2016 Acura MDX: engine failure

Filed Oct 12, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · MD

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 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 Sep 21, 2026 · Suspension · NH

My 2016 Acura MDX (VIN [XXX]) is covered by Acura safety campaign 4170A8. The campaign covers rear subframe corrosion at the suspension mounting points that can cause the rear wheels to become misaligned or inadequately retained, affecting handling, stability, and braking. On XXX, I brought the vehicle to Sunnyside Acura, [XXX] (Repair Order XXX). The dealer did not perform the recall remedy and noted "cannot complete as rear toe arms are seized." They ordered replacement rear toe arms (52370-TZ5-A91 and 52375-TZ5-A91) that day. More than a month later, the recall repair has still not been completed: I filed a complaint with the dealership. They called me but did not follow through. On XXX, the dealer postponed the repair because no loaner vehicle was available. The repair was rescheduled for XXX. The dealer did not contact me. I contacted Acura Client Relations more than a week ago and have received no response. I am driving a vehicle with a known, open safety defect that Acura has acknowledged but has not repaired. I am asking the federal safety agency to help ensure Acura and its dealer complete the recall remedy promptly. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 7, 2026 · Engine · FL

"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 federal safety agency 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 Sep 5, 2026 · Engine · KS

"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 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 Jul 17, 2026 · Engine · CA

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 May 28, 2026 · Engine · WA

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 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 federal safety agency has expanded investigations into similar engine failures affecting Acura and Honda vehicles outside the original recall VIN population.

Filed May 4, 2026 · Engine · 148,000 miles · MO

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 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 the federal safety agency 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 Mar 24, 2026 · Engine · CA

Customer reports: - vehicle will not start - died while backing up and wouldn't restart - no warning in car and safety at risk as a result - towed car to auto mechanic who provided this information below Check and advise: - Found starter motor tries to crank the engine over but never completes more than a partial engine revolution during each starting attempt, using jumper packs do not help, fully charged and tested battery and found battery tests bad, installed tester battery for diagnostic purposes and found engine still wont crank, attempted to rotate engine via crank pulley bolt and pry bar and found engine will not rotate indicating engine is seized due to some sort of internal engine issue, suspect possible connecting rod bearing failure but cannot confirm without significant engine disassembly. - This issue (apparently its a widely known problem on this engine and there is an active recall campaign developing): Acura MDX 2016 has a recall but my VIN # is not showing up in it. However, I strongly believe it is the same issue and Acura should expand their recall to include more vehicles, including my own.

Filed Jan 19, 2026 · Engine · NE

We have a 2016 Acura MDX. The connecting rod bearing caused the engine to be damaged, resulting in a knocking noise, and decreased engine output. This resulted in the engine needing to be replaced. The reason for the engine failures was the exact issue in the federal safety agency Recall 23V‑751. While our vehicle is the same year, make and model of the recall, we are being told that because our manufactured date falls a few months outside of this recall, Honda will not pay for the repairs. We therefore had to pay for the repairs out of pocket in the amount of $6,170.59. We are asking the federal safety agency to expand the recall as this failure obviously occurred outside the previously issued recall window.

Filed Jan 15, 2026 · Engine · CA

I was driving my Acura MDX(2016 7900 miles) on a multi-lane highway, the vehicle experienced a sudden and significant loss of engine power without prior warning. This occurred during normal traffic conditions and reduced the vehicle’s ability to accelerate and maintain speed, creating a safety risk for my family and surrounding vehicles. After the loss of power, a rattling/knocking noise from the engine became apparent. A check engine light appeared after the initial event which later went away. The vehicle was first inspected by an authorized dealer, who recommended replacement of spark plugs and later a timing belt as part of the diagnostic process. These actions did not address the underlying issue. The vehicle was subsequently inspected by an independent repair facility. The independent mechanic confirmed internal engine damage by finding metal shavings in the oil and diagnosed rod bearing failure, requiring complete engine replacement. The failed engine is available for inspection upon request. The independent mechanic also referenced an Acura/Honda technical service bulletin related to rod bearing failures affecting similar engines and model years. The vehicle has been routinely serviced at authorized Acura dealerships, including regular oil changes, prior to the failure. No external damage, misuse, or lack of maintenance was identified during the inspection by the dealership. The issue was later inspected by the manufacturer’s authorized dealer. The manufacturer declined assistance, stating the failure was not considered a defect. There were no warning lamps, messages, or noticeable symptoms prior to the initial loss of power.

Filed Jan 12, 2026 · Engine · PA

The engine failed and acura tech said it was connecting rod failure. There is a Safety recall from Acura 23-036 and an investigation by the federal safety agency # RQ24013. Acura stated my VIN is not part of the recall although it's the same issue.

Filed Jan 8, 2026 · Engine · OR

the federal safety agency Incident Report Vehicle: 2016 Acura MDX Date of Incident: [XXX] Location: Oregon (Oregon Coast to Portland) Mileage: 110, XXX Incident: During a 60-mile road trip, the vehicle unexpectedly shut off and shifted into neutral. The car coasted safely to a stop. Earlier, we had noticed a slight knocking sound when starting the engine, but no other issues were present. A tow truck attempted to jump-start the vehicle without success. Ron Tonkin Acura later confirmed engine failure. The vehicle has been regularly maintained, with documentation, and had no prior engine problems. Acura has stated that this failure is not part of their rod bearing recall. No warning lights appeared before or during the incident. Safety Concern: The sudden engine shutdown created a serious safety risk while driving. Requested Action: Investigation into potential defect causing unexpected engine shutdown in the 2016 Acura MDX. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)