23 complaints reported

2019 Acura MDX Engine

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
23
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
0

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Sep 2026

I was merging onto the interstate from another interstate when my car suddenly became limp and would not accelerate. I had zero warning there was anything wrong with my car, only 67,150 miles. I had to coast to the side of the road and it wasn't driveable. I was forced to have it towed to Acura to find out it's a rocker arm oil pressure switch that apparently goes out after 60,000-100,000 miles. Without warning, this is a huge safety issue. There should be a backup switch and notification to get it to a dealer. I had 3 kids in the car, traveling 65 when it suddenly decided to stop accelerating. ZERO warning. It was terrifying. I could have been hit by another car on the interstate, with 3 kids in the car, zero warning to cars behind me that my speed went from 65 to almost nothing instantly. I've always owned Honda cars and this is the first vehicle I've ever had this happen in. Dealership confirmed it was a faulty switch, nothing to do with low oil, dirty oil and I have that in writing. Acrua/Honda should figure out how to alert users that there is an issue before there is an issue. Or put this on the maintenance schedule because I'm terrified to drive this car now. Or how will I know if it's ready to do it again. Again, some type of backup switch that works for a bit until you can get it to dealer. I had to be towed to dealer. Kids had to be picked up. All things that could have been avoided if Honda did a better job.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2019 ACURA MDX, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Jun 2026
Oct 2025

My car has failed to restart while sitting at red lights. The engine complete shut down. This has happened twice now since I have owned the vehicle. The first occurrence was around March 2024 and the most recent occurrence was 09/2025. Very dangerous situation both times and I had my child in the car.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2019 ACURA MDX, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Jan 2025
Oct 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while at a stoplight with the Auto START/STOP feature activated, the vehicle failed to restart after releasing the brake pedal. The contact stated that the vehicle was able to be restarted approximately 5 minutes later. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact was made aware of NHTSA Action Number: EA25004 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); and related the failure to the action number. The failure mileage was 1,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2019 ACURA MDX, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Oct 2020
Apr 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Acura MDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was not made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2019 ACURA MDX, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Apr 2025
Nov 2024

Engine had a knocking noise, went to dealer and explained the problem. They mentioned there was a recall regarding this issue but when my vehicle's Vin was typed in they said it was not part of the recall. A few days later all the warning lights in the instrument panel came on and soon after the engine went bad and had to replace it. My vehicle had approximately 45k miles when this happened. I was completely shocked, angry and disappointed with Honda Motors when they didn't want to take responsibility. It's obvious this was a manufacturing problem with these engines and they should reimburse vehicle owners that had issues with these vehicles. Thank you for your attention!

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2019 ACURA MDX, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Apr 2023
Oct 2024

Beginning in October of 2023, I was hearing an engine knock/ticking. Acura tech support at the local dealership said my rear cylinder head needed to be replaced. I asked Acura how, since my car is only a few years old, could this cylinder head already be bad. They responded that these vehicles are mass produced by the hundreds of thousands and sometimes bad parts or installations slip through. I paid $7,500 for the new cylinder head, but now I see the new recall about engine crank shaft and the connecting rod bearing can wear and cause damage to the engine. It further says if you hear engine knocking, to immediately call Acura.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2019 ACURA MDX, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Oct 2023
Sep 2024

The contact owns a 2019 Acura MDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact called another local dealer, Hopkins Acura of Fairfield (2459 Auto Mall Pkwy, Fairfield, CA 94533); but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2019 ACURA MDX, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Nov 2023
Sep 2024

Unknown, manufacturer says can’t be fixed. It MOST certainly can be fixed! They just don’t want to do it.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2019 ACURA MDX, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Aug 2024
Aug 2024

The contact owns a 2019 Acura MDX. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer for routine maintenance, and it was diagnosed that the tensioner was leaking, and the timing belt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V298000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was contacted but provided no additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2019 ACURA MDX, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Aug 2024
Aug 2024

See attached document for complaint

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2019 ACURA MDX, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Mar 2024
Aug 2024

The contact owns a 2019 Acura MDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, there was a rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2019 ACURA MDX, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Jan 2024
Jul 2024

The contact owns a 2019 Acura MDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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 distribution disconnect.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2019 ACURA MDX, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Jan 2024
Jul 2024

The contact owns a 2019 Acura MDX. The contact stated while reversing into a parking space, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated, and the message "Transmission Failure" was displayed. The vehicle was able to be restarted after 30 minutes. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. The dealer informed the contact that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), which could be related to the failure; however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle had failed to start and was undrivable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,222. Parts distribution disconnect.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2019 ACURA MDX, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Jan 2024
Jul 2024

The contact owns a 2019 Acura MDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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 distribution disconnect.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2019 ACURA MDX, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Jul 2024
Jun 2024

The contact owns a 2019 Acura MDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted. 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 distribution disconnect.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2019 ACURA MDX, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Jun 2024
Apr 2024

In March, I made an appointment at Lehigh Valley Acura in Emmaus, PA 18049, to address NHTSA Recall Number 23V-751 on my 2019 Acura MDX. When I got to the appointment on [XXX], the service technician told me that American Honda will only send parts for recall-related repairs for cases where the "vehicle is showing evidence of the connecting rod bearing defect." Since the evidence of the defect is that the car could "stall while driving," I believe this sounds like a defect that should be addressed immediately. I called American Honda on [XXX], and was told that they don't have sufficient parts to fix all the vehicles covered by the recall. The person I spoke to said that we would get a letter in the mail when it is our turn. I believe this is negligence on the part of American Honda and Lehigh Valley Acura. How do I get this defect addressed immediately? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2019 ACURA MDX, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Apr 2024
Mar 2024

The contact owns a 2019 Acura MDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2019 ACURA MDX, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Mar 2024
Mar 2024

The contact owns a 2019 Acura MDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. 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 stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the residence. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2019 ACURA MDX, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Dec 2023
Feb 2024 Fire

The contact owns a 2019 Acura MDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated while her nephew was driving at an undisclosed speed, he noticed smoke coming from the front and rear of the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The contact’s nephew pulled off the road to lift the hood of the vehicle where he saw flames. The Fire and Police Department arrived at the scene however, the fire had already been extinguished. The contact was unaware if a Police report was filed. There were no injuries. The vehicle was towed to the nephew’s residence where the Insurance Adjustor took pictures of the damages. The vehicle was towed to Mack's Automotive but due to the extensive damage, the vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed by Mack's Automotive that the rod went through the engine causing the oil to leak which caused the engine to catch on fire. The vehicle was towed back to the nephew’s residence and remained unrepaired due to the cost and because the Insurance provider declined to pay to repair the vehicle because it was deemed a mechanical failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a claim; however, the contact had not spoken with the manufacturer personally. The failure mileage was unknown.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2019 ACURA MDX, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Dec 2023
Jan 2024

The contact owns a 2019 Acura MDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2019 ACURA MDX, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Nov 2023
Aug 2022

The auto stop feature is enabled by default when the car is started. When stopped at a traffic light or in a traffic jam, the auto stop turns off the engine and is supposed to restart when the drivers foot is off the brake. The engine unexpectedly will not restart, and the car must be put in park, turned off, and restarted. This is dangerous in heavy traffic. The dealer replaced the battery as an attempted repair. The problem reoccurred. The dealer then updated the software, which also did not solve the problem. The dealer advised that Honda is aware of the problem and currently has no solution. I was advised to manually turn off the auto stop feature until a solution can be found.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2019 ACURA MDX, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Aug 2022
May 2022

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 illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure; however, the contact never received a reply. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2019 ACURA MDX, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: May 2019
Jul 2019

THE ENGINE AUTO STOP OR IDLE STOP IS A SAFETY HAZARD. THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF PREVENTING A QUICK ACCELERATION FROM AN INTERSECTION OR OTHER HAZARD. THE MANUFACTURE SHOULD OFFER A METHOD TO PERMANENTLY DISABLE THIS HAZARD.I WAS NEARLY T-BONED WHEN TRYING TO MAKE A LH TURN AT A BUSY INTERSECTION BECAUSE THE CAR HAD TO START BEFORE ACCELERATING

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2019 ACURA MDX, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Dec 2019

Trend Over Time

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Quick Summary

The 2019 Acura MDX has 23 Engine complaints on file. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.