Acura MDX misfire problems

Filed Sep 5, 2026 · Engine · KS

"Vehicle experienced a sudden flashing check engine light pulled over checked oil restarted car flashing check engine light went away then started flashing again a few miles down the road (Cylinder 3 misfire) accompanied by severe engine knocking. The engine locked up/seized while hot. car was stuck on the road and was unable to shift to neutral. After cooling down, the engine restarted but produces a heavy metallic scraping and loud squealing noise from internal friction. This matches the exact failure mechanism of connecting rod bearing failure under investigation PE25008, but Honda/Acura has excluded this VIN from active recalls. I was forced to pay $389 out-of-pocket for an emergency tow."

Filed Aug 24, 2026 · Engine · 87,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2018 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and failed to exceed 35-60 MPH. The check engine warning light was flashing. The driver pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was restarted, reset, and operated as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the failure could not be duplicated, and the failure persisted. The contact's brother, a certified technician, advised the contact not to turn off the vehicle after the failure occurred to prevent the system from resetting. The contact followed the instructions, and the contact's brother retrieved DTC: P0304, indicating a cylinder 4 misfire. The vehicle was not repaired and would be taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

Filed Jul 3, 2026 · Engine · WV

Started (first noticed)check engine light flashing turned radio down right of way and noticed engine knocking with no warning still 40% engine oil life left. Had test done P0303 misfire on cylinder 3 and rod bearing knock was told need an engine . Had all oil changes and maintenance done on time. ran my vin and unfortunately was told it is not covered under recall.

Filed May 28, 2026 · Engine · WA

FOUND #4 CYLINDER MISFIRE - METAL CONTAMINATION SPUN A BEARING INTERNALLY INSIDE THE ENGINE. RECOMMEND REPLACING THE ENGINE. SEE QUOTES BELOW: RECOMMEND AT THE SAME TIME AS THE ENGINE REPLACEMENT - STARTER, TIMING BELT, SPARK PLUGS, AND VALVE. Found #4 cylinder misfire – metal contamination – spun a bearing internally inside the engine. Recommend replacing the engine.” After researching this issue, I became concerned that this failure appears very similar to the widely reported connecting rod bearing failures associated with Acura/Honda 3.5L V6 engines and Recall 23V‑751. The symptoms in my vehicle closely match the issues described in the recall and related investigations, including: connecting rod bearing failure, spun bearing, internal engine damage, metal contamination, cylinder misfire, and complete engine failure. Additionally, I understand that the federal safety agency has expanded investigations into similar engine failures affecting Acura and Honda vehicles outside the original recall VIN population.

Filed Mar 31, 2026 · Engine · DE

The motor through a misfire code and began making a noise while vehicle was sitting at a red light. Vehicle lost all power and had to be towed. Was quoted my the Acura dealership $9k. Main reason for addressing this concern is because numerous Acura J35 series motors have already been recalled for engine connecting rod issues. While this motor doesn't apparently fall under that recall, odd that it would essentially had the same issue, when it only had 136k miles and has been maintained to factory standards (or better)

Filed Oct 24, 2025 · Engine · KS

I was driving my vehicle on the highway at 65 MPH when the engine light came on and began blinking- no other issues. I tried to pass a vehicle, and my vehicle would not accelerate, I was less than a mile from work. I called the dealership the same day and was able to take it in. When I called, I explained everything the dealership told me I could either tow it or try to drive it in. I went out to the car later and moved it from one parking lot to another and had no issues and no lights came on alerting something was wrong. Later in the day as I was driving 65 mph again on interstate, just as I was slowing down to get off all of the lights for everything came on and the engine was making a terrible knocking sound. I slowly pulled over and put my hazards on while driving 15/20 mph. I was near the dealership and was able to coast into the repair shop. Was informed the engine needed to be replaced due to a misfire on cylinder 2 and rod knock- most likely rod bearings and crank shaft issue with broken rod. We have an extended warranty so for a used engine found at a salvage yard won't cost much out of pocket with a similar amount of miles. Used engine will have 12K mile warranty/12months. The dealership has the engine- that info can be given upon request.

Filed Jul 18, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · NJ

My vehicle is showing the exact same symptoms that the 2016-2018 MDX fuel pump recall is stating but my VIN number is not part of the vehicles being recalled. I reached out to Acura relations and unfortunately, they cannot provide authorization to repair my fuel pump even though my vehicle falls under the same years that this model is being recalled for. I went to an independent shop to try and understand what the problem with my vehicle is and I was told that the high pressure fuel pump seems to be failing and was asked why I have not taken the vehicle to the dealership for the fuel pump recall. Due to this issue I am unable to properly use my vehicle. If i step on the accelerator too hard, the vehicle gets engine misfires and immediately goes on limp mode.

Filed Feb 16, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · MO

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The motor's rod bearing spun. It is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The failure could have created enough friction between the bearing sleeve, rod and/or journal bearing to seize the motor and the drivetrain while driving. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes the vehicle was taken to the Acura dealership to be inspected, diagnosed and repaired. There is a recall for the same year, make and model but my vehicle's VIN is not included in the recall. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle has only been inspected by the Acura dealership. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There was a check engine light that produced code P0430 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 2) and P0306 (Cylinder 6 Misfire Detected). The vehicle had a loss of power and troubles accelerating under load. The first time the problem was noticed was January 18th, 2025.

Filed Sep 3, 2024 · Engine · VA

Engine poweer failure while driving at highway speed. Vehicle could not maintain allowed highway speed (above 45 mph) while moving in fast traffic. First warning indicator appeared after driver noticed loss of power while driving 60 mph. Independent service center confirmed error code p0304, misfiring cylinder. Could not identify problem with spark plug or ignition coil. Technition found engine knocking during diagnostic exam.

Filed Apr 24, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · IL

Acura MDX 2016 SH-AWD with 113366 miles diagnosis according to warning lights. DTC test certification codes: P0301 Misfire No. 1 cylinder P0306 Misfire No. 6 cylinder P0300 Random Misfire P0420 Catalyst System efficiency below threshold B1 Recommendation was that the Catalytic converter be replaced. All these codes were identified under Honda's TSB 20-100 dated 2/2021 on Odyssey, Pilot and Ridgeline models where AH extended warranty to 10 years from date of purchase or 150K. These V6 engines are pretty close to that of the 2016 MDX. Is there a remote possibility that these DTC codes could exist in MDX V6 engines when an issue arises similar to those in the Honda vehicles? These DTC codes appeared 24 hours/37 miles after a routine oil service on 3/26/2024 at Advantage Acura of Naperville with a perfect inspection report. The malfunction occurred in the vicinity of McGrath Acura of Westmont on the following day of 3/27/2024. The concern is if any of the emission system components were damaged during the routine oil service. Advantage Acura have in the past installed brake pads backwards on my Acura TL 2010 for which I do have proof.