2020 Acura MDX Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 86about this part
- Share
- 38%of 226 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 51,150miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 86 complaints about the engine of the 2020 Acura MDX, 38% of the 226 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 51,150 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I had purchased this vehicle and was not aware there was a stop sale on this vehicle model. I took the 2020 MDX to the dealer to get the recall service done, the connecting rod bearing and fuel pump issues. They were done back in March of 2024, j had taken the vehicle back to the dealer over 5 times for issues with stalling and trouble turning back on as well as engine noise, ticking and stalling. …”
NHTSA complaint #11632790, filed 2024-12, 54,651 miles“At 101,841 miles, noticed ticking coming from the engine as it was idling. Acura of Limerick dealership diagnosed the issue coming from the bottom of the engine as a rod knock. They feel the problem is internal to the engine and suggest replacing the engine at my, I the owner's cost. After reviewing blogs and information on recalls on the internet, this issue seems in line with other rod bearing issues with this 3.5L V6 engine. But my Vin is not identified as having the recall issue? This seems incorrect as my Vin should be covered as it seems to be the same problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11666192, filed 2025-06, 101,841 miles“MY car has 39200. Miles acura mdx 2020 tech package. Has a rod knocking sound. There was a recall number 23v751000 that i was never notified about. I cant drive car under this vondition may harm engine further. Question is this recall still valid even if I was mot informed or does my cars acura/Honda warranty covers repairs or replacement”
NHTSA complaint #11727655, filed 2026-03“Driving on the highway when suddenly I had lost all power and then the check engine light flashed. I was stranded for hours waiting for.a tow truck and freezing temperatures with no power to my vehicle. It was towed to the nearest Honda dealer and was told I had a complete engine failure and needed a new engine for $10,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11637711, filed 2025-01“There was a couple times where the car stalled at a red light. Also, there are a lot of times when I press the push to start, it will not start, advising me to place the key fob near the push to start. I find this to be dangerous when driving and very annoying when attempting to start and it doesn't start.”
NHTSA complaint #11709878, filed 2026-01Related service bulletins
- 11026692Dec 3, 2025Dealer 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…
- 11020584Jul 7, 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…
- 11015014Feb 19, 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…
- 11000723May 29, 2024Owner 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…
- 11000147May 1, 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…
- 10210096Mar 28, 2022Dealer message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2016-2020 MDXs, RDXs & TLXs with a client complaint of the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) on…
- 10206804Jan 21, 2022Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2016-2020 MDXs, RDXs & TLXs with a client complaint of the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) on…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 22% |
| 2025 | 69 | 62% |
| 2024 | 6 | 15% |
| 2023 | 1 | 2% |
| 2022 | 9 | 6% |
| 2020 | 86 | 38% |
| 2019 | 48 | 25% |
| 2018 | 35 | 21% |
| 2017 | 79 | 30% |
| 2016 | 163 | 43% |
| 2015 | 7 | 10% |
| 2014 | 26 | 15% |
| 2013 | 9 | 30% |
| 2012 | 23 | 30% |
| 2011 | 28 | 40% |
| 2010 | 11 | 24% |
| 2009 | 8 | 15% |
| 2008 | 3 | 6% |
| 2007 | 11 | 11% |
| 2006 | 9 | 10% |
| 2005 | 7 | 4% |
| 2004 | 13 | 8% |
| 2003 | 10 | 5% |
| 2002 | 5 | 2% |
| 2001 | 3 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2020 Acura MDX
41 complaintsOther or unknown
39 complaintsForward collision avoidance
37 complaintsFuel system
23 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
21 complaintsEngine cooling
19 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