Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of Acura MDX - part 1

My 2025 Acura Mdx (under 10,000 miles) has failed to restart after the automatic idle stop engaged at stoplights and drive-thru lines at least 7 separate times. When I release the brake, the engine often remains off and the vehicle will not move, leaving me stopped in traffic. I have not yet required a jump start, but on several occasions the vehicle came very close to not restarting at all. This most recently occurred at a sandwich shop drive-thru. These incidents occurred in normal drive mode and in normal weather conditions. No abnormal driving conditions were present when the failures happened. Other owners online report the same problem, with some needing to carry jumper cables. I believe this is a serious safety risk because the vehicle can stall unexpectedly in intersections and traffic when the auto stop-start system activates. I am now concerned about relying on this vehicle in traffic because I cannot trust it to restart when stopped.

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While driving at highway speed, the vehicle suddenly lost the ability to accelerate. Immediately prior to this, the vehicle was making an abnormal engine noise, which continued until the failure. "drive" light turned off and the "neutral" turned on its own. I tried to get it to shift back to "drive" and it wouldn't. I pulled off to the side of the highway. The engine stalled and the vehicle would not restart. The vehicle was towed from the highway and we were told to have it towed to Acura dealer in the morning. This incident occurred while recall 23v-751 (engine connecting rod bearing defect) was open and incomplete.

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Auto idle stop/auto start-stop issue- on multiple occasions, occurring randomly, the vehicle will not start at stoplights after auto-idle stop is engaged. Sometimes this happens after the vehicle has been running for over an hour. Currently, the vehicle must be completely powered down and then restarted to revive engine.

I had a recall done by local Acura dealer, miami doral Acura, where they replaced parts that connected the engine to the car, they are like rods. I recently took the car to a mechanic because I needed to change the timing belt components and he advised me that one of the rods that were replaced failed. This means that the engine was attached by only one rod, the other rod was cut, not connected. I called Acura today reporting the issue with the recall, they gave me a case number 16125924, advising me that some one would get back to me. The same mechanic also advised me that the high pressure fuel pump was not working properly and that my car could stall while driving it and he advised that it would be dangerous to drive it without replacing it. The part he quoted me was around $700. I looked for recalls for this car with this fuel pump issue and found that Acura only recalled some VIN numbers and my car is not one of the VIN numbers recalled. I believe Acura has not recalled all cars involved with the pressure pump. I find it hard to believe that they are not aware of this issue affecting more of the 2018 Mdx model. The recall with the rods failed just a year after they replaced them. I had the rod recall done in 1/25. I cannot drive the car until I have the mechanic replace the high pressure fuel pump and fix the problem with the engine rod recall. Acura needs to be heal accountable and compensate owners that are dealing with the same issue I am.

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I was at a red light with the idle stop automatically triggered. When the light turned green, and I pressed the accelerate pedal, the car would not move. I looked and saw the car had shifted itself to n (neutral) when it should have stayed at d (drive). I pressed the "d" button to drive but it stayed in n. There was a green light around the n button indicating the selected button. I had to turn off the car, turn on the car two times before the car recognized I wanted to press the "d" button. The screen by the steering wheel had some sort of message but I don't recall what it said. The word "accessory" might have been part of the message. This is absolutely a safety risk for myself and others. I had cars behind me at the green light honking. I had to turn on the hazard lights and wave to them out the window. If the driver before me did not pay attention, they could have hit me. This is the second time this has happened.

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Car started to accelerate randomly and 2 seperate occasions while driving, car started to decelerate / brake randomly while driving.

When stopped at a red light on a busy off ramp to a busy highway, the car's engine idle function turned the engine off (as anticipated), but then upon releasing the brake, the car did not turn on. I was stalled in the middle of traffic, which is a significant safety issue. I had to turn the car completely off, wait a few seconds, and turn back on. This car is marketing for families with its third row and stalls when stopped. There are numerous reports of this on online forums.

The engine failed and Acura tech said it was connecting rod failure. There is a safety recall from Acura 23-036 and an investigation by NHTSA # rq24013. Acura stated my VIN is not part of the recall although it's the same issue.

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Our 2017 Acura Mdx has developed a crank rod bearing knock. Fox Acura in grand rapids, michigan, has advised that our vehicle’s VIN is not included in service bulletin 23 036 concerning connecting rod bearing failure, despite evidence that similar failures have occurred in Acura 3. 5 liter engines outside the bulletin’s listed VIN range. I intend to submit a safety complaint to the ntsb regarding this issue. Fox Acura has recommended a full engine replacement. I respectfully request that Acura expand the scope of the service bulletin to include our vehicle and provide coverage for the recommended repair.

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I was merging onto the interstate from another interstate when my car suddenly became limp and would not accelerate. I had zero warning there was anything wrong with my car, only 67,150 miles. I had to coast to the side of the road and it wasn't driveable. I was forced to have it towed to Acura to find out it's a rocker arm oil pressure switch that apparently goes out after 60,000-100,000 miles. Without warning, this is a huge safety issue. There should be a backup switch and notification to get it to a dealer. I had 3 kids in the car, traveling 65 when it suddenly decided to stop accelerating. Zero warning. It was terrifying. I could have been hit by another car on the interstate, with 3 kids in the car, zero warning to cars behind me that my speed went from 65 to almost nothing instantly. I've always owned Honda cars and this is the first vehicle I've ever had this happen in. Dealership confirmed it was a faulty switch, nothing to do with low oil, dirty oil and I have that in writing. Acrua/Honda should figure out how to alert users that there is an issue before there is an issue. Or put this on the maintenance schedule because I'm terrified to drive this car now. Or how will I know if it's ready to do it again. Again, some type of backup switch that works for a bit until you can get it to dealer. I had to be towed to dealer. Kids had to be picked up. All things that could have been avoided if Honda did a better job.

Hello, I am writing to report that my 2017 vehicle is experiencing the same issue that was subject to a recall on the 2016 models. Despite the recall being associated with the 2016 year, my 2017 vehicle is showing identical symptoms and concerns. This raises serious questions about safety, reliability, and whether this issue extends beyond the originally recalled model year. I would like this concern formally documented and request a review of my vehicle to determine whether it qualifies for repair, inspection, or coverage related to the prior recall. Please advise on the next steps and whether this issue has been reported or addressed for 2017 models. Vehicle details: year: 2017 I appreciate your prompt attention to this matter and look forward to your response. Sincerely, [xxx] if I get killed me or my [xxx] son, you all will be responsible. You made these faulty vehicles. [xxx] I'm have to get a lawyer involved if issues are not addressed. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Nhtsa incident report vehicle: 2016 Acura Mdx date of incident: [xxx] location: oregon (oregon coast to portland) mileage: 110, xxx incident: during a 60-mile road trip, the vehicle unexpectedly shut off and shifted into neutral. The car coasted safely to a stop. Earlier, we had noticed a slight knocking sound when starting the engine, but no other issues were present. A tow truck attempted to jump-start the vehicle without success. Ron tonkin Acura later confirmed engine failure. The vehicle has been regularly maintained, with documentation, and had no prior engine problems. Acura has stated that this failure is not part of their rod bearing recall. No warning lights appeared before or during the incident. Safety concern: the sudden engine shutdown created a serious safety risk while driving. Requested action: investigation into potential defect causing unexpected engine shutdown in the 2016 Acura Mdx. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

I was at a red light. My auto idle kicked in. I went to turn it off and either simultaneously or right before I hit the idle off button my car stalled. It took several attempts to turn back on and a bunch of codes threw. I almost got rear ended. This is a known problem. Ive contacted Acura / Honda via email as well.

On December 4th I noticed a rattling sound when I was driving. It worsened when my car would rev above 2rpms and before shifting. It also would make a terrible grinding sound when I started the car. I had about 1/4 of a tank of gas and thought that maybe that was part of the issue. After filling up, the sound was not as loud, but was still present when I started the car and upon accelerating. I took my car to my Acura dealership on December 5th. Within an hour of having the car they called to tell me that the engine needed to be replaced due to a connecting rod failure. They told me that the car is no longer safe to drive and that the repairs would be required in order to continue to use the vehicle safely. There was no warning sign. My only other concern is that the downshifters of this vehicle have never worked properly. I have mentioned this to the dealership multiple times and even drove the vehicle with their representative to recreate the issue. The car would accelerate and lurch forward upon utilizing the downshift feature. This would also cause the vehicle to over-rev which I am concerned was problematic to the connecting rod failure. Additionally, the vehicle has always made a grinding noise upon starting the engine, but the dealership assured me this was normal. Acura is unwilling to cover the full cost of replacement even though this vehicle has been maintained per the manufacturer's recommendations. There are approximately 90,000 miles on this vehicle.

This has happend twice in the past 2 months, I came to a red light and the auto stop/start engaged automatically. When the light turned green and the vehicle was supposed to engage it turned off completely, all lights on the dash came on and it and wouldn't restart. Had to open the drivers side door and try to restart the vehicle, it restarted after a few tries. Very dangerous intersection I was stuck in. I have informed Acura of both occasions, they tested the battery cells and confirmed the battery was okay, was told this is a "known" issue with no resolve.

Since the purchase of my Acura Mdx 2019, the following problems have been reported to the dealership and to Honda manufacturing inc. Without any resolution. The dealer shop has replaced recall parts, but the problems persist and have not gone away. The vehicle stalls and stops working while driving. The engine makes knocking/rattling noises upon becoming disabled while driving. The engine would randomly not start when turning it on. When car becomes disabled the dashboard lights up warning lights displaying messages intermittently of the following problems: anti-lock brake system problem (abs), vehicle stability assist (vsa), hill start assist, trailer stability assist, collision mitigation system, road departure mitigation system, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, brake system, brake hold system, electric parking brake, sh-awd, keyless start system and power steering system (eps) problems, while displaying acc and lwks codes. Additionally, the vehicle runs improperly and shuts down completely making the window, doors, etc, inoperable while passengers are inside locking me in and my entire family for long periods of time. A few times has left me either myself or with my children and dog inside. The only place where I take my car for services is where I purchased it (chevy chase Acura). The issues noted are the same reported by the recalls I have received, and I have not taken it somewhere else because of that reason. Nobody can fix them as the problems are manufacturing issues that even Acura/Honda cannot repair. This safety defect can kill or seriously injure me, my passengers, and other drivers on the road. As noted in one of the many recalls the fuel pump defect can cause the vehicle to stop in the highway and could prevent an engine from starting or cause a vehicle to stall while being driven, it potentially increases the risk of a fire, crash, or injury. My car continues to have these issues and nobody is helping me. Please help!.

The idle-stop function would frequently malfunction. I would be at a stop, which would trigger the idle-stop function and the car would turn off, but when I released my foot off the break in preparation for needing to start moving, the car would stall and shut completely off. There was about a five second delay before I could get the car to turn back on and start moving, which was very scary with traffic all around me. After the malfunction occurred several times, I would try to remember to turn off the idle-stop function using dynamic mode. I called my local Acura dealership about this problem and the service manager said that he wasn’t sure what was wrong nor did he know how to fix it. He advised me to just wait and hope that Acura issues a recall for the issue. Then, I started noticing that there was a delay in my vehicle starting when pressing the start button. It wasn’t too long of a delay but enough for me to notice. Since the car would ultimately start, I didn’t think too much about it, until my car failed to turn on. It has happened when I turn off my car but then need to turn it back on soon after turning it off. I’ll press the start button and the lights on the dash come on and I can hear the engine trying to turn on but it doesn’t. The engine won’t crank up. I have to let it sit for a few seconds (30 sec?) and then try to turn it on again, at which time I have been lucky that it will turn on, but the initial start-up sounds like a struggle. It doesn’t sound like a healthy start up for 2025 vehicle.

I was driving my Acura Mdx(2016 7900 miles) on a multi-lane highway, the vehicle experienced a sudden and significant loss of engine power without prior warning. This occurred during normal traffic conditions and reduced the vehicle’s ability to accelerate and maintain speed, creating a safety risk for my family and surrounding vehicles. After the loss of power, a rattling/knocking noise from the engine became apparent. A check engine light appeared after the initial event which later went away. The vehicle was first inspected by an authorized dealer, who recommended replacement of spark plugs and later a timing belt as part of the diagnostic process. These actions did not address the underlying issue. The vehicle was subsequently inspected by an independent repair facility. The independent mechanic confirmed internal engine damage by finding metal shavings in the oil and diagnosed rod bearing failure, requiring complete engine replacement. The failed engine is available for inspection upon request. The independent mechanic also referenced an Acura/Honda technical service bulletin related to rod bearing failures affecting similar engines and model years. The vehicle has been routinely serviced at authorized Acura dealerships, including regular oil changes, prior to the failure. No external damage, misuse, or lack of maintenance was identified during the inspection by the dealership. The issue was later inspected by the manufacturer’s authorized dealer. The manufacturer declined assistance, stating the failure was not considered a defect. There were no warning lamps, messages, or noticeable symptoms prior to the initial loss of power.

?on November 28th at 10:00 am, my 2016 Acura Mdx suffered a catastrophic and sudden engine failure that resulted in a total loss of motive power. I was driving on scott boulevard in santa clara, just after exiting the central expressway. ?I first heard a loud metallic noise, and the engine immediately seized and shut down. The vehicle started slowing rapidly on a busy street, creating a life-threatening safety hazard for myself and other drivers. The car spontaneously shifted into park and it was difficult to manually shift into neutral for towing. Thankfully, no accident occurred. ?the failure is due to a connecting rod bearing failure and engine seizure. This is the identical safety-related manufacturing defect acknowledged in safety recall 23v-751 and is currently the subject of the ongoing NHTSA preliminary evaluation (pe25008), which covers the same 3. 5l v6 engine in vehicles outside the original recall, including the 2016 Mdx. I feel responsible to report the incident to NHTSA to take precautions on the matter. Regards, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

My 2017 Acura Mdx has an engine failure due to connecting rod bearing seizure in the 3. 5l v6 engine. Recall 23v-751 covered model year 2016-2020 Acura Mdx vehicles and mine is a 2017. But, my VIN is not in Honda's recall range. The odi had apparently received 414 reports of connecting rod bearing failures in the 3. 5l v6 engine that are outside of 23v-751. There is now an odi resume with number pe25008. See the two linked pdf documents below. [xxx] [xxx] the Acura dealer said that this is definitely the same problem they have seen on vehicles under the recall range. In their computer system where it says "cause" they wrote "cylinder 6 spun causing the knocking noise. Excessive material in oil pan. If under the rod recall, it would need a long block. " I have a screenshot of this if you would like it. My service representative at the dealership texted me the following "the engineer from Acura was here today and our district manager - the engineer said they will not be expanding the recall on the Acura side. Just thought I'd let you know. " I have this text message if you would like a screenshot of it. So, it sounds like Acura will not voluntarily expand the recall. This is going to cost me about $12k to fix. Is the NHTSA odi investigation still ongoing? when will I know if the VIN range will be expanded as I would like to get reimbursed by Acura for these repairs. Thanks, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

I want to say that the engine or transmission is faulty. Sometimes while at a complete stop, the car will not advance and tries to stall or lose power. It takes about 2 or 3 seconds to finally go after I push the accelerator pedal almost 3/4 throttle. No it has not been reproduced at the dealer. I took it may of 2024 for the engine recall repair. They said that the repairs should fix the problem but it has maybe even worsened. No warning lamps appear when the problems happen.

I was driving on the interstate when suddenly the check engine light began to flash and the car lost power. I was traveling at 70 mph and the sudden loss of power caused the vehicles behind me to move into the other lane to prevent rear ending me. While there was no accident, there could have been if the other drivers were not reactive. There was no advanced warning. This could have been deadly for me and my family. I was several miles from home and needed to have the vehicle towed to a mechanic who stated it sounded like a rod bearing and suggested we take it to an Acura dealer. We are yet to have a resolution.

When at a complete stop at a stop light or stop sign and ready to press the gas to accelerate, there’s a delay for the car to even start moving. It doesn’t want to go when pressed on. Which can cause the person behind me to hit the back of the car. It nearly came to that. There’s sudden fast movement when accelerating to get the car to move forward. It’s been happening numerous times where the gas pedal isn’t recognizing the acceleration part. I’ve read plenty forums about this issue with this vehicle and still not enough complaints for a recall? can we look into this as this is a safety issue. The car won’t accelerate when you want it to.

The Mdx drove perfectly until out of sudden there as a stall, knocking and ticking sound in the engine. It is diagnosed with the connecting rod failure and needs a new engine replacement. The car was well and regularly maintained with oil changes and services as recommended. The following codes were pulled from the ecm: code p0301, p32638.

The contact owns a 2016 Acura Mdx. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 mph, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. There were no warning lights available. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with a fractured connecting rod bearing, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.

The start/stop switch stalls the vehicle and will not restart after several tries for up to 5 minutes. We get a message during this time to "continue to drive, depress brake pedal and push switch" and even after then it still will not start for several tries. This has happened several times. One time my wife was on a heavily traveled two lane farm road at a four-way stop and it did it and was almost hit by 18 wheelers trying to navigate around her. This was not only a safety issue for her but also those trying to get around her with all the traffic coming in all direction. Took back to the dealer but it did not do it while they tried to recreate the issue. No warnings prior to the issue of dying and not re-starting. This was the latest occurrence, it had happened a couple of times before.

See all problems of the 2024 Acura MDX 🔎.

My 2020 model Acura Mdx is experiencing unexpected engine shutdowns while braking during motion. The issue has been reported multiple times to the vehicle manufacturer and their authorized dealers; however, their responses have been consistently unhelpful and have not resolved the problem. I currently have an open complaint with american Honda motor CO. , inc. Since December 2023 case number: 14329512 additionally, I have found numerous reports online from other owners of the same model experiencing the same issue, as documented here: ?? 2020 Acura Mdx engine complaints – carcomplaints. Com this recurring malfunction presents a serious safety risk, especially in moderate traffic conditions, where sudden engine failure during braking could lead to collisions or injuries.

I have a 2016 Acura Mdx with 87,000 miles that has bad rod knock. Service bulletin 23-036 talks about it. Even though my Mdx's VIN is not listed in the recall, I am having the exact same problem the recall is supposed to be for. I feel this recall should be expanded to cover my vehicle as it is listed in several places that the recall is for all 2016 Acura Mdx's which is what my vehicle is. ------------------------ subject: safety recall: 2015–20 multi-model connecting rod bearing stop sale. Affected vehicles: certain 2015–2020 Acura tlx v6 and 2016–2020 Acura Mdx models. Cause: a manufacturing defect in the crankshaft can lead to connecting rod bearing wear due to lack of lubrication and excessive heat, potentially causing engine damage and failure. Action: the bulletin initiates a stop-sale order for affected vehicles and provides instructions for inspection and repair, which may include replacing the connecting rod bearings, crankshaft, or short/long block. Status: the bulletin has been revised. Version 1 was issued on November 9, 2023, and was replaced by version 2 on February 9, 2024. Parts availability: parts and repair kits became available in early 2024, with repairs being prioritized for vehicles showing symptoms like engine rod knock or stalling.

Started hearing a "knocking" sound from the engine compartment, whose frequency clearly was proportional to engine rpm. Took vehicle to local trusted mechanic who diagnosed that it was likely related to known crankshaft bearing issue, which is the subject of a widespread recall on Acura vehicles. Found that the vehicle does not fall within the recall window. Sent vehicle by tow truck to nearest dealer who confirmed diagnosis. They claim poor maintenance, but all required maintenance, and definitely all engine oil changes were completed at required intervals with proper fluids and filters. Since dealer is 60 miles away, most maintenance was done with local trusted mechanic, although some oil changes were done personally or at a quick lube service. The vehicle is a 2016 model year, consistent with the model years affected by the known defect and recall. Dealer is advising that a new engine is required. There is no reason a properly maintained vehicle with only 150,000 miles should have a failed engine.

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When car is started, attempting to slowly accelerate in reverse or forward you will experience a loss of drive power, transmission does nothing. Then all of a sudden transmission responds and you lurch forward or reverse. Very unsafe situation. Other cars not sure if your moving or stationary.

I purchased a 2016 Acura Mdx during the summer of 2025. I am the second owner. In November 2025, the engine starting experiencing engine knock later to be confirmed as rod bearing knock. This vehicle if a 2016 Mdx and the manufacturing date is October 2015. There is a rod bearing recall for 2016 Mdx's however, my VIN is not included in this recall which is ludicrous as it is experiencing the same issues as the recall with only 80,000 miles on the engine. I urge you to widen the recall to include 2015 Mdx vehicles as there is no way this Acura Mdx should be experiencing rod bearing issues on a well taken care of vehicle.

2025 Acura Mdx aspec advanced - experienced 3 instances of failure to restart after engine idle shutoff or normal shutoff. Periodically starting the vehicle makes a buzzing or resistance type of sound, but usually will start. 1) 8/8/2025 returning from shopping turned off vehicle in driveway to open hatch to unload items. Upon re-entering the vehicle (~5 mins) the push start failed to start - engine sounded sluggish first attempt and failed to start. Subsequent button presses just made a clicking sound. Had to fully turn off vehicle and back on and it started. 2) 10/10/2025 returning from a wedding and getting off the expressway to a traffic light the auto stop/idle stop turned off the engine. Once the light turned green the vehicle failed to restart multiple times. Had to fully turn off vehicle and back on to get it to start 3) 10/30/2025 after parking for shopping, upon returning to the vehicle it failed to start from off. Any subsequent repress of the start button would make a click and starter failed to engage. After turning off vehicle and back on it started vehicle was taken to dealership and notified of issues - they checked the battery and it was fine, no trouble found.

When the auto idle stop system is enabled my Acura will shut down completely when the vehicle comes to a complete stop and the idle stop system will not reengage as it should when your foot comes off the brake and the car shuts completely off and goes into park. This has happened 3 times, the last one occurring on a very busy highway, and I'm thankful I wasn't rear ended by the car behind me. Traffic had to go around me which caused quite a hazard pulling out into a fast moving lane. It finally responded, restarted and I was able to move forward. It was taken into the dealership and they weren't able to recreate the occurrence for the short time that they had it (one week). There was no warning prior to failure. I have called Acura client relations and they turned it over to their management team, gave me a case number and I haven't heard from them as of this complaint. Reading your website I see many others having and reporting this same dangerous experience with their 2025 Acura Mdx.

The contact owns a 2017 Acura Mdx. The contact stated that the dealer recommended that the timing belt be replaced. After the timing belt was replaced, there was a ticking sound coming from the vehicle while being started. The sound occurred while driving at various speeds or while the vehicle was idling. The check engine warning light was illuminated while driving approximately 60 mph. The contact pulled over, turned off, and restarted the vehicle, and the warning light was no longer illuminated. The vehicle was returned to the dealer, who diagnosed that the short block, bearings, and the oil pan needed to be replaced. The dealer recommended that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact learned of NHTSA campaign number: 23v751000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.