Is connecting rod bearing failure and engine replacement a known issue with the 2020 Acura Mdx?

21 NHTSA complaints have been filed about connecting rod bearing failure and engine replacement on the 2020 Acura Mdx (2024-02 → 2026-06). Reported component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11746661): "The contact owns a 2020 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 - 25 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the passenger’s side of the vehicle" Source: NHTSA.

Is taillight assembly water intrusion a known issue with the 2020 Acura Mdx?

5 NHTSA complaints have been filed about taillight assembly water intrusion on the 2020 Acura Mdx (2024-03 → 2026-05). Reported component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11736688): "There is an active Taillight (Lid Lights) Safety Recall (25V-259) on 2014-2020 Acura MDXs. When I enter my VIN it claims I am not part of this recall but there is sitting water inside my drivers side tailgate lid light assembly" Source: NHTSA.

Is electric parking brake and emissions warning lights a known issue with the 2020 Acura Mdx?

4 NHTSA complaints have been filed about electric parking brake and emissions warning lights on the 2020 Acura Mdx (2025-01 → 2026-01). Reported component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11712781): "A new recent event 2025 has also occur and was brought to the dealerships attention, a warning message indicating - Electric Parking Brake Problem follow by a Emissions System Problem will appear" Source: NHTSA.

Is multipurpose front camera failure disabling adas systems a known issue with the 2020 Acura Mdx?

27 NHTSA complaints have been filed about multipurpose front camera failure disabling adas systems on the 2020 Acura Mdx (2022-07 → 2026-08). Reported component: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE, LANE DEPARTURE. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11746074): "Collision Mitigation, Automatic Cruise Control, and Lane Keep Assist features disabled. Safety equipment failure" Source: NHTSA.

2020 Acura Mdx Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

Q: Is auto idle-stop failure to restart at a stop a known issue with the 2020 Acura Mdx?

79 NHTSA complaints have been filed about auto idle-stop failure to restart at a stop on the 2020 Acura Mdx (2022-07 → 2026-08). Reported component: ENGINE. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11711138): "I was at a red light with the idle stop automatically triggered. When the light turned green, and I pressed the accelerate pedal, the car would not move. I looked and saw the car had shifted itself to N (neutral) when it should have stayed at D (drive)" Source: NHTSA.

The 2020 Acura Mdx carries 8 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering fuel pump and master cylinder. Owners report 5 recurring issue clusters, led by “Connecting rod bearing failure and engine replacement.” Acura's Maintenance Minder calculates oil life from real engine conditions and shows service codes instead of fixed mileages — code A or B (oil / oil + inspection) plus sub-codes for items like tire rotation (1), air filters (2), or transmission fluid (3). Follow the codes, not the calendar. One interval you should never stretch: most Acura 3.5L V6 engines (MDX, TL) use a timing belt with a roughly 105,000-mile / 7-year replacement — a snapped belt on this interference engine means bent valves. SH-AWD models add a rear-differential fluid service that's essential for the torque-vectoring unit.

8 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Campaign #21V215000 · Mar 25, 2021

Issue: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Acura MDX, MDX Sport Hybrid, RDX, TLX, Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Insight, 2019 Acura ILX, Honda Accord Hybrid, Civic Coupe, Civic Coupe Si, Civic Sedan, Civic Sedan Si, Civic Type R, Fit, HR-V, Odyssey, Passport, Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 CR-V vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 18, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-314.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

Campaign #23V458000 · Jun 29, 2023

Issue: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Civic, 2020-2023 Ridgeline, 2021-2023 Passport, 2021-2022 Pilot, and 2020 Acura MDX vehicles. The tie rod fastener that connects the brake booster and the brake master cylinder may have been improperly assembled during manufacturing, which can cause the brake master cylinder to separate from the booster assembly.

Risk: Brake master cylinder separation can cause a loss of brake function and increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and repair the brake booster assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are VEU, AEV, and ZET.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

Campaign #23V751000 · Nov 13, 2023

Issue: Honda (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 2018-2019 Odyssey vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, damaging the engine.

Risk: A damaged engine may run improperly or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a fire, crash, or injury.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and repair, or replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 28, 2024. 2016-2017 Acura MDX owner letters were mailed November 1, 2024. 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed in mid-December 2024. Honda began mailing owner notification letters as of March 18, 2024. 2015-2016 Acura owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-December 2024, 2018 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed the end of March/early April 2024, 2019 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-May 2024, 2020 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-June 2024, and 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed January 27, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XG1 and GG0.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Campaign #23V858000 · Dec 18, 2023

Issue: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER

Campaign #24V064000 · Jan 2, 2024

Issue: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.

Risk: An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.

Fix: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Campaign #25V259000 · Apr 17, 2025

Issue: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles. Moisture may enter the tailgate lid light assembly and wiring harness, which can cause the interior and exterior lights to fail, including the lid lights, position lights, license plate lights and taillights.

Risk: Vehicle lights that fail to illuminate can decrease visibility and increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the wiring and install a fuse harness, replace the lid light, and repair the body dust sealer, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 30, 2025. Owners may contact Acura's customer service at 1-800-382-2238. Acura's number for this recall is FLI. Vehicles included in this recall that were previously repaired under NHTSA recall number 19V-256 will need to have the new remedy completed.

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER

Campaign #26V332000 · May 21, 2026

Issue: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.

Risk: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.

Fix: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

Campaign #26V365000 · Apr 6, 2026

Issue: American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Honda Pilot, 2017-2023 Ridgeline, 2019-2023 Passport, and 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles that were sold in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. The rear subframe may corrode at the suspension mounting points, which can result in rear suspension component failure.

Risk: Failure of rear suspension components, such as the rear control arm, can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the rear subframe and install a rear subframe reinforcement kit and, as necessary, repair or replace the rear subframe components, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in the fall of 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are AOU and AOT. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning June 10, 2026.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2020 Acura Mdx.

2 active NHTSA investigations

Source: NHTSA

No Restart After Auto Start/Stop Engages
Action #EA25004 · opened Mar 26, 2025
On June 3, 2022, the Oﬃce of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE22005 after the agency received VOQs and several ﬁeld reports concerning the Auto Idle Stop (AIS) feature on 2016-2019MY Honda Pilot vehicles. The complaints allege that the engine fails to r…
View on NHTSA →
Engine failure
Action #PE25008 · opened Aug 20, 2025
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 414 reports of connecting rod bearing failures in the 3.5L V6 engine used in the following vehicles: Model Years (MY) 2018-2020 Acura TLX, MY2016-2020 Acura MDX, MY2016-2020 Honda Pilot, MY2018-2020 Honda Odyssey, and MY2017-…
View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

Connecting rod bearing failure and engine replacement

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

21 NHTSA complaints · 2024-02 → 2026-06

“The contact owns a 2020 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 - 25 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the passenger’s side of the vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11746661

“While driving my 2020 Acura MDX A-Spec at approximately 63,744 miles, the vehicle suddenly lost all engine power without warning while passing through a busy multi-lane intersection”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11725507

“I started to here a very light knocking noise on cold starts. I made an appointment with my dealership to check it out. The earliest appoint they had open was a bout a week out”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11626538

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Taillight assembly water intrusion

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

5 NHTSA complaints · 2024-03 → 2026-05

“There is an active Taillight (Lid Lights) Safety Recall (25V-259) on 2014-2020 Acura MDXs. When I enter my VIN it claims I am not part of this recall but there is sitting water inside my drivers side tailgate lid light assembly”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11736688

“There is moisture and water droplets inside outer left taillight”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11674739

“Left rear inner tail light is inoperative. There is evidence of water intrusion in the lower left corner of the tail light assembly. Called dealer, was told by service manager that the concern was not covered under warranty as the vehicle has just over 51,000 miles”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11578224

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electric parking brake and emissions warning lights

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES

4 NHTSA complaints · 2025-01 → 2026-01

“A new recent event 2025 has also occur and was brought to the dealerships attention, a warning message indicating - Electric Parking Brake Problem follow by a Emissions System Problem will appear”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11712781

“Electric parking break and emissions light keep popping up. They says it’s the catalytic converter many people having the same issue”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11698353

“1.17.25 My check engine light came on with the following lights: Emissions System Problem Electric Parking Brake Problem”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11636636

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Auto idle-stop failure to restart at a stop

ENGINE

79 NHTSA complaints · 2022-07 → 2026-08

“I was at a red light with the idle stop automatically triggered. When the light turned green, and I pressed the accelerate pedal, the car would not move. I looked and saw the car had shifted itself to N (neutral) when it should have stayed at D (drive)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11711138

“I came to a stop at a stop sign. The start/stop feature activated and the engine shut off. When I lifted my foot off the brake, the engine did not restart (as it's supposed to), and then vehicle automatically shifted itself into neutral (without any of my doing)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11621400

“My MDX will randomly shut itself off while at a red light. It takes MULTIPLE attempts to get it restarted. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. My safety and the safety of others was put at risk and continues to be at risk!”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11605689

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Multipurpose front camera failure disabling ADAS systems

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE, LANE DEPARTURE

27 NHTSA complaints · 2022-07 → 2026-08

“Collision Mitigation, Automatic Cruise Control, and Lane Keep Assist features disabled. Safety equipment failure”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11746074

“While driving my 2020 Acura MDX with 29,647 miles, all AcuraWatch safety systems suddenly failed at once, including Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Keeping Assist, Road Departure Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Automatic High Beams”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11701938

“My 2020 Acura MDX is throwing up multiple dashboard warnings related to the camera sensor—involving systems like Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, Collision Mitigation, and Road Departure Mitigation”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11685108

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Transmission Fluid (Sub-code 3)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace ATF when sub-code 3 appears — commonly every 30,000-60,000 miles depending on duty. Use Honda/Acura ATF only (DW-1, or the 10-speed's specified fluid); aftermarket 'universal' ATF causes shudder in these gearboxes.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter (Sub-code 2)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace with sub-code 2 alongside the engine air filter. Behind the glovebox — an easy DIY on most Acuras.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Coolant Replacement (Sub-code 5)

Every 100,000 mi

Honda/Acura Type 2 coolant: first change around 10 years / 100,000 miles, then every 5 years / 50,000. Use the blue Type 2 coolant only.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

5 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

complaints mentioning a crash

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2020 Acura Mdx reflects Acura's published service intervals and the Maintenance Minder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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