2016 Acura MDX: engine overheating

Filed Apr 27, 2026 · Engine · GA

My 2016 Acura MDX (purchased new January 2016) has a confirmed failure of the 9-speed automatic transmission warmer (ATF warmer), causing engine coolant and ATF fluid to cross-contaminate. The failed warmer is still in the vehicle and available for inspection. In the last week of March 2026, I noticed the engine cooling fan continuing to run after shutting off the vehicle — an abnormal symptom that prompted me to bring the car in for service. No check engine or transmission warning lights were illuminated. On March 28, 2026, Blue Sky Tire and Auto (Cumming, GA) performed a diagnostic inspection confirming coolant and ATF cross-contamination. The technician also physically inspected the transmission warmer manufacturing date stamp, confirming it falls within the defective manufacturing date range identified in Acura Service Bulletin 17-009 (October 6, 2017), which states that improperly manufactured warmers allow coolant and ATF to mix, potentially causing permanent engine and transmission damage. The vehicle has not been inspected by an Acura dealership for this failure. However, an American Honda Customer Relations case has been opened (Case # XXX) with a case manager assigned to evaluate the warranty claim under the 10-year/unlimited mileage warranty extension issued by American Honda for this exact defect. This failure poses serious safety risks — loss of transmission lubrication can cause sudden transmission failure at speed, and coolant-ATF mixing can cause engine overheating, both potentially resulting in loss of vehicle control. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Nov 11, 2024 · Engine · MN

We were on a highway drive to a state park 45 minutes from our house on [XXX]. 40 Minutes into the drive the check engine light flashed. We had just taken a long road trip from Minnesota to Ohio (and back again) the week before (10/15-10/20) and had NO problems whatsoever. We parked and read what we could online as to what to do. Checked the gas cap tightness, the oil, etc. and let the engine cool for 2 hours. Started the car and no lights came on. So we started driving home. 35 Minutes later ALL the lights on the dash came on. Scrolling through every system in the car-transmission, brakes, lane assist, etc. We pulled Over almost immediately. Turned the car off checked under the hood but nothing seemed glaringly wrong. It wasn’t overheating or smoking or anything. We tried to drive it directly to our mechanic. Got back on the highway and the engine would not get up to speed, just groaning. Worried we would be in danger on the highway we pulled over and called for a tow. The first mechanic that reviewed (just local not Honda) could hear a knocking in the engine. Towed it to an Acura dealership on 10/28/2024. The Acura mechanic there confirmed that it is a rod/rod bearing issue—but we don’t fall under the recall. The rod came loose in the engine, banged around, damaging the engine. Cost to fix is $10,000. This information came to us on 11/4. We filed a complaint with the Acura/Honda recall department that day. We have been waiting to hear their verdict (after their investigation) for the last week. We have been told multiple times that our car doesn’t fall under the original recall. But the Acura mechanic has confirmed it is the same issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed May 29, 2022 · Electrical · AZ

While driving on the interstate miles in cruise control vehicle started to reduce speed quickly. upon pressing the accelerator (as a semi was right behind me) nothing happened. I attempted to pump the gas pedal in desperation of not being hit as no pull off lane was available. After about 4 minutes vehicle was able to accelerate once again no warning signs or lights came on at this time (i had my 4 young children in the vehicle) extremely unsafe and yet no resolution with said issues. This has occurred 4 times as of yet. #2 dashboard display vehicle in park (P)blinking along with codes; lane departure failure, transmission system failure, blind spot failure. During this time i was able to still drive. Dealership verbalized they could not resolve the issue as no codes ect.,(Popped up) or Registered upon diagnosis. Has occurred 3 times. #3 vehicle door windows are loose as if they were going to fall right off. #4 When I start the engine there's a loud noise prior to starting and during idle. #5 Air conditioner stops working in the front only on occasions. Especially on warmer days. #6 not shifting smoothly. #7 Doors sound as if not sealed appropriately. #7 safety features warning of not able to function due yo overheating

Filed May 26, 2018 · Engine, Transmission · 16,000 miles · FL

The car overheated and was leaking blue fluid, started smoking and had a weird chirping noise coming from the engine. The car was parked and was jumping another car with a dead battery.

Filed Feb 26, 2016 · Transmission · 6,700 miles · AZ

Transmission failed causing engine to overheat. This 9 speed transmission has a fluid heater in it that has radiator water supplied to it. Car was not shifting correctly and making a beeping noise at 20 to 25 MPH. Car was taken to deal on 2/13/16 with 5,635 miles they test drove and said they could not find anything wrong. Same issues driving home from dealer. While driving car on 2/23/2016 with appox. 6700 miles engine light came on , smoke from under hood, display said engine overheated and appox. 1 quart of light blue fluid leaked out from under car. Towed to dealer, they said transmission heater(not cooler) ruptured, causing the transmission fluid and engine coolant to mix and this is what caused overheating. Tthey are ordering a new transmission with at least one week down time.