2020 Acura MDX: engine failure

Filed Nov 6, 2026 · Engine · CA

On XXX, while operating my vehicle, the engine suffered a catastrophic internal mechanical failure due to a broken connecting rod, rendering the vehicle completely disabled and creating a sudden loss of motive power. This vehicle is a 2020 Acura MDX Tech SH-AWD with a 3.5L V6 engine (Engine Code J35Y5). The failure mode experienced is identical to the crankshaft and connecting rod bearing defect detailed in Acura Recall 23V‑751 (the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V751000). However, when checking my specific VIN ([XXX]) on the federal safety agency lookup tool, it reports 0 unrepaired recalls. My vehicle was excluded from the original recall population despite carrying the exact same engine type, manufacturing year, and experiencing the exact same catastrophic rod fracture resulting from bearing seizure. Because of this severe mechanical failure, the vehicle is un-driveable and requires a complete engine replacement. I am filing this complaint to document that the vehicle population in Recall 23V‑751 was too narrowly defined, and to ensure this vehicle is counted in the ongoing the federal safety agency investigation regarding un-recalled Honda/Acura V6 engine failures. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 15, 2026 · Engine · 70,357 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2020 Acura MDX. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under Technical Service Bulletins: 22-009, 22-024, and 23-002; however, the failure persisted following the repairs. The contact stated that while stopped at an intersection, the engine failed to restart after the Auto Start/Stop feature engaged, and the transmission independently shifted to Neutral (N). The contact shifted the transmission to Park (P) and pressed the Engine Start/Stop button to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the starter required replacement. The dealer requested that the manufacturer replace the starter; however, the request was denied. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Action Number: EA25004 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was 70,357.

Filed Sep 5, 2026 · Engine · MN

Engine seized multiple times. Completely broken now. Online it says many people have these problems.

Filed Jun 26, 2026 · Engine · 104,000 miles · CT

The contact owns a 2020 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 - 25 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the passenger’s side of the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle stalled and was towed to dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer determined that the engine had seized. The contact associated the failure with 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. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.

Filed Apr 6, 2026 · Engine · NM

On March 3, 2026 my son was driving our 2020 Acura MDX when we lost power in the middle of an intersection. The following day we had it towed to Montanto Acura in [XXX] where we were told we had a blown engine due to a bad crank shaft and possibly engine bearings. Prior to this the car drove fine with no warning signs. My son who was [XXX] old was at a dangerous intersection and had to wait for help to arrive to move the vehicle out of the intersection. We had to pay to replace the engine a total of $8,747.36 for a used engine. Now fearing for our son's safety we decided to sell the car at a loss and buy him something we can reply on and that won't put him in danger. Although Acura has recalled many engines, our VIN did not come up in that recall, however we have now been affected by the same issue many others had the recall performed on. I have all service records from our dealership to prove the condition. It is unacceptable that a Honda Engine would fail with 105,374 miles and all service work done at the dealership. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Mar 19, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · ID

While driving my 2020 Acura MDX A-Spec at approximately 63,744 miles, the vehicle suddenly lost all engine power without warning while passing through a busy multi-lane intersection. The loss of propulsion prevented acceleration and forced us to coast across traffic lanes to reach the shoulder, creating a significant safety hazard. The engine would not restart. The vehicle was inspected on 3/17/2026 by Lyle Pearson Acura (Boise, ID). The dealership diagnosed catastrophic internal engine failure with the following findings: spun rod bearing in cylinder #6, excessive metal debris in the oil pan, and bearing seizure to the crankshaft. The technician stated the failure pattern is consistent with the rod-bearing defect described in Acura Safety Recall / Service Bulletin 24-001. Although my VIN is NOT currently included in the recall population, the confirmed failure mode matches the known defect. This suggests the issue may extend beyond currently identified vehicles that are included in Acura Service Bulletin 24-001 and the federal safety agency recall 23V‑751. The vehicle has a salvage title from prior cosmetic damage only; no engine, drivetrain, or structural components were affected. The vehicle has been properly maintained with documented service history. This failure represents a serious safety risk due to sudden loss of power in active traffic conditions, increasing the risk of collision or injury. I request the federal safety agency review this incident to determine whether additional vehicles should be included in the recall and to assess the broader safety risk.

Filed Mar 18, 2026 · Transmission · OH

connecting rods came apart, needed a new engine. but outside of the recall

Filed Mar 16, 2026 · Engine · 86,743 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2020 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle shook abnormally with the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, the engine seized. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with rod bearing failure and a failure in cylinder #6. The contact was informed there were metal shavings inside the oil pan, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 86,743.

Filed Nov 20, 2025 · Engine · CA

My 2020 model Acura MDX is experiencing unexpected engine shutdowns while braking during motion. The issue has been reported multiple times to the vehicle manufacturer and their authorized dealers; however, their responses have been consistently unhelpful and have not resolved the problem. I currently have an open complaint with American Honda Motor Co., Inc. since December 2023 Case Number: 14329512 Additionally, I have found numerous reports online from other owners of the same model experiencing the same issue, as documented here: 🔗 2020 Acura MDX Engine Complaints – CarComplaints.com This recurring malfunction presents a serious safety risk, especially in moderate traffic conditions, where sudden engine failure during braking could lead to collisions or injuries.

Filed Jan 22, 2025 · Engine · IN

Driving on the highway when suddenly I had lost all power and then the check engine light flashed. I was stranded for hours waiting for.a tow truck and freezing temperatures with no power to my vehicle. It was towed to the nearest Honda dealer and was told I had a complete engine failure and needed a new engine for $10,000.

Filed Dec 12, 2024 · Engine · IN

We were traveling far from home on I-44 in Missouri when our 2020 Acura MDX experienced a total engine failure. An engine rod broke and pierced the oil pan causing a sudden loss of engine power. I believe this is related to the federal safety agency Investigation #RQ24013, even though the Acura dealership had performed the recall service for this issue a couple months earlier. I suspect the recall service was either performed incorrectly or that a part was not tightened properly, ultimately leading to the engine failure.

Filed Nov 20, 2024 · Engine · CT

I started to here a very light knocking noise on cold starts. I made an appointment with my dealership to check it out. The earliest appoint they had open was a bout a week out. A few days later I was driving on the highway and the knocking noise suddenly became very loud and all the dashboard lights came on. The vehicle lost power and I barely coasted off the highway before the MDX came to a complete stop. I called AAA and had the car towed to the dealer. The next day they called me and told me it had been a connecting rod bearing failure and needed an entire new engine for $25,000.00. I was in total shock. I googled what happened to me online and found this is happening to many acuras and hondas. The dealer said there is absolutely no warranty and they cant do anything even though there are articles online and from the federal safety agency saying this is a common problem and under investigation. I was forced to replace the engine in my car because I still have a loan on it and dont know what else to do. The engine basically blew up on the highway in heavy traffic and was extremely dangerous and now acura wants nothing to do with the repairs. I think this situation deserves investigation.