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 · Jan 19, 2026

Engine

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We have a 2016 Acura MDX. The connecting rod bearing caused the engine to be damaged, resulting in a knocking noise, and decreased engine output. This resulted in the engine needing to be replaced. The reason for the engine failures was the exact issue in NHTSA Recall 23V-751. While our vehicle is the same year, make and model of the recall, we are being told that because our manufactured date falls a few months outside of this recall, Honda will not pay for the repairs. We therefore had to pay for the repairs out of pocket in the amount of $6,170.59. We are asking the NHTSA to expand the recall as this failure obviously occurred outside the previously issued recall window.

NHTSA ODI #11711926

Mileage unknown · Jan 15, 2026

Engine

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

NHTSA ODI #11711246

Mileage unknown · Jan 12, 2026

Engine

The engine failed and acura tech said it was connecting rod failure. There is a Safety recall from Acura 23-036 and an investigation by NHTSA # RQ24013. Acura stated my VIN is not part of the recall although it's the same issue.

NHTSA ODI #11710401

Mileage unknown · Jan 9, 2026

Forward Collision AvoidanceLane Departure

Front camera not working triggered multiple warning lights on

NHTSA ODI #11710005

Mileage unknown · Jan 8, 2026

Engine

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NHTSA Incident Report Vehicle: 2016 Acura MDX Date of Incident: [XXX] Location: Oregon (Oregon Coast to Portland) Mileage: 110, XXX Incident: During a 60-mile road trip, the vehicle unexpectedly shut off and shifted into neutral. The car coasted safely to a stop. Earlier, we had noticed a slight knocking sound when starting the engine, but no other issues were present. A tow truck attempted to jump-start the vehicle without success. Ron Tonkin Acura later confirmed engine failure. The vehicle has been regularly maintained, with documentation, and had no prior engine problems. Acura has stated that this failure is not part of their rod bearing recall. No warning lights appeared before or during the incident. Safety Concern: The sudden engine shutdown created a serious safety risk while driving. Requested Action: Investigation into potential defect causing unexpected engine shutdown in the 2016 Acura MDX. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11709567

Mileage unknown · Jan 6, 2026

Exterior Lighting

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I have a 2016 MDX. The big red light on my tailgate on the passenger side stopped working. I had been driving at night and only found out when a friend mentioned it to me. I al concerned driving due to safety issues with being less visible to other drivers. I tried changing the bulb with two new ones (correct size 7440) and it still does not work. I noticed online that there is a safety recall for such lighting issues, though it is not showing as recall for my VIN. I called Chevy Chase Acura to ask about the recall and they said there are no recalls listed for my vehicle. I made an appointment for 1/7/26 at 1:15pm anyway to have it looked at. Following that, I called Honda's recall department and they said there previously had been a recall in effect but it expired on 11/30/25. I have been out of town caring for my mother who had cancer and recently passed on 12/18/25. I was not previously aware of the recall. From my reading online, due to this being a safety recall, it should still be eligible for recall repairs up to 15 years of the car's age. I am hoping for some assistance in getting this matter resolved.

NHTSA ODI #11709254

Mileage unknown · Dec 28, 2025

Engine

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11707361

Mileage unknown · Dec 16, 2025

Power Train

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11705403

Mileage unknown · Dec 11, 2025

Engine

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11704408

Mileage unknown · Dec 5, 2025

Power Train

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11703306

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.