Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2014 Acura MDX owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
There is a known issue of Certain Acura MDX models having a "judder" (i.e. bouncing rev counter) at certain speeds. This causes the torque converter to not lockup and continue to find the right gear, per se. This is a known issue and Acura has a TSB (16-062) for this: https://www.tsbsearch.com/Acura/16-062 The issue is, even though, unaddressed in a timely manner and continual use of the vehicle may deteriorate the transmission, Acura doesn't fix this free of charge for vehicles not under warranty. Dealer quotes $800+ for a total 1.6 hours of work (based on the TSB bulletin). This is outrageous and monopolistic behavior in a free market. Moreover, typical mechanics doesn't have access to the special computers needed to perform the software update, required by this TSB. …
I'M seeing several reports where ACURA has a major recall on their MDX models from 2016-2020 however i have a 2014 model but I have suffered the same engine failure due to a connecting rod issue that has caused what they call a spun bearing I have tried to contact American Honda to file a complaint but they just keep denying me since my vehicle is not part of the recall but by sheer coincidence my engine has failed I had no warning signals that would of indicated this problem and I have had the car fully maintained by ACURA Dealerships since I bought the car in 2017 I see where several hundred other complaints have been filed due to ACURA's faulty issues - ACURA needs to expand their recall list to go back as far as possible since they seem to be having the same issues with previous models not included in the recall
I change my own engine oil every 3,000 miles. During the past year with three oil changes completed, I have observed aluminum pieces in the bottom of the oil change black pan. Because my wife's 2017 Acura TLX was the subject of the crankshaft and connecting rod campaign (the dealer had to replace the crankshaft and all of the connecting rod and main bearings) I am familiar with the issue of non-concentric crankshaft connecting rod journals, and so have been surprised that my 2014 MDX with the same 3.5 L V6 has not yet been included. I am pretty sure it does suffer from the same defect as evidenced by the aluminum in the engine oil. If it fails at hihway speeds, that would possibly cause a safety incident.
A connecting rod bearing is failing in my 2014 Acura MDX which could have led to complete engine failure while driving my family. Absolute Auto Center of Berlin, CT confirmed the issue and noted that Acura has recalled 2016-2020 MDX models due to connecting rod bearing defects but have not expanded the recall to include earlier model years that are also impacted. There were no warning lamps or messages prior to or during the issue, it was identified due to a loud knocking with the engine around 3-4,000 RPMs.
The car is un safe to drive, the RPM fluctuations, gos up and down at low speed, doesn't potential problems with the torque converter clutch, is juddering and unstable RPMs, noticeable during acceleration or deceleration
While driving in a main road, smoke started to fill the inside of the car. Pulled over immediately, opened the hood, there was fire that was rapidly expanding. Call 911, by the time they arrived (about 4 to 5 mins), the fire consumed the entire car.
Flames and fire shot out from the front passenger side vents and under the dashboard and glove compartment, engulfing the vehicle into flames resulting in a total loss. The vehicle was in motion on a neighborhood street.
Shortly after I purchased this vehicle in 2013, I noticed that their was a loud vibration coming from the front right driver's side near the wheel well when driving at speeds between 30 - 45 MPH. This vibration would occur intermittently. When I took the vehicle back in to the Acura dealership, it was stated that they could not duplicate the issue. Two years later, the issue is still occurring and the dealership "can't duplicate". Additionally, noticed that there was bubbling of the front grill chrome paint. Later it became apparent that the left front passenger window panels were warped. Didn't make too much of a fuss about either issue, but in the summer of 2015, while running my car through a car wash, the panel popped off and began flapping in the wind. Returned vehicle to dealership and the window panel was replaced. …
Vehicle would not start initially and displayed several error codes once it finally started. Once I began driving it did not have normal steering control and seemed as the transmission had problems. It wouldn't accelerate normally and the rpms ran higher than usual. There was no difference when I switched between normal and sport mode like usual. The n orlando auto nation Acura stated the issues were caused by a bad battery but it was serviced a week prior at auto nation Honda and the battery tested good (see attached image). They replaced the battery and cleared the error codes but it seems like the steering is still loose and still has poor acceleration compared to before the issue with the error codes. I am very concerned about these issues for the safety of my family. …
Vehicle would not start initially and displayed several error codes once it finally started. Once I began driving it did not have normal steering control and seemed as the transmission had problems. It wouldn't accelerate normally and the rpms ran higher than usual. There was no difference when I switched between normal and sport mode like usual. The n orlando auto nation Acura stated the issues were caused by a bad battery but it was serviced a week prior at auto nation Honda and the battery tested good (see attached image). They replaced the battery and cleared the error codes but it seems like the steering is still loose and still has poor acceleration compared to before the issue with the error codes. I am very concerned about these issues for the safety of my family. …
Engine complaints in other MDX years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2014 Acura MDX?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2014 Acura MDX, 15% of the model year's 172 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2014 Acura MDX engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2014 Acura MDX, though it has 8 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2014 Acura MDX engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 13,000 miles, and 65% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.