Service Bulletin - Under certain circumstances, after coming to a stop and engaging idle stop the vehicle may not restart automatically due to excessive cylinder pressure and/or low cranking torque. Typically, the client can immediately restart the vehicle by selecting Park and pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2018 Acura MDX engine problems
severe 29 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Complaints
29
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
1crash
1fire
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 29 engine complaints filed for the 2018 Acura MDX, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 29 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Engine accounts for 19% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 8 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Service Bulletin - The AWD warning light is on with one or more AWD DTCs having been set due to water intrusion into the electric oil pump motor connector area corrodes the terminals.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service Bulletin - The MIL comes on during vehicle operation due to variations in the purge control solenoid valve spring, the valve wears unevenly and intermittently sticks. This may result in setting DTC P0441 (Evaporative Emission (EVAP) System Purge Flow Malfunction).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service Bulletin - Due to variations in the purge control solenoid valve spring, the valve wears unevenly and intermittently sticks. This may result in setting DTC P0441 (Evaporative Emission (EVAP) System Purge Flow Malfunction).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service Bulletin - The engine will not crank on the initial startup attempt after the vehicle has been exposed to precipitation and then freezing temperatures. Water can enter the starter motor. In cold temperatures the water can freeze, preventing the starter motor from cranking the engine.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2018 Acura MDX exhibits a critical connecting-rod bearing defect (NHTSA Recall 23V-751) that owners describe as a growing failure pattern. Starting around 40,000 miles, bearings wear and seize prematurely, triggering check-engine codes (P0159, P0430) and drivability symptoms: hesitation when accelerating, jerking, stalling at stops or in traffic, and abnormal engine rattling. One vehicle caught fire in a garage at 50,000 miles. Another owner experienced catastrophic engine failure at 98,000 miles after the engine stalled mid-turn, resulting in a rear-end collision.
The cascade is predictable: bearing failure leads to oil circulation problems, catalyst converter contamination, O₂ sensor sluggishness, and eventually complete seizure or bottom-end rebuild. One owner had the bottom end rebuilt at 40,000 miles under warranty; the same bearing issue recurred by 80,000 miles.
The real problem is Acura's response. Owners have been notified of Recall 23V-751 but repair parts have not been available for over a year. Dealers confirm parts are unavailable and booked out until December; manufacturers state no estimated completion date. Owners report being passed between dealer and Acura with no resolution, while original warranty expires during the waiting period. Some owners are forced to park vehicles due to safety concerns. One owner reports Acura marked a recall "completed" after the engine already failed catastrophically.
Same Acura MDX engine reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2017 · 2019 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Connecting-rod bearing premature wear and seizing
The connecting-rod bearings wear and seize prematurely, directly leading to engine damage. This is the core defect acknowledged in NHTSA Recall 23V-751. Owners report that the bearings fail even under normal driving conditions, and the failure cascades into other engine problems including oil circulation issues, catalyst converter contamination, and eventual complete engine seizure or requiring bottom-end rebuild.
When: Between 40,000 and 130,000 miles; some owners report intermittent symptoms over months or years before catastrophic failure
Symptoms owners cite: Engine hesitation and reduced acceleration; Intermittent stalling at stops or while accelerating; Abnormal engine rattling or knocking sounds; Check engine light illumination; Engine failure or immobilization; Vehicle unable to be restarted after stalling
Codes mentioned: P0159 (O₂ sensor slow response), P0430 (Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold, Bank 2)
Repairs/costs cited: Owners cite bottom-end rebuilds under warranty and complete engine replacement as repair solutions. One owner reported bottom-end rebuild at 40k miles, same issue recurring at 80k miles. Repair typically requires separating engine from transmission, plus gaskets, seals, and related parts not covered by recall. Oil-pump leaks observed in service notes.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall 23V-751 issued for Engine and Engine Cooling. Acura's repair plan involves connecting-rod bearing inspection/replacement; however, Acura developed a diagnostic tool to assess damage, delaying repairs. Multiple owners report being told parts were unavailable, authorization was pending, or recalls marked as 'completed' after engine failure occurred. One owner reports dealer staff treated them rudely and dismissed repeated recall service requests.
Engine stalling or loss of power during acceleration
Engine stalls or loses power without warning when owners attempt to accelerate from stops, merge into traffic, or navigate normal driving conditions. Some stalls occur at 5–30 mph. No warning lights precede failure. One owner experienced an abrupt stall during a left turn that resulted in being rear-ended; airbags did not deploy. This symptom appears related to the bearing defect but manifests as a drivability hazard independent of a check-engine light.
When: Throughout vehicle ownership; timing varies by owner. One owner experienced stalling over two years. Mileage ranges from under 50,000 to 130,000+.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls while accelerating from a stop; Vehicle stalls at low speeds (5–30 mph); Loss of power when depressing accelerator pedal; Vehicle loses power mid-turn, causing rear-end collision; No warning light illuminated before stall event; Vehicle can be restarted after stalling
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers contacted but unable to diagnose or repair the issue. No repair performed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall 23V-751. Owners notified; parts unavailable or not scheduled. Dealers unable to replicate symptoms during test drives.
Engine hesitation and jerking during acceleration
Engine hesitates, jerks, or fails to accelerate as intended when the accelerator pedal is depressed. Some owners report needing to apply additional pressure or depress the pedal to the floorboard to achieve normal acceleration. One owner also reported unintended acceleration at low speeds (5 mph) that self-corrected after several minutes. No warning lights typically accompany these events.
When: Reported across vehicle ownership. One owner notes hesitation issues dating back two years; another reports hesitation at 65,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine hesitates when accelerating from a stop; Vehicle jerks or hesitates during acceleration; Reduced acceleration response; Requires extra pressure on accelerator pedal to achieve intended acceleration; Unintended acceleration at low speed that self-corrects; No warning lights illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired. One owner reports technician performed an electronic update two years prior that did not resolve the issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recalls 23V-858000 (Fuel System) and 23V-751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) cover this vehicle. Owners were notified; however, repair parts were not available at time of complaint.
Engine compartment fire
One owner reports that while the vehicle was parked in a garage, flames and fumes suddenly erupted from the engine compartment. Fire Department extinguished the fire, but the vehicle was consumed. Home and driveway sustained fire damage. Owner's wife experienced emotional distress. This catastrophic failure occurred at 50,000 miles and is consistent with the bearing-related oil circulation and ignition hazards described in the recall notice.
When: At approximately 50,000 miles, while vehicle was parked and unoccupied
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden smoke odor; Fumes and flames from engine compartment; Complete vehicle destruction by fire
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle destroyed; not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 23V-751 acknowledged oil circulation issues and increased risk of fire. Fire Department and manufacturer were notified.
Parts unavailability and recall service delays
Across 28 complaints, the dominant theme is that repair parts for Recalls 23V-751 and 23V-858000 have been chronically unavailable, delaying or preventing recall service for over one year in many cases. Owners report being told parts would arrive months away (August, December), dealers are booked out until December after parts arrive, and there is no estimated repair date. Some owners note permanent engine damage may occur during the waiting period while original warranty expires. One owner in Puerto Rico reports no MDX has had the bearing recall repaired by any dealer on the island after 1.5 years. The manufacturer told several owners they had 'exceeded a reasonable amount of time' for the recall repair.
When: From early 2024 through 2025; some owners report waiting over one year since initial recall notification
Symptoms owners cite: No parts available to perform recall repair; Indefinite scheduling delays; Dealers booked out months in advance; No estimated repair completion date; Warranty expiration during wait period; Runaround between dealer and manufacturer regarding parts and authorization
Repairs/costs cited: Repair not performed due to parts availability. One owner reports Acura developing a diagnostic tool, further delaying action.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls 23V-751 and 23V-858000 issued; however, Acura has not supplied parts to dealers in timely manner. Owners report being told parts unavailable, authorization pending, or dealers unable to schedule service. Manufacturer confirmed parts unavailable but has not provided replacement vehicle or interim safety solution.
Synthesized from 29 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
The contact owns a 2018 Acura MDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, parts to do the recall repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not…
The contact owns a 2018 Acura MDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts…
The contact owns a 2018 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle hesitated. Additional pressure was applied, and the accelerator pedal was depressed to the floorboard. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers:…
The contact owns a 2018 Acura MDX. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V751000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) and 23V858000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time…
The contact owns a 2018 Acura MDX. The contact stated that at an idle stop, he allowed another vehicle to complete a turn. As the contact depressed the accelerator pedal to make a left turn, the vehicle came to an abrupt stop which caused the vehicle to be rear ended by another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. No injuries were reported and a police report was not filed. The…
Honda refuses to inspect my vehicle to determine if it is safe to drive. They say they will not inspect vehicles untill they have the repair parts available. That puts me at risk for driving a defective vehicle and having an accident that could cause property damage and/or death for me and other people. As I do not have the technical expertise to inspect the vehicle myself, I have no choice…
We have two stop sale safety recalls on our 2018 Acura MDX that have gone over a year without being addressed. I have contacted Acura and the dealership multiple times. Acura refers me to the dealer and the dealer refers me to Acura. Apparently there is no accountability for important safety recalls. Would appreciate some help from NHTSA
Had engine trouble with your 2018 Acura MDX?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2018 Acura MDX?
It's a meaningful issue. 29 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Based on the 29 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 82,172 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/Acura/MDX.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.