Engine. Review the 161 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Power Train. Review the 111 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 37 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

10 crash reports5 fire reports5 injury reports

What owners actually said

373 reports

Mileage unknown · May 20, 2024

Engine

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I am writing to bring to your immediate attention a critical safety issue with my 2016 Acura MDX, and the subsequent exclusion of my vehicle from a known recall that directly addresses the problems we are experiencing. Without any prior warning, we began hearing a fluttering sound coming from the engine whenever we accelerated. This noise progressively worsened and evolved into a pronounced knocking noise.Concurrently, the vehicle became increasingly sluggish and heavy, resulting in significant difficulty when accelerating. Despite these alarming symptoms, the vehicle's temperature gauge showed no changes, there was no smoke or unusual smells, and the check engine light did not activate. Gravely concerned for our safety, we promptly took the vehicle to our local mechanic for a thorough inspection.The diagnosis revealed significant engine damage, specifically to the connecting rod bearings and the crankshaft. Given the severity of the issue, we then brought the vehicle to the closest Acura dealership, Pohanka Acura. The service advisor informed us of a recall affecting the engine and rod bearings in the 2016 Acura MDX model. They also confirmed that our vehicle's engine was indeed damaged due to the same rod bearings and crankshaft issue described in the recall. However, despite this clear evidence, we were informed that our vehicle's VIN was excluded from the recall repair. The technician who performed the diagnostic on our vehicle recommended a new short engine block, which is was concerning especially since it mirrors the known recall issue. I am requesting that the NHTSA urgently investigate this matter. I hope the NHTSA treats this issue with the utmost urgency and seriousness it warrants. The safety of Acura MDX owners is at stake, and immediate action is essential to prevent further incidents and ensure our safety. Thank you for your prompt attention to this critical matter. I await your swift response and resolution. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA),

NHTSA ODI #11589623

Mileage unknown · May 17, 2024

EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

See attachment for detailed explanation

NHTSA ODI #11589394

Mileage unknown · May 14, 2024

Suspension

Clunking in the front suspension drivers side consistent with a broken strut housing... just like on our last 3 Acura MDX's that had breaks in the Super Handling All Wheel Drive magnetic shocks.

NHTSA ODI #11588600

Mileage unknown · May 1, 2024

Structure

See attached document for complaint

NHTSA ODI #11586389

Mileage unknown · Apr 24, 2024

EngineFuel/propulsion System

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Acura MDX 2016 SH-AWD with 113366 miles diagnosis according to warning lights. DTC test certification codes: P0301 Misfire No. 1 cylinder P0306 Misfire No. 6 cylinder P0300 Random Misfire P0420 Catalyst System efficiency below threshold B1 Recommendation was that the Catalytic converter be replaced. All these codes were identified under Honda's TSB 20-100 dated 2/2021 on Odyssey, Pilot and Ridgeline models where AH extended warranty to 10 years from date of purchase or 150K. These V6 engines are pretty close to that of the 2016 MDX. Is there a remote possibility that these DTC codes could exist in MDX V6 engines when an issue arises similar to those in the Honda vehicles? These DTC codes appeared 24 hours/37 miles after a routine oil service on 3/26/2024 at Advantage Acura of Naperville with a perfect inspection report. The malfunction occurred in the vicinity of McGrath Acura of Westmont on the following day of 3/27/2024. The concern is if any of the emission system components were damaged during the routine oil service. Advantage Acura have in the past installed brake pads backwards on my Acura TL 2010 for which I do have proof.

NHTSA ODI #11584900

Mileage unknown · Apr 23, 2024

Back Over PreventionUnknown Or Other

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Dear Support, I own Acura MDX 2016 with VIN number [XXX] , paint color is White Diamond Pearl I notice the paint is peeling off from in-between roof and front wind screen. I see there are recall for this color but I don't see my car in your recall list, My cousin also own 2016 MDX and after contacting to Acura support his car is getting fixed. I tried to contact t them but they are very rude and not supporting for INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11584687

Mileage unknown · Apr 16, 2024

Power TrainStructure

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There are two parts to this complaint. The issue regarding the transmission is potentially a safety issue and could result in an accident, while the peeling paint problem is already addressed in the Acura Service Bulletin 19-029 for VINs other than mine. Both are well documented problems that have been experienced by other 2016 Acura MDX owners. The transmission issue is an intermittent problem while accelerating and decelerating. There is a abrupt hesitation, or surging. While coating down a steep hil, the transmission will stay in gear at very high revs instead of shifting. These are an annoyance, but the acceleration problem could cause someone to hit the car from behind in heavy traffic situations. Some individuals note on the internet that their engines would accually stall when accelerating. I have brought my vehicle into the Acura Dealership on a number of occasions without the problem being resolved. The paint issue involves the white diamond pearl paint coming off the roof and is already addressed in Acura Service Bulleting 19-029. It is unthinkable that only some VINs are covered while others are not, if the same exact problem seems to exist on non-listed VINs. Honda Motor Company indicated that they would not add additional VINS unless directed to by NHTSA. Please have Honda extend the warranty on ALL 2016 Acura MDX models with the same problem.

NHTSA ODI #11583323

Mileage unknown · Apr 1, 2024

Engine

Engine rod bearing knocking. Will eventually fail and engine stop running at anytime. My independent service center did confirm the problem. The car has not been to the Dealer as they refuse to include my VIN # in the current recall for this very problem. No warning lights appeared, but slight ticking sound shortly turned into a…

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NHTSA ODI #11580500

Mileage unknown · Mar 26, 2024

Seat BeltsCrash

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I was involved in an accident 12/13, 2023. No airbags deployed, however, my seatbelt locked up. A new seatbelt was ordered through Acura soon thereafter 12/23. At the time this was ordered, I was told that there was no ETA as there is a national backorder. Fast forward to today, my car has been fully repaired and is still sitting in the local repair shop because there are still no seatbelts available. I have filed complaints with Acura corporate, and have a claim number that I would be more than happy to provide. Acura corporate has advised the repair shop that it will be at least six months to one year until a seatbelt is is available I also have documentation on the “ expedited order” that was placed for the seatbelt in 12/2023. The insurance company, USAA, is now looking at totaling my car simply because we cannot find a seatbelt. The local Acura dealers, and our car repair shop cannot believe that cannot seem to get a seatbelt for me, and it’s been four months. On my research online, it appears that Acura may be legally obligated to manufacture, and provide this part. I wanted to report this to the proper regulatory agency to ensure that this has been documented. The car is completely drivable, given the lack of safety restraint. I also am aware that I am not alone in this complaint, as many other MDX owners are experiencing the same I am not sure how to proceed from here and I’m hoping that you may be able to help Thank you so much for your time and consideration

NHTSA ODI #11579595

Mileage unknown · Mar 18, 2024

Air BagsSeat BeltsCrash

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The contact owns a 2016 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds through a parking area, his foot slipped and the vehicle unintendedly accelerated, coming to a complete stop after crashing into an 8-inch barrier. The air bags did not deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. A Police report was not filed, and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the driver's side seat belt needed to be replaced following the crash but informed the contact that Part Number: 04818-TZ5-A00ZC was unavailable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that parts were not yet available. A case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI #11578057

Official recalls

26V365000 · Structure:frame And Members; Suspension:rear

Jun 4, 2026

American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Honda Pilot, 2017-2023 Ridgeline, 2019-2023 Passport, and 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles that were sold in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. The rear subframe may corrode at the suspension mounting points, which can result in rear suspension component failure.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Failure of rear suspension components, such as the rear control arm, can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear subframe and install a rear subframe reinforcement kit and, as necessary, repair or replace the rear subframe components, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in the fall of 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are AOU and AOT. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning June 10, 2026.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Suspension:rear

Consequence: Failure of rear suspension components, such as the rear control arm, can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear subframe and install a rear subframe reinforcement kit and, as necessary, repair or replace the rear subframe components, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in the fall of 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are AOU and AOT. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning June 10, 2026.

Structure:frame And Members

Consequence: Failure of rear suspension components, such as the rear control arm, can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

25V259000 · Exterior Lighting; Interior Lighting

Apr 17, 2025

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles. Moisture may enter the tailgate lid light assembly and wiring harness, which can cause the interior and exterior lights to fail, including the lid lights, position lights, license plate lights and taillights.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Vehicle lights that fail to illuminate can decrease visibility and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the wiring and install a fuse harness, replace the lid light, and repair the body dust sealer, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 30, 2025. Owners may contact Acura's customer service at 1-800-382-2238. Acura's number for this recall is FLI. Vehicles included in this recall that were previously repaired under NHTSA recall number 19V-256 will need to have the new remedy completed.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Interior Lighting

Consequence: Vehicle lights that fail to illuminate can decrease visibility and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the wiring and install a fuse harness, replace the lid light, and repair the body dust sealer, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 30, 2025. Owners may contact Acura's customer service at 1-800-382-2238. Acura's number for this recall is FLI. Vehicles included in this recall that were previously repaired under NHTSA recall number 19V-256 will need to have the new remedy completed.

Exterior Lighting

Consequence: Vehicle lights that fail to illuminate can decrease visibility and increase the risk of a crash.

23V858000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Dec 18, 2023

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.

23V751000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:hard Parts Internal/mechanical

Nov 13, 2023

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, 2016 and 2018-2019 Pilot, 2017 and 2019 Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 Odyssey vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, damaging the engine.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A damaged engine may run improperly or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a fire, crash, or injury.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair, or replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 28, 2024. 2016-2017 Acura MDX owner letters were mailed November 1, 2024. 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed in mid-December 2024. Honda began mailing owner notification letters as of March 18, 2024. 2015-2016 Acura owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-December 2024, 2018 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed the end of March/early April 2024, 2019 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-May 2024, 2020 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-June 2024, and 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed January 27, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XG1 and GG0.

19V256000 · Exterior Lighting; Exterior Lighting:tail Lights

Mar 28, 2019

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Acura MDX and 2017-2019 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid vehicles. Moisture may enter the tailgate lid lights, possibly causing a loss of the tailgate lid lights and the taillights.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Loss of the taillights reduces the vehicle's visibility, increasing the risk of crash.

Remedy: Acura will notify owners, and dealers will modify the tailgate lid lights and install updated gaskets and a wiring sub-harness or will replace both tailgate lid lights. The repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2019. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is M49.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Exterior Lighting

Consequence: Loss of the taillights reduces the vehicle's visibility, increasing the risk of crash.

Remedy: Acura will notify owners, and dealers will modify the tailgate lid lights and install updated gaskets and a wiring sub-harness or will replace both tailgate lid lights. The repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2019. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is M49.

Exterior Lighting:tail Lights

Consequence: Loss of the taillights reduces the vehicle's visibility, increasing the risk of crash.

19V060000 · Fuel System, Other:delivery:fuel Pump

Jan 29, 2019

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Acura MDX, 2015-2019 Acura TLX and 2015-2017 Honda Accord vehicles, equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine. Particulates in fuel may adhere to the internal components of the fuel pump, reducing its performance.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Reduced fuel pump performance can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of crash.

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the fuel injection engine control unit (FI-ECU) software and, if necessary, replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began March 25, 2019. Owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's recall number for this recall is P3W. Honda's recall number for this recall is N3X.

16V417000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly

Jun 9, 2016

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2015 Acura MDX 2WD and MDX 4WD vehicles, 2016 Acura MDX 4WD vehicles, 2015-2016 Honda Odyssey vehicles, and 2016 Honda Pilot 2WD and 4WD vehicles. The affected vehicles have fuel tanks that were manufactured with insufficient welds which may separate and allow fuel to leak out.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tanks, free of charge. Owners may contact Honda/Acura customer service at 1-888-234-2138. The recall began on July 29, 2016. Honda's numbers for this recall are KA9 (Honda vehicles) and KB0 (Acura vehicles).

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

PE25008 · Engine Failure

Opened Aug 20, 2025 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Engine

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 414 reports of connecting rod bearing failures in the 3.5L V6 engine used in the following vehicles: Model Years (MY) 2018-2020 Acura TLX, MY2016-2020 Acura MDX, MY2016-2020 Honda Pilot, MY2018-2020 Honda Odyssey, and MY2017-2019 Honda Ridgeline. The subject engine failures were analyzed as part of a Recall Query (RQ24013). It was determined that these engine failures are outside the scope of Honda Recall 23V-751. Further, evidence gathered in conjunction with RQ24013 does not suggest this failure is caused by the same crankshaft manufacturing defect that is addressed by Honda in Recall 23V-751. Based on analysis of data from RQ24013, NHTSA has closed that investigation. The significant number of reports of engine failure in vehicles outside the scope of RQ24013 presents a potential safety risk that warrants further investigation. ODI is opening this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to further evaluate the scope and severity of the potential problem and to fully assess the potential safety-related issues. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

EA25004 · No Restart After Auto Start/stop Engages

Opened Mar 26, 2025 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:crank/camshaft Position Sensor; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:engine Control Module (ecu/ecm):software; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:hard Parts Internal/mechanical

On June 3, 2022, the Oﬃce of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE22005 after the agency received VOQs and several ﬁeld reports concerning the Auto Idle Stop (AIS) feature on 2016-2019MY Honda Pilot vehicles. The complaints allege that the engine fails to restart on its own from a complete stop at a traﬃc light or road intersection with the AIS function engaged. The subject vehicles are equipped with a 3.5L engine with a 9-speed automatic transmission. On January 6, 2023, Honda released service bulletins 23-008 and 23-009. These service bulletins address the failure to restart issue in the 2016-2019MY Honda Pilot vehicles, as well as the 2015-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, 2019-2022 Honda Passport, and 2020-2023 Honda Ridgeline vehicles. The repair outlined in the service bulletins is a two-stage countermeasure to remedy the issue. The first stage is a Programmed Fuel Injection (“PGM-FI”) software update. The second stage is only deployed if the software update fails to remedy the issue. The second stage, depending on the model and model year, consists of replacement of the starter assembly, starter relays, and a valve adjustment. Additionally, Honda extended the warranty coverage to 10 years with unlimited mileage for vehicles requiring the second stage component replacement. ODI continues to receive complaints of the AIS failure to restart, with many complainants alleging the campaign countermeasures had been completed.NHTSA has reviewed Honda's Information Request Letter responses involving warranty claims, lawsuits, and consumer complaints in addition to ODI's own data. This Engineering Analysis is being opened to further consider the potential safety defect, including gathering additional data regarding Honda’s service campaign efficacy. ODI is additionally expanding the scope to encompass all vehicles addressed in Honda’s service bulletins 23-008 and 23-009 as well as newer model year vehicles, which are substantially similar to the vehicles covered by the service campaign. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

Additional source detail variants (4)

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:crank/camshaft Position Sensor

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:engine Control Module (ecu/ecm):software

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:hard Parts Internal/mechanical

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine

RQ24013 · Engine Failure

Opened Nov 8, 2024 · Closed Aug 20, 2025

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine

On November 8, 2024, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ24013 to assess the scope of Honda recall 23V-751 after receiving complaints that alleged connecting rod bearing failures in vehicles that were not within the scope of recall 23V-751. In November 2023, Honda recalled 248,999 various Model Year (MY)2016–2020 Honda and Acura vehicles equipped with the 3.5L V6 engine. Honda recalled these vehicles due to a crankshaft manufacturing defect that caused premature connecting rod bearing wear and engine seizure. While the out-of-scope failures involved in these complaints appear to have a very similar failure mechanism as the recalled engines, a thorough analysis of all available data from Honda has not indicated that the same manufacturing defect exists in the out-of-scope engines as the engines recalled by 23V-751. Based on this analysis ODI has determined that Honda has properly defined the scope of recall 23V-751. Consequently, ODI will close this RQ investigation. NHTSA will continue to investigate these complaints of engine failure as part of a new Preliminary Evaluation Investigation (PE25008). The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.