2017 ACURA MDX Engine Problems

One or more connecting rod bearings are failing. There is a knocking noise coming from the lower end of the engine which is more pronounced under load. There is a risk of the engine failing completely while driving and causing risk to myself, my passengers, and other drivers. This issue is know to happen in the same engine (J35Y5) and certain VINs are already under recall.

Hello, I am writing to report that my 2017 vehicle is experiencing the same issue that was subject to a recall on the 2016 models. Despite the recall being associated with the 2016 year, my 2017 vehicle is showing identical symptoms and concerns. This raises serious questions about safety, reliability, and whether this issue extends beyond the originally recalled model year. I would like this concern formally documented and request a review of my vehicle to determine whether it qualifies for repair, inspection, or coverage related to the prior recall. Please advise on the next steps and whether this issue has been reported or addressed for 2017 models. Vehicle details: Year: 2017 I appreciate your prompt attention to this matter and look forward to your response. Sincerely, [XXX] If I get killed me or my [XXX] son, you all will be responsible. You made these faulty vehicles. [XXX] I'm have...

Our 2017 Acura MDX has developed a crank rod bearing knock. Fox Acura in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has advised that our vehicle’s VIN is not included in service bulletin 23 036 concerning connecting rod bearing failure, despite evidence that similar failures have occurred in Acura 3.5 liter engines outside the bulletin’s listed VIN range. I intend to submit a safety complaint to the NTSB regarding this issue. Fox Acura has recommended a full engine replacement. I respectfully request that Acura expand the scope of the service bulletin to include our vehicle and provide coverage for the recommended repair.

On my way home from work one evening, the car started making a loud knocking noise, then the car started losing power, the rpms jumping up and down and the dashboard lit up with warnings of all kinds. The traffic was somewhat heavy and and cars were speeding pass me, brakes screeching, horns blowing and my car steadily losing power. I was afraid, I didn't know what to do. I was trying to find a safe place to pull off the road. It was a traumatic experience as a large truck swerved into the other lane of traffic to avoid hitting me, almost causing an accident. Luckily I made it home safely. I had a mechanic look at it the next day and he said the engine needed to be replaced. Not convinced of the diagnosis, I had the car towed to another mechanic who confirmed the engine would have...

Engine completely seized due to connecting rod bearing failure. This happened while driving, and I was stuck in traffic for almost an hour due to the vehicle being inoperable. vehicle was unable to be put in neutral due to a special tool being needed. Technicians from a third-party shop and Acura dealership stated this part does not break very often. The Vin does not fall in the parameters for the recall. The issue started the day prior with the engine, sounding like it needed a tuneup. After conducting the tuneup, the engine seized 20 miles after. The engine had to be completely replaced at the owners expense. Accurate did cover 50% of the replacement engine.

My 2017 Acura MDX has an engine failure due to connecting rod bearing seizure in the 3.5L V6 engine. Recall 23V-751 covered model year 2016-2020 Acura MDX vehicles and mine is a 2017. But, my VIN is not in Honda's recall range. The ODI had apparently received 414 reports of connecting rod bearing failures in the 3.5L V6 engine that are outside of 23V-751. There is now an ODI Resume with number PE25008. See the two linked PDF documents below. [XXX] [XXX] The Acura dealer said that this is definitely the same problem they have seen on vehicles under the recall range. In their computer system where it says "Cause" they wrote "Cylinder 6 spun causing the knocking noise. excessive material in oil pan. if under the rod recall, it would need a long block." I have a screenshot of this if you would like it. My service representative at...

PLEASE SEE ATTACHMENT:

2017 Acura Mdx. Earlier this year I suspected something was wrong with the car so we took it to Acura in weir canyon to get it checked out. They figured it was the throttle body so they replaced it and then about 2 weeks later the engine had a catastrophic failure. I was driving the car coming out of the freeway and right before I turned right the engine made a huge noise. We tried asking Acura for goodwill assistance but they did not offer anything at all because I bought the car used. I always took the car for its maintenance while the time I've had it. Acura then quoted me for around an 8 thousand dollar repair and then took it to a mechanic and they said its better to get the whole engine replaced at that point and so I did. I've always had Honda cars my...

Engine seized due to failure of the connecting rod bearing. Same issue that is occurring in the recall but our VIN does not fall into the vin codes. Engine needed a complete rebuild. During engine failure, I was in the middle of truck and vehicle would not move even in neutral.

I was driving my vehicle on the highway at 65 MPH when the engine light came on and began blinking- no other issues. I tried to pass a vehicle, and my vehicle would not accelerate, I was less than a mile from work. I called the dealership the same day and was able to take it in. When I called, I explained everything the dealership told me I could either tow it or try to drive it in. I went out to the car later and moved it from one parking lot to another and had no issues and no lights came on alerting something was wrong. Later in the day as I was driving 65 mph again on interstate, just as I was slowing down to get off all of the lights for everything came on and the engine was making a terrible knocking sound. I slowly pulled over...

My 2017 Acura MDX with only 87,000 miles has suffered catastrophic engine failure. The vehicle has been properly maintained and all repairs recommended by the dealership where the performed since it was purchased new. While the dealership has confirmed the engine failure cause is exactly what is feared by the Recall Report 23V-751, Honda has refused to acknowledge their responsibility since my VIN does not fall within their "identified" inventory. The engine is currently at the dealership and will be maintained as evidence for the "to-be-filed" lawsuit that will be required to recover the repair costs. The engine seized while driving and had to maneuver the vehicle to a safe location. Had I been travelling on the highway at the time. the outcome would have been disastrous. The problem is described in detail in Recall Report 23V-251. There were no warning lights or issues other than a clunking sound the...

The contact owns a 2017 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH on an interstate, the engine made an abnormal knocking sound, and the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was able to restart, but the vehicle failed to exceed 40 MPH, and the engine continued to make an abnormal knocking sound while driving. The contact drove to the nearest independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the vehicle could not be serviced. The contact stated that the failure occurred while driving out of State, which required the contact to stay in a hotel overnight. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, 500 miles away. The dealer determined that the cylinder #3 crankcase bearing had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was...

On [XXX], while driving at approximately 50 mph on [XXX], the vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of power accompanied by severe shuddering. Multiple warning lights illuminated on the dashboard, including the check engine light. The vehicle would momentarily regain power before failing again. This created a significant safety hazard, as I was unable to maintain speed or accelerate safely in traffic. The vehicle was immediately taken to Team Gillman & then transferred to Sterling McCall Acura located at Houston, TX. The dealership diagnosed a catastrophic internal engine failure, originating from the bottom end, requiring a full engine replacement. The vehicle's mileage at the time of failure was approximately 142,250 miles. This critical failure occurred without any prior warning. I am aware of NHTSA Investigation Number ODI PE25008 regarding faulty connecting rods in certain Acura and Honda vehicles, which can lead to sudden engine failure. While my vehicle's VIN...

Crank shaft connecting-rod bearing I’m hearing knocking and stalling when driving especially when making a turn. I have been in que since March 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle hesitated before losing automotive power. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the road, and the vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the local dealer needed to be contacted for assistance. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.

I took my car to get an oil change. When I left the dealership, I heard a rattle I turned around he told me to bring it back in the morning. I went back the very next morning and they told me my engine valves needed to be adjusted. It took them from Monday until Thursday to complete the work and when I picked it up on Thursday the same noise was occurring. I left it there, on Monday they asked if I could come ride with a technician on Tuesday. Technician heard the noise stated they will get it done it was the timing change. From Monday-Friday I went to retrieve my car and the same noise nothing change and I called and told. Took it back on Tuesday they told me it was a lower engine rod that I would need to replace my motor, later went to...

I was driving and all of the sudden I hear a pop and total engine failure. I was lucky to be traveling at 45 mph and could coast off the road safely. After the damage occurred the motor would not turn over again. I had it towed to Acura and they told me my motor was locked up and specifically that my camshaft bearing had failed. I asked about the recall and they said my vin was not selected for the damage therefore there was nothing they could do other than replace the motor at my expense. I have yet to repair this vehicle and it has been sitting untouched ever since it was towed back to my home.

Hi, I have a 2017 Acura MDX. My Transmission Shifts to Neutral Unexpectedly. It happens when I'm driving. Most of the time it shifts back to Drive. Therefore, it never bothered me, it happened since I bough the car. It didn't happen often so I didn't think anything of it. However, lately it started to happen more often. Now when it shifts to Neutral it doesn't want to shift back do Drive. My concern happened when I was on a highway driving in a middle lane. I had to pull over and when it shifts to Neutral. When it shifts to Neutral you can't add gas and the vehicle starts slowing down. I received warning on my dashboard ((P))! - Electric Parking Brake Problem and (transition picture)- Emission System Problem came on. I turned the car off and then on. After, I turned on and Press D or R the...

I was driving on the road and an electronic parking error light came up, along with emissions error. I pulled over to the side and I could not start the vehicle and the gears won’t shift

The engine has developed rapidly increasing knocking sound. Acura has been notified and has suggested I get an official diagnosis from dealer. I have done so at a cost of $1,300. The dealer's head mechanic has confirmed that I have an engine failure which exactly resembles the connect rod bearing recall found on the same engine type and of vehicles of the same year. Acura has denied any assistance in resolving this, even after receiving a written opinion from a dealer. I am lucky to have taken the steps to diagnose, prior to failure.

While driving down the road we started hearing a knocking sound. All the lights on the dash came on. Vehicle stopped running while driving it to the mechanic. We had to have it towed to the Acura Dealership. They kept it to check it out. Per their report it's a Possible Push Rod Recall. Diagnosis- Spun connecting bearing. There is a recall on this specific issue on this specific Year , make and model. Yet Acura is telling me they will not cover this. The car ran perfectly before this happened, no lamps, no issues. We have been dealing with this since October 17th 2024.

While driving on the interstate, the engine suddenly lost power and a lot of malfunction indicator lights turned on. Driver was able to pull over without incident. Mechanic reported the engine had failed due to loss of oil pressure. The engine had to be replaced.

Our engine started making a loud knocking noise that was clearly not good. We had a friend who is a mechanic come put it on the computer and he diagnosed that the rocker arm took out some valves or lifters. He looked up the car and found a recall for our make and model (2017 MDX with the 3.5L engine) that matches our exact issue. But the VIN does not appear in the search so our car is not covered by the recall despite it clearly being caused by the defect. I understand that there is an investigation into this that the NHTSA opened and Honda has been pushing for extensions. I was encouraged to add our car to this list to help you all see that the problem is much larger than originally thought. We are in a very tough spot and do not have the $5-10k to replace...

only had a car for a year no issues, started hearing a knocking noise two days later in the middle of the intersection the car throws all the lights and refuses to move. The engine gives out we take it to the dealership and they confirm that it is the rod bearing issue which is a known issue with ACURA which is currently on recall. We send the issues to ACURA and they are refusing to advocate for us for the fact that this is a KNOWN RECALL ISSUE but even though our car is not vin specific for the recall this issue that we are having is the same issue as the recall. Like it was stated earlier that there was no issues with the car before the engine blew. This is a safety concern of Acura as to why they placed the recall on these make and models...

The contact owns a 2017 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 35 MPH and approaching a stop light, the vehicle lost automotive power and shut off. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was coasted to a stop and towed to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the rod bearings had failed and that 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.

On [XXX] had a problem with my 2017 Acura MDX. Engine had loud knocking sound and major loss of power. Had car towed to Acura of Santa Barbara Ca. Was told they had found #2 rod bearing was bad and would cost over $17000 or more to repair. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

When I stopped in traffic, there are times the gear shifted from drive (D) to neutral (N) by itself. And sometimes the engine shuts off. This problem started last month until now. I brought the car to the dealership for diagnostic tests but according to them, they found no problem with my car. I saw in social media that lots of MDX owners experienced the same problem.

My 2017 Acura MDX died on me 3 times in the middle of the street last year 2024, July. All the warning lights got turned on the dashboard all 3 times. Car staled and could not turn it on right away. I managed to turn it on and after few seconds turned its self off. It felt like fuel injectors were not working properly or fuel pump. I tried few more other times and got turned on and drove it home. Next day all the warning light went away. Day after, i drove it to grocery store and on stop light same thing happened. I decided to take it to Acura dealership, on the way there all the warning lights turned off by it self. They could not find that anything is wrong with it.

Car loosing power

Based on a diagnosis by a 3rd party, this vehicle is affected by the issue identified in Part 573 Safety Recall Report, 23V-751. The check engine lamp is flashing, the fault code associated with this issue is showing, there's a knocking sound coming from the engine, and the vehicle has decreased power when the check engine lamp is flashing. However, the VIN for this vehicle is not identified in the safety recall.

Transmission failure driving on the interstate . Engine shudder ; speed dropped to 25 mph. Warning lights flashed indication Transmission issue. Vehicle was towed to a AAA Approved Independent shop where the issue was verified.

Possibly the connecting rod bearings failed. The engine with less than a 100,00 milage has a loud knocking and clunking sound and losing power, but the car is not part of the Honda/Acura J35 engine recall.

Second motor is experiencing connecting rod bearing noise, replaced 3.5 Litre motor with salvage yard replacement, just coming up on 99k, and noise is back similar to what I heard and had Acura dealer diagnosis before replacing with a used motor.

My engine is making noise and has a slight rattle when idling.

Prior to this incident, we had no major issues with the car and performed all necessary oil changes. While driving 30 mph the car began to brake and stutter by itself and every emergency light came on the dash. The car behind us almost hit us from the car randomly braking. We took the car to the Acura dealer and they reset the computer and charged us $435. We drove off the lot and 15 miles later the car did the same thing. We took it back to the dealer and they said the camshaft malfunctioned. We were then charged another $2450. From our understanding, camshafts should last 200k miles. Our car only had 54k miles on it.

Engine frozen up while driving on 231 towed to Acura Montgomery Al. They installed a used engine to the tune of 8700.00

At approximately 136,000 miles, my 2017 Acura MDX developed a loud ticking/knocking noise. Despite being well-maintained with verified clean and sufficient oil, both an independent shop and Anderson Honda of Hunt Valley, MD, confirmed a bottom-end failure, requiring a full engine replacement. This failure left my wife and children stranded on the road with extremely limited power, placing their safety at risk as they struggled to move out of the roadway. Acura corporate and the original dealership provided no assistance, forcing us to trade in the vehicle at a significant financial loss. The problem was reproduced by both an independent service center and dealership, with no prior warning lights appearing.

Had engine failure in August of 2023 and had to replace the engine...in November of 2023 Acura had the Safety Recall due to engine failure. We contacted Acura and was told that our VIN had yet to be recalled and we are still waiting to get reimbursed.

Vehicle lost power while driving and warning lights came on. Drove straight to Acura dealer and they diagnosed bearing failure on connecting rod cylinder #2. Dealer stated it would need a new engine. The Vehicle VIN was not covered under the 2016 -2020 Honda/Acura 6cylinder recall for connecting rod failure.

The car stalled at a traffic light and could not start again. The engine had seized, and I had to pay to replace it. There is a known recall with this year make and model.

I have a 2017 Acura MDX that had around 98k while I was driving down the highway at 65 mph all lights came on the dash and lost acceleration would not go over 45 MPH on a very busy highway. Had to have the vehicle towed per dealership- towed to Jay Wolfe Acura, Overland Park, KS. They said engine needed to be replaced due to the miss fire of rod knocking. There was no other option for replacing the rods had to replace the engine. In addition they replaced with an used engine that is a 2016 not even the same year. Dealer made us aware of the recall for this issue but advised us the Vin# is not under the recall so we had to pay out of pocket. I have tried to work with Honda and the dealership for reimbursement since there have been numerous vehicles with this...

The contact owns a 2017 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 20 MPH uphill, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact observed a clanking noise emanating from the engine compartment and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was not able to be restarted. Additionally, the contact observed condensation underneath the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 112,000. The contact stated the reason for the engine seizing was due to broken connecting rods #2 & #5. The mechanic stated the only other reason the engine would seize is due to not having any oil at all in the vehicle, but there was oil present in the vehicle so it couldn't be that and that...

Internal damage at the connecting rod bearing causing engine failure. I have a video from the dealership explaining everything. It is too large to upload to this submission worksheet. There is an active recall on for this exact problem on other years of the MDX and TLX but my VIN is not included in the recall.

The contact owns a 2017 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and was jerking. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to a local mechanic to be diagnosed. The mechanic retrieved DTC code: P0369 (Reduced Engine Power). The mechanic replaced the camshaft and the sensors. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 105,000.

All lights lit up on dashboard with no previous sounds, knocking, or issues. Upon getting the vehicle towed, the dealership said that the CAM Shaft and sensor needs to be replaced. Which is approximately a 4K dollar repair. Upon further inspection. The dealership showed me a copy of a 2018 notice where this was a known issue with a specific code of C0369 where it states that there should be no repairs but only replacment of the complete unit and that the machining of this part is know to have substandard machining spec issues which will cause the shaft to erode. This vehicle only has 67,589 miles on it. (which is out of warranty by 6800 miles.) All of the information that I have investigated states that the only way a CAM shaft goes bad is insufficient lubrication, improper break-in, reusing old/worn components, mechanical interferences, and inferior hardware/hardware not torqued...

The contact owns a 2017 Acura MDX. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds the vehicle lost power. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the clutch and gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,000.

Great hesitation, in acceleration, clicking of gears and drive and while putting in reverse also clicking of the years when accelerating

While driving at freeway speed, fourth lane from the right, the vehicle became unresponsive to the gas pedal input and started to glide. I managed to get the vehicle to a narrow shoulder on the right before coming to a complete stop. I had one of my grand child in the car seat as a passenger at this time and I was very concerned about stalling in traffic and getting rear ended.

On Friday May 5th, 2023 myson was driving our 2017 Acura MDX in heavy rush hour traffic on Interstate 355 near Homer Glen when suddenly and without warning the transmission failed and caused sudden deacceleration. He drove the car which was going 7 mph and engine revving and starting to clatter to get off the freeway. The check engine light came on. He called and informed me while on the exit ramp. I instructed him to pull into the Gas N Wash filling station at 15930 W 159th and shut the engine off, I left home immediately and upon arrival I looked under the hood for oil leakage or low level and belts broken. When I started the motor a knocking sound caused me to turn it off. This could have caused an accident due to heavy traffic at 70 MPH posted speed limit. The car has been towed to...

I was on the feeder road of a major freeway in Houston Texas at a stop the brake fully applied. The auto engine idle stop was enabled. When I removed my foot from the brake the engine did not restart. The lights, radio remained on but I was unable to drive my car or change the gear shift. Being on a freeway feeder was a dangerous place to be stalled and had to wait in major traffic for a tow truck to come as the vehicle could not be started or turned off. Completely inoperable. The check engine light was on and oil light. I was towed to a nearby maintenance shop where a p2638 code was listed. After the car was towed the car would restart. Prior to the incident there have been other occasions where the vehicle struggles to restart the engine from the auto idle. However there...