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...
Engine & cooling
Acura MDX Engine problems by year
862 complaints filed with NHTSA about the Acura MDX's engine & cooling. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.
Engine complaints by model year
Engine recalls
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Acura MDX and Honda Pilot vehicles and 2019 Acura RLX, RLX Sport Hybrid, TLX and Honda Odyssey and Ridgeline vehicles. The timing belt teeth may separate from the belt.
On certain minivans, sedans, coupes, and sport utility vehicles equipped with v6 engines, a timing belt tensioner pulley on the water pump is misaligned and could cause the timing belt to contact a bolt on the cylinder head. Eventually the belt could be...
Latest MDX engine complaints
My 2025 Acura MDX A-Spec SH-AWD experienced an intermittent failure of the Auto Idle Stop/engine restart system. After the engine automatically shut off while stopped, it failed to restart when I attempted to proceed. The dashboard and electrical systems remained powered, but there was no engine cranking or audible starter engagement. The dashboard instructed me to depress the brake pedal and press the ENGINE START/STOP button. I followed these instructions and pressed the button multiple times before the engine...
Read the full complaint
eventually restarted. This malfunction created a potential safety hazard because the vehicle could not move when traffic conditions required me to proceed, potentially exposing me and other motorists to a rear-end collision or traffic obstruction. The vehicle and affected components are available for inspection upon request. The problem has not yet been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer. However, I have scheduled an appointment with an Acura dealership for diagnosis. The service department indicated that the potential causes could be a failing battery or defective starter, but neither has been confirmed. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or other parties. Prior to the failure, I did not notice any warning lights or symptoms. The first indication of a problem was the engine failing to restart after Auto Idle Stop activated, followed by the dashboard displaying instructions to depress the brake and press the ENGINE START/STOP button.
On [redacted], while operating my vehicle, the engine suffered a catastrophic internal mechanical failure due to a broken connecting rod, rendering the vehicle completely disabled and creating a sudden loss of motive power. This vehicle is a 2020 Acura MDX Tech SH-AWD with a 3.5L V6 engine (Engine Code J35Y5). The failure mode experienced is identical to the crankshaft and connecting rod bearing defect detailed in Acura Recall 23V-751 (NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000). However, when checking my specific VIN...
Read the full complaint
([[redacted]]) on the NHTSA lookup tool, it reports 0 unrepaired recalls. My vehicle was excluded from the original recall population despite carrying the exact same engine type, manufacturing year, and experiencing the exact same catastrophic rod fracture resulting from bearing seizure. Because of this severe mechanical failure, the vehicle is un-driveable and requires a complete engine replacement. I am filing this complaint to document that the vehicle population in Recall 23V-751 was too narrowly defined, and to ensure this vehicle is counted in the ongoing NHTSA investigation regarding un-recalled Honda/Acura V6 engine failures. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I own a 2025 Acura MDX Advance with approximately 18,500 miles. While stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle's Auto Idle Stop feature engaged and shut off the engine as designed. However, when it was time for the vehicle to restart, the engine would not restart. The failure left me unable to move the vehicle at an intersection, creating a potentially dangerous situation and exposing me and other motorists to the risk of a traffic accident. A vehicle that automatically shuts off at a traffic light must be able to...
Read the full complaint
reliably restart when traffic begins moving. The dealership diagnosed the problem as a failed starter and replaced the starter on November 2, 2026. The vehicle was only approximately 18,500 miles old at the time of the failure. A starter failure at such low mileage is extremely concerning, particularly when it occurs in connection with the Auto Idle Stop system. I am concerned that this may be a broader safety issue involving the 2025 Acura MDX and its Auto Idle Stop/start system. Failure to restart at an intersection can create an immediate traffic hazard, particularly in busy intersections where the driver may be unable to move the vehicle out of the way of approaching traffic. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue and determine whether there is a defect involving the Auto Idle Stop system, starter, or related electrical components in 2025 Acura MDX vehicles. A vehicle should not unexpectedly become immobilized in an intersection because its automatic restart system fails.
My vehicle is having on going start up issues a month after purchased. Failed to restart after the automatic idle-stop system They replaced the starter & starter rely and still never fix the issue. The battery on the vehicle passed the battery test and I feel like my safety and children safety is in danger! The vehicle is not even 2 years old. The vehicle has left me at a red light , stop sign , gas station stuck due to the vehicle not turning on/ struggling to turn on . The dash board would light up with check engine, and lock the wheel.
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...
Read the full complaint
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.
The contact owns a 2019 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the engine failed to restart after the Auto START/STOP was engaged. The contact stated that while at a stop light, the engine failed to automatically restart after releasing the brake pedal. The contact shifted to park(P) and restarted the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. Additionally, while the contact's wife was driving, the vehicle stalled and had to be manually restarted. The...
Read the full complaint
local dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in NHTSA Action Number: EA25004 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The failure mileage was 90,000.
The contact owns a 2025 Acura MDX. The contact stated upon coming to a complete stop at an intersection downhill, the engine turned off while the instrument panel and infotainment center remained operable. The contact was unsure if the engine Auto START/STOP system was engaged during the failure. The message "Shift to Park" was displayed. The contact attempted to shift to park(P), to turn off and restart the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to respond. The message "Transmission Error-Take to Acura Dealer" was...
Read the full complaint
displayed. The contact's husband arrived on the scene to assist, but the Police advised the contact that an emergency tow was required due to the potential crash. The Police requested emergency towing services, and the vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Action Number: EA25004 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The selling dealer, Acura of Memphis (2611 Ridgeway Rd, Memphis, TN 38119) and the manufacturer were contacted by email. The failure mileage was approximately 14,000.
While driving and coming to a stop, the engine shuts down and will not restart. Error "To continue to drive, depress brake pedal and push Switch". After 10 minutes of trying to start the car it finally started.
While stopped at a stop light the auto restart feature engaged and shut the engine off. When the light turned green and I released the brake pedal the engine did not restart and the battery warning light illuminated. As cars were honking I activated my hazards, had to place the car in park and shut off/restart the vehicle. Luckily it restarted and I was able to proceed home. It activated again while stopped to get mail at mailbox and restarted with no issue. Mileage is 42668. Recall 23-001 PGMfi performed 8/2023. Battery replaced 12/2024.
My 2020 Acura MDX fails to restart after the Auto Idle Stop system shuts off the engine at stops. The vehicle stalls and will not restart in active traffic, including busy intersections and high-speed roads. This began about three years ago and now happens every day, leaving my family stranded in live traffic lanes at risk of a collision. On [[redacted]], the engine shut off and would not restart in the middle of the [[redacted]], with traffic moving around me at about 40 mph. Capitol Acura in San Jose diagnosed...
Read the full complaint
a failing starter motor and ordered a replacement under repair order [[redacted]]. The part has been on backorder since, with no delivery date. I escalated to American Honda / Acura Client Relations on October 13, 2026 (case [[redacted]]). On [[redacted]], Acura replied only that it is "still reviewing" my request. No loaner or alternate vehicle has been provided, and no repair timeline has been given. I am concerned this is a defect affecting other MDX owners: a starter that fails under frequent Auto Idle Stop cycling, combined with a parts shortage that leaves unsafe vehicles on the road. I request that NHTSA review this issue for a possible investigation or recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
On three separate occasions, 2/27/26, 9/9/26, and 9/23/26 the Idle stop/start feature was inoperable and caused the vehicle to shut down. Upon attempting to turn the vehicle back on, vehicle would not immediately start back up. Inoperable and a major safety concern since this happened at a red light that was turning green. This poses a great concern due to traffic approaching the light while green not noticing the vehicle is stopped, as the entire vehicle shuts off when this happens. There is no way to get the...
Read the full complaint
vehicle moving again, so if there is traffic approaching, there is no way to avoid it or get out of the way. This was inspected by the dealership on 2/27/26 and dealer replaced the starter. Then this happened again on 9/9/26 and 9/23/26 - dealer replaced starter again.
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...
Read the full complaint
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.
As I was driving in a stop and go traffic jam, the vehicle would not go forward although I was pressing on the gas pedal, the engine stall and when it finally reacted after pressing it for the second time it went too fast that I couldn't stop in time to avoid rear ending the other vehicle, the emergency braking system did not function properly either. This has happened multiple times even when I driven on highways and there's incoming traffic and the engine goes on stall. But this time it led to an unavoidable accident. I have been concerned for a long time about this issue but I have never received a recall to remedy this problem.
The contact owns a 2020 Acura MDX. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under Technical Service Bulletins: 22-009, 22-024, and 23-002; however, the failure persisted following the repairs. The contact stated that while stopped at an intersection, the engine failed to restart after the Auto Start/Stop feature engaged, and the transmission independently shifted to Neutral (N). The contact shifted the transmission to Park (P) and pressed the Engine Start/Stop button to restart the vehicle. The...
Read the full complaint
vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the starter required replacement. The dealer requested that the manufacturer replace the starter; however, the request was denied. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Action Number: EA25004 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was 70,357.
I have had a problem with the "Auto Idle Stop" in my 2025 Acura MDX. While at a stop light 2 different times and at a stop sign 1 time the car engine shut off as it should. Upon letting off the brake and pressing the gas the car would not go. It stayed in Park and I could not get it to go. The engine would not turn back on. I received a warning light that said "depress brake and push start". Upon doing this the car still would not start. I had to open the door, shut door, push brake and then start the car. Dealer confirmed that this has been an issue.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data