Acura MDX oil consumption problems

Filed Jul 16, 2026 · Body, Engine · NC

I have a 2012 MDX and it burns an extreme amount of oil. We took our MDX back to the dealership where we purchased it and had the oil issue fixed. Or so we thought. The problem was supposed to be fixed 3 months ago but the car is still burning a lot of oil. We have to add oil every 2 weeks. We did not drive the car much after "getting the oil issue repaired" so we did not realize that the problem still exists. Acura should know how to repair this issue and there should be a recall for this excessive oil consumption. Acura is a luxury brand but they are not taking care of their customers. Also the paint is peeling off our MDX badly. We had a couple of paint touch up jobs but it just keeps getting worst. I am embarrassed driving this car with the continuing paint peeling off. We cannot keep shelling out money to get this vehicle repainted. There should be a recall for the paint peeling also. I had a Honda and the Honda had a lot less issues and cost a lot less. We will not purchase another Acura unless Acura does right by their customers and put recalls out and fix the oil consumption and paint peeling issues.

Filed Jun 26, 2026 · Engine · TX

I was driving on the highway. All of a sudden, my engine started making knocking noises. Shortly after that, the car started to lose power, and immediately the low engine oil light came on. I pulled over immediately to check the engine oil level. Oil level was normal. I restarted the car, but the mechanical knocking noise was evident and did not sound right. Towed the car to the closest Acura Dealership. Diagnostics states that engine has ceased and would not crank. Replacements engine is required and would costs approx. $4200. Acura has a recall on some 2016-2020 MDX for similar engine issues, but my VIN did not qualified. The symptoms i exprienced is very similar to what was described in the recall. Acura representative denied any goodwill support/help.

Filed Oct 29, 2025 · Engine · TN

I submit this complaint because my 2018 Acura MDX, covered under the federal safety agency recall 23V‑751 for connecting-rod bearing defects, has suffered progressive engine damage and final engine failure that I believe was caused by the manufacturer’s recalled defect and by the dealer/manufacturer’s failure to timely perform the recall repair. Timeline & key facts: 2024: Vehicle displayed code P0159 (O₂ sensor slow response). I contacted Acura corporate and opened a case. The O₂ sensor was replaced under warranty. I continued to report reduced acceleration and intermittent check-engine illumination to the dealer and to Acura corporate. I repeatedly requested that the recall inspection/repair be performed, but the repair was delayed or not scheduled despite the vehicle’s symptoms and my repeated follow-ups.2024–2025: Over the following months I repeatedly requested recall service and documented those requests with the dealer and Acura corporate. On many occasions I was not scheduled for the recall or was told to wait for parts/authorization. I was also treated rudely by dealership staff (identified service advisor: Tara at Acura on Chapman Road), and my case was not escalated appropriately despite my persistence. 2025: Vehicle later displayed P0430 (catalyst efficiency below threshold, Bank 2), and within [insert timeframe] the engine experienced complete failure requiring immobilization. Dealer notes show an oil-pump leak and catalytic converter symptoms consistent with oil/fuel contamination and bearing-related engine issues. I have service records documenting the sensor replacement, subsequent dx, and the dealer’s findings. Effect: I have been wi/o a vehicle since the engine failure, incurred hotel cancellation charges $116 and other consequential damages. I believe the engine damage was preventable and is directly tied to the acknowledged defect in the recall; the catalyst and O₂ sensor failures were downstream consequences of recall-related engine problems (oil consumption,

Filed Aug 27, 2025 · Engine · MD

Oil consumption/burning Cylinder rings

Filed May 20, 2025 · Engine · IL

I purchased a used 2016 Acura MDX and shortly afterward began experiencing a rhythmic metallic knocking noise under load, particularly at low RPMs (e.g., accelerating in low gears or when the engine is bogged). The noise is not present at idle or during coasting, and it closely matches the symptoms described in recall 21V‑215, which affects certain 2016–2018 Acura/Honda models for premature connecting rod bearing wear. However, my vehicle’s VIN is not included in the existing recall. I purchased a used 2016 Acura MDX and shortly afterward began experiencing a rhythmic metallic knocking noise under load, particularly at low RPMs (e.g., accelerating in low gears or when the engine is bogged). The noise is not present at idle or during coasting, and it closely matches the symptoms described in recall 21V‑215, which affects certain 2016–2018 Acura/Honda models for premature connecting rod bearing wear. However, my vehicle’s VIN is not included in the existing recall. This vehicle has received on-time oil changes using high-quality synthetic oil, and I have taken care to immediately investigate any new or unusual noises. The knock has persisted across multiple oil changes and several thousand miles without worsening, but recently I noticed metallic sparkles in the used oil—potential signs of rod bearing wear. There has been no Check Engine Light, but based on the symptom pattern, operating conditions, and consistency with the defect description in recall 21V‑215, I believe this vehicle may be experiencing the same issue and is simply outside the current recall range. I am submitting this report in support of the ongoing Recall Query (RQ) into whether Honda failed to include all affected VINs. This appears to be the same failure mode as those already recalled, and it presents a serious long-term risk to engine safety and reliability.

Filed Apr 28, 2025 · Transmission · SC

The 2011 Acura MDX has a problem with the pistons in the engine which causes excessive oil consumption. This was subject of the matter of a class action suit described on the website entitled Acura Oil Consumption Settlement. This defect should be subject to recall and American Honda should be required to repair or replace this pistons.

Filed Feb 3, 2025 · Engine · PA

On 11/30/24 I heard a slight whirling sound while driving. On 12/1/24 I drove from Point A towards my home. Along the way the oil light flashed. I stopped at Advance Auto Parts, 15 miles from Point A. I checked the oil and it read as it should on the dip stick. No oil was needed. I drove straight home, a distance of 30 miles, and parked the car. When my son arrived home he started the car and there was a knocking sound. He shut it off. He stated that he felt it to be the rod bearings. He then changed the oil as previously planned as supplies were already in the car. He checked the oil and found a slight glitter in it indicating the rod bearing issue. The car remained parked until 12/26/24 when it was taken to an independent service center, round trip of 18 miles, who confirmed that the rod bearings were the issue. The car was parked again and only started to move about 50 feet into the garage prior to a snow storm. It has not been started since. My safety was put at risk as the engine could have, and will, fail when driving. The engine had previously been repaired at an Acura dealer for an oil consumption issue in accordance with service bulletin 19-006. Honda refused to honor the recall previously offered due to this known failure. The car was picked up on 12/8/22 with 92,954 and purchased finalized on 1/4/23. The oil consumption issue was first noted on 2/12/23 at 97,088 miles. Car was serviced and oil changed on 2/16/23 at which time the oil consumption issue was diagnosed by the selling dealer. Oil was continually added until work was completed on 3/21/23 at 99,425 miles. The new issue with the rod bearings (that were not changed with the first repair as they should have been) was first noted at approximately 137,840 miles. This is now the second engine failure for this car. The car is available for inspection. The car has not been inspected by any entity other than the initial diagnosis on 12/26/24.

Filed Jan 24, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · TX

The engine consistently consumes too much oil between service events. The low oil light comes on. I had this problem for over 8 years and the dealership said it was not a problem until now and they want me to pay for it. The oil control rings have been clogged since 2016 and progressively gotten worse. The clogged rings cause restriction of oil to return to the crankcase. This causes a decrease in available oil and may cause overheating that could lead to engine fire. Acura should fix the oil control rings to function properly. They have identified this in the past, through a service bulletin (19-006). I have performed 97% of my oil changes at Acura dealerships.

Filed Dec 16, 2023 · Engine · TX

Engine excessively consumes oil. No issue to the engine whatsoever no smoke at exhaust no burning oil. Check my oil after about 1000 miles and I’m missing a quart of oil. There was once a recall for this issue but the window to get repaired has expired. That does help people that purchased this car after the window. Issue need to be a permanent recall and not a temporary.

Filed May 24, 2023 · Engine, Transmission · NJ

The 2013 Acura MDX has a problem with the pistons in the engine which causes excessive oil consumption. This was the subject matter of a class action suit described in the website entitled Acura Oil Consumption Settlement. This defect should be subject to a recall and American Honda should be required to repair or replace the pistons.