2016 Acura MDX engine problems

Related recalls

• Recall 23V751000Nov 13, 2023248,999 vehicles
  ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

  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.

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

  Remedy: 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.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 15, 2026150,000 miNYTowedEngine

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11764368 · source
2. Filed Sep 15, 2026NCEngine

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11764314 · source
3. Filed Sep 7, 2026FLEngine

   "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…

   NHTSA complaint #11762641 · source
4. Filed Sep 5, 2026KSEngine

   "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.…

   NHTSA complaint #11762341 · source
5. Filed Aug 24, 2026NCEngine

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11759177 · source
6. Filed Aug 24, 2026NCFireEngine

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11759002 · source
7. Filed Aug 6, 2026133,000 miALEngine

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11755328 · source
8. Filed Aug 3, 202660,000 miCATowedEngine

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11754481 · source
9. Filed Jul 17, 2026CAEngine

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11751144 · source
10. Filed Jul 10, 2026NCEngine

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

    NHTSA complaint #11749666 · source
11. Filed Jul 8, 2026NYEngineSteeringSuspension

    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…

    NHTSA complaint #11749008 · source
12. Filed Jul 3, 2026WVEngine

    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.

    NHTSA complaint #11748232 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology