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 ↗2019 Acura MDX engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2019 Acura MDX have filed 44 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 55,000 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
44
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 MDX | 3 |
| 2016 MDX | 118 |
| 2017 MDX | 69 |
| 2018 MDX | 29 |
| 2019 MDX (this page) | 44 |
| 2020 MDX | 60 |
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 44 engine complaints filed for the 2019 Acura MDX, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 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 44 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 24% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 10 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
Owners of 2019 Acura MDX models report a cluster of engine issues tied primarily to connecting rod bearing defects covered under NHTSA recall 23V751000. The core problem is bearing wear causing engine knock, ticking, and in worst cases, catastrophic failure—one owner's connecting rod broke through the block, causing an oil leak and engine fire with no warning. Failures occur across a wide mileage range (45,000–125,000 miles) with symptoms including engine knock, sudden loss of power at highway speeds, stalling, and limp mode engagement. One owner heard knock at 45,000 miles, paid $7,500 for cylinder head repair, then discovered the recall existed afterward.
Separate from bearing failures, owners report rocker arm oil pressure switch failure causing sudden limp mode without warning around 67,000 miles, and recurring auto-stop system failures where the engine won't restart at traffic lights even after battery and software updates.
A major complaint across narratives is parts availability: Honda is rationing recall repair parts, telling owners parts aren't available and they'll receive a call when stock arrives. Many owners have waited a year or more without repair slots. Honda is reportedly prioritizing parts only for vehicles showing evidence of the defect (knock or stall), creating a catch-22 where owners can't prove the defect without driving the car. Dealers and Honda frequently cite parts distribution as beyond their control. Owners describe this as dangerous and unacceptable, especially for a safety-related recall.
Same Acura MDX engine reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2017 · 2018 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Connecting Rod Bearing Wear / Engine Knock
Connecting rod bearing defect causing engine knock, ticking, or rattling; in severe cases, rod goes through engine block causing oil leak and engine fire or catastrophic failure requiring replacement.
When: 45,000–125,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine knocking or ticking noise from engine compartment; Rattling sound from engine; Check engine warning light illumination; Engine stall while driving or at stop; Limp mode engagement; Loss of motive power; Smoke or flames from engine compartment; Failure to accelerate or respond to throttle
Codes mentioned: Check Engine Light (generic)
Repairs/costs cited: Rod bearing replacement or engine replacement required; one owner paid $7,500 for rear cylinder head replacement prior to recall awareness; vehicles towed and denied repair due to cost or insurance classification as mechanical failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign Number 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); parts unavailable as of complaint dates; Honda/Acura limiting parts availability to vehicles 'showing evidence of the connecting rod bearing defect'; parts distribution ongoing and delayed, with owners waiting 1+ year for repair slots.
Rocker Arm Oil Pressure Switch Failure
Rocker arm oil pressure switch failure causing sudden engine limp mode or power loss without warning, typically after 60,000–100,000 miles.
When: 67,150 miles (one reported case); typically 60,000–100,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of acceleration while driving at highway speed; Vehicle enters limp mode with zero warning; No illuminated warning lights prior to failure
Repairs/costs cited: Switch replacement at dealer; confirmed by dealership as faulty switch unrelated to oil condition (oil checked and confirmed clean).
Auto Start/Stop (Idle Stop) System Failure
Auto stop feature shuts off engine when stopped; engine fails to restart when brake released, requiring park, off, restart cycle. Recurring issue even after battery and software updates.
When: Not specified; default-enabled feature
Symptoms owners cite: Engine fails to restart after brake release at traffic light or in traffic; Engine complete shutdown at red light; Delayed acceleration in intersection or hazardous traffic situation
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replacement attempted but failure recurred; software update attempted but did not resolve issue; dealer advised to manually disable auto stop feature as workaround.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer informed owner Honda is aware of problem with no current solution available.
Transmission Failure or Shift Response Failure
Vehicle displays 'Transmission Failure' message on screen, or transmission jerks during acceleration or cannot engage properly.
When: 69,222 miles (one case)
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light and 'Transmission Failure' message displayed; Transmission jerking while driving at various speeds upon accelerator depression; Vehicle stall (simultaneous with transmission message); Vehicle fails to respond to park button (requires multiple attempts)
Codes mentioned: Transmission Failure (displayed message)
Repairs/costs cited: Failure could not be duplicated at dealer; no repair completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Related to NHTSA Campaign Number 23V751000; parts not yet available.
Timing Belt Tensioner Leak / Timing Belt Wear
Tensioner leaking oil; timing belt wear detected during routine maintenance.
When: 35,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: No warning lights illuminated; Detected during routine maintenance inspection
Repairs/costs cited: Timing belt replacement required; vehicle not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Related to NHTSA Campaign Number 19V298000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); manufacturer provided no additional assistance.
Acceleration Unresponsiveness / Limp Mode Engagement
Vehicle fails to accelerate normally when throttle depressed; engine revs but vehicle enters limp mode or decelerates; recurring problem over time.
When: 45,705 miles to 98,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Accelerator pedal depression yields no vehicle response; Vehicle decelerates while accelerator depressed; Engine revs in limp mode for ~10 seconds then operates normally; Failure intermittent at first, then recurring; Jerking upon accelerator depression
Codes mentioned: Check Engine Light (one case)
Repairs/costs cited: Failure could not be duplicated at dealer in one case; vehicle not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Related to NHTSA Campaign Numbers 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and/or 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); parts unavailable.
Synthesized from 44 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
The contact owns a 2019 Acura MDX. The contact stated that on numerous occasions while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that the engine revved however, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode for 10 seconds and then operated normally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. No warning lights were…
The car is stalling on the highway.that very scary situation the dealer said they don’t have the parts to fix it. Also they said till the check light doesn’t come on they can’t fix it. I don’t know what to do
We received these recalls more than a year ago and after we called the Acura dealership they told us that there were not enough parts to fix the cars now and that they would give us a call when they had the parts, after two months we called them again and same statement, and same thing for 3 more times with the span of six months. today after more than a year I called again and they are saying no…
Had engine trouble with your 2019 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 2019 Acura MDX?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 44 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 10 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 35,000 and 69,222 miles, with the median around 55,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 35,000; a quarter make it past 69,222. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
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/2019/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.