2020 Acura MDX: engine stalls while driving

Filed Oct 22, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · CA

My 2020 Acura MDX fails to restart after the Auto Idle Stop system shuts off the engine at stops. The vehicle stalls and will not restart in active traffic, including busy intersections and high-speed roads. This began about three years ago and now happens every day, leaving my family stranded in live traffic lanes at risk of a collision. On [XXX], the engine shut off and would not restart in the middle of the [XXX], with traffic moving around me at about 40 mph. Capitol Acura in San Jose diagnosed a failing starter motor and ordered a replacement under repair order [XXX]. The part has been on backorder since, with no delivery date. I escalated to American Honda / Acura Client Relations on October 13, 2026 (case [XXX]). On [XXX], Acura replied only that it is "still reviewing" my request. No loaner or alternate vehicle has been provided, and no repair timeline has been given. I am concerned this is a defect affecting other MDX owners: a starter that fails under frequent Auto Idle Stop cycling, combined with a parts shortage that leaves unsafe vehicles on the road. I request that the federal safety agency review this issue for a possible investigation or recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 1, 2026 · Engine · NJ

On multiple occasions while my car is stopped at a light or stop sign the idle restart stalls and the car shuts off. I need to give it a few minutes and restart the car. It mainly happens when the auto shut off for idling restarts. I have had it happen more than 10X with my kids in the car. I have done all required work - timing belt & water pump replacement, transmission fluid flush, new times and new suspension. It continues to get worse.

Filed Aug 17, 2026 · Engine · 60,541 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2020 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. The maintenance warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was associated with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was towed to the residence. The local dealer was contacted to schedule an appointment, but the vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 60,541.

Filed Aug 14, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · 48,300 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2020 Acura MDX. The contact stated that on six occasions the vehicle stalled and failed to restart immediately. The contact stated that while the idle button was on, the failure occurred. The contact was concerned about being in a crash. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and two batteries were replaced, and a software update was performed. The dealer would be checking the software to be sure that it was operating as intended. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was opened. The manufacturer provided a refund for the battery. The failure mileage was approximately 48,300.

Filed Jul 8, 2026 · Fuel system · KY

The car had several warnings lights come on and immediately stalled out and stoped right in the middle of the road. The engine would turn over but would sputter like it was out of gas and would die after a few seconds. It stoped in the middle of a busy state highway in a curve. Luckily no one got hurt. I towed it to an auto service center. The 2020 Acura MDX suffered an in-tank fuel pump failure causing a low fuel pressure code (P0087). This model year is under a massive 2.6-million vehicle safety recall, but my specific VIN was omitted. It likely should be included before someone gets hurt.

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 Feb 9, 2026 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · VA

I was driving on a normal sunny day when every light on my dashboard came on. I initially panicked thinking my car was going to shutoff while I was driving it. This is in conjunction with the car stalling out when the auto shutoff feature malfunctions. After researching the issue, I realized the safety camera was no longer working and a major concern. A malfunctioning front camera can prevent the vehicle from automatically braking or maintaining lanes, hence increasing the risk of collision. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate the front multi-purpose camera system on the 2020 Acura MDX for potential defect and safety hazard.

Filed Jan 9, 2026 · Driver assistance, Engine · NY

There was a couple times where the car stalled at a red light. Also, there are a lot of times when I press the push to start, it will not start, advising me to place the key fob near the push to start. I find this to be dangerous when driving and very annoying when attempting to start and it doesn't start.

Filed Oct 2, 2025 · Fuel system · OH

Auto idle cuts off idling at stop light but when reengaged stalls the car completely. Must totally restart car before continuing causing back up in intersection and almost being hit. Happened several times, when I forget to turn auto idle off. New battery did not help

Filed Sep 18, 2025 · Engine · 10,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2020 Acura MDX. The contact stated that occasionally, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, while the vehicle was stopped at a traffic light, the Auto Idle START/STOP failed to operate as designed, and the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer; however, the cause of the failure was unknown. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.

Filed Sep 9, 2025 · RI

The auto start feature on the vehicle has been failing. When you come to a stop the engine’s start feature enables but when proceeding to start moving again the vehicle stalls out and will not restart right away. The vehicle must sit for about 30secs or after two tries in order to restart up. It has stalled out on me while in traffic on the highway, at traffic lights, stop signs. My most recent experience was me being stuck at an intersection unable to move for an ambulance and firetruck in route to an emergency. This issue has put my safety as well as others at risk many times. I have voiced my concerns many times with the dealership but they state there is nothing wrong with my auto start feature nor any other issues that can contribute to this. Any help with this issues is appreciated.

Filed Sep 2, 2025 · Engine · 65,000 miles · CA

The contact's relative owns a 2020 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving approximately 25-30 MPH, the check engine warning light started flashing, and the vehicle stalled and lost electrical function. The contact stated that the vehicle was only able to be locked manually, and the windows failed to roll up as intended. The driver was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart and was in the process of being towed. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the earliest availability for a diagnostic test was in 7 days. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.