Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of Acura MDX - part 2

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.

See all problems of the 2016 Acura MDX 🔎.

At 101,841 miles, noticed ticking coming from the engine as it was idling. Acura of limerick dealership diagnosed the issue coming from the bottom of the engine as a rod knock. They feel the problem is internal to the engine and suggest replacing the engine at my, I the owner's cost. After reviewing blogs and information on recalls on the internet, this issue seems in line with other rod bearing issues with this 3. 5l v6 engine. But my VIN is not identified as having the recall issue? this seems incorrect as my VIN should be covered as it seems to be the same problem.

See all problems of the 2020 Acura MDX 🔎.

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.

Unknown.

See all problems of the 2011 Acura MDX 🔎.

The contact owns a 2017 Acura Mdx. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 23v751000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.

See all problems of the 2017 Acura MDX 🔎.

While driving at freeway speeds (70–85 mph), I experience a sudden and complete loss of acceleration when pressing the gas pedal fully. The vehicle stops responding to throttle input entirely for 1–2 seconds. To regain power, I must take my foot off the pedal for a moment and then press it again. This has happened multiple times and presents a severe safety hazard when merging, passing, or trying to avoid collisions. •frequency & reproducibility: this has occurred at least 3 times over the past year, under similar conditions. It is intermittent, but consistently happens during high-speed acceleration. •dealership response: I’ve reported the issue to the dealership, but they claim they cannot replicate the problem and do not consider it a concern. No resolution or inspection has been offered beyond a basic check. •why it’s dangerous: this issue could lead to a deadly accident if I’m unable to accelerate in time to avoid a crash. It creates a sudden and unexpected loss of control at highway speeds.

See all problems of the 2018 Acura MDX 🔎.

My car has been going into neutral when in the autostop. The only way to get out of it is to turn it off and back on. It's incredibly dangerous. I almost got into a horrible accident. It happens suddenly and without warning.

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.

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.

The contact owns a 2017 Acura Mdx. The contact stated that while driving 25 mph, there an abnormal sound coming from the engine. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the connecting rod bearing, resulting in damages to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that three years prior the vehicle was diagnosed with connecting road bearing failure. The vehicle was under warranty and the engine was replaced. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 23v751000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

Vehicle will suddenly shut the engine off and shift into park, even when the auto engine shut off is not active. Typically happens when stopped at a stop light. You will feel the engine shut off, and the car shift into park. It is very scary and unsafe. It has also caused the vehicle to shut off and shift into neutral while it was moving, and the vehicle gave a transmission warning. It sounds very similar to NHTSA recall 25v-031, however, my vehicle was not included in the recall as it is not a type s. I took it to the dealership and they said that Acura has opened an investigation due to the number of complaints, but there is no solution yet. I have not other option but to dry the vehicle, but I am worried that it is unsafe and not good for the vehicle to keep stalling the way it is.

See all problems of the 2024 Acura MDX 🔎.

Auto idle stop issue where engine did not restart. Occurred multiple times in April/may of 2024 and vehicle stability assist code u3006-16 appeared on the infotainment screen. Taken to dealer who was unable to replicate the problem. The u3006-16 code appeared again in February 2025 but the car did not experience the restart issue at that time. The u3006-16 code appeared again on April 6, 2025 while exiting a freeway after a 20 minute drive and the engine did not restart after auto idle stop engaged at the second intersection. Taken to dealer and unable to replicate the problem and supposedly cleared the codes. On may 21, 2025 the u3006-16 code appeared again while exiting a freeway after a one hour drive but the car did not experience the restart issue at that time. Took car to dealer who checked a bunch of things and cleared the code,.

Our engine started making a loud knocking noise that was clearly not good. We had a friend who is a mechanic come put it on the computer and he diagnosed that the rocker arm took out some valves or lifters. He looked up the car and found a recall for our make and model (2017 Mdx with the 3. 5l engine) that matches our exact issue. But the VIN does not appear in the search so our car is not covered by the recall despite it clearly being caused by the defect. I understand that there is an investigation into this that the NHTSA opened and Honda has been pushing for extensions. I was encouraged to add our car to this list to help you all see that the problem is much larger than originally thought. We are in a very tough spot and do not have the $5-10k to replace the engine. If the recall is not expanded soon, our only hope is that we get a goodwill repair. We have requested this, but are waiting to hear back from the dealer. Thank you for looking into this. I’m sure we are not the only people in a tough financial spot being affected by this. We appreciate your efforts to protect consumers!.

I stopped at a red light and when I went to pull of the car cut off. I had to restart the car to pull off. This is the second time that this has happened.

The contact owns a 2017 Acura Mdx. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the timing chain. The dealer also observed that the timing chain cover was leaking. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 23v751000 (engine and engine cooling); the VIN was included, but the vehicle was already repaired under recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

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 2020 had an issue in which the automatic start-stop system sometimes not manage to start the engine after stopping.

The contact owns a 2017 Acura Mdx. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal knocking sound. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop onto the highway the following day, several unknown warning lights were illuminated, and a message advising to park the vehicle was displayed. The contact stated while attempting to make a turn to drive back to the residence, the vehicle stalled in the middle of the road. The contact and her children who were occupying the vehicle, were significantly frightened. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts; however, the vehicle made an abnormally loud grinding sound. The contact was able to drive back to the residence. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine was damaged due to rod bearings failure. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 23v751000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under warranty or recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance in adding the VIN to the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.

Only had a car for a year no issues, started hearing a knocking noise two days later in the middle of the intersection the car throws all the lights and refuses to move. The engine gives out we take it to the dealership and they confirm that it is the rod bearing issue which is a known issue with Acura which is currently on recall. We send the issues to Acura and they are refusing to advocate for us for the fact that this is a known recall issue but even though our car is not VIN specific for the recall this issue that we are having is the same issue as the recall. Like it was stated earlier that there was no issues with the car before the engine blew. This is a safety concern of Acura as to why they placed the recall on these make and models in the first place. We have asked for a goodwill recall adjustment as was denied which is also not fair because again an engine does not just give out like that. We are not being taken care of by our manufacturer for a manufacture defect and we know that there is currently a class action lawsuit with Acura for the same issue we are having and they are refusing to do right by people who are purchasing these cars.

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 contact owns a 2017 Acura Mdx. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 35 mph and approaching a stop light, the vehicle lost automotive power and shut off. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was coasted to a stop and towed to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the rod bearings had failed and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 86,000.

Email Acura did an update to software for vehicle stalling, but the problem isn't fixed. I have notified the dealer twice and no return call. I am a widow, travel alone and am afraid this vehicle will fail when I'm alone. I was slowing to stop at a stop sign and the car just shut off.

See attached document for complaint.

Hi, my 2020 Acura Mdx has a problem with a start/stop sytem malfunction, sometime it fails to start after start/stop system activated either at the stop sign, red light or non moving traffic on the highway. I have to put it to the park and restart my car. It is very unsafe.

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.

This is the third time this has happened to me and I am very concerned and will be taking my car to Acura yet again for a checkup. I was driving with my kids in the car and stopped at a red light. When the light changed, I put my foot on the gas and noticed that my car would not move. That’s when I looked down and saw that the car was in neutral. I tried to put it back in drive and it kept telling me to “shift to park” and would not let me shift. I panicked as I had several cars behind me on a very busy road but I put my emergency lights on to signal that my car was not operable. After trying again 3 times and turning the car off completely/using keys to lock/unlock doors, it finally turned on and I could drive it again. I took my car to Acura about this in the past and they advised they could not replicate the error and that it was most likely my battery. My battery was changed and I’ve had this happen 2 times again.

Car loosing power.

My 2019 Acura Mdx with 100k miles stalled on the road with several alerts on the dashboard and went into parking mode with no further movement. Had several alerts stating transmission failure, blind spot monitoring failure, auto break system failure and vehicle stalled on the road. Had similar issues previously where the steering jammed and vehicle was stalled on the signal, took it to Acura dealer and they had to fix some circuit / reset the circuit board. Was ok for few months and last week the car stalled with parking sign on. Towed the car to the dealer service center, they diagnosed and identified there is a failure with transmission. They quoted around 10000 dollars for replace new and 7000 for used transmission. This is huge money, hence called Acura customer care for any review/support but they claimed this issue is not in their current recalls or claims, so cannot support. Had to pay out of the pocket. Per google there seemed to be a lawsuit with transmission failures with Acura 2019 Mdx vehicle. Acura customer relations is asking to get into the law suit group and Acura as such cannot help the customers with these problems. Had Lexus for several years with no issues and very upset/annoyed with these type of repairs within 100k / 5year old.

See all problems of the 2019 Acura MDX 🔎.

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.