[drlmaisel]

Update on my 2020 MDX SHAWD with tow package with 37K miles.
My vehicle required a crankshaft replacement. The dealer GM told me they never did one, but would have a supervisor and mechanic go through the 128! page instruction sheet and do it together. The service rep said prior to my car no vehicle needed a crankshaft. Upon completion he said they found only cars that towed had a need for crankshaft replacement so far. I have a 5000 pound boat/trailer that in total over 4 years i have towed 12 times for less than 10 miles at a time. It did include some hills and the launch incline, but no highway towing, or long distances.
I picked the car up yesterday and it is driving just like before, which was just like new. They comped the oil filter (how could Acura not automatically do that!)
Time will tell if the repair is a long term solution and was done correctly. They basically had to disassemble much of the car. This is a leased vehicle. I was considering purchasing it, but now I will return it in July. Who knows what the failure has done to resale value and longevity? I hope the new MDX has a good touchscreen replacement for the infotainment and they've reduced the acre of piano black in the console. Unfortunately, my $549/month lease is likely to be much higher

 

[mdxstang]

Upon completion he said they found only cars that towed had a need for crankshaft replacement so far. I have a 5000 pound boat/trailer that in total over 4 years i have towed 12 times for less than 10 miles at a time. It did include some hills and the launch incline, but no highway towing, or long distances.

I don't see how towing has any impact on the crank issue, especially given that the crank was ground out of spec, which is the root of the issue, and that'd affect non-towing applications as well. I think your dealership may have had a sample size of 1 (yours) or 2 or 3 and maybe they coincidentally had hitches on them, not unusual for an SUV - or were just making a casual, incorrect, statement.

I'm glad the crank replacement apparently went well for you though. Hopefully it's all back better than new now (with a non-defective crank in it).

If you don't like the 2025 MDX there are plenty of other 3 row SUVs to choose from or 2 row ones if that fits your needs. One can no longer use the 'Hondas are reliable' as the reason to choose an MDX over something else - cranks made wrong, fuel pumps that fall apart, seat sensor issues, etc. - like pretty much all manufacturers.

 

[jlmillermd]

Hi all, thought I’d share my experience with the recall work as another data point. I’ve been following this thread since the beginning and got my MDX back from Acura North Scottsdale today.

Pre-service:
My usual dealership, and where I bought the vehicle (2019 Base SH-AWD, 56k miles, CPO), is Acura of Tempe. I’ve talked to Acura of Tempe a few times since the recall was posted to ask for updates, but they have been clueless throughout. Last week they were unaware that Acura was even producing the parts for the recall. I thought that lack of knowledge was unacceptable, and thankfully there are other Acura dealers in my area, so I called Acura North Scottsdale. They told me they had already completed the recall for about 20 cars and 2 of them had crankshafts replaced, the rest only had bearings replaced. I called Wednesday 3/27 for a Monday 4/1 appointment. When I expressed my confusion at the difference between the dealerships, they told me that Acura is limiting which dealerships are able to get parts for the recall by service department competence, not just by parts supply. I took that with a grain of salt because it could just be a service advisor dissing other local dealerships, but, then again, why else would Acura only send parts to 1 out of the 3 dealerships in Phoenix (an area with ~5 million people and many recalled vehicles)?

I was asked while scheduling whether I wanted to pay to replace the oil filter with the service. The filter was eventually comped as a part of my service for an unrelated reason, but I would have been charged $22.50.

Service:
I dropped off my MDX Sunday night to get in the queue for inspection, but it was not looked at until Thursday. I was told that it’s a three part process for engines with in-spec crankshafts: access bearings by dropping the oil pan, send photos of bearings to Acura, reassemble engine with new bearings. The first step takes about 2 hours and the third step takes about 3 hours. The bearing photo inspection by Acura varies. Anecdotally, mine took about 20 minutes based on when my advisor said the photos were sent and when they gave me the all clear. Photo attached of my bearings, my service advisor was happy to send to me.

Had my car needed more than the bearings replaced, they would have set me up with a loaner. I didn’t ask for a loaner during the inspection because I was out of town, but I’d imagine they would have given me one if I needed it.

Post-service:
TBD, but I drove over 100 miles this afternoon with no issues.

My service advisor told me that Acura North Scottsdale has completed about 40 of these recalls at this point. Only 2 have needed a new crankshaft.

View attachment 129510

Thanks so much for your timely, comprehensive post. I purchased my 2019 MDX from Acura North Scottsdale. I live in Goodyear so the car has been serviced at Acura of Peoria. I talked to their very nice service director earlier this week, and was told probably my MDX would not be in for recall inspection before the summer. I plan a 4-5K mile trip in June and am a little leery about hitting the road before recall inspection/work. I just called Acura North Scottsdale and am waiting for a return call from their service manager. Wish me luck!

 

[mtbear9]

Thanks so much for your timely, comprehensive post. I purchased my 2019 MDX from Acura North Scottsdale. I live in Goodyear so the car has been serviced at Acura of Peoria. I talked to their very nice service director earlier this week, and was told probably my MDX would not be in for recall inspection before the summer. I plan a 4-5K mile trip in June and am a little leery about hitting the road before recall inspection/work. I just called Acura North Scottsdale and am waiting for a return call from their service manager. Wish me luck!

I called a dealer service for the recall in Indianapolis and was told that they will receive parts in December. The affected owners will have to wait till December for the recall inspection.

 

[drlmaisel]

Sorry to come off is so cynical, but it's not likely a dealer could be unaware that parts were available. I myself needed a crankshaft replacement which was never done before by my dealership for a vehicle. I suspect one can consider the dealer thought that it financially wasn't worthwhile for them to participate in the recall and or they did not have properly trained staff to do it. They may have been willfully unaware

 

[HoustonMDX18]

Hi all, thought I’d share my experience with the recall work as another data point. I’ve been following this thread since the beginning and got my MDX back from Acura North Scottsdale today.

Pre-service:
My usual dealership, and where I bought the vehicle (2019 Base SH-AWD, 56k miles, CPO), is Acura of Tempe. I’ve talked to Acura of Tempe a few times since the recall was posted to ask for updates, but they have been clueless throughout. Last week they were unaware that Acura was even producing the parts for the recall. I thought that lack of knowledge was unacceptable, and thankfully there are other Acura dealers in my area, so I called Acura North Scottsdale. They told me they had already completed the recall for about 20 cars and 2 of them had crankshafts replaced, the rest only had bearings replaced. I called Wednesday 3/27 for a Monday 4/1 appointment. When I expressed my confusion at the difference between the dealerships, they told me that Acura is limiting which dealerships are able to get parts for the recall by service department competence, not just by parts supply. I took that with a grain of salt because it could just be a service advisor dissing other local dealerships, but, then again, why else would Acura only send parts to 1 out of the 3 dealerships in Phoenix (an area with ~5 million people and many recalled vehicles)?

I was asked while scheduling whether I wanted to pay to replace the oil filter with the service. The filter was eventually comped as a part of my service for an unrelated reason, but I would have been charged $22.50.

Service:
I dropped off my MDX Sunday night to get in the queue for inspection, but it was not looked at until Thursday. I was told that it’s a three part process for engines with in-spec crankshafts: access bearings by dropping the oil pan, send photos of bearings to Acura, reassemble engine with new bearings. The first step takes about 2 hours and the third step takes about 3 hours. The bearing photo inspection by Acura varies. Anecdotally, mine took about 20 minutes based on when my advisor said the photos were sent and when they gave me the all clear. Photo attached of my bearings, my service advisor was happy to send to me.

Had my car needed more than the bearings replaced, they would have set me up with a loaner. I didn’t ask for a loaner during the inspection because I was out of town, but I’d imagine they would have given me one if I needed it.

Post-service:
TBD, but I drove over 100 miles this afternoon with no issues.

My service advisor told me that Acura North Scottsdale has completed about 40 of these recalls at this point. Only 2 have needed a new crankshaft.

View attachment 129510

Thanks for the detailed story, very interesting (I am still waiting for the letter to call our 2018 MDX in to be checked). Germane to this issue I was discussing recalls in another garage (not Acura or Honda) and the technician said that with large recalls involving complicated interventions, it is best to wait until the place you will bring it in to has got a number of recalls dealt with. The mechanics learn as they go along how to be more effective and efficient, so if they have already done 20 or 40 tear-downs and 3-4 crankshaft replacements they will be better at doing it. While it is frustrating to have to drive around with the apprehension that at any time the motor could fail, waiting a month or two more could result in a smoother experience at the dealership.

 

[andysinnh]

A few observations after seeing a lot of the comments in this thread. As a reminder, I had my 2019 MDX in for the recall 2 months ago, car had 22k miles on the odometer, no noise prior to the recall, inspection done, bearings replaced. No nasty wear on the bearings, and crank looked fine. Mine was the 30th one done at my dealer. No issues after the work was done.

First, if you're not hearing noise from your engine, I'd not worry too much about taking a trip. There is the warning signs with rod-knock noise before the engine has any major problems. So just keep your ear out for strange noises, and if none, it's likely you're good.

Second, even if you haven't gotten your "bring it in now" letter, call your dealer to see where they're at in terms of doing the recall. I never got a letter. Parts ARE available in the system to do the work. Dealers that push back on that are likely just not prepared to do the work via training or resources. They have to have the right level of mechanic training and skill to do this right. Maybe they're gun shy. Hard to tell.

It does strike me as interesting that some dealers say to wait till December (or some time way later). I haven't heard of Acura doing regional roll-out of this recall - but maybe they are? Anyway - if you hear a noise, bring it in ASAP. If you don't, push on the dealer to have the check done, but it's not a ticking time-bomb if the rod knock sound isn't there today - you will have time.

andy

 

[Pilgrim99]

A few observations after seeing a lot of the comments in this thread. As a reminder, I had my 2019 MDX in for the recall 2 months ago, car had 22k miles on the odometer, no noise prior to the recall, inspection done, bearings replaced. No nasty wear on the bearings, and crank looked fine. Mine was the 30th one done at my dealer. No issues after the work was done.

First, if you're not hearing noise from your engine, I'd not worry too much about taking a trip. There is the warning signs with rod-knock noise before the engine has any major problems. So just keep your ear out for strange noises, and if none, it's likely you're good.

Second, even if you haven't gotten your "bring it in now" letter, call your dealer to see where they're at in terms of doing the recall. I never got a letter. Parts ARE available in the system to do the work. Dealers that push back on that are likely just not prepared to do the work via training or resources. They have to have the right level of mechanic training and skill to do this right. Maybe they're gun shy. Hard to tell.

It does strike me as interesting that some dealers say to wait till December (or some time way later). I haven't heard of Acura doing regional roll-out of this recall - but maybe they are? Anyway - if you hear a noise, bring it in ASAP. If you don't, push on the dealer to have the check done, but it's not a ticking time-bomb if the rod knock sound isn't there today - you will have time.

I took my 2018 MDX being recalled into the dealer to look at another issue with a supposed CV joint leaking for which my non-Acura mechanic quoted me over $900 to fix by way of an axle replacement. Apparently, the passenger side position of the oil filter can "spin off" moisture to the CV joint, discoloring it but not to the point that it's an oil leak at all. Service advisor said he sees these complaints all the time. So while I was there I inquired on the crank/bearing recall. He pulled up a memo (to the dealers, not customers) that advised only TLX autos were being inspected in 2024 and that the MDX autos were slated for inspection in 2025. Wow. That's way different than the experiences in this forum. He couldn't fathom how any Acura dealers (without knocking problems, etc.) would be equipped to deal with MDX's until NEXT YEAR. This is kind of weird. So I'm supposed to breeze through 2024 and revisit all this is in 2025?

 

[Pilgrim99]

I took my 2018 MDX being recalled into the dealer to look at another issue with a supposed CV joint leaking for which my non-Acura mechanic quoted me over $900 to fix by way of an axle replacement. Apparently, the passenger side position of the oil filter can "spin off" moisture to the CV joint, discoloring it but not to the point that it's an oil leak at all. Service advisor said he sees these complaints all the time. So while I was there I inquired on the crank/bearing recall. He pulled up a memo (to the dealers, not customers) that advised only TLX autos were being inspected in 2024 and that the MDX autos were slated for inspection in 2025. Wow. That's way different than the experiences in this forum. He couldn't fathom how any Acura dealers (without knocking problems, etc.) would be equipped to deal with MDX's until NEXT YEAR. This is kind of weird. So I'm supposed to breeze through 2024 and revisit all this is in 2025?

 

[Bones9]

Hello,

First time poster as I do not have a MDX...yet.

I am looking at buying a 2018 MDX Elite. How concerned should I be with this open recall regarding the Rod Bearings? Buying used from a private sale, if the rod bearings were to fail before I could get in to get it serviced by the dealer, would I be on the hook for that repair bill or would Acura as it is an Open Recall that they have had delays in addressing? I am not sure if the dealers in Calgary are even processing these recalls yet as I do not own the vehicle.

Thanks!

 

[drlmaisel]

I strongly recommend you take the VIN to the dealer or call Acura to see if the car is part of the recall. If it is and you want to buy it, take it directly to the dealer for service. See if they offer a loaner vehicle and verify they have the staff and parts and skill. My 2020 needed a new crankshaft, which involved pulling the engine! It was running perfectly before the service and is after. If you're keeping the car for the long run (>100,000 miles) and they are pulling the engine, consider replacing the timing belt since it is a big job at a later date but easy if they pull the engine.

 

[pnottus]

Someone posted this on FB, just sharing here.

View attachment 127960 View attachment 127961

My 2020 MDX seized on the Freeway yesterday evening, stuck between the 710 and 405 with heavy fast traffic. It just died and coasted to the middle lane. there for hour and 1/2 waiting for AAA. Today I charged the battery and when trying to start it, all I heard was "Clunk Clunk" Siezed Motor. Tonight I looked for recalls and it asked me to put in my VIN and it say's i'm covered and to bring it to a recall center near me. I went from panic to relief.

 

[cq73]

My 2020 MDX seized on the Freeway yesterday evening, stuck between the 710 and 405 with heavy fast traffic. It just died and coasted to the middle lane. there for hour and 1/2 waiting for AAA. Today I charged the battery and when trying to start it, all I heard was "Clunk Clunk" Siezed Motor. Tonight I looked for recalls and it asked me to put in my VIN and it say's i'm covered and to bring it to a recall center near me. I went from panic to relief.

Post an update after the dealer looks at it.

 

[pnottus]

Post an update after the dealer looks at it.

Absolutely, dropped it off effortlessly, They gave me a 2023 RDX for loaner and they are having someone from Honda come and look at it. I will update with final outcome.

 

[pnottus]

Post an update after the dealer looks at it.

So today they call and say it's going to be 2,050 to tear down motor to see the cause and if it's covered under the recall, and said the rebuild will be another 5,000, So they need my permission to tear down. To me apparently they try to scare you with the price but I know exactly what happened, So yes tear it down.

 

[NVAKeith]

So today they call and say it's going to be 2,050 to tear down motor to see the cause and if it's covered under the recall, and said the rebuild will be another 5,000, So they need my permission to tear down. To me apparently they try to scare you with the price but I know exactly what happened, So yes tear it down.

Wow, interesting! I presume you are you outside powertrain warranty? Did they ask for service records?

 

[cq73]

So today they call and say it's going to be 2,050 to tear down motor to see the cause and if it's covered under the recall, and said the rebuild will be another 5,000, So they need my permission to tear down. To me apparently they try to scare you with the price but I know exactly what happened, So yes tear it down.

That seems unusual. Since the recall I have not heard of a dealer asking anyone else to pay for a "engine tear down".

Chances are they are going to just drop the oil pan from below, which is not a "teardown" and is not a $2,000 job.

In any case, the dealer doesn't have the capability to rebuild anything. If the engine is damaged, they just order a new (or remanufactured) one and swap it.

Is there any reason you can think of that this is not a recall spun bearing?

 

[MacNChz]

23V-751 Bearing Recall: Acura replaced my 2019 Acura MDX LONG BLOCK this past week (for free) after my engine seized two weeks ago. I went to go pick it up today and they opened a case today to see if I had to pay them back the 250$ towing fee.

After starting it got these errors:

1. Power Steering System (EPS) Problem
2. Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) Problem
3. Hill Start Assist Problem
4. Trailer Stability Assist Problem (I have no trailer)
5. Collision Mitigation System Problem
6. Road Departure Mitigation System Problem
7. Electric Parking Brake Problem
8. Emissions System Problem
9. Brake System Problem
10. etc....

They said "Cylinder #6 misfire" error came up and it could be the cause, after trying to get the engine to "relearn" they thought it could be a more serious error.

I told them that the engine wiring harnesses needed to be repacked/ replaced as these are the same errors (communication errors) as my brand-new (at the time) 2018 Honda Odyssey Elite and these two (2019 MDX and 2018 Odyssey) share the common bearing recall/ engine.

Anyone have any ideas how an new long-block install could cause these errors in a 2019 Acura MDX? It is back in the shop with no estimation of return.

Ps - I replaced my front struts ($2200)because the driver's side strut was leaking.

 

[BigBob]

23V-751 Bearing Recall: Acura replaced my 2019 Acura MDX LONG BLOCK this past week (for free) after my engine seized two weeks ago. I went to go pick it up today and they opened a case today to see if I had to pay them back the 250$ towing fee.

After starting it got these errors:

1. Power Steering System (EPS) Problem
2. Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) Problem
3. Hill Start Assist Problem
4. Trailer Stability Assist Problem (I have no trailer)
5. Collision Mitigation System Problem
6. Road Departure Mitigation System Problem
7. Electric Parking Brake Problem
8. Emissions System Problem
9. Brake System Problem
10. etc....

They said "Cylinder #6 misfire" error came up and it could be the cause, after trying to get the engine to "relearn" they thought it could be a more serious error.

I told them that the engine wiring harnesses needed to be repacked/ replaced as these are the same errors (communication errors) as my brand-new (at the time) 2018 Honda Odyssey Elite and these two (2019 MDX and 2018 Odyssey) share the common bearing recall/ engine.

Anyone have any ideas how an new long-block install could cause these errors in a 2019 Acura MDX? It is back in the shop with no estimation of return.

Ps - I replaced my front struts ($2200)because the driver's side strut was leaking.

Sounds like someone forgot to connect a major wiring harness connector and/or ground strap.

 

[mdxstang]

After starting it got these errors:

This sb pretty easy for them to diagnose and fix. It's likely a simple wiring issue along with some initial startup errors that got stored and need to be cleared. A cylinder misfire won't cause all of those errors. Once they review the wiring connections, connect the scanner to see the current data, check some voltages, they should get to the bottom of it pretty easily.

But what doesn't make sense is that 'you' started it and got all of these errors when you picked it up. Certainly 'they' started the vehicle after installing the engine and took it for a test drive to ensure all was okay before telling you it was ready to be picked up. They wouldn't have installed an engine, never started it, and told you it was ready for you. What's their story on this?

And of course Acura 'should' pick up the tow tab (IMO). It's a major fail if they don't.