2020 Acura MDX Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 8%of 226 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 62,770miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2020 Acura MDX, 8% of the 226 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 62,770 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The contact owns a 2020 Acura MDX. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under Technical Service Bulletins: 22-009, 22-024, and 23-002; however, the failure persisted following the repairs. The contact stated that while stopped at an intersection, the engine failed to restart after the Auto Start/Stop feature engaged, and the transmission independently shifted to Neutral (N). The contact shifted the transmission to Park (P) and pressed the Engine Start/Stop button to restart the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #11771392, filed 2026-10, 70,357 miles“The contact owns a 2020 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the oil light illuminated. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, while driving, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate, with a ticking and knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed and metal shavings from the engine bearings were found in the engine oil. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. …”
NHTSA complaint #11763037, filed 2026-09, 85,000 miles“The contact owns a 2020 Acura MDX. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving and came to a complete stop on two occasions. The vehicle was able to restart, and the contact resumed driving. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to start. There was no warning light illuminated. …”
NHTSA complaint #11641391, filed 2025-02, 25,000 miles“The contact owns a 2020 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle shook abnormally with the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, the engine seized. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with rod bearing failure and a failure in cylinder #6. …”
NHTSA complaint #11724665, filed 2026-03, 86,743 miles“The contact owns a 2020 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. The maintenance warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was towed to the residence. The local dealer was contacted to schedule an appointment, but the vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. …”
NHTSA complaint #11757385, filed 2026-08, 60,541 milesRelated recalls
- 23V751000Nov 13, 2023Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, 2016 and 2018-2019 Pilot, 2017 and 2019 Ridgeline, and…Covers: Acura MDX 2016–2020, TLX 2015–2020, Honda Pilot 2016, 2018–2019 +2 more
Related service bulletins
- 10248978Jan 10, 2024Service 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…
- 10247626Dec 15, 2023Service 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…
- 10235126Apr 20, 2023Service 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…
- 10233673Mar 28, 2023Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is investigating certain 2020-2022 MDXs & RDXs with a client complaint of the Check Engine Light (CEL) on & the DTC P0087…
- 10233292Mar 20, 2023Service 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…
- 10232969Mar 13, 2023Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is investigating certain 2020-2022 MDXs & RDXs with a client complaint of the Check Engine Light (CEL) on & the DTC P0087…
- 10232976Mar 10, 2023Product Update - 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…
- 10232974Mar 10, 2023Warranty Extension - Under certain circumstances, after coming to a stop and the idle stop feature engages, the vehicle may not automatically restart.
- 10232972Mar 10, 2023Warranty Extension - Warranty Extension reimbursement form for engine idle stop repairs made before the warranty extension notice date.
- 10232965Mar 1, 2023Service Bulletin - The engine will not crank on the initial startup attempt after the vehicle has been exposed to precipitation and then freezing temperatures.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 19 | 8% |
| 2019 | 30 | 16% |
| 2018 | 19 | 11% |
| 2017 | 18 | 7% |
| 2016 | 10 | 3% |
| 2013 | 1 | 3% |
| 2012 | 2 | 3% |
| 2011 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 3 | 6% |
| 2008 | 2 | 4% |
| 2007 | 4 | 4% |
| 2006 | 2 | 2% |
| 2005 | 9 | 5% |
| 2004 | 13 | 8% |
| 2003 | 16 | 8% |
| 2002 | 14 | 7% |
| 2001 | 19 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2020 Acura MDX
86 complaintsElectrical system
41 complaintsOther or unknown
39 complaintsForward collision avoidance
37 complaintsFuel system
23 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
21 complaintsLane departure
19 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsVehicle speed control
14 complaintsExterior lighting
7 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsSteering
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2020 Acura MDX
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology