Acura MDX Complaints

3,381 consumer complaints on file.

#11662236May 20, 2025
ENGINE
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11662240May 20, 2025
ENGINE
***THIS IS A RESUBMIT WITH CORRECTED INFORMATION*** I purchased a used 2016 Acura MDX from a family member, 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 23V-751, which addresses premature connecting rod bearing wear that may lead to engine failure in certain Honda and Acura vehicles. However, my vehicle’s VIN is not included in the existing recall. The knocking has persisted across several thousand miles and multiple oil changes. I recently inspected the drained oil and found metallic sparkles/particles, which may indicate active bearing wear. There has been no Check Engine Light, and the vehicle has received on-time oil changes using high-quality synthetic oil, with immediate mechanical inspection when the noise first appeared. I know for certain the previous owner maintained the vehicle properly, as he is a family member and I occasionally helped with maintenance myself. Based on the symptom pattern, operating conditions, and consistency with the failure mode described in 23V-751, I believe this vehicle may be affected by the same underlying defect, but is excluded due to an overly narrow recall scope. I am submitting this complaint in support of Recall Query RQ24-013, which is currently under review to determine whether Honda failed to include all affected vehicles. I am concerned this poses a long-term safety and reliability risk, and that vehicles like mine are being improperly excluded from coverage. It is available for inspection. I am deeply concerned for my significant other to drive my vehicle in any capacity, and myself as well. I have videos as well. Please reach out if you need them because the bearing has not spun out yet.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11661758May 19, 2025
ENGINE
Engine shut off due to rod bearing failure
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11661340May 15, 2025
POWER TRAIN
We were at a stop sign. I went to hit the gas and then a warning flash on the screen that there is a problem with the rear axle of the all wheel drive and that it was switching to front drive only. During that 5-10 seconds we went through the intersection on creep mode, 2-5 mph max. I felt helpless. My wife has had it happen to her 2 times. My first experience was tonight and it could have been bad if there was a car on the road we were crossing.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660850May 14, 2025
ENGINE
While driving down the road we started hearing a knocking sound. All the lights on the dash came on. Vehicle stopped running while driving it to the mechanic. We had to have it towed to the Acura Dealership. They kept it to check it out. Per their report it's a Possible Push Rod Recall. Diagnosis- Spun connecting bearing. There is a recall on this specific issue on this specific Year , make and model. Yet Acura is telling me they will not cover this. The car ran perfectly before this happened, no lamps, no issues. We have been dealing with this since October 17th 2024.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660839May 14, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
Brake system warning light comes on and says reduced braking take to dealer. Auto hold brakes don't always hold. Rear brakes non stop squeal and grab un predictably. I am unsure when and if the brakes will work in the rear. The loud noise from the rear squeal has caused others in traffic to flag me down and warn me something is wrong. The noise is also made it impossible to have my Autistic nephew in the vehicle with me as it triggers episodes and scares him. I have asked the dealer to please repair the rear brakes several times. They refused and instead replaced the front brakes, then admitted it is the rear brakes but refused to repair them. Honda of America also refuses to repair rear brakes. Based upon false statements on the work order the statement from the dealer is the rear brakes on the MDX are supposed to be like this. This vehicle has issues with the warning light while stopped and moving, and the noise and unsafe braking is at all speeding from 1-60 mph. Forward and reverse is malfunctions. I asked Honda America to repair which they won't then I ask them is the official statement these brakes are okay and safe as is and they will not say that either. I have driven similar models of this vehicle and it does not do the same thing, no noise, or warning lights, and the brakes preform safely and consistently. Mine do not. Honda of America does not want to repair the brakes under the warranty. They also incorrectly stated on repair statement that humidity and car washes can make the brakes do this. I have been in northern non humid states during winter and never use a car wash. They just use this as an attempt to not repair the brakes.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660339May 12, 2025
ENGINE
The rod bearing went on this car. I don't understand how there was an open recall but this car was NOT included with the issue. This makes no sense to me. This was a huge cost to my hard working family to fix and Acura was less than helpful esp considering it was an actual recall for our car year. But due to our luck, our car was NOT included. I feel that this needs to be investigated further because more cars were impacted by this recall than were deemed to be included. I reached out previously on this matter to this organization and received NO response.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11659943May 9, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2017 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 35 MPH, the check engine warning light was displayed, and the vehicle was driving rough and failed to properly accelerate. The vehicle was slowly driven to the nearby local dealer who examined the engine and discovered metal shavings inside the oil pan. The contact was informed that the engine rod bearings had failed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 111,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11659888May 9, 2025
POWER TRAIN
driving on highway car suddenly lost power check engine light came on. was able to coast off to an exit on the highway. car eventually unable to move. the car was towed to the dealer. the transmission and power take off unit was replaced.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11659689May 8, 2025
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
I purchased the vehicle in 2017. It was certified used by acura dealer but it was practically new; less than a year old with 10,000 miles on it. About a month or so after purchasing I started noticing a an issue when pressing on the gas and the vehicle not responding and a few seconds later it would suddenly jerk trying to catch up to the gear it should be on. Right away I took it to dealership for them to inspect and they said the vehicle needed a "software update" and it should be fine after that. Long story short, it is now 2025 I've taken the vehicle in for a "software update" more times than I can count and I am still living with the same problem. On occasion it gets better and sometimes it gets worse. Especially at higher speeds when the gears seem to go to neutral for a few seconds and then re-engage again on its own which cause jerking/stalling motion.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11659740May 8, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STRUCTURE:BODY, STEERING
I have attached all my service records from Honda/Acura and the dealership Motorworld which is located in Wilkes Barre, PA I had my first issue with the car in January 2024 with sensors malfunctioning. They we replaced a few times, repeated issue I had other issues that didn't replicate themself or show as an error code when I brought the car in. Issue accelerating or inability to accelerate on the highway in a middle lane w/ a tractor trailer on each side. One trying to merge into my lane. Noisy brakes, low breaks etc Fast forward to March 2025, my number one complaint about these sensor issues is they would malfunction on me one day when I was driving. And I was always assured by the dealership it was good, the car was good, I was good. Acura felt the same. Well in April my steering malfunctioned while driving, the steering wheel locked as I was breaking for a red light, and I drifted off the road. Turns out my steering rack needed to replaced. It was fixed on 4/4 then on [XXX] with my children in the car, it did the same thing. Now they tell me it is the EPS, electric power steering. This car spends more time on [XXX] and one day this is going to happen on the interstate and there will be fatalities. I have been screaming at Acura and the Motorworld for months. Acura will not respond to emails (which I have kept) and every time I call the case manager assigned to me is not available. The few times months ago I did speak to someone they tell me the same things the automated email I get once in while that say my case is under review. All dates of occurrence and repair are in the service records I attached. They still have my car today, 5/8/25 so I do not have those to attach. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11659225May 6, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY
Bought the car brand new, at only 10k miles, found out that the fender liner is falling off from the frame. During the rain, it gets heavier and pulls further down. Eventually fabric will fall off and will hit the tire while driving and possibly cause an accident. Tried to get it fixed by Acura dealership but they're saying it cannot be fixed because it's manufacturing defect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11658374May 2, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was in traffic on a major highway during rush hour, and my car went into neutral on its own in the middle of the highway. I was unable to put it in drive, restart it, turn it off or do anything else. The car truck behind me almost hit me and other cars were honking their horns as they changed lanes and drove past me. It was extremely frightening and unsafe as my car sat there without moving, on a major highway, in the middle of rush hour, at 5:35 pm. This happened before and I reported it to the dealership in 2024, and took my car in on three different occasions. In November 2024, less than a year after I purchased the certified pre owned car, it shifted into neutral twice within 20 minutes while I was driving intown, and again later than day as I exited a highway. The third time, I was able to get a video of it on my phone. The dealer said they could not reproduce the problem but fortunately, I sent them the video that shows the oil, battery, ABS, ACC, brake, road departure system, tire pressure, LKAS, brake system and other lights were all on. They said they addressed the issue then. This time around, in April 2025, they told me that they were unable to reproduce the issue but that it was because my battery tested low. Nothing was mentioned about a battery in November when the battery was still under warranty. Now they are saying it is the battery. There were no warnings before the car stalled. This is concerning and very unsafe. I cannot upload videos to this report so I have uploaded a few screenshots from it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11657933April 30, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
About maybe 2 months ago my tailgate open light comes on. When the exterior light is left on when I get in the car. .. it will go out but the tailgate light open will come on while driving and you will a ding then the light comes on while drive ng. As a result the car alarm.goes.off several times. I have checked the tailgate and it is closed I have taken it in but they can't find the reason why this happening. I have been on other forums and this appears to have been a problem.with.other Acura 2008 MDX,s.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11657737April 30, 2025
EXTERIOR LIGHTING, INTERIOR LIGHTING
The contact owns a 2016 Acura MDX. The contact stated that the driver's side rear taillight bulb had burned out. The contact replaced the bulb, but the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the driver's side rear taillight failure was intermittent but was a persistent failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the failure and determined that there was water inside the taillight assembly which caused the bulb to short circuit. The mechanic informed the contact that the taillight assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V259000 (Exterior Lighting, Interior Lighting); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 141,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11657788April 30, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Driving up a hill in this 2003 Acura MDX and the TRANSMISSION failed. Came to a stop in the middle of the street. Several cars almost hit me. Checked online and this vehicle has a known problem of the transmission going out around 70,000 miles. A mechanic started changing it out in my driveway .then winter came. It's been sitting in my driveway ever since.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11657573April 29, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ENGINE
My Acura MDX 2016, when stopped in traffic or at a red light will randomly shut down or switch to neutral. It started 2-3 years back. This has happened frequently last few months. Last time i was stuck in the exit of a parking garage blocking the exit. After around 20-30 mins the car decided to start on its own. I took the car directly to a dealer who found no issues with the car. I had the battery replaced recently with a new battery Upon searching the internet, i found this link where each person is describing the same issue [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11657599April 29, 2025
EXTERIOR LIGHTING, INTERIOR LIGHTING
The contact owns a 2014 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while approaching the vehicle after the vehicle had been started, the contact noticed that the taillights were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the taillights assemblies needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred approximately two months later. The contact received an email notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V259000 (Exterior Lighting, Interior Lighting), which the contact related to the failure; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11657296April 28, 2025
POWER TRAIN
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11656957April 26, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The power train experiences jutters. Known issue and many torque converters have been replaced while under warranty. Our vehicle had minimal miles when warranty expired and now this problem has occurred. Have followed all of the recommended technical bulletins from Honda and the issue is not resolved. They now say to replace the torque converter at own expense.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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