2017 Acura MDX · symptom sheet
Engine stalls or loses power while driving
- 43owner reports
- 67,589median miles
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Aug 24, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
185 of the 255 complaints on this car are about the engine. 43 of those describe stalling. Only engine failure is reported more often on this car.
Tick what matches of 43 reports
Stalling 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, 2022.
What this problem usually is
Stalling reports are some of the most alarming on the site. The engine quits while the car is moving, sometimes on a highway and sometimes at a stop. Many owners say it restarted right away and the dealer found no stored code, which is part of why these complaints pile up before anything gets fixed.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the battery (3 reports).
Recalls and investigations
3 recalls on the engine cover the 2017 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Due to a manufacturing error, the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, damaging the engine.
Particulates in fuel may adhere to the internal components of the fuel pump, reducing its performance.
All 8 recalls on the 2017 Acura MDX, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the MDX
All wheel drive allegation. Closed aug 4, 2026.
Engine failure. Open.
No restart after auto start/stop engages. Open.
Engine failure. Closed aug 20, 2025.
Ignition interlock failure - rollaway. Closed jan 14, 2013, led to recall 12V-573.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 24,427 and 97,000 miles, from the 24 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 2 service bulletins or notices for the 2017 Acura MDX that deal with this problem. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
The vehicle may exhibit several of the following symptoms: - Multiple indicators are on. - No communication with the i-HDS. - The option fuse (7.5 A) is blown. - MDX: Fuse E21 - TLX: Fuse B7 - MDX: It is hard to shut off the engine.
The vehicle may exhibit several of the following symptoms: - Multiple indicators are on. - The option fuse E21 (7.5 A) is blown. - It is hard to shut off the engine. - No communication with the i-HDS.
What owners wrote
“When I stopped in traffic, there are times the gear shifted from drive (D) to neutral (N) by itself. And sometimes the engine shuts off. This problem started last month until now. I brought the car to the dealership for diagnostic tests but according to them, they found no problem with my car. I saw in social media that lots of MDX owners experienced the same problem.”
Filed Feb 16, 2025
“Engine frozen up while driving on 231 towed to Acura Montgomery Al. They installed a used engine to the tune of 8700.00”
Filed Nov 14, 2024
“Vehicle lost power while driving and warning lights came on. Drove straight to Acura dealer and they diagnosed bearing failure on connecting rod cylinder #2. Dealer stated it would need a new engine. The Vehicle VIN was not covered under the 2016 -2020 Honda/Acura 6cylinder recall for connecting rod failure.”
Filed Aug 14, 2024
“The car stalled at a traffic light and could not start again. The engine had seized, and I had to pay to replace it. There is a known recall with this year make and model.”
Filed Jun 13, 2024
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 43 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 failure, knocking or rod bearing 52 reports