Acura Connecting Rod Bearing Stop Sale: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

In recent months, Acura has issued a stop sale for certain model years of its vehicles due to a potential issue with connecting rod bearings. This stop sale affects a significant number of Acura vehicles, including the 2019-2023 RDX, 2022-2023 MDX, and 2021-2023 TLX. The issue stems from a potential manufacturing defect that could lead to premature wear of the connecting rod bearings, resulting in engine damage and potential catastrophic failure.

Understanding the Stop Sale

The stop sale order issued by Acura prohibits the sale or delivery of new vehicles affected by this issue. Acura dealers have been instructed to halt sales of these vehicles until further notice. The stop sale also affects vehicles that have already been sold but not yet delivered to customers. Affected customers have been notified by Acura and are being advised to contact their local dealership for further instructions.

Affected Models and Years

The Acura vehicles affected by the connecting rod bearing stop sale include the following:

• 2019-2023 RDX
• 2022-2023 MDX
• 2021-2023 TLX

Acura has not released the exact number of vehicles affected by the stop sale, but it is estimated to be in the tens of thousands.

Causes of the Issue

The root cause of the connecting rod bearing issue is still under investigation by Acura. However, it is believed that the problem may be related to a manufacturing defect in the connecting rod bearings themselves. The bearings may not have been properly heat-treated or may have other manufacturing imperfections that could lead to premature wear.

Symptoms of the Issue

Vehicles affected by the connecting rod bearing issue may exhibit one or more of the following symptoms:

• Knocking or ticking noises from the engine
• Reduced engine power
• Oil leaks from the engine
• Check engine light illumination

If you experience any of these symptoms in your Acura vehicle, it is important to contact your local Acura dealership immediately.

Potential Consequences of the Issue

If the connecting rod bearings fail, it can lead to catastrophic engine damage. The broken bearings can damage the crankshaft and other engine components, resulting in a costly and time-consuming repair. In some cases, engine failure could also lead to a vehicle accident if it occurs while driving.

Acura's Response

Acura has taken the following steps in response to the connecting rod bearing issue:

• Issued a stop sale order for affected vehicles
• Notified affected customers
• Instructed dealers to halt sales of affected vehicles
• Begun an investigation into the cause of the issue
• Developed a repair procedure for affected vehicles

Acura has stated that they are committed to resolving this issue as quickly as possible and minimizing any inconvenience to their customers.

Timeline for a Resolution

Acura has not yet provided a timeline for when the stop sale will be lifted. The timeline will depend on the results of the investigation and the availability of a permanent repair solution. Acura has stated that they will provide updates to customers as they become available.

What to Do If You're Affected

If you own an Acura vehicle that is affected by the connecting rod bearing stop sale, you should contact your local Acura dealership immediately. The dealership will be able to provide you with more information about the issue and schedule your vehicle for a repair.

Until the issue is resolved, it is recommended that you do not drive your affected Acura vehicle. Driving the vehicle with a damaged connecting rod bearing could lead to further engine damage and increase the cost of repairs.

Other Recalls and Stop Sales

The connecting rod bearing stop sale is not the first recall or stop sale issued by Acura in recent years. In 2020, Acura issued a recall for certain model years of the TLX due to a potential issue with the brake booster. In 2022, Acura issued a stop sale for certain model years of the RDX and MDX due to a potential issue with the transmission.

Conclusion

The Acura connecting rod bearing stop sale is a serious issue that could affect tens of thousands of vehicles. Acura is investigating the cause of the issue and has taken steps to minimize the inconvenience to customers. If you own an affected Acura vehicle, it is important to contact your local dealership immediately for more information and to schedule a repair.

Interesting Stories and Lessons Learned

Story 1:

Acura owner John Smith was driving his 2021 RDX when he suddenly heard a loud knocking noise from the engine. He pulled over to the side of the road and called his Acura dealership. The dealership told him to bring the vehicle in for inspection, and it was later determined that the connecting rod bearings had failed. John's engine was damaged and had to be replaced.

Lesson Learned:

If you experience any unusual noises or symptoms from your Acura vehicle, don't ignore them. Contact your local dealership immediately to have the vehicle inspected.

Story 2:

Acura owner Mary Jones had just purchased a new 2023 MDX when she received a letter in the mail from Acura informing her of the connecting rod bearing stop sale. Mary was disappointed, but she understood the importance of the issue and contacted her dealership to schedule a repair. Acura provided her with a loaner vehicle to use while her MDX was being repaired.

Lesson Learned:

Even if you haven't experienced any issues with your Acura vehicle, it's important to stay informed about recalls and stop sales. Contact your local dealership regularly to check for any outstanding service bulletins or recalls.

Story 3:

Acura owner Bob White was driving his 2022 TLX when the check engine light came on. He ignored the light at first, but it eventually started blinking, indicating a serious issue. Bob took his TLX to his dealership, where it was determined that the connecting rod bearings had failed. Bob's engine was severely damaged and had to be replaced.

Lesson Learned:

Never ignore a check engine light. It's always better to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic than to risk further damage.

Tips and Tricks

• If you are affected by the connecting rod bearing stop sale, contact your local Acura dealership immediately to schedule a repair.
• Do not drive your affected Acura vehicle until it has been repaired.
• Stay informed about recalls and stop sales by contacting your local Acura dealership regularly.
• Follow all maintenance and service schedules for your Acura vehicle to help prevent future issues.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring unusual noises or symptoms from your Acura vehicle.
• Ignoring the check engine light.
• Continuing to drive your affected Acura vehicle after being notified of the stop sale.
• Trying to repair the connecting rod bearing issue yourself.

Advanced Features

• Acura has developed a new connecting rod bearing design that is intended to address the issue that led to the stop sale.
• The new design includes a revised heat treatment process and improved manufacturing tolerances.
• Acura is confident that the new design will prevent the connecting rod bearing issue from recurring in future vehicles.