10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
15,086 miles

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problem #91

Jun 062024

MDX

  • miles
Connecting rod failure causing the need for engine replacement. This connecting rod has been part of a recall campaign by Honda for 2016-2020 MDX models, but this 2016 engine VIN [XXX] is not part of the recall, even though the SAME EXACT issue as the recall is what occurred. Acura is refusing to honor the recall. This happened while on a highway in the California mountains, going uphill, putting my entire family at risk as the vehicle lost power and became inoperable. The dealership confirmed the connecting rod failure, but informed me of Acura's denial on the recall claim. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Gilbert , AZ, USA

problem #90

Jan 012025

MDX

  • miles
I have a 2016 Acura MDX with only 120,000 miles on it. Recently I started hearing a knock coming from the engine. I have taken it to three different mechanics, including an Acura dealership mechanic. I was informed by all three to not drive the car due to the fact that it was a rod bearing defect/problem. They all commented that I was lucky that it had not thrown a rod or I could have been injured or possibly had my engine freeze up while driving injuring myself or someone else. After some thorough investigation/research, I have been informed that my make and model has been recalled for the same issue, unfortunately, my Vin number is not included in the recall for whatever reason.

- Los Gatos, CA, USA

problem #89

Jan 182025

MDX

  • miles
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.

- Saint Charles, MO, USA

problem #88

Jul 062024

MDX

  • miles
My Acura mdx 2016 is well maintained, only 42500 miles, bought brand new from dealer, problem started 6 months ago, accelerator, rpm goes up even on 20 miles driving, and car just stops and gear goes to park mode..dealer inspected, they said transmission needs to be replaced, contacted NCDS, their respond I passed the warranty of 7 years, not covered. Dealer charging 7100 to fix issues.

- Deptford, NJ, USA

problem #87

Dec 012023

MDX

  • miles
After starting the engine, when attempting to slowly accelerate, the engine almost dies or hesitates to respond to accelerator. Dangerous situation.

- Pittsburg, CA, USA

problem #86

Dec 192024

MDX

  • 115,911 miles
Problem started with Check Engine light coming on, then going off, then coming on again followed by what seemed like all system failure lights getting reported. A clicking/rattling started to be heard in the engine. When driving the vehicle to the dealer to get it inspected the vehicle engine cut out while cruising at 45 MPH. I was able to roll to a stop on the side of the road luckily, it would not start and needed a tow to a more local related dealer (Honda) repair. Honda repair did not move past reading the codes, so I transported the vehicle via a service to the nearest Acura dealer, where they diagnosed the internal rod problem, with the fix being a replacement engine. The vehicle remains at this Acura dealer service.

- Paxton, IL, USA

problem #85

Jan 132025

MDX

  • miles
I was driving down the road & without any warnings my car suddenly loss power. Engine started a really bad knocking sound then stalled out, took to certified mechanic and he told me I need a new engine. Prior to this there were no boarding likes or issues related to the car.

- Clairton, PA, USA

problem #84

Jan 162025

MDX

  • miles
Loud Clicking sound, engine light blinking, car was shaking horribly almost caused an accident.

- Kissimmee, FL, USA

problem #83

Jan 182025

MDX

  • miles
-??Emissions system problem-?? warning light has lit up on dashboard twice. This was checked and found to be a faulty code both times however, the second time it occurred, it correlated with the sway bars needing to be replaced.

- Augusta, MI, USA

problem #82

Jan 072025

MDX

  • miles
Engine knocking noise, irritable shaking while on road, dangerous driving conditions. Engine Failed and diagnosed at Acura Dealership as failing bearings and connector rod. This issue is under investigation NHTSA Action Number: RQ24013 and I am currently being forced to pay out of pocket for the repair amounting to several thousand dollars. Acura needs to recall these engines NOW and get it fixed. This driving condition is EXTREMELY unsafe, the entire car shakes uncontrollably. This car was bought brand new from dealership by myself. 1 owner. Always serviced at Acura or Honda dealerships.

- Laguna Niguel, CA, USA

problem #81

Dec 092023

MDX

  • miles
I have a 2016 Acura MDX with nearly 79,000 miles on it. It died without warning late at night while on the freeway on [XXX], leaving my [XXX] son stranded alone in a dark, remote area for about an hour. Not a safe situation! I had it towed to Shadetree Auto in Layton, Utah. They informed me that the engine had seized. What!? It was well maintained and just had the oil changed a few days previously. They wanted over $11,000 for a used engine. (See Attached Invoice & Report). They couldn't figure out why a well-maintained engine with only 79,000 miles on it would just seize up. Coolant was also not the issue. I couldn't afford it, so it sat for a couple of months until I discovered that there was a Recall on that year for faulty connecting rod bearings that was causing engines to seize. So, I checked into it, but my particular VIN # was not included in the recall. I found a copy of a letter from Acura stating that they were still determining the extent of the problem, nevertheless, they rejected my claim as not included, rather than extending the recall to include my vehicle's documented problem. (See the attached Acura letter dated Feb 7, 2024). I had my car towed to Jody Wilkinson Acura in Salt Lake City for a detailed inspection and second opinion and they confirmed that the engine was seized and that it I had a broken connecting rod on cylinder #1 due to a spun bearing (See photos at the end of attached email). But Acura continued to deny my claim. Jody Wilkinson's quoted me over $20,000 for a new engine. I asked Acura what the appeals process was and they said "there isn't one, we just won't cover it". Seems like Acura may be [XXX] a lot of people. Why would I put another known faulty engine in my car? Absurd! I have attached the following documents: -??Shadetree Auto Inspection Report & Invoice -??Acura Letter Feb 7, 2024 -??Jody Wilkinson Inspection Report Your help in obtaining justice would be greatly appreciated! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA

- Layton, UT, USA

problem #80

Dec 202024

MDX

  • miles
While driving on an interstate highway at 73 mph, under cruise control, at night, as the road started to incline up a hill my vehicle started losing power. The highway is two lanes each way, and I was in the left-hand lane passing a slower vehicle that was in the right-hand lane. There were cars behind me in my lane. When my car started losing power, the check-engine light came on along with some other indicators. I attempted to maintain speed by depressing the accelerator, but the car continued to slow down. It was nighttime when this happened, on a pitch-black highway that had been freshly paved. I was able to finally get behind the car I had been attempting to pass and was then able to get into the emergency lane and stop. My car was making a ticking noise. I turned off the car, opened the hood, but it all looked fine. I looked under the car - there were no fluids running out of the car. I checked the oil, and it was at the full mark on the dipstick - I had changed the oil about 1000 miles prior to this event. When I took the car to a local Acura dealer, they told me that the noise I was hearing was "rod knock", and that it would cost about $8000 to repair by purchasing a short block and having them install it. When I started researching the issue I learned that some 2016 Acura MDXs have a known issue of incorrect rod bearing size, but that my vehicle is excluded because it was evidently manufactured before a certain date. My car has only 125,116 miles on it. It is maintained meticulously. Please investigate.

- Saint Louis, MO, USA

problem #79

Oct 242024

MDX

  • miles
Vehicle always smells hot or as if something electric is burning in the engine compartment. Have always had scheduled maintenance and have taken it in on time for all oil changes and maintenance to be performed. Have asked for this to be checked at that time and when the smell has become over powering. Engine lights have popped up and then all lights have shut off two separate times previously to the point where I had to turn off the vehicle. I have taken it to two dealerships and another mechanic to look for the cause. They are not able to determine the cause but recommend I contact Acura as this sounds like a warranty issue.

- Augusta, MI, USA

problem #78

Oct 162023

MDX

  • miles
This occurrence with the vehicle happened in October of 2023 and I no longer own it. The only reason I'm reporting it today is because of the news reports I've been seeing about a possible investigation into the exact issue I experienced. I started to hear a knock from the engine that got progressively worse over the course of a week. I made an appointment to have it looked at, but before I could even make it to that appointment multiple dash lights and warnings started showing up on the meter combi. Engine light was the first to appear followed by the transmission light, then the vehicle went into "limp mode." It wouldn't go over 30mph and eventually just shut itself off; every warning lamp on the dash was on. It was towed to a local Acura dealership where the service tech diagnosed the issue and stated it was a connecting rod bearing that had worn prematurely and there was movement in the piston. I had them check for a recall then and my VIN was not on the list so I proceeded to source a motor and have another shop swap it for much cheaper. That being said, I would very much like to be reimbursed for the costs I incurred. I have multiple documents and at one point had a video that the dealership tech sent me showing the defect. Not sure if they can provide that now or not.

- London, OH, USA

problem #77

Feb 102024

MDX

  • miles
The engine started to make noise, drove it to the Acura Dealership. The engine seized at the repair bay. The technician initially said they just had a recall on these engines then after looking up the ID notified me that the blown engine was not covered under the recall. After several calls to Honda corporate customer service they informed me that they knew it had a faulty engine however it was not under the recall and they didn't have to repair or replace. I paid the dealership to install another engine at my own expense.

- Vero Beach, FL, USA

problem #76

May 152020

MDX

  • 70,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle lost power. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road after each failure and restarted. The contact stated that an unknown fault code was displayed occasionally. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

- Havre De Grace, MD, USA

problem #75

Jun 122024

MDX

  • miles
Engine blew a rod at 130,000 miles. Replaced engine. Maintained vehicle correctly And changed oil regularly. contacted Acura, but no help. Other vehicles reported similar problems and recalls issued., but not for my particular vehicle.

- Fort Worth, Tx, TX, USA

problem #74

Nov 242024

MDX

  • miles
Driving on [XXX], car began to make a loud noise, began to lose power and smoke was pouring out of the engine. No check engine lights came on. Pulled over immediately and turned off engine, and smoking continued. Car was in a unsafe location and we had to wait an hour with traffic very close for a tow truck. Large quantities of oil leaked out of the engine. Car was towed to Niello Acura in Roseville CA. They diagnosed Catastrophic Engine Failure. Large hole in oil pan and wrist pin found lodged between A/C compressor bracket and engine block. Wrist pin secures the piston to the connecting rod (there is a recall on Acura MDX's for this but my car was not included) Needs new engine. All maintenance was up to date. 78K miles on the engine, had just been serviced at 75K. Purchased at 18K as a Certified Used Vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- San Mateo, CA, USA

problem #73

Nov 262024

MDX

  • miles
the car suddenly shut off when i was on the red light wit the idle stop.

- Costa Mesa, CA, USA

problem #72

Oct 212024

MDX

  • 86,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was then towed to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the rod bearings had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 86,000.

- Sterling Heights, MI, USA

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