On my 2017 Acura MDX SH-AWD with approximately 112,000 miles, the engine experienced a sudden catastrophic failure while I was traveling at highway speed. The vehicle abruptly lost power, the accelerator became unresponsive, smoke came from the vehicle hood and exhaust area, and multiple warning lights illuminated. The failure occurred with no advance warning and created a serious safety risk because I suddenly lost propulsion while traveling approximately 75 mph in highway traffic. An independent repair facility inspected the vehicle and reported that connecting rod/bearing failure resulted in catastrophic engine damage. I was advised that two connecting rods/bearings failed and caused holes in the engine block, with a rod/component also damaging the A/C compressor. Oil subsequently leaked from the damaged engine. Prior to the sudden failure, I did not have warning lights or other indications suggesting an imminent engine failure. The warning lights appeared during or immediately after the loss of power. The vehicle has been inspected by a repair facility and the engine requires replacement. The vehicle/failed components can be made available for inspection upon request. I am particularly concerned because Acura has previously recalled certain vehicles for connecting rod bearing failures that can result in engine damage, stalling, or loss of motive power. My vehicle is the same model year and has experienced an apparently similar catastrophic connecting rod/bearing failure, but my VIN is not currently included in the recall 23V‑751. I am submitting this complaint so the federal safety agency can evaluate whether the affected population may extend beyond the VINs currently covered in that recall. This is also linked to the federal safety agency’s new investigation PE25008.
2017 Acura MDX: multiple warning lights
17 of the 261 complaints about the 2017 Acura MDX describe multiple warning lights.
- owner complaints
- 17
- of this car's complaints
- 7%
- recalls
- 0
Multiple warning lights by model year
What owners say
The forward facing camera or monocular attached to the windshield has malfunctioned and is a wide spread issue across multiple models and years. When this item fails due to high heat which causes the camera (CMOS Image sensor) to degrade, the owner is given a slew of warnings and loses a lot of functionality. The dealership quotes an enormous amount of money to replace/calibrate the camera typically between $1500-2500 depending on location. Functionality that is lost includes cruise control, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keeping assistance and most importantly adaptive braking. There are also numerous dash lights and repetitive warnings that pop up for each bit of functionality that is broken. So while driving the user will see changing text and hear beeps to inform the driver of these deactivated features which is a major distraction and takes away from the drivers concentration on safe driving. Looking online this issue has been reported by drivers of multiple models and years of both Honda and Acura which means it is wide spread and should be classified as a recall. Just some of the models mentioned are Acura MDX, RDX, TLX, Honda Civic, Accord, CR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey and potentially others. There is no reason that a camera should fail across all these models spanning over a decade at such high numbers outside of an engineering failure that Honda does not want fork out money for to keep their drivers safe. A couple example part numbers would be 36160-TYS-A02-M1 and 36160-TJB-A040-M1.
The contact owns a 2017 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH the engine seized. All the warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was due to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined there was an internal engine failure. The local dealer was contacted, where it was diagnosed that there was rod bearing and engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The claim was denied. The failure mileage was approximately 122,220.
The multipurpose front camera on my 2017 Acura MDX failed with DTC U3000‑49, disabling LKAS, ACC, CMBS, and FCW. Acura issued Service Bulletin 23‑008 acknowledging a software defect, but my VIN was denied eligibility despite matching the bulletin’s criteria. This is a safety‑critical failure affecting many owners, and Acura is forcing consumers to pay for camera replacement instead of providing the software fix. My 2017 Acura MDX (VIN [XXX] ) is experiencing a failure of the multipurpose front camera, which controls several collision‑avoidance systems including: Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) Forward Collision Warning (FCW) All of these systems became disabled, and the vehicle displays multiple warning lights. The diagnostic code stored is U3000‑49 (FCW/LDW Camera Unit Malfunction). Acura issued Service Bulletin 23‑008, which states that: “A problem exists with the detection logic in the multipurpose camera software.” The bulletin applies to all 2017–2018 Acura MDX trims, and the corrective action is a software update to the camera module. My vehicle matches the exact symptoms described in the bulletin. However, Acura and the dealership informed me that my VIN is “not eligible” for the update, even though the bulletin explicitly lists my model year and trim. Instead, I was told I must pay for a full camera replacement, costing over $1,200, despite Acura acknowledging the issue is software‑related. This leaves me with a disabled safety system and no manufacturer‑supported remedy. The failure is widespread among 2017 MDX owners, and many report identical symptoms and identical denials of coverage. Because this defect disables multiple federally relevant safety systems simultaneously, I believe this should be treated as a safety recall, not a customer‑paid repair. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate this issue and require Acura to provide the software update.Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION A
Dear Acura, My MDX is showing many lights on the dashboard (LKAS, ACC, Break System, CMBS, RDM) associates with the code U3000-49 and all those features are deactivated due to the failure mentioned. I was searching on the website for this error and found many Acura MDX oweners experiencing the same issue which apparently the Windshield Lane Departure Camera. Honestly, Acura should take a look into this since this issue is getting worse and those are safety features on the vehicle. Regards,
I was driving my vehicle on the highway at 65 MPH when the engine light came on and began blinking- no other issues. I tried to pass a vehicle, and my vehicle would not accelerate, I was less than a mile from work. I called the dealership the same day and was able to take it in. When I called, I explained everything the dealership told me I could either tow it or try to drive it in. I went out to the car later and moved it from one parking lot to another and had no issues and no lights came on alerting something was wrong. Later in the day as I was driving 65 mph again on interstate, just as I was slowing down to get off all of the lights for everything came on and the engine was making a terrible knocking sound. I slowly pulled over and put my hazards on while driving 15/20 mph. I was near the dealership and was able to coast into the repair shop. Was informed the engine needed to be replaced due to a misfire on cylinder 2 and rod knock- most likely rod bearings and crank shaft issue with broken rod. We have an extended warranty so for a used engine found at a salvage yard won't cost much out of pocket with a similar amount of miles. Used engine will have 12K mile warranty/12months. The dealership has the engine- that info can be given upon request.
On [XXX], while driving at approximately 50 mph on [XXX], the vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of power accompanied by severe shuddering. Multiple warning lights illuminated on the dashboard, including the check engine light. The vehicle would momentarily regain power before failing again. This created a significant safety hazard, as I was unable to maintain speed or accelerate safely in traffic. The vehicle was immediately taken to Team Gillman & then transferred to Sterling McCall Acura located at Houston, TX. The dealership diagnosed a catastrophic internal engine failure, originating from the bottom end, requiring a full engine replacement. The vehicle's mileage at the time of failure was approximately 142,250 miles. This critical failure occurred without any prior warning. I am aware of the federal safety agency Investigation Number ODI PE25008 regarding faulty connecting rods in certain Acura and Honda vehicles, which can lead to sudden engine failure. While my vehicle's VIN was not included in the initial recall population, its symptoms and failure mode are identical to those described in the investigation. I requested that Acura address this known defect through a goodwill repair, given the clear correlation to an ongoing federal safety investigation. This request was formally denied June 2025. Given that the federal safety agency has expanded its investigation to include additional vehicles and model years, including that of my MDX, I am filing this complaint to ensure my vehicle and its specific failure data are included in the official the federal safety agency record. Urge the agency to compel American Honda Motor Co. to expand any subsequent recall to include my vehicle and others with identical failure patterns. The sudden nature of this engine failure presents an unacceptable safety risk to the driver, passengers, and the public. Thank you for your attention to this matter. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
While driving down the road we started hearing a knocking sound. All the lights on the dash came on. Vehicle stopped running while driving it to the mechanic. We had to have it towed to the Acura Dealership. They kept it to check it out. Per their report it's a Possible Push Rod Recall. Diagnosis- Spun connecting bearing. There is a recall on this specific issue on this specific Year , make and model. Yet Acura is telling me they will not cover this. The car ran perfectly before this happened, no lamps, no issues. We have been dealing with this since October 17th 2024.
only had a car for a year no issues, started hearing a knocking noise two days later in the middle of the intersection the car throws all the lights and refuses to move. The engine gives out we take it to the dealership and they confirm that it is the rod bearing issue which is a known issue with ACURA which is currently on recall. We send the issues to ACURA and they are refusing to advocate for us for the fact that this is a KNOWN RECALL ISSUE but even though our car is not vin specific for the recall this issue that we are having is the same issue as the recall. Like it was stated earlier that there was no issues with the car before the engine blew. This is a safety concern of Acura as to why they placed the recall on these make and models in the first place. We have asked for a goodwill recall adjustment as was denied which is also not fair because again an engine does not just give out like that. We are not being taken care of by our manufacturer for a manufacture defect and we know that there is currently a class action lawsuit with Acura for the same issue we are having and they are refusing to do right by people who are purchasing these cars.
My 2017 Acura MDX died on me 3 times in the middle of the street last year 2024, July. All the warning lights got turned on the dashboard all 3 times. Car staled and could not turn it on right away. I managed to turn it on and after few seconds turned its self off. It felt like fuel injectors were not working properly or fuel pump. I tried few more other times and got turned on and drove it home. Next day all the warning light went away. Day after, i drove it to grocery store and on stop light same thing happened. I decided to take it to Acura dealership, on the way there all the warning lights turned off by it self. They could not find that anything is wrong with it.
I reported these issues to Acura corporate and to Jackson Acura, dealership I purchased the vehicle from in February 2024. Beginning in July 2024 the vehicle would stall, de-accelerate then the automatic brake would engage, and the vehicle would go into "N" mode, Neutral and lock up. I was able to press the gas pedal a few times, and the vehicle would come back online and drive. This issue happens about every 100 miles driven. On [XXX] the vehicle suddenly de-accelerated, went into auto brake mode and then shifted into neutral. On this date the vehicle locked up suddenly to an abrupt stop, we were almost impacted in the rear with two other vehicles having to take evasive action to avoid hitting us. My wife and I were lucky not to injured by the sudden brake, or transmission lock up. There were no other issues with the vehicle until this date, other than the stall issue. It seems the system had a sudden catastrophic failure. the car has been maintained with oil changes, new battery and transmission service. The car was shutdown then restarted. All the lights on the dash were on and the vehicle was unable to shift to any gear. The vehicle had to be towed to my home address. I was advised to have the vehicle towed to a dealer for diagnostics at my expense. It is currently at Nalley Acura, Marietta, Ga being diagnosed for the issues. The vehicle has 74,000 miles currently. It was purchased with 57,700 miles from Jacson Acura as a certified Acura used vehicle. The Acura dealer and Acura corporate both stated my VIN # was not included in the recalls. It should be included in the recalls as it has the same issues as other Acura models. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2017 Acura MDX. The contact stated that after a routine transmission flush, while driving approximately 40 MPH, the transmission was hesitating before shifting. The contact stated that vehicle was jerking into gear and made an abnormal banging sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had reoccurred. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, and the transmission started to jerk while shifting into gear, while shifting lanes. The contact pulled off the highway and observed that numerous warning lights were illuminated. The check transmission message was displayed. The contact was able to shift to park(P) and turned the vehicle off several times. The contact stated that the vehicle was able to be shifted to drive(D); however, when the accelerator pedal was depressed, the engine revved, and the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that numerous warning lights were illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to the same dealer where the service was performed. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Under certain circumstances, after coming to a stop and engaging idle stop the vehicle may not restart...
- Under certain circumstances, after coming to a stop and the idle stop feature engages, the vehicle may not...
- Dealer Message
- Dealer Message
- Dealer Message
- Tech line summary article
- Tech line summary article
- While driving, the client may experience flickering interior/exterior lights, multiple indicators coming...
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2017 Acura MDX warning lights
Is multiple warning lights a common problem on the 2017 Acura MDX?
17 of 261 owner complaints about the 2017 Acura MDX (7%) mention multiple warning lights. The model year with the most reports is 2016.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2017 Acura MDX?
There are 0 recalls and 27 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2017 Acura MDX
Knocking 44Engine failure 30Loss of power 26Stalling 24Jerking 23Adaptive cruise 21Lane assist 21Check engine light 18Collision warning 15Hesitation 14Transmission failure 10Won't shift 9Harsh shifting 7Fuel pump 6Sudden acceleration 6Fire or smoke 5Headlights 5
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