Is the 2019 Acura MDX engine reliable?

NHTSA lists 82 engine complaints for the 2019 MDX, 44% of all 188 complaints filed for the year, with a median failure mileage of 32,500 miles. That is a high share compared to many other years of this model.

Does the 2019 Acura MDX have an engine recall?

Yes. NHTSA recall 19V298000 covers a timing belt defect, and recall 23V751000 covers an engine manufacturing error affecting the 2019 MDX along with several other Honda and Acura models.

What engine symptoms do 2019 MDX owners report?

Owners report sudden loss of power, stalling, limp mode, unintended acceleration, and unexpected lurching at low speeds. A few complaints also describe smoke or fire near the engine.

How does the 2019 MDX engine compare to other MDX years?

The 2019 model's 44% engine complaint share is close to 2017's 44% and 2018's 39%, but lower than 2020's 50% and well below 2025's 60%.

2019 Acura MDX Engine Problems

Engine problems account for 82 of 188 total complaints (44%) on the 2019 Acura MDX, the largest single problem area for this year. Median mileage at failure is 32,500 miles. Two recalls, 23V751000 and 19V298000, cover engine defects on this model year.

Engine complaints: 82; 44% of 188
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 2
Injuries reported: 3
Median mileage: 32,500 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners describe the vehicle unexpectedly losing power or stalling at highway speeds, sometimes entering limp mode with warning lights illuminated.
Some describe sudden unintended acceleration or jolts while braking, including one case where the vehicle continued speeding up after the driver shifted to neutral and park.
Multiple owners report the engine or vehicle lurching or shooting forward on its own at low speeds, particularly in parking areas or at stop lights.
Several complaints describe unexplained deceleration while using active cruise control on the freeway.
A small number of owners report smoke or fire coming from the engine area, linked to NHTSA Campaign 23V751000.
One owner reported the timing belt, tensioner pulley, water pump, and engine short block and heads needing replacement at very low mileage.

When 2019 Acura MDX engine complaints were filed

First complaint Feb 22, 2019, latest Sep 17, 2026.

82 complaints filed with NHTSA from Feb 2019 to Sep 2026; peak Jan 2024 (9).

Engine recalls for the 2019 Acura MDX

NHTSA 23V751000Nov 13, 2023Engine248,999 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanical
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, 2016 and 2018-2019 Pilot, 2017 and 2019 Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 Odyssey vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, damaging the engine.
Risk: A damaged engine may run improperly or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a fire, crash, or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair, or replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 28, 2024. 2016-2017 Acura MDX owner letters were mailed November 1, 2024. 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed in mid-December 2024. Honda began mailing owner notification letters as of March 18, 2024. 2015-2016 Acura owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-December 2024, 2018 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed the end of March/early April 2024, 2019 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-May 2024, 2020 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-June 2024, and 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed January 27, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XG1 and GG0.
NHTSA 19V298000Apr 12, 2019Engine93,946 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:belts and associated pulleys
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Acura MDX and Honda Pilot vehicles and 2019 Acura RLX, RLX Sport Hybrid, TLX and Honda Odyssey and Ridgeline vehicles. The timing belt teeth may separate from the belt.
Risk: Teeth separation from the timing belt may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle and replace any affected timing belt free of charge. Vehicles receiving a replacement timing belt will also have the engine inspected and any damaged components will be replaced for free. The recall began June 7, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is L4M. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is Z4L.

Engine complaints by MDX model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201011 (24%)
201133 (47%)
201227 (36%)
201313 (45%)
201441 (24%)
20159 (13%)
2016182 (49%)
2017112 (44%)
201864 (39%)
201982 (44%)
2020111 (50%)
202215 (10%)
20234 (10%)
20247 (18%)
202563 (60%)

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2019 Acura MDX engine reliable?: NHTSA lists 82 engine complaints for the 2019 MDX, 44% of all 188 complaints filed for the year, with a median failure mileage of 32,500 miles. That is a high share compared to many other years of this model.
Does the 2019 Acura MDX have an engine recall?: Yes. NHTSA recall 19V298000 covers a timing belt defect, and recall 23V751000 covers an engine manufacturing error affecting the 2019 MDX along with several other Honda and Acura models.
What engine symptoms do 2019 MDX owners report?: Owners report sudden loss of power, stalling, limp mode, unintended acceleration, and unexpected lurching at low speeds. A few complaints also describe smoke or fire near the engine.
How does the 2019 MDX engine compare to other MDX years?: The 2019 model's 44% engine complaint share is close to 2017's 44% and 2018's 39%, but lower than 2020's 50% and well below 2025's 60%.