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
2018 Acura MDX engine complaints
Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 54, newest first, as owners wrote them.
The contact owned a 2018 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to several dealers but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Many times, when I drove the car on the road leaving the stop sign and it lost power or hesitated to go.
The contact owns a 2018 Acura MDX. The contact received notifications of the federal safety agency Campaign Numbers: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle jerked and hesitated and failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. No warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while exiting a parking lot and driving 5 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated. The contact stated that several minutes later, the vehicle functioned as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired after the most recent failure. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
While driving at freeway speeds (70–85 mph), I experience a sudden and complete loss of acceleration when pressing the gas pedal fully. The vehicle stops responding to throttle input entirely for 1–2 seconds. To regain power, I must take my foot off the pedal for a moment and then press it again. This has happened multiple times and presents a severe safety hazard when merging, passing, or trying to avoid collisions. •Frequency & Reproducibility: This has occurred at least 3 times over the past year, under similar conditions. It is intermittent, but consistently happens during high-speed acceleration. •Dealership Response: I’ve reported the issue to the dealership, but they claim they cannot replicate the problem and do not consider it a concern. No resolution or inspection has been offered beyond a basic check. •Why It’s Dangerous: This issue could lead to a deadly accident if I’m unable to accelerate in time to avoid a crash. It creates a sudden and unexpected loss of control at highway speeds.
Car has two unrepaired recalls. ( Please refer to your site)Fuel pump is never available, needs to be ordered. Recall related to engine bearings, crankshaft and other essential parts has not been repaired to any MDX in Puerto Rico. A year and a half after notifying recall the Dealer informs that Acura is developing a tool to diagnose damage. No date to repair situation is available. Permanent damage to engine can be in progress while original warranty expired during waiting period and private extended warranty will soon expire. Possible solution may involve engine replacement, separating engine from transmission, gaskets, seals and other related parts not included in the recall. Both recalls are a safety concern. Your assistance is appreciated. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2018 Acura MDX. The contact received notifications of the federal safety agency Campaign Numbers: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that occasionally while attempting to accelerate from a stop, the vehicle occasionally stalled while the accelerator pedal was depressed. No warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Bought vehicle new in 2018. Starting in 2020, brought car to dealership complaining that car, at times, did not accelerate when prompted. Vehicle pauses, then lurches forward. Very dangerous when making left turns and when merging with traffic. My wife (who used to be primary driver of this vehicle), refused to continue to drive it ...and neither I nor my wife would allow our now age 21 daughter to drive it. So this vehicle (as unsafe as it was) became my back and forth to work vehicle. Vehicle was brought to the dealership on at least 4 or 5 times with this complaint - from 2020 through 2024...One time it was at dealership for almost 2 weeks Dealership would never fully admit to the issue - often times one service person, through test driving would notice the issue, only to then be told it was "normal driving" of this vehicle. On a regular basis, car would stop (pause) "in the face of oncoming traffic - my heart would skip a beat, only for the car to then resume accelerating On many occasions, I discussed with service team - always to be told that there were no known issues Fast forward to 2024 - when Acura notified me of a Recall regarding the Fuel Pump....I quickly scheduled an appointment, brought the car in this past week and had the Recall done. Speaking with the Serviceperson when checking the car in, I brought up the past issues that I have had and asked if this Recall was the likely reason.....the service person - without hesitation said "absolutely"......I then asked him, so was "Acura lying to me ll these past visits".....his response was "sounds like it to me" Since getting the car back - the hesitation has stopped. I have paperwork from all my previous visits - with responses from their technicians I am certain there was consumer fraud conducted by the dealership I bought and serviced this vehicle from (Open Road Acura - Wayne NJ). Add to it , the inconveniences I experienced and the fear that my wife and daughter had of the vehicle.
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.
The contact owns a 2018 Acura MDX. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, parts to do the recall repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2018 Acura MDX. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V751000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2018 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle hesitated. Additional pressure was applied, and the accelerator pedal was depressed to the floorboard. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Numbers: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2018 Acura MDX. The contact received notifications of the federal safety agency Campaign Numbers: 23V751000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) and 23V858000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2018 Acura MDX. The contact stated that at an idle stop, he allowed another vehicle to complete a turn. As the contact depressed the accelerator pedal to make a left turn, the vehicle came to an abrupt stop which caused the vehicle to be rear ended by another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. No injuries were reported and a police report was not filed. The vehicle was able to drive away from the scene of the accident. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The contact's vehicle was included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) but had yet to be serviced. The vehicle had yet to be diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 98,031.
We have two stop sale safety recalls on our 2018 Acura MDX that have gone over a year without being addressed. I have contacted Acura and the dealership multiple times. Acura refers me to the dealer and the dealer refers me to Acura. Apparently there is no accountability for important safety recalls. Would appreciate some help from the federal safety agency
While accelerating, the vehicle to decelerated rapidly, the gas pedal became unresponsive when pushed down. Numerous warning lights started Additionally, the vehicle shifted into neutral while the vehicle was being driven and would not shift out even after stopped. I was on a very busy 6 lane highway going 80 mph in thanksgiving traffic, my wife, 1 year old and 3 year old were in the vehicle. This appears to be a known issue from Honda, please see [XXX], et al. v. American Honda Motor Company Inc., et al., Case No. [XXX], INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.
The contact owns a 2018 Acura MDX. The contact received notifications of the federal safety agency Campaign Numbers: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
There are two outstanding recalls on my vehicle and my local acura is in not able to repair them until January despite the safety compromise listed under each recall increasing risk for collision or fire
The contact owns a 2018 Acura MDX. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Numbers: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
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.
The contact owns a 2018 Acura MDX. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Numbers: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
February 2024 several issues started to occur with my 2018 acura awd mdx. On two occasions I tried to start the vehicle, wouldnt start till the third attempt. I was driving not even 25 miles when the vehicle accelerated. Another occasion I was exiting a parking spot when the vehicle deccelerated, couldnt pick up speed almost crashed into a parked vehicle. I called acura dealership to report concerns. Spoke to donna tipton. She cut me off stating acura doesnt have the fuel pump or connecting rod in stock call back in the spring. I called acura care to report was given a case number and advised to take my vehicle to acura for priority service based on the issues. The dealership gave me the run around for over a month trying to get an appointment. In the meantime, the issues with the vehicle worsened. I called acura care they advised to call the dealership trying to get a supervisor. Donna wouldnt get the manager or take my information. I called again [xxx] spoke to shawn and was scheduled april [xxx]. My vehicle was there all day for them to say they didnt experienced any issues and they have no control over the issues im having or the fact acura won't have parts the fall of 2024. I cannot drive a vehicle with engine issues till fall without being at risk for a crash, injury or death to myself or others. I need my vehicle repaired or replaced immediately. Acura need to expedite this process. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)
The contact owned a 2018 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in a garage there was a sudden odor of smoke. The contact stated upon discovering the smoke the contact noticed fumes and flames coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated the vehicle was unoccupied at the time of the fire. The fire was extinguished by the Fire Department however the vehicle was consumed by the fire. There was smoke damage to the home and there was damage to the driveway due to the fire. The contact's wife sustained emotional distress. A Fire Department report was filed. A Police report was not filed. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Acura MDX. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. An unknown dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2018 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal rattling sound. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring intermittently. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was test-driven; however, the dealer informed the contact that they could not duplicate the failure. The contact later received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) which she related to the failure; however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. Additionally, the contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
The dealership is refusing to fix the issue citing that the parts will not be available until fall of 2024. My vehicle is unsafe to drive.
The contact owns a 2018 Acura MDX. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
On February 7 at 2:30 I came home, and my car was unable to turn off. I’ll try several times to turn off the car by pressing the on and off button. While driving back to work, the car change gear from being in Drive, and it went into neutral while I was driving. I was able to pull over and I was able to turn off the car by pressing the button. The entire dashboard lights came on with all the different symbols . I was able to exit the carr. I told my car to a local repair shop. This was a very frightening experience, especially when I was driving, and the car went into neutral it could’ve been worse.
The contact owns a 2018 Acura MDX. The contact received notifications of the federal safety agency Campaign Numbers: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
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