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2018 Acura MDX: engine stalls while driving

16 of the 169 complaints about the 2018 Acura MDX describe engine stalls while driving.

owner complaints
16
of this car's complaints
9%
typical mileage
45,000
recalls
2
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls and 39 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Engine stalls while driving by model year

What owners say

Filed Jan 26, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · FL

I had a recall done by local Acura dealer, Miami Doral Acura, where they replaced parts that connected the engine to the car, they are like rods. I recently took the car to a mechanic because I needed to change the timing belt components and he advised me that one of the rods that were replaced failed. This means that the engine was attached by only one rod, the other rod was cut, not connected. I called Acura today reporting the issue with the recall, they gave me a case number 16125924, advising me that some one would get back to me. The same mechanic also advised me that the high pressure fuel pump was not working properly and that my car could stall while driving it and he advised that it would be dangerous to drive it without replacing it. The part he quoted me was around $700. I looked for recalls for this car with this fuel pump issue and found that Acura only recalled some VIN numbers and my car is not one of the VIN numbers recalled. I believe Acura has not recalled all cars involved with the pressure pump. I find it hard to believe that they are not aware of this issue affecting more of the 2018 MDX model. The recall with the rods failed just a year after they replaced them. I had the rod recall done in 1/25. I cannot drive the car until I have the mechanic replace the high pressure fuel pump and fix the problem with the engine rod recall. Acura needs to be heal accountable and compensate owners that are dealing with the same issue I am.

Filed Nov 18, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · TX

I want to say that the engine or transmission is faulty. Sometimes while at a complete stop, the car will not advance and tries to stall or lose power. It takes about 2 or 3 seconds to finally go after I push the accelerator pedal almost 3/4 throttle. No it has not been reproduced at the dealer. I took it May of 2024 for the engine recall repair. They said that the repairs should fix the problem but it has maybe even worsened. No warning lamps appear when the problems happen.

Filed Sep 2, 2025 · Engine · 130,000 miles · PA

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.

Filed Aug 20, 2025 · Driver assistance, Fuel system · 40,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2018 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled, with several unknown warning lights and the traction control warning light illuminated. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the oil pressure switch. The oil pressure switch was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 - 75 MPH, the vehicle unintentionally decelerated to 40 - 45 MPH. The accelerator pedal was pumped until the vehicle accelerated with a crunching sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the remote start failed to operate as designed occasionally. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic and was diagnosed with transmission failure; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer approximately 7 to 8 times due to the failure. The contact stated that the fuel pump was replaced; however, the failure persisted, and the transmission had experienced total failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), and the vehicle had exceeded the mileage for the transmission repair under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

Filed Mar 24, 2025 · Transmission · WI

Vehicle stalls when accelerating from A stop. Has done this since first purchased. Acura charged me for transmission software but did not resolve issue. Vehicle hesitates and stalls when accelerating from a stop. My wife refuses to ever drive vehicle as we have had many close calls with accidents.

Filed Mar 3, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · 100,000 miles · MS

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.

Filed Nov 12, 2024 · Transmission · TX

While driving car turned cel/epb/emission, car lost power while engine still running suddenly so I pulled to the side of the street. I put in park and turn engine off and on, it would not let me put in any gears . I hold down parking brakes and finally it let me engage the gears. The Acura technician found clutch positions controlled error which caused engine stall conditions, this DTC is typically caused by outdated TCM, PCM software. This situation is a safety issues, the manufacturer should fix for free, the engine stall may cause a major accident if i am on the highway

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 Feb 9, 2024 · Transmission · NV

The transmission of my 2018 has a slip or hesitation where it stalls when going in gear. This has put me and my family in danger. Acura is aware of the issue but claims there is no remedy. I have taken the car to service multiple times and nothing has been done. Last time it stalled while going up hill and I had my children in the car which is extremely dangerous. I had the same issues with my 2016 MDX which had the same issue. The transmission was replaced 3 times on the vehicle. Acura needs to open up a recall on these transmissions.

Filed Jan 5, 2024 · Engine · IA

My 2018 Acura MDX received an Auto Engine Software update a couple months ago. I took it in "Acura of Johnston" in Iowa due to a recall notice I received that indicated engine could stall when trying to accelerate or may not restart. After the the software update I was told this should fix the problem and they would only replace the mechanical parts if the software failed; Starter Motor Assembly along with the Power Relay Assembly. I left the dealership and later that day the message "Auto Engine Idle Stop System Problem" flashed periodically. I called the dealership and spoke to the Service Department. He explained that wasnt a problem, as it is probably due to outside temperature and the update now has 13 different variables and should be okay. (I didn't buy it) he told me to contact them if it continued. In the past 2 weeks starting towards the end of December 2023 the "Auto Engine Idle Stop System Problem" message flashes several times during driving with a chine. I called the dealership and they tried to explain away it was due to temperature. I pushed back and reminded him what he told me previously. He then put me on hold and came back and said to bring the car in. I did contact Acura customer care and explained what happened and told them I read the original technician guide that stated if the software didn't take they would need to replace the parts. I asked this is covered correct? The representative said no because my care has a "Rebuild Title" and it would be at your cost. I reminded them that their recall stated this as a Safety Issue. She stated they were only extending the warranty to non "Rebuild Title Owners". I again asked, "Despite this being a safety recall by your own company"? She said yes and parts to fix would be my expense. My VIN is [XXX] and has other recalls outstanding and when I asked about those I wasn't re-assured those would be covered INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Dec 28, 2023 · Acceleration, Engine · RI

The engien keep stalling, prolem accelerating jurky transmisión and this is the only car I have to go work I take the highway everyday I am cosern that something can happend to me.

Filed Dec 22, 2023 · Electrical, Fuel system · NC

While preparing to enter the expressway my 2018 MDX stalled and various dashboard lights came on. My family and I drifted into the median while nearly being hit by passing car. It took about 10 minutes before the MDX became operational again. I took it to a local mechanic when we arrived at our destination. They couldn't locate any issues or "bad codes." Since that incident my fuel mileage and shifting has begun to deteriorate. Entering traffic and trying to pass cars has become difficult while driving. I have called Acura and a local dealership in Charlotte, NC. Both failed to provide next steps that didn't involve spending money to fix an issue that based on feedback on various sites and NTSB site is a common issue.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanicalReported November 13, 2023 · 248,999 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, 2016 and 2018-2019 Pilot, 2017 and 2019 Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 Odyssey vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, damaging the engine.
Risk
A damaged engine may run improperly or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a fire, crash, or injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and repair, or replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 28, 2024. 2016-2017 Acura MDX owner letters were mailed November 1, 2024. 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed in mid-December 2024. Honda began mailing owner notification letters as of March 18, 2024. 2015-2016 Acura owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-December 2024, 2018 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed the end of March/early April 2024, 2019 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-May 2024, 2020 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-June 2024, and 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed January 27, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XG1 and GG0.

Recall number 23V751000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleysReported April 12, 2019 · 93,946 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Acura MDX and Honda Pilot vehicles and 2019 Acura RLX, RLX Sport Hybrid, TLX and Honda Odyssey and Ridgeline vehicles. The timing belt teeth may separate from the belt.
Risk
Teeth separation from the timing belt may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle and replace any affected timing belt free of charge. Vehicles receiving a replacement timing belt will also have the engine inspected and any damaged components will be replaced for free. The recall began June 7, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's number for this recall is L4M. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Acura's number for this recall is Z4L.

Recall number 19V298000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2018 Acura MDX stalling

Is engine stalls while driving a common problem on the 2018 Acura MDX?

16 of 169 owner complaints about the 2018 Acura MDX (9%) mention engine stalls while driving. The model year with the most reports is 2016.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2018 Acura MDX?

There are 2 recalls and 39 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2018 Acura MDX

Hesitation 18Adaptive cruise 15Lane assist 12Fuel pump 11Collision warning 10Jerking 9Knocking 8Backup camera 7Headlights 6Sudden acceleration 6Warning lights 6Engine failure 5Loss of power 5Won't shift 5Won't start 5

All model years of the Acura MDX

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