2016 ACURA MDX Engine Problems

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.

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...

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 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...

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.

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.

​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....

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.

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.

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...

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 MDX drove perfectly until out of sudden there as a stall, knocking and ticking sound in the Engine. It is diagnosed with the connecting rod failure and needs a new engine replacement. The car was well and regularly maintained with oil changes and services as recommended. The following codes were pulled from the ECM: Code P0301, P32638

The vehicle frequently experiences problems while idling at red lights or stop signs. Specifically, the engine suddenly shuts off after displaying a message that "Idle Mode is unavailable." This has occurred multiple times, and on five separate occasions, the vehicle became completely immobile, requiring towing to the nearest mechanic. Initially, I had the flywheel and starter motor replaced, which cost me approximately $5,000. However, just three months later, the same issue reappeared. Most recently, while driving home from work, the idle mode failed again at a stop sign, and the engine stopped running. I contacted Acura/Honda regarding this issue, but they informed me that it is not their responsibility. At this point, I am unsure how to proceed or where to seek a reliable fix, and I am concerned about the safety implications of this recurring failure.

Car broke down driving from Dallas to Oklahoma on the highway while at cruising speed. We were able to pull over safely and after towing the car home, the engine produced a knocking sound. Upon further investigation, there is a recall for rod/bearing issues with 2016-2020 Acura MDX's and other various models like the Acura TLX, Honda Pilot, etc. This only extended to certain models and there has been more affected by it than what the recall covers. Maintenance such as regular oil changes to big services like timing belt and water pump was done according to the service manual interval. Investigation RQ24013 was open on 11/08/2024 by Investigator Richard Lawrence, Reviewer Sharon Yukevich, and Approver Tanya Topka. There have been about 173 incidents and pose a great safety hazard. Once the car is stopped, the car is not able to go into neutral without the engine on. The only...

Engine cut out on the middle of a pitch black highway in Virginia. Few seconds lights flashing on dashboard check engine light started flashing then low engine oil and then the rest of the standard "CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTS" experience as I was finally able to pull the vehicle over. Vehicle seemed as if it was dead. When got vehicle JUMPED 2 hours later I started engine because it wouldn't start. It was making all the noises consistent with ENGINE recall that MY ENGINE was so conveniently not included in the recall. ACURA WON'T DO ANYTHING for me. I was stuck on the side of the highway in the pitch black with cars and trucks flying by at 70+MPH with my 3 kids and spouse. ENGINE is chattering and has no power. ALMOST ABOUT TO SEIZE. I was stranded in a small town for 2 days with no way to get...

Hello. I went to the Acura dealership because I got a recall letter. I lost the letter itself a few days ago. I also had the check engine light come on once while driving. But then it went out on its own during the same trip. At the moment of checking my car by my foreman, he heard a knocking noise in the engine. He said that they will check my car on the recall and see what's wrong with the engine. After some time, he called me and said: I am very sorry, but you need to replace the complete motor as this knock is caused by a problem in the bearing. And alas your car does not fall under the recall to replace this bearing. I asked him which bearing he was talking about. And they answered that it was the one that goes into the recall under...

No prior issues with vehicle when all of a sudden/out of the blue the check engine light started flashing and felt decreased power. Pulled over, had it towed to dealership. After it was diagnosed they advised of a rod bearing failure, crankshaft failure and metal shavings in the oil which went through the engine. There is a recall for 2016 Acura MDX for this EXACT issue, however for some reason my VIN is not included?? The recall was effective Nov of 2023. I purchased vehicle Feb of 2023. Vehicle is still at shop as a complaint has been filed with Acura.

On 9/12/2025 driving on the highway in stop and go traffic, the idle stop feature engaged, but the engine would not restart upon taking foot off break. Put vehicle into park and held start/stop button for couple seconds to turn off, then was able to restart vehicle by pushing start button. Couple days later went to start vehicle while parked and accessories came on, but engine wouldn’t start. After a few attempts, got vehicle to start.

I have a 2016 Acura MDX, recently took it to Oh Acura in Temecula for a check due to a noise coming from the engine. Acura determined I need a new engine.. the issue being rod bearing failure Acura determined I need a new engine.. the issue being rod bearing failure. Upon research, this is a known issue from 2023. Also, a new investigation with engine failures in Honda and Acura vehicles linked to the rod bearings has been opened.

One morning I noticed the engine in 2016 Acura MDX was making a loud knocking noise. The check engine light immediately came on. As such, I immediately drove to Acura of Baton Rouge to report the problem to get it fixed. They ran a diagnostic on the car and didn't find anything. For some reason they said they needed to take the oil pan off to see if there was metal in the oil pan. I said ok. I got a call a few days later from the service department stating that I needed a new engine at the price of $8,000 because they said a connecting road bearing had failed which destroyed the 6th cylinder. The vehicle only had 78,000 miles on it. The oil had always been timely changed. There is no reason the connecting rod bearing should fail on an engine with 78,000 miles on it. I...

While driving on the freeway with my children, the vehicle started to shake and the emission system problem, transmission system problem and blind spot problem lights came on. The safety of myself and children were at risk due to being on the freeway and having to pull over on the side of the road. There were zero signs leading to this.

Engine failure. McGrath confirmed the engine had the same rod issues as described in the recall. Corporate refused to cover the repair.

The contact owns a 2016 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that there were metal shavings inside the oil pan and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,172.

The contact owns a 2016 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. Additionally, there was loud popping noise coming from the engine compartment, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the connecting rod inside cylinder #2 had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,311.

Catastrophic engine failure occurred while driving on July 4, 2025, resulting in the car briefly stopping at 60mph skidding tires on I-70 (a major highway in colorado), then tires unlocked and now engine moving again but with a check engine light, and acceleration was sluggish. It freaked out the family and we pulled over at the next exit to find the engine was knocking like crazy. No injuries occurred, but the sudden engine failure while driving created a serious safety hazard. Complete loss of power could have resulted in accident if this had occurred in traffic, on highway, or during emergency maneuver. We later found out engine the rod bearing failed on cylinder 4 and shattered in several pieces. We took it to both independent auto repair shop, then the dealer, both confirmed rod bearing problem, and engine replacement now required. Dealer is quoting us $24000. Failure was due to...

While driving on the highway this vehicle shifted into neutral and lost power. Once pulled to the side of the road, the vehicle was able to be turned off and re started. This happened to my teenage daughter without warning.

My vehicle is showing the exact same symptoms that the 2016-2018 MDX fuel pump recall is stating but my VIN number is not part of the vehicles being recalled. I reached out to Acura relations and unfortunately, they cannot provide authorization to repair my fuel pump even though my vehicle falls under the same years that this model is being recalled for. I went to an independent shop to try and understand what the problem with my vehicle is and I was told that the high pressure fuel pump seems to be failing and was asked why I have not taken the vehicle to the dealership for the fuel pump recall. Due to this issue I am unable to properly use my vehicle. If i step on the accelerator too hard, the vehicle gets engine misfires and immediately goes on limp mode.

On August 29, 2024 my vehicle stopped working. I was driving through a busy Costco parking lot. We stopped to wait for a car to turn, the auto engine idle turned on. When we removed our foot from the brake that car wouldn't move. It wouldn't start again, everything seized up. We couldn't push the car because the tires locked up. We called a tow truck, luckily we were not in a parking spot because the tow truck driver had to pull it on the bed. The vehicle was towed to Stephen Wade Honda, they have always maintained our vehicle and done the recalls when able to. The nearest Acura dealership is 127 miles away. We were told that the engine suffered catastrophic engine failure. I reached out to Acura and a lady on the phone said she was sorry there was nothing Acura could do. I want to know...

driving on freeway at 65mph and check engine light flashed as vehicle started to studder and turned off while driving. vehicle would not even try to start afterwards. vehicle got towed off freeway to my home. I continued to try to start, it sounded like a bad starter or dead battery, so I charged the battery and got the vehicle to crank and start. engine was knocking and squealing and pinging. immediately turned off and did some research. found out about recall and my engine is not on it . I found a local shop and had it towed there. it ended up being a bad rod/bearing in the engine. I had to have the engine replaced.

On Sunday, while driving approximately 70 mph on the highway with my two young children in the car, the check engine light began flashing, the vehicle suddenly lost power, and would not accelerate past 60 mph. The engine then began producing loud clanking or knocking noises. I pulled over as quickly as I could and had the vehicle towed to my local Acura dealership. The technician who inspected the vehicle indicated it is in the early stages of catastrophic engine failure—likely due to a spun rod bearing. These symptoms are nearly identical to those described in NHTSA Recall 23V751000, which addresses rod bearing failure, sudden loss of power, and potential engine seizure in certain Acura models. A less severe version of this issue occurred a few days earlier, on Thursday, also while driving on the highway. The check engine light began flashing and the vehicle experienced a noticeable loss of...

While driving southbound on I-5 from San Francisco to Anaheim, the vehicle began making rattling and squeaking noises from the engine compartment. Within minutes, multiple warning systems activated, including alerts for power steering, brake system, ABS, and other critical components. The vehicle quickly lost power and could no longer shift gears. We were forced to exit the highway near Kettleman City, but the engine completely shut off as we were exiting. Brake pressure was lost, and the vehicle could not be stopped using the primary braking system. We had to use the emergency brake to avoid a collision. The vehicle was towed by roadside assistance to a dealership for inspection. The dealer confirmed that the engine had spun a connecting rod bearing in cylinders #3 and #4, which caused piston damage and full engine seizure. The service department acknowledged this failure matched a known recall (Recall No. 23V-751), but stated...

Driving up a hill, new knocking noise, car lost engine power, steered the car to the curb and turned engine off. Got car towed to mechanic, ultimately diagnosed as connecting rod bearing failure at cylinder 1. No noted leaks nor other issues at engine nor transmission, this appeared to be defect of the connect rod itself.

The contact owns a 2016 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the contact felt a big bang with an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle then stalled. The contact inspected the vehicle and observed a liquid pouring out from the engine compartment onto the ground. The vehicle was not able to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 92,380.

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. This left my wife and child on a freeway exit ramp with no way to navigate the car to safety. The vehicle won't start, it makes a terrible clanging noise and stops. It has a seized connecting rod bearing and now a broken connecting rod and several holes punched from the broken rod. It was immediately towed to an Acura Service Center where it was confirmed. Recall 23V-751 described this failure exactly yet my car VIN is not included in the recall even though it is clearly affected by that recall. Acura Client relations refused to add the VIN even after saying they would if the problem was confirmed by an Acura Service Technician which it was...

This specific vehicle has an issue with the starter and flywheel breaking up for no reason. After being replaced twice, they were broken again in three months. The suspension has also been broken many times, and even after replacing the entire four sides, it still did not fix the problem. It also produces a rubber smell when driven over than 1 hour non stop

The engine light came on more than 12 times in the past 3 months. I tried to have the dealer check, but they found nothing. Then the light started to of on and off every time I drive in the rain

I purchased a used 2016 Acura MDX and shortly afterward began experiencing a rhythmic metallic knocking noise under load, particularly at low RPMs (e.g., accelerating in low gears or when the engine is bogged). The noise is not present at idle or during coasting, and it closely matches the symptoms described in recall 21V-215, which affects certain 2016–2018 Acura/Honda models for premature connecting rod bearing wear. However, my vehicle’s VIN is not included in the existing recall. I purchased a used 2016 Acura MDX and shortly afterward began experiencing a rhythmic metallic knocking noise under load, particularly at low RPMs (e.g., accelerating in low gears or when the engine is bogged). The noise is not present at idle or during coasting, and it closely matches the symptoms described in recall 21V-215, which affects certain 2016–2018 Acura/Honda models for premature connecting rod bearing wear. However, my vehicle’s VIN is not included...

***THIS IS A RESUBMIT WITH CORRECTED INFORMATION*** I purchased a used 2016 Acura MDX from a family member, and shortly afterward began experiencing a rhythmic metallic knocking noise under load, particularly at low RPMs (e.g., accelerating in low gears or when the engine is bogged). The noise is not present at idle or during coasting, and it closely matches the symptoms described in recall 23V-751, which addresses premature connecting rod bearing wear that may lead to engine failure in certain Honda and Acura vehicles. However, my vehicle’s VIN is not included in the existing recall. The knocking has persisted across several thousand miles and multiple oil changes. I recently inspected the drained oil and found metallic sparkles/particles, which may indicate active bearing wear. There has been no Check Engine Light, and the vehicle has received on-time oil changes using high-quality synthetic oil, with immediate mechanical inspection when the noise first...

Engine shut off due to rod bearing failure

The rod bearing went on this car. I don't understand how there was an open recall but this car was NOT included with the issue. This makes no sense to me. This was a huge cost to my hard working family to fix and Acura was less than helpful esp considering it was an actual recall for our car year. But due to our luck, our car was NOT included. I feel that this needs to be investigated further because more cars were impacted by this recall than were deemed to be included. I reached out previously on this matter to this organization and received NO response.

I purchased the vehicle in 2017. It was certified used by acura dealer but it was practically new; less than a year old with 10,000 miles on it. About a month or so after purchasing I started noticing a an issue when pressing on the gas and the vehicle not responding and a few seconds later it would suddenly jerk trying to catch up to the gear it should be on. Right away I took it to dealership for them to inspect and they said the vehicle needed a "software update" and it should be fine after that. Long story short, it is now 2025 I've taken the vehicle in for a "software update" more times than I can count and I am still living with the same problem. On occasion it gets better and sometimes it gets worse. Especially at higher speeds when the gears seem to go to...

My Acura MDX 2016, when stopped in traffic or at a red light will randomly shut down or switch to neutral. It started 2-3 years back. This has happened frequently last few months. Last time i was stuck in the exit of a parking garage blocking the exit. After around 20-30 mins the car decided to start on its own. I took the car directly to a dealer who found no issues with the car. I had the battery replaced recently with a new battery Upon searching the internet, i found this link where each person is describing the same issue [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I drive a 2016 Acura MDX, with less than 80K mileage. My car has an idle stop feature which was not working and I was having trouble starting my car in the mornings when it was cold. I assumed the battery was getting low, replaced to a new battery and the idle stop began working again momentarily. However, after coming to a stop and the idle stop feature engages, the vehicle was not always automatically restarting. More than once a day it turns off engine as intended with idle stop, but then my car shifts into Neutral and the engine fully dies. I'm left at stop lights or stop signs with a car that is off and will not restart. The last instance I was almost hit by a car when the light turned green and I could not drive forward. I have to shift into park, turn the on/off...

Due to a manufacturing defect of the engine crankshaft, the connecting rod bearing prematurely wore and could seize. This is a recall for 2016 MDX V6 engines, my VIN is not included for some reason.

My Acura mdx 2016 has always had oil changes on time . Also only 93 octane gas . Online there are 100’s of people complaining about my issue which there is a recall for same year make and model but my vin is not included. The recall is for rod knock , and this is what I’m experiencing right now out of nowhere. And Acura will not own up to it very upset . This is a very dangerous situation that can cause an accident with my family in the vehicle . Do to engine lock up .

Connecting rod failure causing the need for engine replacement. This connecting rod has been part of a recall campaign by Honda for 2016-2020 MDX models, but this 2016 engine VIN [XXX] is not part of the recall, even though the SAME EXACT issue as the recall is what occurred. Acura is refusing to honor the recall. This happened while on a highway in the California mountains, going uphill, putting my entire family at risk as the vehicle lost power and became inoperable. The dealership confirmed the connecting rod failure, but informed me of Acura's denial on the recall claim. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I have a 2016 Acura MDX with only 120,000 miles on it. Recently I started hearing a knock coming from the engine. I have taken it to three different mechanics, including an Acura dealership mechanic. I was informed by all three to not drive the car due to the fact that it was a rod bearing defect/problem. They all commented that I was lucky that it had not thrown a rod or I could have been injured or possibly had my engine freeze up while driving injuring myself or someone else. After some thorough investigation/research, I have been informed that my make and model has been recalled for the same issue, unfortunately, my Vin number is not included in the recall for whatever reason.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The motor's rod bearing spun. It is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The failure could have created enough friction between the bearing sleeve, rod and/or journal bearing to seize the motor and the drivetrain while driving. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes the vehicle was taken to the Acura dealership to be inspected, diagnosed and repaired. There is a recall for the same year, make and model but my vehicle's VIN is not included in the recall. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle has only been inspected by the Acura dealership. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to...

My Acura mdx 2016 is well maintained, only 42500 miles,bought brand new from dealer, problem started 6 months ago, accelerator, rpm goes up even on 20 miles driving, and car just stops and gear goes to park mode..dealer inspected, they said transmission needs to be replaced, contacted NCDS, their respond I passed the warranty of 7 years, not covered. Dealer charging 7100 to fix issues.

After starting the engine, when attempting to slowly accelerate, the engine almost dies or hesitates to respond to accelerator. Dangerous situation.