
Honda J30A
All engines of this series are famous for their reliability and unpretentious maintenance.
The Acura MDX is a Japanese mid-size crossover vehicle from Honda Motor Co., Ltd. The model has been manufactured since 2001. In total, 3 generations of cars are known. In the 1st generation, the car was also produced under the designation Honda MDX for the Japanese and Australian markets. Cars of the 1st and 2nd generation were manufactured in Canada, and starting from 2014 in the 3rd generation cars are assembled in the USA. In 2016, a modernized version of the model was presented with a changed appearance and equipment.
The Acura MDX was offered with 5 engines between 2000 and 2020 (5 petrol). Displacement ranges from 3.0 to 3.7 liters, power output from 200 to 310 hp. All of them use a timing belt. The longest rated lifespan belongs to the Honda J30A (about 375,000 km).
| Engine | Years | Volume | Power | Fuel | Timing | Oil | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acura MDX 1 (YD1) 2000–2006 | |||||||
| Honda J35A | 2000–2006 | 3.5 L V6 | 210–285 hp | petrol | belt | 4.7 L | ~375,000 km |
| Acura MDX 2 (YD2) 2006–2013 | |||||||
| Honda J37A | 2006–2013 | 3.7 L V6 | 295–305 hp | petrol | belt | 4.3 L | ~320,000 km |
| Acura MDX 3 (YD3) 2013–2020 | |||||||
| Honda J35Y | 2013–2020 | 3.5 L V6 | 278–310 hp | petrol | belt | 4.3 L | ~300,000 km |
| Honda J30A | 2016–2020 | 3.0 L V6 | 200–245 hp | petrol | belt | 4.4 L | ~375,000 km |
| Honda J30Y | 2017–2020 | 3.0 L V6 | 257–267 hp | petrol | belt | 4.3 L | |
Acura MDX 1 (YD1) (2000–2006): Honda J35A; Acura MDX 2 (YD2) (2006–2013): Honda J37A; Acura MDX 3 (YD3) (2013–2020): Honda J35Y, Honda J30A and Honda J30Y.
By rated service life the most durable Acura MDX engines are: Honda J30A — about 375,000 km; Honda J35A — about 375,000 km; Honda J37A — about 320,000 km. Actual lifespan depends heavily on maintenance and oil change intervals.
Engine oil capacity with filter: Honda J30A — 4.4 L (5W-30); Honda J30Y — 4.3 L (0W-20); Honda J35A — 4.7 L (5W-30); Honda J35Y — 4.3 L (0W-20); Honda J37A — 4.3 L (5W-30).
Timing belt: Honda J30A, Honda J30Y, Honda J35A, Honda J35Y and Honda J37A. Belts must be replaced on schedule: on many engines a broken belt bends the valves.
No, all Acura MDX engines in our database run on petrol.

All engines of this series are famous for their reliability and unpretentious maintenance.

Engine versions equipped with VCM are notorious for oil leaks from system gaskets.

The engines of this family are famous for their reliability and have no weak points.

Direct-injection versions accumulate carbon deposits on the intake valves.

A rare engine, so finding a used donor is difficult.