft, the connecting rod bearing prematurely wore and could seize. This is a recall for 2016 Mdx v6 engines, my VIN is not included for some reason.

My Acura Mdx 2016, when stopped in traffic or at a red light will randomly shut down or switch to neutral. It started 2-3 years back. This has happened frequently last few months. Last time I was stuck in the exit of a parking garage blocking the exit. After around 20-30 mins the car decided to start on its own. I took the car directly to a dealer who found no issues with the car. I had the battery replaced recently with a new battery upon searching the internet, I found this link where each person is describing the same issue [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

My vehicle is showing the exact same symptoms that the 2016-2018 Mdx fuel pump recall is stating but my VIN number is not part of the vehicles being recalled. I reached out to Acura relations and unfortunately, they cannot provide authorization to repair my fuel pump even though my vehicle falls under the same years that this model is being recalled for. I went to an independent shop to try and understand what the problem with my vehicle is and I was told that the high pressure fuel pump seems to be failing and was asked why I have not taken the vehicle to the dealership for the fuel pump recall. Due to this issue I am unable to properly use my vehicle. If I step on the accelerator too hard, the vehicle gets engine misfires and immediately goes on limp mode.

The engine light came on more than 12 times in the past 3 months. I tried to have the dealer check, but they found nothing. Then the light started to of on and off every time I drive in the rain.

Recall 23v-751 affecting certain or maybe all 2016 Acura Mdx sh-awd connecting rod bearing failure. The vehicle came to a sudden stop on the freeway after a loud terrible sound from the engine. This left my wife and child on a freeway exit ramp with no way to navigate the car to safety. The vehicle won't start, it makes a terrible clanging noise and stops. It has a seized connecting rod bearing and now a broken connecting rod and several holes punched from the broken rod. It was immediately towed to an Acura service center where it was confirmed. Recall 23v-751 described this failure exactly yet my car VIN is not included in the recall even though it is clearly affected by that recall. Acura client relations refused to add the VIN even after saying they would if the problem was confirmed by an Acura service technician which it was but they refuse to add the VIN and repair the SUV.

“emissions system problem” warning light has lit up on dashboard twice. This was checked and found to be a faulty code both times however, the second time it occurred, it correlated with the sway bars needing to be replaced.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? the motor's rod bearing spun. It is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? the failure could have created enough friction between the bearing sleeve, rod and/or journal bearing to seize the motor and the drivetrain while driving. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? yes the vehicle was taken to the Acura dealership to be inspected, diagnosed and repaired. There is a recall for the same year, make and model but my vehicle's VIN is not included in the recall. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? the vehicle has only been inspected by the Acura dealership. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? there was a check engine light that produced code p0430 (catalyst system efficiency below threshold bank 2) and p0306 (cylinder 6 misfire detected). The vehicle had a loss of power and troubles accelerating under load. The first time the problem was noticed was January 18th, 2025.

Loud clicking sound, engine light blinking, car was shaking horribly almost caused an accident.

The contact owns a 2016 Acura Mdx. The contact stated while driving 20 mph, there was a loud knock sound coming from the engine compartment, and afterwards the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the connecting rod bearing in cylinder #3. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 23v751000 (engine and engine cooling); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a claim was opened; however, the claim was later denied. The failure mileage was 122,000.

I was driving down the road & without any warnings my car suddenly loss power. Engine started a really bad knocking sound then stalled out , took to certified mechanic and he told me I need a new engine. Prior to this there were no boarding likes or issues related to the car.

Engine knocking noise, irritable shaking while on road, dangerous driving conditions. Engine failed and diagnosed at Acura dealership as failing bearings and connector rod. This issue is under investigation NHTSA action number: rq24013 and I am currently being forced to pay out of pocket for the repair amounting to several thousand dollars. Acura needs to recall these engines now and get it fixed. This driving condition is extremely unsafe, the entire car shakes uncontrollably. This car was bought brand new from dealership by myself. 1 owner. Always serviced at Acura or Honda dealerships.

I have a 2016 Acura Mdx with only 120,000 miles on it. Recently I started hearing a knock coming from the engine. I have taken it to three different mechanics, including an Acura dealership mechanic. I was informed by all three to not drive the car due to the fact that it was a rod bearing defect/problem. They all commented that I was lucky that it had not thrown a rod or I could have been injured or possibly had my engine freeze up while driving injuring myself or someone else. After some thorough investigation/research, I have been informed that my make and model has been recalled for the same issue, unfortunately, my VIN number is not included in the recall for whatever reason.

While driving on an interstate highway at 73 mph, under cruise control, at night, as the road started to incline up a hill my vehicle started losing power. The highway is two lanes each way, and I was in the left-hand lane passing a slower vehicle that was in the right-hand lane. There were cars behind me in my lane. When my car started losing power, the check-engine light came on along with some other indicators. I attempted to maintain speed by depressing the accelerator, but the car continued to slow down. It was nighttime when this happened, on a pitch-black highway that had been freshly paved. I was able to finally get behind the car I had been attempting to pass and was then able to get into the emergency lane and stop. My car was making a ticking noise. I turned off the car, opened the hood, but it all looked fine. I looked under the car - there were no fluids running out of the car. I checked the oil, and it was at the full mark on the dipstick - I had changed the oil about 1000 miles prior to this event. When I took the car to a local Acura dealer, they told me that the noise I was hearing was "rod knock", and that it would cost about $8000 to repair by purchasing a short block and having them install it. When I started researching the issue I learned that some 2016 Acura Mdxs have a known issue of incorrect rod bearing size, but that my vehicle is excluded because it was evidently manufactured before a certain date. My car has only 125,116 miles on it. It is maintained meticulously. Please investigate.

Problem started with check engine light coming on, then going off, then coming on again followed by what seemed like all system failure lights getting reported. A clicking/rattling started to be heard in the engine. When driving the vehicle to the dealer to get it inspected the vehicle engine cut out while cruising at 45 mph. I was able to roll to a stop on the side of the road luckily, it would not start and needed a tow to a more local related dealer (Honda) repair. Honda repair did not move past reading the codes, so I transported the vehicle via a service to the nearest Acura dealer, where they diagnosed the internal rod problem, with the fix being a replacement engine. The vehicle remains at this Acura dealer service.

The car suddenly shut off when I was on the red light wit the idle stop.

Driving on interstate 80, car began to make a loud noise, began to lose power and smoke was pouring out of the engine. No check engine lights came on. Pulled over immediately and turned off engine, and smoking continued. Car was in a unsafe location and we had to wait an hour with traffic very close for a tow truck. Large quantities of oil leaked out of the engine. Car was towed to niello Acura in roseville CA. They diagnosed catastrophic engine failure. Large hole in oil pan and wrist pin found lodged between a/c compressor bracket and engine block. Wrist pin secures teh piston to the connecting rod (there is a recall on Acura Mdx's for this but my car was not included) needs new engine. All maintenance was up to date. 78k miles on the engine, had just been serviced at 75k. Purchased at 18k as a certified used vehicle.