2017 Acura MDX: engine knocking or ticking

Filed Aug 24, 2026 · Engine, Lights · CO

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.

Filed Jun 6, 2026 · Engine · MI

My 2017 Acura MDX had a complete engine failure because of know critical rod bearing issue which hasn’t been extended to all 2017 models of the MDX. My engine completely failed when I was entering a roundabout and nearly caused the car behind me to rear end me then left me dangerously stranded in the roundabout. Even though this is a known issue for this year, make and model of my vehicle Acura said it was my fault without asking for detailed maintenance records and said this recall only applies to certain vehicles produced. I had to pay $7995.71 for a new engine and this issue needs to be addressed before someone is killed. Thank you

Filed Jun 4, 2026 · Engine · 180,000 miles · MA

The contact stated that while driving, the engine made clunking noise, sudden loss of power and the check engine light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a connecting rod bearing failure and engine replacement is necessary. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.

Filed May 4, 2026 · Engine · 122,220 miles · CA

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.

Filed Apr 21, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · CA

The main issue is engine knocking and ticking also winding noise. There has been an issue with electrical with rear passengers getting burnt due to heat coming out of rear when rear system is off.

Filed Apr 17, 2026 · Engine · VA

A rod bearing inside the engine failed and created metal shavings inside the engine. The vehicle has not been fixed yet, so it is available for inspection currently, but I will be having the engine replaced in the next 2 weeks. With the metal shavings inside the engine it could cause a catastrophic failure of the engine while driving at any point The dealer has inspected and diagnose it as a rod bearing failure I reached out to Acura customer service to make them aware and ask for assistance in reviewing for coverage in the ongoing recall, but since my vehicle was not manufactured in the plant covered under the recall, they are unable to help. I asked for a good will credit and after they conferred with the dealer they stated the failure was not due to a manufacturing defect, therefore they cannot help. There were no warning lamps or messages from the vehicle. The only symptom was a ticking sound, that got louder at higher RPMs, coming from the front of the engine on the passenger side. I’ll also add that based on CARFAX report and our service records since we bought the vehicle, all recommended maintenance has been performed as recommended by the manufacturer.

Filed Apr 2, 2026 · Engine · IL

My vehicles motor is internally destroying itself. The rod bearing has gone and the motor is none functional. The car only has 98k miles. I have gotten the oil changed every 3k-4k miles and used 0W-20 oil as the manufacturer desired. It seems as though there has been 1.4million cars with this same issue as mine. I think a recall is in order. OEM new motor is $25.7k.

Filed Feb 12, 2026 · Engine · WI

One or more connecting rod bearings are failing. There is a knocking noise coming from the lower end of the engine which is more pronounced under load. There is a risk of the engine failing completely while driving and causing risk to myself, my passengers, and other drivers. This issue is know to happen in the same engine (J35Y5) and certain VINs are already under recall.

Filed Jan 16, 2026 · Engine · MI

Our 2017 Acura MDX has developed a crank rod bearing knock. Fox Acura in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has advised that our vehicle’s VIN is not included in service bulletin 23 036 concerning connecting rod bearing failure, despite evidence that similar failures have occurred in Acura 3.5 liter engines outside the bulletin’s listed VIN range. I intend to submit a safety complaint to the NTSB regarding this issue. Fox Acura has recommended a full engine replacement. I respectfully request that Acura expand the scope of the service bulletin to include our vehicle and provide coverage for the recommended repair.

Filed Jan 9, 2026 · Engine · AL

On my way home from work one evening, the car started making a loud knocking noise, then the car started losing power, the rpms jumping up and down and the dashboard lit up with warnings of all kinds. The traffic was somewhat heavy and and cars were speeding pass me, brakes screeching, horns blowing and my car steadily losing power. I was afraid, I didn't know what to do. I was trying to find a safe place to pull off the road. It was a traumatic experience as a large truck swerved into the other lane of traffic to avoid hitting me, almost causing an accident. Luckily I made it home safely. I had a mechanic look at it the next day and he said the engine needed to be replaced. Not convinced of the diagnosis, I had the car towed to another mechanic who confirmed the engine would have to be replaced. I had no issues with the car or the mechanics of the car prior to this. I could not for the life of me understand how my 2017 Acura MDX with only 74,000 miles on it, could possibly need a new engine unless it was defective. So I then towed the car to the Acura dealership where they confirmed, the engine needed to be replaced. However, when I asked about the engine recall, I was told my VIN is not included in the recall although it is the same exact issue. Acura did offer a one time goodwill assistance for 25% of the repair costs if performed at Acura. Admission of guilt knowing my car has a defective engine is what that says to me about Acura's offer of 25%! Since the car was useless without a engine, I have since had it repaired by an independent mechanic. I'm very disappointed in Acura.

Filed Dec 30, 2025 · Engine · AZ

Engine completely seized due to connecting rod bearing failure. This happened while driving, and I was stuck in traffic for almost an hour due to the vehicle being inoperable. vehicle was unable to be put in neutral due to a special tool being needed. Technicians from a third-party shop and Acura dealership stated this part does not break very often. The Vin does not fall in the parameters for the recall. The issue started the day prior with the engine, sounding like it needed a tuneup. After conducting the tuneup, the engine seized 20 miles after. The engine had to be completely replaced at the owners expense. Accurate did cover 50% of the replacement engine.

Filed Dec 17, 2025 · Engine · GA

My 2017 Acura MDX has an engine failure due to connecting rod bearing seizure in the 3.5L V6 engine. Recall 23V‑751 covered model year 2016-2020 Acura MDX vehicles and mine is a 2017. But, my VIN is not in Honda's recall range. The ODI had apparently received 414 reports of connecting rod bearing failures in the 3.5L V6 engine that are outside of 23V‑751. There is now an ODI Resume with number PE25008. See the two linked PDF documents below. [XXX] [XXX] The Acura dealer said that this is definitely the same problem they have seen on vehicles under the recall range. In their computer system where it says "Cause" they wrote "Cylinder 6 spun causing the knocking noise. excessive material in oil pan. if under the rod recall, it would need a long block." I have a screenshot of this if you would like it. My service representative at the dealership texted me the following "The engineer from Acura was here today and our District Manager - the engineer said they will not be expanding the recall on the Acura side. Just thought I'd let you know." I have this text message if you would like a screenshot of it. So, it sounds like Acura will not voluntarily expand the recall. This is going to cost me about $12K to fix. Is the federal safety agency ODI investigation still ongoing? When will I know if the VIN range will be expanded as I would like to get reimbursed by Acura for these repairs. Thanks, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)