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.
2017 Acura MDX engine complaints
Page 2 of 4: complaints 11 to 40 of 97, newest first, as owners wrote them.
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.
Hello, I am writing to report that my 2017 vehicle is experiencing the same issue that was subject to a recall on the 2016 models. Despite the recall being associated with the 2016 year, my 2017 vehicle is showing identical symptoms and concerns. This raises serious questions about safety, reliability, and whether this issue extends beyond the originally recalled model year. I would like this concern formally documented and request a review of my vehicle to determine whether it qualifies for repair, inspection, or coverage related to the prior recall. Please advise on the next steps and whether this issue has been reported or addressed for 2017 models. Vehicle details: Year: 2017 I appreciate your prompt attention to this matter and look forward to your response. Sincerely, [XXX] If I get killed me or my [XXX] son, you all will be responsible. You made these faulty vehicles. [XXX] I'm have to get a lawyer involved if issues are not addressed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.
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.
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.
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)
The contact owns a 2017 Acura MDX. The contact stated that the dealer recommended that the timing belt be replaced. After the timing belt was replaced, there was a ticking sound coming from the vehicle while being started. The sound occurred while driving at various speeds or while the vehicle was idling. The check engine warning light was illuminated while driving approximately 60 MPH. The contact pulled over, turned off, and restarted the vehicle, and the warning light was no longer illuminated. The vehicle was returned to the dealer, who diagnosed that the short block, bearings, and the oil pan needed to be replaced. The dealer recommended that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact learned of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.
Please see attachment:
2017 Acura Mdx. Earlier this year I suspected something was wrong with the car so we took it to Acura in weir canyon to get it checked out. They figured it was the throttle body so they replaced it and then about 2 weeks later the engine had a catastrophic failure. I was driving the car coming out of the freeway and right before I turned right the engine made a huge noise. We tried asking Acura for goodwill assistance but they did not offer anything at all because I bought the car used. I always took the car for its maintenance while the time I've had it. Acura then quoted me for around an 8 thousand dollar repair and then took it to a mechanic and they said its better to get the whole engine replaced at that point and so I did. I've always had Honda cars my whole life and they have been nothing but good but this was something different. I saw that there was a lawsuit going on and a lot of people has had the same problem with there engine specifically the connecting rod bearing which is the problem my car had.
Engine seized due to failure of the connecting rod bearing. Same issue that is occurring in the recall but our VIN does not fall into the vin codes. Engine needed a complete rebuild. During engine failure, I was in the middle of truck and vehicle would not move even in neutral.
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.
My 2017 Acura MDX with only 87,000 miles has suffered catastrophic engine failure. The vehicle has been properly maintained and all repairs recommended by the dealership where the performed since it was purchased new. While the dealership has confirmed the engine failure cause is exactly what is feared by the Recall Report 23V‑751, Honda has refused to acknowledge their responsibility since my VIN does not fall within their "identified" inventory. The engine is currently at the dealership and will be maintained as evidence for the "to-be-filed" lawsuit that will be required to recover the repair costs. The engine seized while driving and had to maneuver the vehicle to a safe location. Had I been travelling on the highway at the time. the outcome would have been disastrous. The problem is described in detail in Recall Report 23V‑251. There were no warning lights or issues other than a clunking sound the night before. I was driving to the dealership at the time the engine failure occurred.
The contact owns a 2017 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH on an interstate, the engine made an abnormal knocking sound, and the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was able to restart, but the vehicle failed to exceed 40 MPH, and the engine continued to make an abnormal knocking sound while driving. The contact drove to the nearest independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the vehicle could not be serviced. The contact stated that the failure occurred while driving out of State, which required the contact to stay in a hotel overnight. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, 500 miles away. The dealer determined that the cylinder #3 crankcase bearing had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered to pay for the labor, while the contact would pay for the parts. The vehicle was repaired. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Action Number: PE25008 (Engine). The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.
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)
Crank shaft connecting-rod bearing I’m hearing knocking and stalling when driving especially when making a turn. I have been in que since March 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle hesitated before losing automotive power. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the road, and the vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the local dealer needed to be contacted for assistance. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.
I was driving and all of the sudden I hear a pop and total engine failure. I was lucky to be traveling at 45 mph and could coast off the road safely. After the damage occurred the motor would not turn over again. I had it towed to Acura and they told me my motor was locked up and specifically that my camshaft bearing had failed. I asked about the recall and they said my vin was not selected for the damage therefore there was nothing they could do other than replace the motor at my expense. I have yet to repair this vehicle and it has been sitting untouched ever since it was towed back to my home.
I took my car to get an oil change. When I left the dealership, I heard a rattle I turned around he told me to bring it back in the morning. I went back the very next morning and they told me my engine valves needed to be adjusted. It took them from Monday until Thursday to complete the work and when I picked it up on Thursday the same noise was occurring. I left it there, on Monday they asked if I could come ride with a technician on Tuesday. Technician heard the noise stated they will get it done it was the timing change. From Monday-Friday I went to retrieve my car and the same noise nothing change and I called and told. Took it back on Tuesday they told me it was a lower engine rod that I would need to replace my motor, later went to the store and the car never move out of park gear. Got it towed back to Acura and they wouldn’t help me.
Hi, I have a 2017 Acura MDX. My Transmission Shifts to Neutral Unexpectedly. It happens when I'm driving. Most of the time it shifts back to Drive. Therefore, it never bothered me, it happened since I bough the car. It didn't happen often so I didn't think anything of it. However, lately it started to happen more often. Now when it shifts to Neutral it doesn't want to shift back do Drive. My concern happened when I was on a highway driving in a middle lane. I had to pull over and when it shifts to Neutral. When it shifts to Neutral you can't add gas and the vehicle starts slowing down. I received warning on my dashboard ((P))! - Electric Parking Brake Problem and (transition picture)- Emission System Problem came on. I turned the car off and then on. After, I turned on and Press D or R the car doesn't want to go forward or reverse. I have to turn the car off for about 15 min and then when I turn the car on and press Drive it drives without a problem. Recently, it started to happen more often. I happened to me today. I was on 2 line road on a left lane. My car stated to slow down. I was lucky nobody was on right lane, so I was able to change lanes and then I had to pull over and turn the car off. I waited 5 min turned the car on and it drove. I'm scared that I might not be as lucky as I was and get in an accident when the transmission shifts to neutral. My VIN is not on recall but there is a recall on 2016-2020 Acura MDX with same problem. 16V640/KC2 recall. I already contacted my dealer with no luck. They told me to contact Acura. I made a case # [XXX] with Acura. I was told they can't do anything and the bounce the ball again this time to the federal safety agency. Here I'm looking for help. My dealer found a Par 573 Safety Recall Report on the federal safety agency site. I love the car. I was hoping you can help me with this problem or maybe you can tell me who can help me. Thank You, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I was driving on the road and an electronic parking error light came up, along with emissions error. I pulled over to the side and I could not start the vehicle and the gears won’t shift
The engine has developed rapidly increasing knocking sound. Acura has been notified and has suggested I get an official diagnosis from dealer. I have done so at a cost of $1,300. The dealer's head mechanic has confirmed that I have an engine failure which exactly resembles the connect rod bearing recall found on the same engine type and of vehicles of the same year. Acura has denied any assistance in resolving this, even after receiving a written opinion from a dealer. I am lucky to have taken the steps to diagnose, prior to failure.
The contact owns a 2017 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, there an abnormal sound coming from the engine. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the connecting rod bearing, resulting in damages to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that three years prior the vehicle was diagnosed with connecting road bearing failure. The vehicle was under warranty and the engine was replaced. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
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.
The contact owns a 2017 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 35 MPH, the check engine warning light was displayed, and the vehicle was driving rough and failed to properly accelerate. The vehicle was slowly driven to the nearby local dealer who examined the engine and discovered metal shavings inside the oil pan. The contact was informed that the engine rod bearings had failed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V751000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 111,000.
While driving on the interstate, the engine suddenly lost power and a lot of malfunction indicator lights turned on. Driver was able to pull over without incident. Mechanic reported the engine had failed due to loss of oil pressure. The engine had to be replaced.
Our engine started making a loud knocking noise that was clearly not good. We had a friend who is a mechanic come put it on the computer and he diagnosed that the rocker arm took out some valves or lifters. He looked up the car and found a recall for our make and model (2017 MDX with the 3.5L engine) that matches our exact issue. But the VIN does not appear in the search so our car is not covered by the recall despite it clearly being caused by the defect. I understand that there is an investigation into this that the federal safety agency opened and Honda has been pushing for extensions. I was encouraged to add our car to this list to help you all see that the problem is much larger than originally thought. We are in a very tough spot and do not have the $5-10k to replace the engine. If the recall is not expanded soon, our only hope is that we get a goodwill repair. We have requested this, but are waiting to hear back from the dealer. Thank you for looking into this. I’m sure we are not the only people in a tough financial spot being affected by this. We appreciate your efforts to protect consumers!
See attached document for complaint.
The contact owns a 2017 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the timing chain. The dealer also observed that the timing chain cover was leaking. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); the VIN was included, but the vehicle was already repaired under recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 55,553.
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