I have an 2011 Acura MDX with about 180k miles. While driving on highway, we, long with several other cars, had to hard brake to avoid an accident. After doing so the “VSA” light came in and car began to slow. We pulled over to the side of the road and the car was unable to turn over but all lights were still working in vehicle.

Towed it to my mechanic and I’m told my engine is ruined and I need a new one?! Is this possible? I take immaculate care of this car, always servicing it.

 

What an odd sequence of events.

Can you ask the mechanic for a more technical and specific description than "engine is ruined" ??

The J37 is known for oil consumption issues - do you check your oil level regularly?

 

Yea, exactly. I’m waiting on the full explanation. Yes I’m very diligent service, many times I’ve changed oil before necessary. To that point, we’re were having an issue with oil sensor in that when driving and stopping it would say “check oil level” and was told it’s malfunctioning and need a new se or at the next oil change date.

 

So I just spoke with the shop. He says the timing belt snapped which triggered the VSA alert. He assures us there isn't anything we did wrong or didn't follow up on but it can happen with higher mileage cars. He will be begin to get some quotes to replace engine but we're thinking we may have to call this wash and look for another vehicle. Thoughts?

 

How old was the timing belt? It needs to be replaced every 100k.

 

Is it just me having a hard time wrapping my head around how a 'hard brake' situation would cause a timing belt to snap on an automatic transmission MDX??

OP, was the timing belt on your 180K 2011 MDX the 14 y/o factory original?

 

Suppose anything can happen but it does sound odd.

 

I thought the same thing! Yes I believe it was. I haven’t replaced it. Just left the mechanic and he mentioned that he could replace the parts of engine that were damaged (valves etc). Looking at $3000-$4500 worth of work. So we chalk it up to a loss or worth the work?

 

I'm impressed a stock timing belt made it to 180k.

 

Did you have the car since new or did you purchase it used? immaculate service but you never did the timing belt?

 

Here is a decent example of a low mile moderately priced used engine that might bring the repair in under $4K?
Not sure of your location or the overall condition of the 180K mile MDX; however, put your vehicle stats in car-part.com to inquire further (local salvage yard engine) if intrigued.
There are 14 pages of engines from around the U.S. & Canada to consider?
Good Luck!

 

Yes. And was never told that needed to be replaced otherwise I would have.

 

purchased used in 2012.

 

amazing! Thank you for this!

 

Hope you can find a new mechanic for that engine swap - not sure I'd trust the one who omitted timing belt & water pump service on a Honda V6.

FWIW it's listed right there under the 105k service:
https://charm.li/Acura/2011/MDX%20V6...mal%20Service/

 

Yes, the clowns at the local Acura dealership (Allentown, PA) told my daughter the same thing: "no routine maintenance required - the car will tell you if it needs anything".
Surely that constitutes gross negligence/incompetence or worse on their part?
She's now trying to figure out what to do with her 2013 MDX as it's swallowing oil at a rate of 1 qt every 200-300 miles!