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Engine & cooling

2016 Acura MDX Engine problems

Owners have filed 173 complaints about the 2016 Acura MDX's engine & cooling with NHTSA - 46% of all its complaints, most recently on October 29, 2026. They describe 2 crashes, 2 fires and 2 injuries. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.

Complaints
173
Recalls
1
Crashes
2
Fires
2
Injuries
2
Deaths
0

Engine recalls for the 2016 Acura MDX

Engine and engine cooling: hard parts internal / mechanical

23V751000248,999 vehicles affected

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

Engine complaints

Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2016 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power and the vehicle decelerated. During the failure, several warning lights illuminated and unknown messages were displayed. The vehicle was driven to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the engine rod bearings had failed and informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure and informed that the vehicle...

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was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 210,000.

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 11774407
Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine & cooling

There is a reaccuring safety defect issue where the engine completely shutts off and stalls without warning when the car comes to a stop. This can be at a stop sign, stop lights, or just stopping the car when in traffic, even on the highway. This is due to the IDS (Auto Idle Stop system). A couple exteme safetyhazards that have occured: The car has repeatedly shut down while we are in the middle of the highway during stop and go traffic leaving us stranded in in live lanes of traffic with the car just completely...

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shutting down and glitching. It would take multiple attempts to turn the car on in order to get out of the situation. There have been close calls on rear-end collisions as a result of this. The issue also progressively worsens during super cold or super hot weather further reflecting the starter/software issues. During other occasions, the car completely failed to restart or delayed restarts that took 5+ hours long once the car "cooled down" from being parked in the sun. We have taken the car to an authrozied acura delarship on atleast two seperate occasion to address the racall issue. On top of these more severe situations, atleast once a week i will get stuck on a stop sign were the shuts down and then i am stuck for a few minutes trying to get it to turn on. However, the issue had ZERO improvement. The defect remains entirely unresolved and feels unsafe to operate. For the safety of my family and for your own massive legal and manufaturere liability due to the immenet threat of accidents, severe injury, or death, please resolve ASAP.

Filed Incident Power train · Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11772439
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & coolingFuel system

Driving home from a trip June 2019 on the highway at 60mph with 3 children and my husband, my 2016 Acura MDX experienced complete engine failure - alarms started to sound and I experienced a loss of acceleration, lights in the dash included Engine Problem, Transmission Problem, Emission System Problem, Critical Failure Detected Stop Driving When Safe etc. The vehicle shifted into neutral. I was able to pull off the road onto the shoulder. The engine was still running but would not shift into park. I contacted Acura...

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TLC to have the vehicle towed but we were stranded on the side of a very busy highway in 90 degree heat with 3 kids waiting. Not only was it unsafe to be driving 60mph and lose engine power, I had to also negotiate three lanes of traffic to safely reach the shoulder. The dealership that serviced my vehicle stated it needed a "software update" - the vehicle was with them the week before this happened for regular maintenance and they failed to do the supposed software update. I complained about engine issue in this vehicle from the first time I took for service and nothing was ever done about my complaints. I have all my service records from Acura service indicating my complaints. In 2026 we took the vehicle back to Acura for diagnostics and were told the engine and transmission needed to be replaced due to a KNOWN issue by Honda Motor Corp with the transmission cooler system contamination. The repair estimate is $36,506.15.

Filed Incident Power train · Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11770575
Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2016 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power and failed to accelerate while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure posed a potential safety risk in daily traffic. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the road, and the vehicle was towed to a local dealer for diagnosis. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with engine bearing failure into the engine...

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oil pan and cylinder #5 failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and NHTSA Action Number: PE25008 (Engine). The manufacturer was notified of the failure by telephone. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · EngineNHTSA 11764368
Engine & cooling

Heard a knocking noise in the engine, had it serviced at an independent mechanic (towed as to not create more damage and the knocking noise was louder). Mechanic told me that the rod bearing/engine had failed and would need to be replaced. $7000-$10000 for replacement. He also indicated that this was under recall for 2016-2020 cars. I checked my VIN and my car is not part of the recall but the car has 130000 miles and has been serviced regularly. I am requesting that it be part of the recall since this is a known/reported issue for this year/model. I called American Honda and they said because of the mileage and age, that it would not be part of the recall.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11764314
Engine & cooling

"My 2016 Acura MDX completely seized on the highway after a loud knocking sound, which perfectly matches the connecting rod bearing failure under Recall 23V-751. Even if my specific VIN isn't showing up as open on the website, I know the NHTSA has a major open investigation into 1.4 million of these V6 engines because hundreds of vehicles are failing exactly like mine outside the original recall scope. I need Acura to open a corporate goodwill case to inspect my engine and cover this repair."

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11762641
Engine & cooling

"Vehicle experienced a sudden flashing check engine light pulled over checked oil restarted car flashing check engine light went away then started flashing again a few miles down the road (Cylinder 3 misfire) accompanied by severe engine knocking. The engine locked up/seized while hot. car was stuck on the road and was unable to shift to neutral. After cooling down, the engine restarted but produces a heavy metallic scraping and loud squealing noise from internal friction. This matches the exact failure mechanism...

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of connecting rod bearing failure under investigation PE25008, but Honda/Acura has excluded this VIN from active recalls. I was forced to pay $389 out-of-pocket for an emergency tow."

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11762341
Engine & cooling

On August 3rd the vehicle began making a loud clicking/knocking noise from the engine area of the car. Took the car to Richard Bailey Automotive on August 4th for diagnosis. Was informed a week later the engine needed replacement. Have owned the car for 3 months. No warning lights except to clean the backup camera. All maintenance has been performed on the vehicle.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11759177
Engine & coolingFire

The engine in the car caught fire and subsequently destroyed the vehicle. The car was parking in a shopping center parking lot at the time.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11759002
Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2016 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11755328
Engine & cooling

The contact called on behalf of the owner of a 2016 Acura MDX. The contact stated that the owner reported an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine while starting the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the independent mechanic, where the timing belt tensioner was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The mechanic disassembled the oil filter and discovered metal shavings inside the filter. The mechanic related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE25008 (Engine). The...

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manufacturer was notified of the failure; however, no assistance was provided because the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 11754481
Engine & cooling

Catastrophic Engine failure. Engine shook, then loss power. Multiple lights went off. Repair shop found metal shavings in the oil pan. Later diagnosed by specialist with cam/rocker engine issue. Recommended action was engine replacement.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11751144
Engine & cooling

Engine began knocking, brass colored shaving in drained oil due to bearing damage. This vin is not covered by the recall scope

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11749666
SteeringSuspensionEngine & cooling

I am filing a safety and compliance complaint regarding execution of Federal Recall Campaign #26V365 by Valley Stream Acura and sales fraud by Paragon Acura. I purchased this 2016 Acura MDX from Paragon Acura on May 29, 2026. I have driven it only 550 miles, placing it strictly within the statutory New York State 60-Day Used Car Lemon Law Warranty window. A certified 6-page independent ASE forensic report documents that Valley Stream Acura bolted the federal recall brackets directly onto severely cracked rear...

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control arms and rusted struts without disclosure. Furthermore, Paragon Acura forced a brand-new front control arm link onto a deeply pitted, scaling, and structurally compromised front steering knuckle to mask pre-sale defects, signing a false NYS highway safety certification. The vehicle was released to me with a bone-dry, empty engine cooling loop, creating an immediate fire hazard. Acura Corporate (Case #16437213) refuses to issue a corrective directive, willfully leaving a non-compliant vehicle on public roads.

Filed Incident Steering · Suspension · EngineNHTSA 11749008
Engine & cooling

Started (first noticed)check engine light flashing turned radio down right of way and noticed engine knocking with no warning still 40% engine oil life left. Had test done P0303 misfire on cylinder 3 and rod bearing knock was told need an engine . Had all oil changes and maintenance done on time. ran my vin and unfortunately was told it is not covered under recall.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11748232
Engine & cooling

My 2016 Acura Max sha awd has 124 k on it and the other day I was driving down the road and my engine light went on than I lost power down to 20 mph and heard a knocking noise from the engine like the rod bearing broke or something I've noticed the recall on the engine for some Acura 2016-2025 3.5v6 engines but Acura is saying my model car was not in the recall list which I can't understand why if it has the same engine 3.5 v6 with the same rod barring issue as the ones on the list being recalled . The issue is with all 2016-2025 Acura Mdx models that have the 3.5 v6 in it .

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11747775
Engine & cooling

I was driving on the highway. All of a sudden, my engine started making knocking noises. Shortly after that, the car started to lose power, and immediately the low engine oil light came on. I pulled over immediately to check the engine oil level. Oil level was normal. I restarted the car, but the mechanical knocking noise was evident and did not sound right. Towed the car to the closest Acura Dealership. Diagnostics states that engine has ceased and would not crank. Replacements engine is required and would...

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costs approx. $4200. Acura has a recall on some 2016-2020 MDX for similar engine issues, but my VIN did not qualified. The symptoms i exprienced is very similar to what was described in the recall. Acura representative denied any goodwill support/help.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11746710
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

Our 2016 Acura MDX SH-AWD has the exact same engine problem/damage caused by the Connecting Rod Bearing recall. Our vehicle displayed the exact symptoms described by countless other MDX owners including owners who have vehicles both on & not included on the current recall list.

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 11746102
Engine & cooling

This make and model has the same problems with the engine rod bearings it's the v6 3.5L

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11745072
Engine & cooling

FOUND #4 CYLINDER MISFIRE - METAL CONTAMINATION SPUN A BEARING INTERNALLY INSIDE THE ENGINE. RECOMMEND REPLACING THE ENGINE. SEE QUOTES BELOW: RECOMMEND AT THE SAME TIME AS THE ENGINE REPLACEMENT - STARTER, TIMING BELT, SPARK PLUGS, AND VALVE. Found #4 cylinder misfire - metal contamination - spun a bearing internally inside the engine. Recommend replacing the engine." After researching this issue, I became concerned that this failure appears very similar to the widely reported connecting rod bearing failures...

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associated with Acura/Honda 3.5L V6 engines and Recall 23V-751. The symptoms in my vehicle closely match the issues described in the recall and related investigations, including: connecting rod bearing failure, spun bearing, internal engine damage, metal contamination, cylinder misfire, and complete engine failure. Additionally, I understand that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has expanded investigations into similar engine failures affecting Acura and Honda vehicles outside the original recall VIN population.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11740745
Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2016 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission independently shifted into neutral. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the event was scary. The contact stated that the vehicle was so hot inside. The contact crawled to the passenger's seat and exited the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a...

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failed engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, however the vehicle was not inspected. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under any unknown recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the repair was covered under an unknown recall which had a similar failure description. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11738155
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

When driving at highway speeds there randomly is a full loss of engine power for 3 to 5 seconds. Each time this has occurred I was on the highway and depressing the gas pedal further to either pass another car or because I'm driving up and incline. For several seconds the car looses all power and begins slowing. Traffic approaching rom behind may have to apply brakes. I am unsure whether it's the transmission disconnecting from the engine, or the engine dropping to idle speed, I have tried pressing the gas...

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pedal further and also tried the paddle shifters to force a downshift, and neither has any effect. I have been to the dealer multiple times and they can't re-create the issue so they dismiss it.

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 11737458
Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2016 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving 55 MPH, she could a loud notice and the vehicle shaking and vibrating independently. Several warning lights illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and dealer where it was diagnosed that the connecting rod bear needed to be replaced. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and they denied the request for recall and they are reconsidering and reviewing. The failure mileage was 129,000.

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 11735859
Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2016 Acura MDX. The contact stated that upon start of the vehicle, the engine entered limp mode as a check engine light appeared on the instrument panel. The vehicle failed to accelerate above 35 MPH as the contact was forced to restart the vehicle. The vehicle resumed normal driving after restart and the contact called the dealer for an appointment. While driving the vehicle to the dealer, the failure returned as an abnormal, banging sound began to emit from the vehicle. Due to the failure, the...

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vehicle was towed to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with rod bearing connector failure which resulted in engine failure. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Action Number:PE25008(Engine) which the contact linked to the failure. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure where he was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall and was offered the chance to apply for a goodwill financial assistance for the repair of the engine. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the dealer's possession. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11735571
Engine & cooling

My 2016 Acura MDX (purchased new January 2016) has a confirmed failure of the 9-speed automatic transmission warmer (ATF warmer), causing engine coolant and ATF fluid to cross-contaminate. The failed warmer is still in the vehicle and available for inspection. In the last week of March 2026, I noticed the engine cooling fan continuing to run after shutting off the vehicle - an abnormal symptom that prompted me to bring the car in for service. No check engine or transmission warning lights were illuminated. On March...

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28, 2026, Blue Sky Tire and Auto (Cumming, GA) performed a diagnostic inspection confirming coolant and ATF cross-contamination. The technician also physically inspected the transmission warmer manufacturing date stamp, confirming it falls within the defective manufacturing date range identified in Acura Service Bulletin 17-009 (October 6, 2017), which states that improperly manufactured warmers allow coolant and ATF to mix, potentially causing permanent engine and transmission damage. The vehicle has not been inspected by an Acura dealership for this failure. However, an American Honda Customer Relations case has been opened (Case # [redacted]) with a case manager assigned to evaluate the warranty claim under the 10-year/unlimited mileage warranty extension issued by American Honda for this exact defect. This failure poses serious safety risks - loss of transmission lubrication can cause sudden transmission failure at speed, and coolant-ATF mixing can cause engine overheating, both potentially resulting in loss of vehicle control. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11734011

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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