2016 Acura MDX · symptom sheet
Rod bearing failure
- 66owner reports
- 96,000median miles
- $8,000median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Sep 15, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
66 of the 94 reports of engine failure on the 2016 MDX describe rod bearing failure.
Part of Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing (94 reports) · also: engine knock
Tick what matches of 66 reports
Rod bearing failure on other MDX years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2014, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2025.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the rod bearing (66 reports), the engine (9 reports) and the crankshaft (6 reports).
Recalls and investigations
One recall on the engine covers the 2016 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
Due to a manufacturing error, the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, damaging the engine.
All 7 recalls on the 2016 Acura MDX, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the MDX
Engine failure. Open.
No restart after auto start/stop engages. Open.
Engine failure. Closed aug 20, 2025.
What owners paid
9 of the 66 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $6,170 to $10,000.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 78,000 and 121,840 miles, from the 25 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“Started (first noticed)check engine light flashing turned radio down right of way and noticed engine knocking with no warning still 40% engine oil life left. Had test done P0303 misfire on cylinder 3 and rod bearing knock was told need an engine . Had all oil changes and maintenance done on time. ran my vin and unfortunately was told it is not covered under recall.”
Filed Jul 3, 2026
“Our 2016 Acura MDX SH-AWD has the exact same engine problem/damage caused by the Connecting Rod Bearing recall. Our vehicle displayed the exact symptoms described by countless other MDX owners including owners who have vehicles both on & not included on the current recall list.”
Filed Jun 24, 2026
“This make and model has the same problems with the engine rod bearings itâs the v6 3.5L”
Filed Jun 18, 2026
“The engine failed and acura tech said it was connecting rod failure. There is a Safety recall from Acura 23-036 and an investigation by NHTSA # RQ24013. Acura stated my VIN is not part of the recall although it's the same issue.”
Filed Jan 12, 2026
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 66 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works
Other problems on this car
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 82 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 47 reports
- Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 39 reports