2014 Acura MDX AWD Long-Term Road Test

Edmunds.com

2014 Acura MDX AWD Long-Term Road Test

The 2014 Acura MDX's V6 is one of the more appealing engines you'll find in a three-row crossover.

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tirekicking

It is quiet, when properly functioning (more on this in a sec), and the driver is inside the cabin with windows rolled up. However it sounds like a diesel outside of the car. It's the price of better MPG and power by the magic of direct injection.

Any more whirring, whistling or squealing noises from the engine? Many MDX owners are complaining of this, too.

allthingshonda

Honda makes the best V6 engines in the business. Silky smooth even at redline. The diesel like noise is common with all direct injection engines especially when they are cold. Dealers should take the time to educate new owners about this. The MDX does have a problem with the Denso HPFP making abnormal noises. The Toyota/Subaru twins use the same pump and have the same problem.

tirekicking

Honda is not known for silky smooth V6s. They make great engines but silkyness is not their forte. Their hallmark a rev-happy high end torque VTECs. Honda is finally trying go give Acura buyers the low-end torque that luxury buyers want.

The "tick, tick, tick" noise is normal to direct injection engines...it sounds like a refined diesel outside of the MDX. At night or in parking garages, where the sound bounces off walls, it is almost embarrassing. It's the price to pay for the benefits of direct injection.

The noises that Acura is not owning nor fixing are not the "tick, tick, ticking" of DI. There are many noises caused by the fuel pump and other components, even heard by Edmunds, that owners are trying to lemon law their MDXs. Acura is telling owners that there is no issue and working as designed.

Plus the new MDX has many complaints of body panels not aligning, brake pedal locking up overnight, software problems in Nav and infotainment screens, etc etc.

busbodger

The ticking noises are the injectors themselves. The fuel system has to work at a pressure high enough to overcome cylinder compression plus some additional pressure to deliver a nice fine spray from the injector. Its how many auto manufacturers improve the MPG and emissions these days. Not a big deal.