About this problem
Engine failure complaints describe engines that knock, seize or stop running entirely, often with a sudden loss of power on the road. The usual mechanical cause is wear in the connecting rod bearings, which can follow from manufacturing debris, low oil or oil starvation. Once a bearing fails, the engine usually needs to be replaced. Some failures on these engines are covered by recalls or extended warranties.
Across all owner complaints filed about the Acura MDX since 2012, 231 (12.3%) describe engine rod bearing failure, making it the most reported problem we track on the MDX. The reports cluster on the 2016, 2017 and 2020 model years, and the 2016 drew the most, with 102. It tends to show up at higher mileage: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 70,000 and 122,000 miles. One report describes a crash or fire linked to it. One recall is related to it, and recall repairs are free at any dealer.
What owners report
Owners of 2016 and 2017 MDX models report engine knocking and failure from worn connecting rod bearings on the 3.5-liter V6. Acura covered some engines under recall or extended warranty.
How it gets fixed
The repair is usually a replacement engine.
Typical cost: Free if covered; otherwise $6,000 to $10,000.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"Recall 23V-751 affecting certain or maybe all 2016 Acura MDX SH-AWD connecting rod bearing failure. The vehicle came to a sudden stop on the freeway after a loud terrible sound from the engine."
2016 Acura MDX, 152,831 miles
"I had purchased this vehicle and was not aware there was a stop sale on this vehicle model. I took the 2020 MDX to the dealer to get the recall service done, the connecting rod bearing and fuel pump issues."
2020 Acura MDX, 54,651 miles
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Related recalls
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.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. Check a specific car by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Service bulletins
Acura has sent dealers 5 bulletins that mention this problem on the MDX. A bulletin tells technicians how to fix a known fault. It is not a recall, so the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty or covered by an extension.
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Acura: the engine block may need to be replaced, after vehicle inspection, due to the possibility the cylinder bore may be out of round causing low compression.
Government investigations
Engineering analysis EA25004 · 2016–2024 · opened Mar 2025
Preliminary evaluation PE25008 · 2016–2020 · opened Aug 2025
Recall query RQ24013 · 2016–2020 · opened Nov 2024, closed Aug 2025
Before you buy a MDX
- Ask for oil change records; long gaps are a red flag on these engines.
- Listen for knocking or ticking at idle and when accelerating.
- Check by VIN for open engine recalls and for any extended engine warranty.
Questions
Which Acura MDX years have engine rod bearing failure?
Complaints are highest for the 2016, 2017, 2020 model years. The 2016 drew the most, with 102 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 92,000 miles, and half reported it between 70,000 and 122,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
Free if covered; otherwise $6,000 to $10,000.