2014 Acura MDX engine problems

Filed May 6, 2026 · Engine · CT

A connecting rod bearing is failing in my 2014 Acura MDX which could have led to complete engine failure while driving my family. Absolute Auto Center of Berlin, CT confirmed the issue and noted that Acura has recalled 2016-2020 MDX models due to connecting rod bearing defects but have not expanded the recall to include earlier model years that are also impacted. There were no warning lamps or messages prior to or during the issue, it was identified due to a loud knocking with the engine around 3-4,000 RPMs.

Filed Mar 6, 2025 · Engine, Steering · CA

The car is un safe to drive, the RPM fluctuations, gos up and down at low speed, doesn’t potential problems with the torque converter clutch, is juddering and unstable RPMs, noticeable during acceleration or deceleration

Filed Jan 2, 2025 · Engine · MN

I change my own engine oil every 3,000 miles. During the past year with three oil changes completed, I have observed aluminum pieces in the bottom of the oil change black pan. Because my wife's 2017 Acura TLX was the subject of the crankshaft and connecting rod campaign (the dealer had to replace the crankshaft and all of the connecting rod and main bearings) I am familiar with the issue of non-concentric crankshaft connecting rod journals, and so have been surprised that my 2014 MDX with the same 3.5 L V6 has not yet been included. I am pretty sure it does suffer from the same defect as evidenced by the aluminum in the engine oil. If it fails at hihway speeds, that would possibly cause a safety incident.

Filed Nov 12, 2024 · Engine · FL

I'M seeing several reports where ACURA has a major recall on their MDX models from 2016-2020 however i have a 2014 model but I have suffered the same engine failure due to a connecting rod issue that has caused what they call a spun bearing I have tried to contact American Honda to file a complaint but they just keep denying me since my vehicle is not part of the recall but by sheer coincidence my engine has failed I had no warning signals that would of indicated this problem and I have had the car fully maintained by ACURA Dealerships since I bought the car in 2017 I see where several hundred other complaints have been filed due to ACURA's faulty issues - ACURA needs to expand their recall list to go back as far as possible since they seem to be having the same issues with previous models not included in the recall

Filed Oct 10, 2022 · Engine, Transmission · TX

There is a known issue of Certain Acura MDX models having a "judder" (i.e. bouncing rev counter) at certain speeds. This causes the torque converter to not lockup and continue to find the right gear, per se. This is a known issue and Acura has a TSB (16-062) for this: https://www.tsbsearch.com/Acura/16-062 The issue is, even though, unaddressed in a timely manner and continual use of the vehicle may deteriorate the transmission, Acura doesn't fix this free of charge for vehicles not under warranty. Dealer quotes $800+ for a total 1.6 hours of work (based on the TSB bulletin). This is outrageous and monopolistic behavior in a free market. Moreover, typical mechanics doesn't have access to the special computers needed to perform the software update, required by this TSB. I am reaching out to request Acura (Car manufacturer) to cover this under recall and not charge the customer this ridiculous ~$400/hr labor rate just because I can't update the software from a local mechanic.

Filed Feb 8, 2021 · Electrical, Engine · 123,000 miles · TX

When attempting to start the vehicle, there was only a repetitive click, click, click sound. The engine would not turn over. This indicated a battery issue that was contradicted by the fact that everything else was working I.e. Horn, lights, blower, radio. A quick search of the internet diagnosed the problem as an issue with the hands free module weakening the battery just enough to not start.

Filed Dec 22, 2020 · Engine, Fuel system · 97,000 miles · NH · fire

While driving in a main road, smoke started to fill the inside of the car. Pulled over immediately, opened the hood, there was fire that was rapidly expanding. Call 911, by the time they arrived (about 4 to 5 mins), the fire consumed the entire car.

Filed Oct 6, 2019 · Engine · 40,000 miles · VA

The car sputters and lurches between 30-40 MPH or so. It can't maintain speed. You have to speed up or slow down significantly for it to stop. It's ridiculous and annoying that a 45-50,000 dollar car would do this. The car has been doing it since the day we bought it. Also needed to mention the audible ticking the engine makes when idling. Why hasn't something been done about this considering many people have complained of this issue????

Filed Jul 24, 2019 · Body, Electrical · 40,000 miles · IL · fire

Flames and fire shot out from the front passenger side vents and under the dashboard and glove compartment, engulfing the vehicle into flames resulting in a total loss. The vehicle was in motion on a neighborhood street.

Filed Apr 5, 2019 · Acceleration, Engine · 60,000 miles · GA

Not long after purchasing vehicle used it started this lurching and hesitations in movement, this can also be observed (the jumps and hesitations) in rpms on the tac. This is occurring consistently primarily when driving between 30-40 MPH; this does not stop unless you accelerate quickly or allow your speed to drop below 20 MPH