2020 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 Oct 1, 2026NJEngine

   On multiple occasions while my car is stopped at a light or stop sign the idle restart stalls and the car shuts off. I need to give it a few minutes and restart the car. It mainly happens when the auto shut off for idling restarts. I have had it happen more than 10X with my kids in the car. I have done all required work - timing belt & water pump replacement, transmission fluid flush, new times and new suspension. It continues to get worse.

   NHTSA complaint #11768242 · source
2. Filed Sep 11, 202665,128 miKSEngine

   The contact owns a 2020 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while idling and driving on several occasions at various speeds, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The mechanic determined that there was internal engine rod bearing failure, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact believed that the failure was associated with Manufacturer Recall Number: 24-001. The…

   NHTSA complaint #11763569 · source
3. Filed Sep 9, 202685,000 miMATowedEngine

   The contact owns a 2020 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the oil light illuminated. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, while driving, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate, with a ticking and knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed and metal shavings from the engine bearings were found in the engine oil. The contact was informed that the engine…

   NHTSA complaint #11763037 · source
4. Filed Sep 4, 2026CAEngine

   My 2020 Acura MDX has experienced repeated Auto Idle Stop system malfunctions. When the system activates at a stop, the engine shuts off and does not return to normal operation as expected. The incidents are becoming more frequent and create a safety concern when the vehicle is stopped in traffic. This problem has been reported by telephone on multiple prior occasions. The 12-volt battery has also been replaced multiple times because we believed the battery was causing the…

   NHTSA complaint #11762152 · source
5. Filed Aug 17, 202660,541 miNYTowedEngine

   The contact owns a 2020 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. The maintenance warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was towed to the residence. The local dealer was contacted to schedule an appointment,…

   NHTSA complaint #11757385 · source
6. Filed Aug 14, 202648,300 miOHElectrical SystemEngine

   The contact owns a 2020 Acura MDX. The contact stated that on six occasions the vehicle stalled and failed to restart immediately. The contact stated that while the idle button was on, the failure occurred. The contact was concerned about being in a crash. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and two batteries were replaced, and a software update was performed. The dealer would be checking the software to be sure that it was operating as…

   NHTSA complaint #11757014 · source
7. Filed Aug 14, 2026NYEngineSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain

   Engine turns off while in drive or stopped at a red light/stop sign. It has happened 7-10 times withing the last couple of months, but 3-4 times within the last week. Out of the four times it happened, my family's safety was at risk, because the car was in drive, and could've caused us to get into an accident. During the other occasions, we were moving in reverse and stopped at a stop sign. Complaint was made with Acura of Bay Shore in Long Island, NY, at which time an…

   NHTSA complaint #11756994 · source
8. Filed Jun 26, 2026104,000 miCTEngine

   The contact owns a 2020 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 - 25 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the passenger’s side of the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle stalled and was towed to dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer determined that the engine had seized. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000…

   NHTSA complaint #11746661 · source
9. Filed May 12, 2026NYEngine

   While driving my 2020 Acura MDX, the vehicle developed an intermittent check engine light and a noticeable engine knocking noise coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to an Acura dealership for diagnosis. According to the certified Acura technician, no diagnostic trouble codes were found stored in the vehicle’s system. However, the technician confirmed there was an audible knocking noise present from the engine during inspection. The technician stated "No…

   NHTSA complaint #11737478 · source
10. Filed Apr 28, 2026IAEngine

    Interstate driving 70mph. Sudden engine power loss, vehicle slowed to 50mph. Check engine light came on. Engine knocking noises. Drove car 2 miles to our Acura dealership. Service dept says we have rod bearing failure. Currently deciding how to proceed...used or Reman motor repalcement.

    NHTSA complaint #11734327 · source
11. Filed Apr 6, 2026NMEngine

    On March 3, 2026 my son was driving our 2020 Acura MDX when we lost power in the middle of an intersection. The following day we had it towed to Montanto Acura in [XXX] where we were told we had a blown engine due to a bad crank shaft and possibly engine bearings. Prior to this the car drove fine with no warning signs. My son who was [XXX] old was at a dangerous intersection and had to wait for help to arrive to move the vehicle out of the intersection. We had to pay to…

    NHTSA complaint #11729475 · source
12. Filed Mar 31, 2026DEEngine

    The motor through a misfire code and began making a noise while vehicle was sitting at a red light. Vehicle lost all power and had to be towed. Was quoted my the Acura dealership $9k. Main reason for addressing this concern is because numerous Acura J35 series motors have already been recalled for engine connecting rod issues. While this motor doesn't apparently fall under that recall, odd that it would essentially had the same issue, when it only had 136k miles and has been…

    NHTSA complaint #11728187 · 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