2018 Acura MDX: engine knocking or ticking

Filed May 13, 2026 · Engine · TX

Rob bearing recall was performed on a 2018 Acura MDX at around 78,000 miles. After a long ordeal with Acura because the recall had not yet been extended to the 2018 MDX's yet, Honda agreed to replace the motor. The new replacement motor has already seized again with only 30,000 miles. Dealer has taken motor apart and confirmed it is the same rod bearing issue as the recall. So the new motor that was replaced must have the same issue. After further investigation, it also appears that the Acura dealership that replaced the motor, did not tighten or replace many bolts during the repair. I have attached pictures of missing frame bolts, engine bolts, and the spun rod bearings.

Filed Oct 29, 2025 · Engine · TN

I submit this complaint because my 2018 Acura MDX, covered under the federal safety agency recall 23V‑751 for connecting-rod bearing defects, has suffered progressive engine damage and final engine failure that I believe was caused by the manufacturer’s recalled defect and by the dealer/manufacturer’s failure to timely perform the recall repair. Timeline & key facts: 2024: Vehicle displayed code P0159 (O₂ sensor slow response). I contacted Acura corporate and opened a case. The O₂ sensor was replaced under warranty. I continued to report reduced acceleration and intermittent check-engine illumination to the dealer and to Acura corporate. I repeatedly requested that the recall inspection/repair be performed, but the repair was delayed or not scheduled despite the vehicle’s symptoms and my repeated follow-ups.2024–2025: Over the following months I repeatedly requested recall service and documented those requests with the dealer and Acura corporate. On many occasions I was not scheduled for the recall or was told to wait for parts/authorization. I was also treated rudely by dealership staff (identified service advisor: Tara at Acura on Chapman Road), and my case was not escalated appropriately despite my persistence. 2025: Vehicle later displayed P0430 (catalyst efficiency below threshold, Bank 2), and within [insert timeframe] the engine experienced complete failure requiring immobilization. Dealer notes show an oil-pump leak and catalytic converter symptoms consistent with oil/fuel contamination and bearing-related engine issues. I have service records documenting the sensor replacement, subsequent dx, and the dealer’s findings. Effect: I have been wi/o a vehicle since the engine failure, incurred hotel cancellation charges $116 and other consequential damages. I believe the engine damage was preventable and is directly tied to the acknowledged defect in the recall; the catalyst and O₂ sensor failures were downstream consequences of recall-related engine problems (oil consumption,

Filed Oct 24, 2025 · Engine · TN

I am filing this report regarding my 2018 Acura MDX that has experienced complete engine failure directly related to the Connecting-Rod Bearing Safety Recall (the federal safety agency Recall 23V‑751) and Acura’s failure to perform the recall when I first reported issues. In 2024, my vehicle began showing engine trouble codes (P0159) and experienced reduced acceleration and check engine light warnings. I contacted Acura corporate and opened a case, explaining that the vehicle was exhibiting symptoms similar to those described in the recall, including engine hesitation and performance issues. I also took the vehicle to Acura of Chattanooga on Chapman Road, where I worked with Tara, a service advisor who acknowledged remembering my repeated attempts to get the recall addressed. Despite this, the recall repair was never performed, and I was treated rudely and dismissed each time. Over the past two years, I have made multiple documented attempts to have the recall completed. Each time, Acura failed to take action or stated that parts or authorization were unavailable. In 2025, my vehicle displayed Code P0430 (Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold, Bank 2) and ultimately suffered complete engine failure. The issues with oil circulation, catalytic converter performance, and acceleration are consistent with the rod bearing defect Acura has acknowledged as part of this recall. Recently, Acura informed me that my recall was “completed,” even though the engine is now inoperable. This is unacceptable, as the recall was meant to prevent this exact type of engine damage, and Acura had two years of opportunity to address the issue before failure occurred. The current situation has left me with a non-functioning engine, significant repair costs, and a serious safety concern that could have been prevented if Acura had honored its recall responsibilities in a timely manner. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate Acura’s handling of this recall and their pattern of delaying or denying recall repairs

Filed Jan 8, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · MN

From a stop, the vehicle will lurch forward after 1 second of acceleration without a change in the amount of pressure on the gas pedal, as if there is a delayed input to the throttle position. This only happens from a complete stop, such as at red lights, stop signs, or in heavy stop and go traffic. On multiple occasions I have almost rear ended the vehicle in front of me as a result of this. There are no warning lamps or error messages displayed in the gauge cluster. I have not been able to have this inspected by any of the Acura dealers in a 25 mile radius, because when I called to make an appointment for the connecting rod bearing recall, the earliest opening was March of 2026.

Filed Nov 11, 2024 · Engine · AZ

At 40k miles the connecting rod bearings gave out, car was taken to the shop and bottom end was rebuilt under warranty. at 80k miles the same issue began to start. cars been in the shop for weeks for the same connecting rod bearing issue.

Filed May 30, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · LA

I received a letter from Acura in January 2024 regarding the engine crankshaft recall. I have called the two closest Acura dealerships in an attempt to get this fixed. The last that I was informed today by a dealership is "the part is expected to arrive in August, and we are booked out until December". This put me at getting this repair fixed at ONE YEAR after Acura sent me this letter admitting the crankshaft issue. My vehicle has stalled sporadically while driving for the entire two years that I have owned it. The letter from Acura states that this recall can cause the "rod bearing to prematurely wear and seize, causing engine damage which may cause the engine to run improperly or stall while driving, increasing the risk of fire, crash, or injury. I would like Acura to fix my car or put me and my family in a safe alternative.

Filed Jan 9, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · ID

First it was start knocking under the hood and the car suddenly stop on the freeway at 80 miles an hour. The car lost all the power. We were lucky we didn't get hit by other cars on the freeway.

Filed Aug 31, 2020 · Engine, Transmission · 25,345 miles · CA

Ticking noises coming from engine. Confirmed with dealer acura is looking into this. I'm also experiencing brief loss of power dealer states this is associated with engine.