Engine
3.7L 6-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 76 of 76 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 42 of 76 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Engine & cooling
25 complaint records2 fire reports
"WHEN I AM DRIVING ON THE HIGH AT HIGH SPEEDS 80 MPH THEN I GO TO GET OFF AN EXIT THE STEERING WHEEL VEHICLE SHAKES AND VIBRATES THE FRONT OF THE CAR AND TIRES...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Power train
13 complaint records
"TRANSMISSION SHUDDERS AT VARIOUS SPEEDS BETWEEN 15-55 MPH. MOST SEVERE AT APPROX 35-40 MPH BETWEEN 1500-2000 RPM. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE BY ACURA/AMERICAN HONDA AS EVIDENCED BY SERVICE BULLETIN 16-044...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →
Electrical system
13 complaint records2 fire reports
"WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY MY CHECK AIRBAG SYSTEM INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON. I REACHED MY DESTINATION AND TURNED OFF MY VEHICLE, I THEN RESTARTED MY VEHICLE AND THE LIGHT WAS STILL ON. I TOOK A PICTURE OF THE LIGHT FOR PROOF. STILL ON FOR 3 WEEKS NOW...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12V063000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 PILOT AND ACURA MDX VEHICLES. THE VENT SHUT FLOAT (VSF) VALVE CASE IN THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY DOES NOT MEET THE DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012060 2012-02-16 | Fuel System | 571 | On certain vehicles, the vent shut-float valve case (a component of the on-board vapour recovery system located inside the fuel tank) may have been incorrectly manufactured and could fail. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| DOR-M9J4S-07 Jun 2020 | Engine And Engine Cooling | These SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no longer be sold as they do not meet CARB standards, but parts on vehicles are not effected. | |
| B19-052 Oct 2019 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Service Bulletin - Due to high demand for repairs under this warranty extension, pistons and rings required to complete this repair are currently backordered. | |
| BBOM08312019 Aug 2019 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Dealer Message - On January 16, 2019, Acura announced a warranty extension for certain 2009-14 Acura vehicles equipped with a 3.7L V6 engine to address client concerns related to excessive oil consumption. | |
| B19-006 Aug 2019 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Service Bulletin - The oil control rings may become clogged with carbon deposits. These deposits restrict the ring's ability to scrape and return oil from the cylinder wall to the crankcase, which can result in excessive engine oil consumption that may exceed client expectations. | |
| B19-006 May 2019 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Service Bulletin - The oil control rings may become clogged with carbon deposits. These deposits restrict the ring's ability to scrape and return oil from the cylinder wall to the crankcase, which can result in excessive engine oil consumption that may exceed client expectations. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| B18-009 Apr 2019 | Engine | Service Bulletin - The oil control rings may become clogged with carbon deposits. These deposits restrict the ring's ability to scrape and return oil from the cylinder wall to the crankcase, which can result in excessive engine oil consumption that may exceed client... | |
| B19-006 Feb 2019 | Engine | Service Bulletin - The oil control rings may become clogged with carbon deposits. These deposits restrict the ring's ability to scrape and return oil from the cylinder wall to the crankcase, which can result in excessive engine oil consumption that may exceed client... | |
| ONL6C502142019 Feb 2019 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Owner Notification Letter - On certain 2009-14 Acura vehicles equipped with the 3.7L V6 engine, the oil control rings may become clogged with carbon deposits during normal engine operation. | |
| B19-006 Jan 2019 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Service bulletin - The oil control rings may become clogged with carbon deposits. These deposits restrict the ring's ability to scrape and return oil from the cylinder wall to the crankcase, which can result in excessive engine oil consumption that may exceed client expectations. | |
| BBOM01162019901 Jan 2019 | Engine | Dealer message - Today, January 16, 2019, Acura is announcing a warranty extension for certain 2009-14 Acura vehicles equipped with the 3.7L V6 engine to address client concerns related to excessive oil consumption. | |
| B16-062 Sep 2018 | Power Train | Service bulletin - A judder from the torque converter lock-up clutch may be felt while driving between 20 and 60 mph. The problem is typically diagnosed as a bad torque converter. | |
| B16-063 Sep 2018 | Electrical System | Service bulletin - After the software update, some vehicles, based on how they are driven (extreme conditions), may still experience ATF deterioration after updating the PGM-FI or A/T system and the shudder may return. | |
| BBOM05242018901 May 2018 | Equipment | Dealer message - Today, May 24, 2018, Acura is announcing a warranty extension for 2002-17 Acura vehicles. This warranty extension applies in cases where any of the replacement driver?s and/or front passenger?s airbag inflators have failed internally. | |
| B18-009 May 2018 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Service bulletin - The oil control rings may become clogged with carbon deposits. These deposits restrict the ability to scrape and return oil from the cylinder walls to the crankcase, which can result in engine oil consumption that may exceed client expectations. | |
| B18-009 Apr 2018 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Service bulletin - The oil control rings may become clogged with carbon deposits. These deposits restrict the ability to scrape and return oil from the cylinder walls to the crankcase, which can result in engine oil consumption that may exceed client expectations. | |
| B18-009 Mar 2018 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Service bulletin - The oil control rings may become clogged with carbon deposits. These deposits restrict the ability to scrape and return oil from the cylinder walls to the crankcase, which can result in engine oil consumption that may exceed client expectations. | |
| B16-062 Mar 2018 | Power Train | Service bulletin - A judder from the torque converter lock-up clutch may be felt while driving between 20 and 60 mph. The problem is typically diagnosed as a bad torque converter. | |
| B16-063 Mar 2018 | Power Train | Service bulletin - After the software update, some vehicles based on how they are driven (extreme conditions) may still experience ATF deterioration after updating the PGM-FI or A/T system and the shudder may return. | |
| BVE02142018901 Feb 2018 | Power Train | Dealer message - Every Service Bulletin requires you to take an HDS snap shot and use the job aid or Tech2Tech to confirm the judder/shudder is coming from the torque converter. | |
| B18010F Jan 2018 | Engine | Servicenews article - Some clients may complain that the Low Oil Pressure indicator comes on, requiring engine oil to be added, while others who routinely check the oil level as recommended in their owner?s manual may find that oil consumption has exceeded their expectations. | |
| BTS160705 Aug 2017 | Engine | Techline summary article - Some clients may complain that the Low Oil Pressure indicator comes on, requiring engine oil to be added, while others who routinely check the oil level as recommended in their owner?s manual may find that oil consumption has exceeded their... | |
| BTS160705 Mar 2017 | Engine And Engine Cooling | TECHLINE SUMMARY ARTICLE - SOME CLIENTS MAY COMPLAIN THAT THE LOW OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR COMES ON, REQUIRING ENGINE OIL TO BE ADDED, WHILE OTHERS WHO ROUTINELY CHECK THE OIL LEVEL AS RECOMMENDED IN THEIR OWNERS MANUAL MAY FIND THAT OIL CONSUMPTION HAS EXCEEDED THEIR... | |
| B16-062 Feb 2017 | Power Train | "SERVICE BULLETIN - A JUDDER FROM THE TORQUE CONVERTER LOCK-UP CLUTCH MAY BE FELT WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 20 AND 60 MPH. THE PROBLEM IS TYPICALLY DIAGNOSED AS A BAD TORQUE CONVERTER. | |
| B16-063 Feb 2017 | Equipment | "SERVICE BULLETIN - AFTER THE SOFTWARE UPDATE, SOME VEHICLES BASED ON HOW THEY ARE DRIVEN (EXTREME CONDITIONS) MAY STILL EXPERIENCE ATF DETERIORATION AFTER UPDATING THE PGM-FI OR A/T SYSTEM AND THE SHUDDER MAY RETURN. | |
| B05-018 Nov 2016 | Equipment | SERVICE BULLETIN - NAVIGATION SYSTEM INFORMATION. | |
| CUSTOMER LETTER Nov 2016 | Suspension | "CUSTOMER LETTER - ON SOME 200713 MDX AND 201012 ZDX VEHICLES LOCATED IN COLD AREAS, THE FRONT AND REAR ACTIVE DAMPERS MAY LEAK. | |
| REIMBURSEMENT FO Nov 2016 | Suspension | "REIMBURSEMENT FORM - ON SOME 200713 MDX AND 201012 ZDX VEHICLES LOCATED IN COLD AREAS, THE FRONT AND REAR ACTIVE DAMPERS MAY LEAK. | |
| B16-044 Nov 2016 | Power Train | "SERVICE BULLETIN - A JUDDER FROM THE TORQUE CONVERTER LOCK-UP CLUTCH MAY BE FELT WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 20 AND 60MPH. THE PROBLEM IS TYPICALLY DIAGNOSED AS A BAD TORQUE CONVERTER. | |
| B16021 Nov 2016 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | Service bulletin - Warranty Extension: 2007?13 MDX and 2010?12 ZDX Front Active Damper - cold areas, the front active dampers may be susceptible to leaking. Since these dampers are mounted in an inverted position, the leak is not visible on the exterior of the damper. | |
| B16023 Nov 2016 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | Service bulletin - Warranty Extension: 2007?13 MDX and 2010?12 ZDX Rear Active Damper - In cold areas, the rear active dampers may be susceptible to leaking. | |
| BCA11082016901 Nov 2016 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | Dealer message - Today, November 8, 2016 Acura is announcing four warranty extensions for model years 2007-2013 Acura MDX and model years 2010-2012 Acura ZDX vehicles to address Active Damper System(ADS) dampers from failures in cold regions. | |
| 16-020 Nov 2016 | Suspension | Customer letter - owner notification for the front and rear active dampers may leak. While leaks on the rear active suspension are visible, the front active dampers are mounted in an inverted position and the leak is not visible on the exterior of the damper. | |
| JY9 Nov 2016 | Suspension | Reimbursement form - the front and rear active dampers may leak. While leaks on the rear active suspension are visible, the front active dampers are mounted in an inverted position and the leak is not visible on the exterior of the damper. | |
| BPAS11022016902 Nov 2016 | Engine And Engine Cooling | DEALER MESSAGES - AMERICAN HONDA (AHM) IS INVESTIGATING CERTAIN 2010-2013 MDXS, 2011-2012 RLS, 2009-2014 SHAWD TLS & 2010-2013 ZDXS WITH A CLIENT COMPLAINT OF HIGHER THAN EXPECTED ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION. | |
| BTS160705 Nov 2016 | Engine And Engine Cooling | "TECHLINE SUMMARY ARTICLE - SOME CLIENTS MAY COMPLAIN THAT THE LOW OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR COMES ON, REQUIRING ENGINE OIL TO BE ADDED, WHILE OTHERS WHO ROUTINELY CHECK THE OIL LEVEL AS RECOMMENDED IN THEIR OWNERS MANUAL MAY FIND THAT OIL CONSUMPTION HAS EXCEEDED THEIR... | |
| BTS160705 Oct 2016 | Engine | "TECHLINE SUMMARY ARTICLE - ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION MAY BE EXCEEDING CLIENT EXPECTATIONS. IF YOU GET A VEHICLE IN FOR AN OIL CONSUMPTION CONCERN, BE SURE TO RUN AN OIL CONSUMPTION TEST USING THE ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION TEST JOB AID IN SIS. | |
| BPAS10062016902 Oct 2016 | Engine | DEALER MESSAGE - AMERICAN HONDA (AHM) IS INVESTIGATING CERTAIN 2010-2013 MDXS, 2011-2012 RLS, 2009-2014 SHAWD TLS & 2010-2013 ZDXS WITH A CLIENT COMPLAINT OF HIGHER THAN EXPECTED ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION. | |
| BPAS10032016904 Oct 2016 | Engine | DEALER MESSAGE - AMERICAN HONDA (AHM) IS INVESTIGATING CERTAIN 2010-2013 MDXS, 2011-2012 RLS, 2009-2014 SHAWD TLS & 2010-2013 ZDXS WITH A CLIENT COMPLAINT OF HIGHER THAN EXPECTED ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION. | |
| BPAS09152016902 Sep 2016 | Engine | DEALER MESSAGE - AMERICAN HONDA (AHM) IS INVESTIGATING CERTAIN 2010-2013 MDXS, 2011-2012 RLS, 2009-2014 SHAWD TLS & 2010-2013 ZDXS WITH A CLIENT COMPLAINT OF HIGHER THAN EXPECTED ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION. | |
| BPAS09092016901 Sep 2016 | Engine | DEALER MESSAGE - AMERICAN HONDA (AHM) IS INVESTIGATING CERTAIN 2010-2013 MDXS, 2011-2012 RLS, 2009-2014 SHAWD TLS & 2010-2013 ZDXS WITH A CLIENT COMPLAINT OF HIGHER THAN EXPECTED ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION. | |
| BPAS08312016902 Aug 2016 | Engine | DEALER MESSAGE - AMERICAN HONDA (AHM) IS INVESTIGATING CERTAIN 2010-2013 MDXS, 2011-2012 RLS, 2009-2014 SHAWD TLS & 2010-2013 ZDXS WITH A CLIENT COMPLAINT OF HIGHER THAN EXPECTED ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION. | |
| B16044 Aug 2016 | Power Train | SERVICE BULLETIN - A JUDDER FROM THE TORQUE CONVERTER LOCK-UP CLUTCH MAY BE FELT WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 20 AND 60MPH. THE PROBLEM IS TYPICALLY DIAGNOSED AS A BAD TORQUE CONVERTER. | |
| B-PAS-07282016-9 Jul 2016 | Engine | DEALER MESSAGE - AMERICAN HONDA (AHM) IS INVESTIGATING CERTAIN 2010-2013 MDXS, 2011-2012 RLS, 2009-2014 SHAWD TLS & 2010-2013 ZDXS WITH A CLIENT COMPLAINT OF HIGHER THAN EXPECTED ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION. | |
| B98015 Mar 2016 | Equipment | Special Tool Loan Program: Under TOOLS AVAILABLE FOR LOAN, the list has been updated. | |
| Service Bulletin Feb 2015 | Visibility | Service bulletin - There is a screech or squeak when the windows are raised or lowered. The lower seal on the door glass outer weatherstrip rolls over, causing a screech or squeak. | |
| Service Bulletin Dec 2014 | Tires | Service bulletin - For any TPMS-related warranty repairs, all recorded DTCs must now be entered into the warranty claim. Make sure your repair order includes those DTCs. | |
| Service Bulletin Nov 2014 | Steering | Service bulletin - The vehicle?s body and steering wheel vibrates while it?s at idle or very low speed when turning the steering wheel. The high pressure demand from the steering gearbox on the power steering pump causes a vibration in the accessory drive belt system. | |
| Service Bulletin Oct 2014 | Equipment | Service bulletin - There is a screech or squeak when the windows are raised or lowered. The lower seal on the door glass outer weatherstrip rolls over, causing a screech or squeak. | |
| DLR MSG - RFV - Jul 2014 | Equipment | Dealer message - American Honda (AHM)is investigating certain 2012 MDXs with a complaint of the hazard warning button (hazard switch) sticking when pressed. | |
| SB-14-022 Jun 2014 | Exterior Lighting | ACURA: A MALFUNCTION IN BRAKE LIGHT RELAY CIRCUIT CAUSES ACC/CMBS INDICATOR TO COME ON, DUE TO MISINTERPRETING CONTROL UNIT, FROM BRAKE PEDAL SWITCH POSITION. MODEL 2010-2013 MDX. *PE | |
| Service Bulletin Jun 2014 | Service Brakes | Service bulletin - The ACC/CMBS indicator is on with DTC 30 (brake light relay circuit malfunction). The control unit misinterprets inputs from the brake pedal position switch. | |
| IN-06-2620 Jun 2014 | Exterior Lighting | ACURA: THE HAZARD WARNING BUTTON (HAZARD SWITCH), ON SOME VEHICLES, WHEN PRESSED WOULD STICK. MODEL 2012 MDX. *PE | |
| IN-06-2014 Jun 2014 | Equipment | ACURA: DUE TO COMPLAINTS, ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, AN INVESTIGATION IS LOOKING INTO THE MALFUNCTION OF THROTTLE CONTROL SYSTEM. MODEL 2012-2013 MDX. *PE | |
| DLR MSG - RFV - Jun 2014 | Equipment | Dealer message - American Honda (AHM) is investigating certain 2012 MDXs with a complaint of the hazard warning button (hazard switch) sticking when pressed. | |
| DLR MSG - RFV - May 2014 | Electrical System | Dealer message - American Honda (AHM) is investigating certain 2012 MDXs with a complaint of the hazard warning button (hazard switch) sticking when pressed. | |
| DLR MSG - RFV - Apr 2014 | Traction Control System | Dealer message - American Honda (AHM) is investigating certain 2012-2013 MDXs with a complaint of MIL on with the DTC P2101 (Throttle Control System Malfunction) stored. | |
| IN-2014-09 Apr 2014 | Exterior Lighting | ACURA: HAZARD WARNING BUTTON (HAZARD SWITCH) WOULD STICK WHEN PRESSED AND MANUFACTURER IS INVESTIGATING THE ISSUE. *PE | |
| DLR MSG -RFV - 2 Apr 2014 | Lane Departure | Dealer message - American Honda (AHM) is investigating certain 2012 MDXs with a complaint of the hazard warning button (hazard switch) sticking when pressed. | |
| Service Bulletin Feb 2014 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Service bulletin - The MIL comes on and DTC P0455 (EVAP system large leak) and/or DTC P0456 (EVAP system very small leak detected) is set. The fuel fill cap (gas cap) may also be loose or have a stick-slip feeling when tightened. | |
| IN-RFV-1-29-14 Jan 2014 | Power Train | HONDA: THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP IS ILLUMINATED. STORED P2101 (THROTTLE CONTROL SYSTEM MALFUNCTION). AHM IS ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT SPECIFIC PARTS FROM THE VEHICLE BEFORE ANY EFFORT TO REPAIR IT HAS BEEN MADE. *JS |
Showing 60 of 75 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 1 recall campaign on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Acura MDX →