Acura MDX - Recalls on the horizon?

Question

Hi Scotty, this is Tim. My wife has a 2017 Acura MDX SH-AWD, owned since new. Been a great car, lightly driven with only 46K miles. Alarm started going off randomly in the middle of the night, with the horn and lights going off. Through research on YouTube I see that there is a common problem with the Keyless Control Unit located behind the glovebox. Poor soldered connections and inadequate conformal coating seem to be the most common causes. Looks like a 1K repair/replacement with no recall, so we are SOL.

Now, while looking for information on the above issue, I happened to see they are about to issue a recall for the connecting rod in the engine! This could be a big one for what has been touted as a highly reliable 3.5L normally aspirated engine, possibly requiring engine replacement? Information on the Acura website is shown below:

2015-20 Acura Connecting Rod Bearing Stop Sale

NHTSA Recall Number23V-751

MFR Campaign IDXG1

Campaign Description2015-20 Acura Connecting Rod Bearing Stop Sale

Recall Date11/08/2023

Recall StatusRecall INCOMPLETE. Remedy not yet available.

SummaryAmerican Honda Motor Co., Inc. (Honda) is recalling certain 2015-20 model year TLX and 2016-20 model year MDX vehicles. Due to a manufacturing defect of the engine crankshaft, the connecting rod bearing can prematurely wear and seize.

Safety RiskIf the connecting rod bearing seizes, the engine can be damaged and run improperly, stall, stop while driving, and/or not start, increasing the risk of a fire, crash or injury.

RemedyRegistered owners of all affected vehicles will be contacted by mail and asked to take their vehicle to an authorized Acura dealer, as applicable. The dealer will inspect and, if necessary, repair or replace the engine. Owners who have paid to have these repairs completed at their own expense will be eligible for reimbursement, in accord with the recall reimbursement plan on file with NHTSA. For additional questions, owners may contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138.

Questions for you. 1. Why would Honda charge 1K for a faulty keyless alarm control, especially since this involves the security system of the car? 2. How do you interpret the Connecting Rod Problem pending recall? Will this lead to a major recall?

Thanks for all you do for us sometime mechanics!

Chuck Tobias · Answer

Posted by: @dieselexcursionman 1. Why would Honda charge 1K for a faulty keyless alarm control, especially since this involves the security system of the car?  Because they have not been forced to issue a recall by the NHTSA. Probably not considered to be a significant safety issue. Posted by: @dieselexcursionman 2. How do you interpret the Connecting Rod Problem pending recall?  Will this lead to a major recall? They messed up building those engines and it will no doubt lead to a major recall.