Acura MDX engine problems

833 of the 4,699 complaints filed about the Acura MDX are about the engine — 100% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2016.

833

Complaints

100%

Share of all complaints

9

Crashes

22

Fires

Engine & Cooling complaints by model year

2001 MDX 23 2.8%

Median failure at 81,912 miles

2002 MDX 19 2.3%

Median failure at 73,500 miles

2003 MDX 28 3.4%

Median failure at 96,000 miles

2004 MDX 26 3.1%

Median failure at 102,912 miles

2005 MDX 16 1.9%

Median failure at 82,098 miles

2006 MDX 11 1.3%

Median failure at 95,000 miles

2007 MDX 15 1.8%

Median failure at 75,350 miles

2008 MDX 5 0.6%

Median failure at 125,000 miles

2009 MDX 11 1.3%

Median failure at 45,000 miles

2010 MDX 11 1.3%

Median failure at 89,000 miles

2011 MDX 29 3.5%

Median failure at 90,213 miles

2012 MDX 25 3.0%

Median failure at 85,000 miles

2013 MDX 10 1.2%

Median failure at 14,592 miles

2014 MDX 26 3.1%

Median failure at 12,250 miles

2015 MDX 7 0.8%

Median failure at 40,000 miles

2016 MDX 168 20.2%

Median failure at 64,369 miles

2017 MDX 96 11.5%

Median failure at 86,000 miles

2018 MDX 54 6.5%

Median failure at 65,000 miles

2019 MDX 76 9.1%

Median failure at 42,000 miles

2020 MDX 100 12.0%

Median failure at 54,651 miles

2022 MDX 9 1.1%

Median failure at 26,000 miles

2023 MDX 1 0.1%
2024 MDX 5 0.6%
2025 MDX 61 7.3%

Median failure at 14,000 miles

2026 MDX 1 0.1%

What owners said

2020 Acura MDX at 65,128 miles Manhattan, KS

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2020 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while idling and driving on several occasions at various speeds, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The mechanic determined that there was internal engine rod bearing failure, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact believed that the failure was associated with Manufacturer Recall Number: 24-001. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 65,128.

NHTSA complaint #11763569 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Acura MDX at 85,000 miles Pittsfield, MA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2020 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the oil light illuminated. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, while driving, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate, with a ticking and knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed and metal shavings from the engine bearings were found in the engine oil. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 85,000.

NHTSA complaint #11763037 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 Acura MDX Vernon, FL

ENGINE

"My 2016 Acura MDX completely seized on the highway after a loud knocking sound, which perfectly matches the connecting rod bearing failure under Recall 23V-751. Even if my specific VIN isn't showing up as open on the website, I know the NHTSA has a major open investigation into 1.4 million of these V6 engines because hundreds of vehicles are failing exactly like mine outside the original recall scope. I need Acura to open a corporate goodwill case to inspect my engine and cover this repair."

NHTSA complaint #11762641 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 Acura MDX Clyde, KS

ENGINE

"Vehicle experienced a sudden flashing check engine light pulled over checked oil restarted car flashing check engine light went away then started flashing again a few miles down the road (Cylinder 3 misfire) accompanied by severe engine knocking. The engine locked up/seized while hot. car was stuck on the road and was unable to shift to neutral. After cooling down, the engine restarted but produces a heavy metallic scraping and loud squealing noise from internal friction. This matches the exact failure mechanism of connecting rod bearing failure under investigation PE25008, but Honda/Acura has excluded this VIN from active recalls. I was forced to pay $389 out-of-pocket for an emergency tow."

NHTSA complaint #11762341 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Acura MDX Maple Grove, MN

ENGINE

Engine seized multiple times. Completely broken now. Online it says many people have these problems.

NHTSA complaint #11762319 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Acura MDX Santa Rosa, CA

ENGINE

My 2020 Acura MDX has experienced repeated Auto Idle Stop system malfunctions. When the system activates at a stop, the engine shuts off and does not return to normal operation as expected. The incidents are becoming more frequent and create a safety concern when the vehicle is stopped in traffic. This problem has been reported by telephone on multiple prior occasions. The 12-volt battery has also been replaced multiple times because we believed the battery was causing the problem, but the condition has continued.

NHTSA complaint #11762152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 Acura MDX Marlton, NJ

ENGINE

I was driving w a passenger on a busy 4 lane road and trying to make a left turn. When I tried to hit the gas after coming to a stop, my car would not move. I did not know what was happening, as it turned out the car had shifted into park and turned off. Extremely dangerous scenario. I had to take my foot off the brake, restart the the car and put it in drive again to move. I brought it to the dealer the following day, they said they fixed it with a gear shield as the trans had dirt in it and a new starter. However, yesterday, prob about 6 or so months later it happened again. I went directly to the dealer. They kept the car over night. Today I was told the my battery charge was too low and the auto idle engine on/off turned off due to it being not having enough charge. Totally different excuse than the first time. Also, when I dropped it off I was told someone else had dropped their 2025 MDX off that same day for the same reason. I am very concerned, worried and nervous when I drive it. It helps if I turn the auto on/off idle stop off, but I must do that every time I start the car as it resets each time the car is turned off. Obviously I forget sometimes. It is a major concern that I feel the dealership is not taking seriously or showing much concern for my safety. Thank you for your help.

NHTSA complaint #11762274 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 Acura MDX Chantilly, VA

ENGINE

I have a 2025 Acura MDX SH-AWD. Several times while stopped in traffic, the Auto Idle Stop system shut the engine off and the vehicle displayed ‘RESTART ENGINE.’ The vehicle did not restart automatically. I'm concerned that this could cause a safety hazard if it happens in traffic. I want to file a safety complaint.

NHTSA complaint #11761810 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 Acura MDX Vicksburg, MS

ENGINE

When at a red light the engine cuts off and does not restart when foot comes off the brake. Sometimes it takes several minutes to start. We were stuck in an intersection and almost were rear ended. Took it ti the dealership. had a new battery up in. By the time we got home, it did it again. Took it back to the dealership, they replaced the started. No problems for 4 months. Now it is doing the same thing again, along with the air conditioner not cooling. The first time we took it in for oil change we told them it was not cooling and were told there was nothing wrong with it. Took it back this weekend and found out there is a compressor issue. The compressors are not available for repair. Other minor issues are codes are randomly appearing on the gauges and the screen blacks out.

NHTSA complaint #11761234 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 Acura MDX Atlanta, GA

ENGINE

Idle Auto Start/Stop will not restart after cutting on leaving me stranded in traffic.

NHTSA complaint #11759837 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 Acura MDX Fayetteville, AR

ENGINE

My 2025 Acura MDX suffers from a severe safety defect regarding the Auto Idle Stop (auto start-stop) system. When the vehicle comes to a complete stop at intersections or traffic lights, the engine shuts off as intended. However, upon releasing the brake pedal to accelerate, the engine completely fails to auto-restart.Instead of restarting, the vehicle drops out of the auto-restart sequence entirely, shifts itself out of drive, and displays a critical safety message on the dashboard: "To start engine: Brake + Push".This completely strands the vehicle in live traffic, forcing me to manually shift into Park, press the foot brake, and push the engine start button while traffic accumulates behind me. This creates an immediate rear-end collision hazard.The dealership has already attempted to diagnose and repair this issue under warranty by replacing both the vehicle's battery. This hardware replacement did not fix the problem; the failure continues to occur unpredictably less than a week (and 25 miles) after replacement. The root cause appears to be a software, Powertrain Control Module (PCM), or sensor tracking defect where the vehicle fails to recognize it is in an automated restart sequence.I am filing this complaint to be officially included in the ongoing NHTSA Engineering Analysis EA25004 regarding Honda/Acura Auto Idle Stop failures, as the current hardware recall remedies are entirely ineffective for the 2025 model year.

NHTSA complaint #11759336 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 Acura MDX Raleigh, NC Fire

ENGINE

The engine in the car caught fire and subsequently destroyed the vehicle. The car was parking in a shopping center parking lot at the time.

NHTSA complaint #11759002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 Acura MDX Burlington, NC

ENGINE

On August 3rd the vehicle began making a loud clicking/knocking noise from the engine area of the car. Took the car to Richard Bailey Automotive on August 4th for diagnosis. Was informed a week later the engine needed replacement. Have owned the car for 3 months. No warning lights except to clean the backup camera. All maintenance has been performed on the vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11759177 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 Acura MDX Windsor, CO

ENGINE

On my 2017 Acura MDX SH-AWD with approximately 112,000 miles, the engine experienced a sudden catastrophic failure while I was traveling at highway speed. The vehicle abruptly lost power, the accelerator became unresponsive, smoke came from the vehicle hood and exhaust area, and multiple warning lights illuminated. The failure occurred with no advance warning and created a serious safety risk because I suddenly lost propulsion while traveling approximately 75 mph in highway traffic. An independent repair facility inspected the vehicle and reported that connecting rod/bearing failure resulted in catastrophic engine damage. I was advised that two connecting rods/bearings failed and caused holes in the engine block, with a rod/component also damaging the A/C compressor. Oil subsequently leaked from the damaged engine. Prior to the sudden failure, I did not have warning lights or other indications suggesting an imminent engine failure. The warning lights appeared during or immediately after the loss of power. The vehicle has been inspected by a repair facility and the engine requires replacement. The vehicle/failed components can be made available for inspection upon request. I am particularly concerned because Acura has previously recalled certain vehicles for connecting rod bearing failures that can result in engine damage, stalling, or loss of motive power. My vehicle is the same model year and has experienced an apparently similar catastrophic connecting rod/bearing failure, but my VIN is not currently included in the recall 23V-751. I am submitting this complaint so NHTSA can evaluate whether the affected population may extend beyond the VINs currently covered in that recall. This is also linked to NHTSA’s new investigation PE25008.

NHTSA complaint #11759081 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Acura MDX at 87,000 miles Canyon Lake, CA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2018 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and failed to exceed 35-60 MPH. The check engine warning light was flashing. The driver pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was restarted, reset, and operated as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the failure could not be duplicated, and the failure persisted. The contact's brother, a certified technician, advised the contact not to turn off the vehicle after the failure occurred to prevent the system from resetting. The contact followed the instructions, and the contact's brother retrieved DTC: P0304, indicating a cylinder 4 misfire. The vehicle was not repaired and would be taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

NHTSA complaint #11759230 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 Acura MDX South Jordan, UT

ENGINE

2025 Acura MDX – Auto Idle Stop Failure to Restart When my 2025 Acura MDX is stopped at a traffic light and the Auto Idle Stop system activates, the engine shuts off but on multiple occasions has failed to restart when traffic begins moving. The vehicle becomes immobilized in an active traffic lane. Vehicles behind me begin moving and honking while I am unable to move the vehicle. To regain operation, I have had to completely shut the vehicle off and restart it while stopped in traffic. I can prevent the occurrence by manually disabling Auto Idle Stop after starting the vehicle, but this requires me to remember to disable the system every time I drive. If I forget, I risk the vehicle shutting down and failing to restart at an intersection. This creates a serious safety concern for me and my passengers, including my child. I am concerned about being stranded in an intersection or other active traffic lane and potentially being struck by another vehicle. I believe the Auto Idle Stop system's failure to restart the engine presents an unreasonable safety risk and should be investigated.

NHTSA complaint #11758463 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Acura MDX at 60,541 miles Valley Stream, NY

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2020 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. The maintenance warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was towed to the residence. The local dealer was contacted to schedule an appointment, but the vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 60,541.

NHTSA complaint #11757385 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 Acura MDX Tacoma, WA

ENGINE

The vehicle intermittently fails to restart after the Auto Idle Stop system shuts the engine off at a traffic stop. When this occurs, the vehicle remains disabled until it is manually restarted. This has now happened repeatedly, including twice within one recent week. The vehicle was purchased new on November 27, 2024, and currently has approximately 27,500 miles. The repair history for this same issue is: •September 19, 2025 — 13,841 miles: Battery replaced. •January 27, 2026 — 18,481 miles: Battery replaced again. •February 4, 2026 — 18,814 miles: Starter replaced. •August 14, 2026 — approximately 27,500 miles: Vehicle returned again for the same continuing problem. Diagnostics were performed, but no repair or resolution was provided. Despite replacement of two batteries and the starter, the defect continues. Our most recent experience with the dealership was particularly concerning. We were essentially told that they could not identify the problem and could not provide any further solution. That is not an acceptable outcome for a vehicle that can shut itself off while stopped in traffic and then fail to restart.

NHTSA complaint #11757405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 Acura MDX Poestenkill, NY

ENGINE

After an auto idle stop at a major intersection, car failed to restart automatically and was left stranded unable to restart the car. Car would not shut off or turn back on when using the power button and with foot on brake but had power but it was in limp mode - transmission warnings flashed and the D "for drive" on the screen at the drivers location. I called tripleA however before they showed up I was able to put the parking brake on and turn the car off and on ad it reset. This is similar to the issue was happening with my 2017 Honda Pilot where it would stall and not restart after the auto idle stop engaged. Very dangerous and difficult to troubleshoot when in that situation, surprised that this is still happening in Honda manufactured cars - this is very dangerous and needs to be addressed and investigated.

NHTSA complaint #11757151 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Acura MDX Islip, NY

ENGINE

Engine turns off while in drive or stopped at a red light/stop sign. It has happened 7-10 times withing the last couple of months, but 3-4 times within the last week. Out of the four times it happened, my family's safety was at risk, because the car was in drive, and could've caused us to get into an accident. During the other occasions, we were moving in reverse and stopped at a stop sign. Complaint was made with Acura of Bay Shore in Long Island, NY, at which time an update of computer engine was performed but issue wasn't fixed due to back-order part that needs to be replaced. Unfortunately, just yesterday (August 13, 2026) car turned off at light causing a road hazard to vehicles and my family stuck in a large intersection. Multiple engine lights turned on, but I was unable to turn the car on or move it. approximately 10 min later, I was able to turn the car on and move it to safe location. I spoke to Acura of Bay Shore, and it is a known issue but till this date, isn't fixed. Vehicle is a hazard and can cause serious bodily harm/or death. thank you

NHTSA complaint #11756994 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other Acura MDX problems