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2016-2020 Acura MDX: 3.5 V6 rod bearing failure pattern + recall

KNOWN MAJOR RISK
known major failure pattern on this model

What goes wrong

Federal complaints on these years show a heavy pattern of engine knock, metal in the oil, and rod-bearing seizures on the 3.5 V6, and recall 23V751000 covers many (not all) VINs for the crankshaft defect behind it.

Federal record for the 2018 Acura MDX, pulled from NHTSA when this page was built:
162 owner complaints on file , most-reported: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (23) · POWER TRAIN (22) · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (16).
10 safety recalls listed.
Complaint volume tracks how many were sold as well as how they held up , read it as a pattern, not a score. Counts change; confirm live at nhtsa.gov or by running the free check below.
Rough cost: $5,000-$8,000 engine if it seizes · $0 if recall-repaired. Broad estimates , labor rates and parts vary widely by region and shop.

What to do about it

Before you hand over cash: Recall check FIRST, an open engine recall means no deal until it’s done free at a dealer. Then the dipstick test: wipe it on a white towel and look for metallic glitter. Cold start and listen for any deep knock. Either sign = walk.

Whatever you find, a $100-150 pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic is the cheapest money you’ll spend on any used car , including this one.

Run the full free check on this MDX →

Free · no signup · federal recall + complaint data included

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General reference information only , not a mechanical inspection, appraisal, or vehicle history report, and not specific to any individual car. Failure patterns describe documented tendencies across many vehicles; any single car may be better or worse. Cost figures are rough estimates , verify locally. The absence of a warning is not a statement that a car is safe or problem-free. Always verify recalls directly with NHTSA and get a pre-purchase inspection. Not affiliated with any manufacturer, dealer, or reporting service. No affiliate links, no commissions, no ads. © Used Car Informer, operated by MCC LLC · v6.6