2017 Acura MDX · symptom sheet
Rod bearing failure
- 35owner reports
- 112,000median miles
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Aug 24, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
35 of the 52 reports of engine failure on the 2017 MDX describe rod bearing failure.
Part of Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing (52 reports) · also: engine knock
Tick what matches of 35 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 (35 reports) and the engine (5 reports).
Recalls and investigations
One recall on the engine covers the 2017 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 8 recalls on the 2017 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.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 91,000 and 133,000 miles, from the 18 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“One or more connecting rod bearings are failing. There is a knocking noise coming from the lower end of the engine which is more pronounced under load. There is a risk of the engine failing completely while driving and causing risk to myself, my passengers, and other drivers. This issue is know to happen in the same engine (J35Y5) and certain VINs are already under recall.”
Filed Feb 12, 2026
“Engine seized due to failure of the connecting rod bearing. Same issue that is occurring in the recall but our VIN does not fall into the vin codes. Engine needed a complete rebuild. During engine failure, I was in the middle of truck and vehicle would not move even in neutral.”
Filed Oct 26, 2025
“Crank shaft connecting-rod bearing Iâm hearing knocking and stalling when driving especially when making a turn. I have been in que since March 2025”
Filed Sep 5, 2025
“On [XXX] had a problem with my 2017 Acura MDX. Engine had loud knocking sound and major loss of power. Had car towed to Acura of Santa Barbara Ca. Was told they had found #2 rod bearing was bad and would cost over $17000 or more to repair. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”
Filed Mar 1, 2025
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 35 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 43 reports