2016 Acura MDX

These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.

• 12/30/2024· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  Rear inner tail light on driver side is not working (34155-TZ5-H03). There is active recall on models between 2014-2019 but when checked my VIN it shows it is not covered. I went through the detail of recall and it can be clearly seen that the damage is same as shown in the recall. I will appreciate if someone can provide how do we know that my VIN was not impacted as there could be subcomponent which could have led to same issues as others from this period. I will appreciate if a prompt action can be taken and my vehicle can be added to the recall list as well. Thanks!

• 12/30/2018· SERVICE BRAKES

  WHILE BACKING OUT OF A RESTAURANT LOT PARKING SPACE ON A WET RAINY NIGHT, APPLIED BRAKES REPEATEDLY AND CAR WOULD NOT STOP RESULTING IN HITTING A PARKED CAR IN THE LOT. IMMEDIATELY NOTIFIED MY INSURANCE CO. SAME TYPE OF PROBLEM HAPPENED A YEAR AND HALF AGO. HAVE NOTIFIED ACURA TO CORRECT PROBLEM. INTEND TO TRADE CAR BECAUSE OF CONCERN..

• 12/28/2025· ENGINE

  While my teenage son was driving on busy interstate highway the engine began making extremely loud noises and smoking while losing power. Driver was unable to make it to a safe exit and had to pull over with limited shoulder, in a very dangerous spot. All oil leaked out of the engine an onto the roadway, also a hazardous and dangerous situation. Car was towed to Acura dealership and inspected. Catastrophic engine damage - part of the engine rod assembly was launched through the oil pan and lodged in the air conditioning compressor. Vehicle had 87K miles and all service was performed. Complaints that the engine was lagging and making noises at low RPM's had been expressed to Acura for years. I was told that unless a check engine light came on there was no way to know what was wrong.

• 12/26/2024· ENGINE

  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.

• 12/26/2020· POWER TRAIN,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM,LANE DEPARTURE

  WHILE DRIVING ON LOCAL ROAD ALL OF A SUDDEN THE 3 ERRORS CAME ON THE DASH BOARD TRANSMISSION SYSTEM PROBLEM, EMISSION SYSTEM PROBLEM, AND BLIND SPOT SYSTEM PROBLEM, ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. WHEN THIS HAPPENS THE TRANSMISSION DOESN'T SHIFT RIGHT AND GRINDING OF THE GEAR IS HEARD, CAR QUICKLY SLOW DOWN. AFTER STOPPING AND START UP AGAIN, ERRORS STILL THERE BUT TRANSMISSION COULD NOT SHIFT INTO HIGHER GEARS AND CAR TOPS OUT AT 30MPH. THIS HAS HAPPENED 4 TIMES IN THE LAST FEW DAYS AND WE ARE NOW SCARED TO DRIVE THE CAR LOCAL ROADS, HIGHWAY WOULD BE BAD UNTIL WE GET IT FIXED AT THE DEALERSHIP. THIS IS POTENTIALLY A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION IF THE CAR LOSES POWER AT AN INTERSECTION.

• 12/20/2024· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

  Vehicle always smells hot or as if something electric is burning in the engine compartment. Have always had scheduled maintenance and have taken it in on time for all oil changes and maintenance to be performed. Have asked for this to be checked at that time and when the smell has become over powering. Engine lights have popped up and then all lights have shut off two separate times previously to the point where I had to turn off the vehicle. I have taken it to two dealerships and another mechanic to look for the cause. They are not able to determine the cause but recommend I contact Acura as this sounds like a warranty issue.

• 12/20/2017· STEERINGCrash

  I WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET AT AROUND 20-25 MPH WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN I HEAR A LOUD SNAPPING SOUND. I IMMEDIATELY LOST ALL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND IT JERKED HARD TO THE RIGHT HITTING TWO PARKED VEHICLES. UPON INSPECTION, IT APPEARS AS THOUGH THE REAR CONTROL ARM ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT WHEEL SNAPPED, CAUSING ME TO LOSE CONTROL.

• 12/19/2019· SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  VEHICLE ACCELERATION IS SLUGGISH AT STOP AND GO. DURING HIGHWAY SPEED, IF TRANSMISSION IS IN LOW CRUISING GEAR AND YOU NEED TO ACCELERATE, TRANSMISSION IS SLUGGISH. ISSUES WAS CORRECTED AT DEALER. DEALER FOUND 1 FAULTY TRANSMISSION COMPUTER CODE. NEW SYMPTOMS AFTER COMPUTER FIX, OVER ACCELERATION AND HARSH SHIFT POINTS. DEALER ADVISED TO DRIVE 500 MILE AFTER COMPUTER REFLASH. INTERIOR LIGHT DO NOT DIM AFTER A FEW SECONDS. INTERIOR LIGHTS WILL NOT TURN OFF REGARDLESS OF LOCKING VEHICLE. REAR SUSPENSION HAS A 0.55 CAMBER DIFFERENCE, VEHICLE HAS 26,765 MILES. I ASKED DEALERSHIP SERVICE TO LOOK AT THIS ISSUE. DEALER NEVER ADVISED ON ISSUES.

• 12/17/2015· SERVICE BRAKES

  THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET. WHILE APPROACHING BRAKING AND STOPPING TRAFFIC, THE VEHICLE WAS COASTING AT ABOUT 20-25 MPH WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD NOT DEPRESS AND THE CAR CONTINUED TO APPROACH STOPPED TRAFFIC WITH NO CHANGE IN SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED INTO SNOW ALONG THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO SLOW TO AVOID A COLLISION, WHEN THE SPEED DROPPED DOWN TO <10 MPH, IT WAS MANEUVERED BACK ONTO THE DRIVE PAVEMENT AND BRAKING WAS EFFECTIVE. THERE WERE NO OBSTRUCTIONS ON OR NEAR THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE PAVEMENT WAS DRY AND CLEAR. THERE WAS NO SKIDDING. THE WEATHER WAS COLD (APPROX. 22 DEG F) AND THE CAR HAD BEEN SITTING OUT OVERNIGHT. THE CAR HAD BEEN RUNNING FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES AND DRIVEN FOR 5 MILES BEFORE THE INCIDENT OCCURRED. THE BRAKE PEDAL FELT OCCASIONALLY "STIFF" FOR THE NEXT COUPLE OF MILES. IT WAS THEN TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION, RESULTING IN NO VISIBLE OR DISCOVERABLE FINDINGS OR DEFECTS. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS OR INDICATIONS AND NO FAULTS INDICATED IN THE COMPUTER.

• 12/16/2025· POWER TRAIN

  This submission supplements my existing NHTSA complaint regarding Recall 17-010 and the 9-speed automatic transmission ATF warmer defect. My vehicle received Recall / Product Update 17-010 service on March 10, 2017, at which time the transmission was replaced. The final redesigned ATF warmer did not exist at that time. The ATF warmer installed with the replacement transmission was an earlier design. The vehicle returned for a second Recall 17-010 service visit on December 9, 2017. The service record from that visit explicitly states that the ATF warmer was not replaced, noting that it had been replaced during the prior visit. As a result, the recall was initiated but not completed with the final redesigned ATF warmer. Acura later issued TSB B17-026, extending warranty coverage to 10 years from original in-service date with unlimited mileage, because damage from ATF/coolant contamination may occur years after initial exposure, even if fluids later appear normal. In 2025, the vehicle developed transmission noise. An independent transmission specialist advised that the vehicle exhibits bearing failure, with the extent of damage unknown until teardown. Bearing failure is a known delayed consequence of ATF/coolant contamination associated with the ATF warmer defect. The vehicle was delivered to an authorized Acura dealership for evaluation under the warranty extension. However, the dealership has refused to perform the warranty inspection unless payment is made, and has stated that the vehicle is outside the warranty period, despite the warranty extension remaining in effect through January 2026. This supplement is submitted to document that: •Recall 17-010 was started but not completed with the final redesigned ATF warmer; •The final corrective part was never installed on this vehicle; and •Corrective action and inspection related to this incomplete recall and warranty extension are currently being denied.

• 12/16/2024· ENGINE

  This occurrence with the vehicle happened in October of 2023 and I no longer own it. The only reason I'm reporting it today is because of the news reports I've been seeing about a possible investigation into the exact issue I experienced. I started to hear a knock from the engine that got progressively worse over the course of a week. I made an appointment to have it looked at, but before I could even make it to that appointment multiple dash lights and warnings started showing up on the meter combi. Engine light was the first to appear followed by the transmission light, then the vehicle went into "limp mode." It wouldn't go over 30mph and eventually just shut itself off; every warning lamp on the dash was on. It was towed to a local Acura dealership where the service tech diagnosed the issue and stated it was a connecting rod bearing that had worn prematurely and there was movement in the piston. I had them check for a recall then and my VIN was not on the list so I proceeded to source a motor and have another shop swap it for much cheaper. That being said, I would very much like to be reimbursed for the costs I incurred. I have multiple documents and at one point had a video that the dealership tech sent me showing the defect. Not sure if they can provide that now or not.

• 12/16/2023· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  Was driving vehicle on highway and suddenly and rapidly lost all ability to accelerate. Warning lights on dash ALL came on simultaneously only after acceleration was lost. Inability to accelerate was extremely dangerous in middle of other highway traffic, but safely pulled to side of road only because of careful driving and luck. Upon inspection, auto service confirmed they verified concern P0716 system needs to update and keyless control was faulty. Recall one month subsequent to event does not seem to include my car, although description of failure sounds potentially similar. Still waiting full repair of vehicle.

• 12/14/2018· POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE

  ACURA IS REFUSING TO ADDRESS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE AND POWER TRAIN WITH THE VEHICLE, THIS MAY HAVE ALREADY CAUSED ACCIDENTS ON OTHER CARS IN OTHER STATES. PLEASE SEE THE HISTORICAL DATA WHICH GIVES A COMPLETE AUDIT OF THE ISSUES I HAVE HAD. 9/22/18 11 DAYS- VEHICLE TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND DROPPED FOR SERVICE, PUNCH LIST OF ISSUES SINCE PURCHASE THAT NEEDED ADDRESSED. ALIGNMENT REPORT IS SIGNED OFF ON 9/24/18, BATTERY CHECK 10/1/18, SERVICE WAS STARTED ON 9/29/18, CAR SAT FOR A WEEK WITH NO SERVICE ATTEMPT MADE. OIL STAINS ON ROOF LINER WERE LEFT THERE AND WAS TOLD THEY WOULD NOT CLEAN THEM OFF (LATER PROVEN TO BE MECHANICS GREASE BY MERRILLVILLE) AND SPIDER WAS MY PROBLEM NOT THERES PER 'ROB' IN SERVICE. ISSUES THE CAR WAS TAKEN IN FOR. ALL OF THE BELOW SERVICE WAS COMLETED IN 5 MILES ACCORDING TO ODOMETER READINGS. ON 10/12/18 I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO ACURA OF MERRILLVILLE PER 'ANTHONY' FROM ACURA CLIENT CARE TO HAVE IT CHECKED. I DROVE IT WITH THE TECH AND THE TECH WAS ABLE TO VALIDATE A LOT OF THE ISSUES RIGHT AWAY. IT WAS RETURNED TO ME ON 11/2/18 22 DAYS ON 11/24/18 I RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO ACURA OF MERRILLVILLE DUE TO THE TRANSMISSION ISSUE RETURNING, ALSO ADDRESSED A COUPLE OF ISSUES. CAR RETURNED ON 11/28/18 4 DAYS VEHICLE LOSES POWER WHEN SHIFTING TO ACCELERATE, OFTEN HAVE TO DOWNSHIFT USING PADDLE SHIFTERS TO MAKE POWER OR CAR ACTS LIKE ITS GOING TO STALL. BRAKES DO NOT FUNCTION UNILATERALLY, HIT THE BRAKES HEAVY WHILE IN TRAFFIC AND THE BACK WILL BEGIN TO COME AROUND AS THOUGH ONE OF THEM DOES NOT GRAB. ENGINE LOSES POWER WHEN IN TRAFFIC IT STRUGGLES TO ACCELERATE WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH IF NEEDING POWER TO ACCELERATE ONTO A EXPRESSWAY FROM AN ENTRANCE RAMP, OR ANYWHERE THAT REQUIRES POWER TO MOVE THE CAR.

• 12/13/2024· ENGINE

  The engine started to make noise, drove it to the Acura Dealership. The engine seized at the repair bay. The technician initially said they just had a recall on these engines then after looking up the ID notified me that the blown engine was not covered under the recall. After several calls to Honda corporate customer service they informed me that they knew it had a faulty engine however it was not under the recall and they didn't have to repair or replace. I paid the dealership to install another engine at my own expense.

• 12/12/2017· POWER TRAIN

  THE TRANSMISSION ON THIS VEHICLE IS UNSAFE & THE CAR SURGES UNCONTROLLABLY DRIVING DOWNHILL. MY WIFE & I CAN NO LONGER DRIVE THIS CAR & OUR LOCAL OAKLAND, CA ACURA DEALER HAS NOT CORRECTED THE PROBLEM - WE HAVE TAKEN IT IN FOR CORRECTION SEVERAL TIMES. WE HAVE 3 KIDS SO WE CAN'T DRIVE AROUND IN AN UNSAFE CAR & DONT WANT SOMEONE ELSE DRIVING AN UNSAFE CAR. ACURA RECENTLY ISSUED A WARRANTY EXTENSION ON THIS ISSUE - THIS CAR IS LEASED & WE WANT TO TURN IT IN NOW. PLEASE ASSIST. [XXX] - [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB

• 12/11/2025· ENGINE

  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.

• 12/10/2024· STRUCTURE

  Our 2016 MDX starting peeling paint off the roof. Acura said they extended the warranty for this known defect for an 8 year period. Since this problem just happened we are outside the 8 year extension. The internet is full of similar stories of people like us who have the paint peeling after the bogus 8 year extension. Acura said they aren't responsible. This isn't right.

• 12/09/2016· POWER TRAIN

  WHILE IN TRANSIT WITH JUST 15000 MILES ON THE CAR THE TRANSMISSION SYSTEM PROBLEM LIGHT ILLUMINATED. CAR WAS IMMEDIATELY TAKEN TO DEALER. THIS VEHICLE HAS A CENTER CONSOLE PUSH BUTTON CONTROL FOR THE TRANSMISSION. THE DEALER SAID THAT THERE WAS RESIDUE IN THE CONTROLLER MOST LIKELY DUE TO A SPILLED DRINK. THE CONTROLLER WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED AND IT WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. TO THE BEST OF OUR KNOWLEDGE WE SPILLED NO DRINKS ON THE CONTROLLER. HOWEVER, WHAT A POOR DESIGN. THE DRINK HOLDERS ARE RIGHT NEXT TO THE CONTROLLER! COULD A SPILLED DRINK CAUSE THE TRANSMISSION TO LOCK UP BASED ON THIS DESIGN?

• 12/09/2015· POWER TRAIN

  I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE ON 10/29/15. THE CAR IS NOT DRIVEN ON A DAILY BASIS SO THERE WAS ONLY A LITTLE OVER 200 MILES WHEN MY HUSBAND NOTICED A LEAK WHILE THE CAR WAS PARKED ON THE DRIVEWAY. WHEN IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, THE TECHNICIAN HAS CONFIRMED THAT IT WAS A TRANSMISSION LEAK. GASKET AND COVER WILL BE REPLACED. THE SERVICE ADVISOR MENTIONED TO ME THAT THERE WAS SERVICE BULLETIN FOR THAT PROBLEM DATED BACK AUGUST. DON'T KNOW WHY THE PROBLEM WASN'T ADDRESSED BEFORE THE CAR WAS SOLD.

• 12/05/2025· POWER TRAIN

  This vehicle is affected by Acura’s 9-speed transmission warmer defect covered under: • TSB B17-009 – Product Update: Transmission Warmer • TSB B17-010 – Product Update / Warmer Replacement • TSB B17-026 – Warranty Extension: 10 years from in-service date, unlimited mileage These bulletins address failures of the transmission warmer that allow coolant and ATF to mix, causing internal transmission damage. My MDX was used by Acura in early 2016–2017 as an engineering/diagnostic vehicle when this defect was being investigated. Repair history: • March 2017 – Transmission replaced, but the updated warmer (released later in 2017) was not installed. • December 2017 – Acura performed a coolant/ATF line flush due to contamination, confirming fluid mixing from the warmer failure. Current issue: My transmission is again showing symptoms consistent with damage caused by the same warmer defect. Despite the active 10-year/unlimited-mileage warranty extension, the dealership refuses to perform the required warranty inspection unless I first pay a $138 diagnostic fee. Under the Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act, a dealer may not charge for diagnosing a defect that may be covered under a warranty or recall. Acura Corporate says the dealer “is allowed to refuse,” and the dealer says they need Acura authorization. As a result, no inspection has been performed. The vehicle has been sitting at the dealership since October 1 with no diagnostic work completed. Concerns: • Failure to perform a safety-related warranty inspection • Failure to complete the product-update remedy • Charging for a warranty-covered diagnosis • Leaving a known defect unaddressed I request NHTSA review this matter, as it involves an active safety-related defect with a warranty extension where both the manufacturer and dealer refuse to complete the required inspection and repairs.

• 12/05/2018· POWER TRAIN

  THE 9 SPEED TRANSMISSION ON THIS CAR IS TERRIBLE. HARD SHIFTING, LUNGING FORWARD, THE CAR ACCELERATES ON IT'S OWN LIKE IT DOESN'T KNOW WHICH GEAR IT SHOULD BE IN. WHEN ACCELERATING, THE CAR HESITATES AND FEELS LIKE IT LOSES POWER. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS VEHICLE. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY SAY THIS IS THE WAY THE CAR WAS DESIGNED. IT WAS DONE TO MEET FUEL EFFICIENCY STANDARDS. ACURA IS SACRIFICING SAFETY AND COMFORT IN ORDER TO MEET THE FUEL STANDARDS.

• 12/05/2015· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  VEHICLE SPEEDS UP WHEN TAPPING BRAKES WHILE GOING DOWNHILL AND ON FLAT GROUND. FEELS LIKE IT GOES INTO NEUTRAL. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT ACURA WILL NOT ADDRESS. THEY CLAIM IT IS NORMAL BEHAVIOR.

• 12/04/2024· ENGINE

  The contact owns a 2016 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle lost power. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road after each failure and restarted. The contact stated that an unknown fault code was displayed occasionally. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

• 12/02/2024· ENGINE

  Engine blew a rod at 130,000 miles. Replaced engine. Maintained vehicle correctly And changed oil regularly. contacted Acura, but no help. Other vehicles reported similar problems and recalls issued., but not for my particular vehicle.

• 12/02/2019· POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

  NOVEMBER 10, 2019 TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY AT ~65 MPH, PRESSED ACCELERATOR TO PASS CAR AND VEHICLE WOULD NOT SPEED UP...FELT LIKE THE CAR WAS IN NEUTRAL. AFTER ABOUT 7 TO 10 SECONDS THE TRANSMISSION FINALLY KICKED IN AND THE CAR ACCELERATED. IF THIS HAPPENED ON A 2 LANE ROAD THE LACK OF TRANSMISSION DELIVERING POWER TO WHEELS COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION. SERVICE APT SCHEDULED WITH ACURA DEALERSHIP WHERE PURCHASED AND WAS TOLD THEY COULD FIND NO 'CODES' OR ALERTS IN CARS COMPUTER AND THAT THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG. THE DID SAY THEY REPROGRAMMED THE TRANSMISSION SOFTWARE...BUT THEY HAVE DONE THAT 2 OTHER TIMES. CAR HAS ONLY 35K MILES ON IT AND WE HAVE BROUGHT CAR INTO ACURA DEALERSHIP 4 TIMES TO ADDRESS THE HARSH SHIFTING OF TRANSMISSION AND TOLD THEM EACH TIME WE FELT IT WAS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN. THE ABOVE INCIDENT OF NO POWER WHEN ATTEMPTING TO PASS ON HIGHWAY IS THE FIRST TIME THAT HAS HAPPENED..BUT IS A VERY SERIOUS CONCERN. WE WERE TOLD FOR THE 3RD TIME THAT THE HARSH SHIFTING AND GEAR-WANDERING WAS A 'CHARACTERISTIC' OF THIS MAKE / MODEL CAR AND THAT ACURA HAS BEEN TRYING TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE WITH TRANSMISSION SOFTWARE UPDATES. I HAVE SEEN MANY ONLINE COMPLAINTS OF THE "GEAR-WANDERING' TRANSMISSION ISSUE ONLINE AND HAVE ALSO READ SIMILAR SAFETY COMPLAINTS OF CAR LOSING TRANSMISSION POWER AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. PLEASE THOUGHTFULLY REVIEW THIS COMPLAINT AND CONTACT ME IF YOU NEED ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. WE FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT THE KNOWN REPORTED ISSUES OF THE 2016 ACURA MDX SHAWD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS ARE A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. THIS 7 SEATER SUV IS DRIVEN BY MANY FAMILIES!

• 12/01/2025· ENGINE

  ​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)

• 12/01/2024· ENGINE

  Driving on [XXX], 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 the 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. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

• 12/01/2023· ENGINE

  Ticking Sound in Engine Diagnosed by Dealer as same issue reported in recall for Year Make and Model of Vehicle. Diagnosed with need for engine replacement ($8,700). All service requirements by manufacturer done by dealer. Dealer says it is unsafe to drive. Vin not covered under recall NHTSA # 23V-751

• 11/30/2023· ENGINE

  My engine light enabled & my car slowed < 30 mph while driving on a frwy on 2/4/23. I exited & turned the engine off. It was late at night in a rural area, so I waited a bit & turned the car back on. Engine light was no longer on, so I continued to my destination (GA). On 2/5/23, while driving on the frwy, my engine light enabled & my car quickly slowed to < 20 mph. The light stayed on & my car had little power (limped along). After a few hours, there was no change & my car was not drivable. I got a hotel for the night & took my car to the nearest Honda dealer on 2/6/23. The service dept told me my car needed a new engine because the bearing or rod had gone bad (terminology may be slightly off). My car had UNDER 100K miles & I was told it needed a new engine. The Honda serviceman told me he had 3 other vehicles in house with the same issue & he wouldn’t be able to get to my car for a while. I called the nearest Acura dealer & spoke with a serviceman there, he told me to ask the Honda serviceman to clear engine code & slowly drive the car to the Acura dealership. The Honda serviceman warned me that my car may not make it to the Acura dealership but might if slowly. He cleared the code & I slowly drove to the Acura dealership. I reached the Acura dealership shortly before closing time on 2/6/23, I dropped my car off with the service dept & got a hotel room. I was contacted the following day, 2/7/23, by the Acura serviceman & he confirmed a new engine was required. There’s now a recall on the same issue my car experienced for same make, model & year, however Acura states my VIN was not affected. It is highly unlikely that my same make, model & year vehicle that experienced the exact issue for the recall is simply coincidence.

• 11/29/2022· LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

  Forward Looking Camera failed at 62k miles, it won't communicate with the computer according to dealership diagnosis on 11-18-2022. Replacement cameras are on backorder, with no availability date. Vehicle is available for inspection. The issue directly affects Forward Collision, Lane Departure and Cruise Control. It no longer warns me if approaching something too quickly. It no longer tells me if I drift into another lane or corrects it. Cruise Control stopped working as well. Distracting lights and beeping when driving, says windshield needs to be cleaned on instrument cluster. Issue began in mid 2022. According to my research, failing cameras seem to be an issue. Replacement camera is approx $1500, plus the labor to install and align.

• 11/28/2023· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  The contact owns a 2016 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started to lose motive power and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine rod bearings had failed and damaged the engine. The contact was informed that the engine short block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not 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 121,840.

• 11/28/2017· POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE

  I WAS MAILED A LETTER ABOUT A WARRANTY EXTENSION FOR MY ASSOCIATED VIN. I DEFINITELY HAVE EXPERIENCED ASSOCIATED ISSUES WITH MY MDX. AFTER CALLING THE ACURA DEALERSHIP ON 11/24/17, I WAS GIVEN AN APPOINTMENT FOR 11/28/17 AND I WAS TOLD THEY WOULD INSPECT MY CAR OVER 2 DAYS AND PROVIDE A LOANER CAR. MY EXPERIENCE WAS "TO SAY THE LEAST" THE INVERSE; EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTING. THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN TOOK MY CAR FOR A TEST DRIVE AND TOLD ME NOTHING WAS WRONG. IN ADDITION, THE SERVICE TEAM WAS EXTREMELY UNPROFESSIONAL AS ONCE AGAIN, THE CUSTOMER WAS WRONG. PLEASE ADVISE ABOUT THE NEXT STEPS FOR SERVICE. I AM EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED WITH ACURA UNWILLINGNESS TO LISTEN TO THE CUSTOMER. I DID TAKE THE CAR FOR SERVICE ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ISSUE ABOUT A MONTH PRIOR. OVERALL PROBLEM IS MANY TIMES I EXPERIENCE SHIFTING AND ACCELERATING HESITATION THAT IS JERKY. WHICH INDICATES A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION: THIS IS WHAT THE WARRANTY EXTENSION STATES .... THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS POORLY.

• 11/28/2016· ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

  DRIVING ON CITY STREET IN TRAFFIC AT ABOUT 20 MPH. ALL WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. INDIVIDUAL FAILURE ALERTS FLASHED ON NAVIGATION SCREEN. CONTINUED 2 MILES TO DESTINATION AND TURNED OFF IGNITION. RETURNED 2 HOURS LATER AND EVERYTHING WAS BACK TO NORMAL. TOOK CAR TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. CONTACTED ACURA CORPORATE AND THEY SAID IT WAS UP TO THE DEALER! RESEARCH SHOWS OTHERS HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM BUT IN SOME CASES WITH HIGHWAY SPEEDS THE CAR ALSO SUDDENLY DROPPED SPEED. OBVIOUSLY, THIS COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS. THE ISSUE IS CLEARLY AN INTERMITTENT BUG, PROBABLY SOFTWARE. RATHER THAN DO THEIR JOB AND TRY TO RECREATE IT AT THEIR LABS, ACURA IS JUST WAITING UNTIL THERE IS A LUCKY HIT ON THE PROBLEM OR AN ACCIDENT BEFORE RESPONDING. CLEARLY THIS IS A TOUGH PROBLEM BUT THAT IS EXACTLY WHY THE "STANDARD" METHODOLOGY ISN'T SUFFICIENT. I GUESS THE ONLY RESPONSE FOR A USER IS TO NOT EVER BUY AN ACURA AGAIN. THAT WILL BE MY SOLUTION. *TR

• 11/26/2024· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

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

• 11/25/2015· POWER TRAIN

  I GOT MY 2016 ACURA MDX IN JULY. SINCE THEN, I AM HAVING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. OFF-THE-LINE SHIFTS ARE ERRATIC, DEPENDING ON HOW MUCH THROTTLE I GIVE THE ENGINE. GIVE IT 3/4 THROTTLE AND ACCELERATION IS GREAT, BUT MILEAGE SUFFERS BADLY. GIVE IT ANY LESS THROTTLE AND ACCELERATION IS MEAGER, PLUS THE ENGINE REVS VERY HIGH BETWEEN SHIFTS. ONE TIME, I WAS PULLING AWAY FROM A STOPLIGHT AFTER SLOWING TO NEARLY A FULL STOP (THE LIGHT JUST CHANGED AS I APPROACHED), I PRESSED 1/2 WAY ON THE ACCELERATOR AND THE ENGINE BOGGED TO NEARLY ZERO RPMS. I THOUGHT IT DIED. I LET UP AND PRESSED DOWN AGAIN AND IT RETURNED TO NORMAL. MERGING ON THE HIGHWAY IS ALSO VERY DANGEROUS AND SCARY. AS I HIT THE GAS TO ACCELERATE ON THE ON-RAMP, THE ENGINE HESITATES SO BADLY, I NEARLY RUN OUT OF RAMP. PASSING ON THE HIGHWAY IS THE SAME, UNLESS I PRESS THE THROTTLE TO THE FLOORBOARD. ANOTHER TIME, I FLOORED THE THROTTLE ON THE HIGHWAY WHILE GOING 50 MPH, TO PASS A CAR. THE TRANSMISSION DOWN SHIFTED THEN REVVED UP TO 5,000 RPM AND STAYED THERE, EVEN AFTER I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL! I HAD TO FLOOR THE PEDAL AGAIN TO COAX THE TRANS TO UP-SHIFT. I COMPLAINED TO ACURA HQ. THEY TOLD ME TO TALK TO MY DEALER. I SPOKE TO MY DEALER, AND THEY SAID THAT'S JUST HOW THE TRANSMISSION IS. SO DISAPPOINTED WITH CAR. I SUSPECT BAD PROGRAMMING IN THE TRANSMISSION ON ACURA'S PART. THEY NEED TO FIX THIS PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE DIES IN A HIGHWAY TRAFFIC ACCIDENT.

• 11/24/2015· STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  WHILE TRAVELING ON CITY AND HIGHWAY ROADWAYS, THE VEHICLE WANTS TO DRASTICALLY VEER TO THE LEFT ON SECTIONS OF ROADS SLOPED TO THE LEFT. YOU NEED TO CONSTANTLY APPLY PRESSURE TO THE WHEEL TO KEEP THE VEHICLE FROM VEERING TO THE LEFT. THE VEHICLE IS ALIGNED CORRECTLY FOR ROADS SLOPED TO THE RIGHT. WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN THE DEALERSHIP TO INVESTIGATE THE PROBLEM 3 TIMES WITH NO FIX, OTHER MDX'S DRIVEN AS LOANERS ACTED THE SAME. THE DEALER STATED ON THIRD REPAIR SUMMARY THAT ROAD TESTED VEHICLE AND STATED VEHICLE TRACKING AND STEERING NORMALLY COMPARED TO OTHER MDX'S. THE VEHICLE IS STILL VEERING TO THE LEFT AS BEFORE. DRIVING LONG DISTANCES IS NOT ENJOYABLE WITH THE CONSTANT STEERING COMPENSATION REQUIRED.

• 11/22/2025· POWER TRAIN,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE

  This has happened twice while on a drive, cruising along on a highway and go to pass a car in another lane, transmission down shifts and then lose all power, transmission repair light comes on as well as emission controls, vehicle is still running but no power to the wheels, trying to get back across three sometimes four lanes to get to the shoulder due to the loss of power, this happened once back in the summer and again today about 96k and now 110k, there are a lot of forums talking about it as well

• 11/22/2025· FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE

  Cruise control stopped working 5 years ago after ACC LKAS stopped working. I have had the car into multiple Acura certified dealerships attempting to repair and no one has been able to determine the issue.

• 11/21/2024· ENGINE

  The contact owns a 2016 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was then towed to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the rod bearings had failed, and 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.

• 11/19/2025· ENGINE

  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.

• 11/19/2023· STRUCTURE

  My MDX exhibits the same paint defect in Acuras 19-029 Service Bulletin. I have paint chipping away between the windshield and the sun roof. However, Acura refuses to fix the issue because they say my VIN is not covered even though my cars year and paint fall under the description. 2016 MDX w Pearl Whit Paint. I need them to fix the issue by repainting my roof.

• 11/18/2025· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

  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.

• 11/18/2024· STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

  I am [XXX] and I have owned Honda/Acura since I was 16 yrs old. My last vehicle was a Honda Odyssey minivan with 423K when I donated it, running well to a family that fostered kids! I bought a new 2016 Acura MDX and now it is 8 years old and has 180K on it. I get the oil changed and other normal service maintenance done only at Honda or Acura dealerships. I have never had a car accident and I take care of the maintenance early. All of a sudden, on Friday, [XXX], I had just started driving ( ~20 minutes in the car) and every light started flashing and the car sounded funny and it was hard to drive. I immediately got off the highway and found a repair place (Red's auto repair) right off the exit. They had me shut off the car. Then they checked the oil, which was showing 70%, and I had just had it changed less than 1000 miles earlier, and it had plenty of oil. They told me I could not drive the car! They said "something is wrong with the engine". Currently, LaFontaine Acura has my car. I have a loaner from them. They said it "spun a bearing" in the engine. Apparently there is a recall for this same problem for my year, make and model, but "currently" my VIN number is not included? And, it is the exact same problem bearing from the recall! THIS IS CRAZY! My car has been well taken care of and I would expect it to get at least 350k miles at least before any issues. If the same problem was recalled for other cars, why not mine? It is un-drivable now. I think that Honda has changed their manufacturing because in 43 years of driving Hondas they always are reliable and work well for years and years. My 5 adult kids drive Hondas as well! Never a problem. I think I got a vehicle with a defect that should not be, especially when the car has always been maintained so well, with the service records to show that. PLEASE HELP GET THIS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL FOR SAFETY! What is my next step to ensure that my car is included? Thank you very much INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

• 11/17/2025· ENGINE

  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.

• 11/17/2022· POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  Transmission shifted to neutral limiting controllable forward movement. This occurred without any warning while in traffic. This created a VERY HIGH SAFETY RISK. This issue occurred three times creating a need to have it towed into a repair dealer, diagnostics, and resetting of the electrical circuit. The diagnosis code was P0973.

• 11/17/2020· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  PURCHASED A CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED 2016 ACURA MDX SH-AWD W/ TECH A FEW WEEKS AGO & FROM DAY ONE THERE HAVE BEEN ISSUES WITH ACCELERATION OFF A COMPLETE STOP LIKE A STOP SIGN, STOP LIGHT, COMING OFF PARK OR UPON PUTTING IT INTO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT MOVE WHEN THE GAS PEDAL IS DEPRESSED, WILL REV HIGH THROUGH FIRST, JUMP INTO 2 STILL REVVING HIGH BEFORE FINALLY MOVING WHEN IT HITS 3RD. IT IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE WHEN OTHER TRAFFIC IS ONCOMING AS YOU ARE EXPECTING TO "GO" & NOTHING HAPPENS WHEN PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL. THE DEALERSHIP INSPECTED THE VEHICLE UPON PURCHASE AT OUR REQUEST ON TWO OCCASIONS BUT TOLD US IT IS NORMAL & WILL ADJUST TO MY DRIVING STYLE. THIS IS NOT NORMAL.THEY SAID THEY UPDATED THE SOFTWARE BUT FOUND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. I'M FEELING LIKE WE PAID FOR A LEMON & DRIVING SOMETHING WHICH IS VERY UNSAFE ESPECIALLY WITH CHILDREN IN THE CAR.

• 11/16/2024· POWER TRAIN

  I have had numerous instances of the car not engaging the transmission when driving. This can happen at highway speed; the car will not accelerate and acts like it is in neutral. You must take your foot off the gas pedal for the transmission to re-engage before accelerating. This has been an ongoing problem for a few years, and Acura says there is nothing wrong. This is very dangerous. I know multiple MDX owners who have experienced the same issue. I think there may be a class action lawsuit about it.

• 11/15/2024· ENGINE

  I was driving on the interstate going 80 when the car shut off. I coasted to the shoulder and had the car towed to the mechanic shop. The connecting rod broke, going through the engine causing me to need a new engine. When I contacted Acura they said my car wasn’t in the recall even though it’s exactly what was happening to other cars the same year and make as my car.

• 11/14/2015· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT ON COUNTRY ROADS,UP AND DOWN HILLS, A DARK LINE APPEARS ACROSS THE TOP HALF OF THE WINDSHIELD. LEAVING A VIEW OF 40 -50 FT. YOU CAN ONLY SEE THREW THE BOTTOM HALF OF WINDSHIELD. VERY DANGEROUS!! I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FOR ALL THE SAFETY FEATURES IT HAS ON IT BUT NOW I CAN'T DRIVE IT AT NIGHT. WENT TO DEALER AND THEY TESTED HEADLIGHTS ON A WALL WITH A BLACK LINE AND THE LIGHTS HIT 2-3 INCHES BELOW THAT LINE. WAS TOLD IT WAS FINE. I WANTED IT RAISED A BIT BUT WAS TOLD THE LIGHTS WERE JUST FINE AND CAN'T BE ADJUSTED. I HAVE READ SOME COMPLAINTS ON THIS VERY SUBJECT. I WOULD LIKE SOMEONE TO TEST DRIVE THIS CAR ON DARK, HILLY, COUNTRY ROADS THAT HAVE NO STREET LIGHTS. I ALSO FINE THAT ON HIGHWAYS, LIKE THE TURNPIKE, LOW BEAMS JUST DON'T GO REACH OUT FAR ENOUGH. I JUST WONDER IF THESE JEWEL EYE HEADLIGHTS ARE LINED UP CORRECTLY? THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO READ THIS AND I HOPE THERE IS A SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM.

• 11/13/2025· ENGINE

  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.