2020 Acura MDX engine problems
77 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2020 Acura MDX — 37% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“While driving my 2020 Acura MDX, the vehicle developed an intermittent check engine light and a noticeable engine knocking noise coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to an Acura dealership for diagnosis. According to the certified Acura technician, no diagnostic trouble codes…”
filed May 12, 2026
“Interstate driving 70mph. Sudden engine power loss, vehicle slowed to 50mph. Check engine light came on. Engine knocking noises. Drove car 2 miles to our Acura dealership. Service dept says we have rod bearing failure. Currently deciding how to proceed...used or Reman motor repalcement.”
filed Apr 28, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- Due to a manufacturing error, the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and…Campaign 23V751000 · Nov 13, 2023
Related service bulletins
Dealer Message - Under certain circumstances, after coming to a stop and the idle stop feature engages, the vehicle may not automatically restart. Typically, the client can immediately restart the vehicle by selecting…
BEBM12032025901 · Other · issued Dec 3, 2025Service 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…
B23-002 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 7, 2025Service 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.
B24-022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 19, 2025Owner Notification Letter - Under certain circumstances, after coming to a stop and the idle stop feature engaging, the vehicle may not automatically restart. Acura is providing a product update with a new PGM-FI…
ONL6AX05292024 · Other · issued May 29, 2024Service News - Due to On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) regulation change starting with 2019 vehicles, American Honda’s Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) On-Board Diagnostic monitors are now included in…
B24040A · Other · issued May 1, 2024
Engine problems in other MDX years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 MDX | 47 | 64% |
| 2024 MDX | 5 | 14% |
| 2023 MDX | 1 | 3% |
| 2022 MDX | 9 | 7% |
| 2019 MDX | 46 | 25% |
| 2018 MDX | 35 | 22% |
| 2017 MDX | 76 | 31% |
| 2016 MDX | 154 | 42% |
| 2015 MDX | 7 | 10% |
| 2014 MDX | 26 | 15% |
| 2013 MDX | 9 | 31% |
| 2012 MDX | 23 | 30% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2020 Acura MDX
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.