2021 Acura MDX K26Z6/J35Y6 (YD4/5)

YD4/5 / SUV / North America / select global markets

K26Z6J35Y6Exact year/trim recordSilver

Engine identity

Engine code

K26Z6, J35Y6

Engine summary

The 2021 Acura MDX is offered primarily with a 3.5L V6 (J35Y6) producing around 290 hp and 267 lb-ft torque with direct injection, VTEC, and a cylinder deactivation system, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. In select markets, a 3.0L turbo V6 (K26Z6) is available in the Type S version, producing higher output, but this turbo variant was introduced late 2021 / 2022 model year and is market-specific.

Displacement

3.5 L (3491 cc) V6

Power

290 hp (216 kW) @ 6200 rpm (3.5L V6)

Torque

267 lb-ft (362 Nm) @ 4700 rpm (3.5L V6)

Fuel system

Direct injection with VTEC

Timing drive

Dual overhead camshafts with chain drive

OBD port

Verify by VIN and market

Oils and fluids

Oil type

SAE 0W-20 fully synthetic motor oil meeting Acura/ Honda HTO-06 standard

Oil capacity

5.4 US quarts (5.1 liters) service-fill with oil filter change

Coolant

9.2 US quarts (8.7 liters) including engine block and radiator

Fluid

Honda DW-1 automatic transmission fluid

Differential fluid

MTF Type 2 fluid for AWD differentials

Brake fluid

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid

Service and parts data

Manual transmission

Not offered in 2021 MDX

Automatic transmission

10-speed automatic transmission (9-speed in some markets for lower trims)

Spark plugs

Iridium tipped spark plugs, gap 0.044 inches (1.1 mm)

Service interval

Oil and filter every 7,500 miles / 12 months; spark plugs every 105,000 miles

Tire sizes

245/60R18, 20-inch tires optional on upper trims and Type S

Wheel torque

Verify by VIN and market

Common and chronic problems

Minor infotainment software glitches
Possible transmission software updates required

First checks

Verify engine oil level and quality at first service
Check AWD system fluid levels

Before replacing parts

Save fault codes and freeze-frame data before clearing anything.
Check engine oil, coolant and transmission fluid using the correct temperature and service procedure.
Verify power, ground, connectors, hoses, leaks and live data before replacing expensive parts.

Important notes

Global availability varies; turbocharged Type S trim launched late 2021 primarily in North America
No diesel or hybrid powertrains offered globally for 2021 model year MDX

Common codes

Source and verification notes

Acura 2021 MDX official technical specifications brochure
North American Vehicle Specifications Database, 2021 Acura MDX

Compatible tools

Verify by VIN and market

FAQ

What engine code does the 2021 Acura MDX K26Z6/J35Y6 (YD4/5) use? 2021 Acura MDX K26Z6/J35Y6 (YD4/5) is listed here with engine code K26Z6, J35Y6; engine summary: The 2021 Acura MDX is offered primarily with a 3.5L V6 (J35Y6) producing around 290 hp and 267 lb-ft torque with direct injection, VTEC, and a cylinder deactivation system, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. In select markets, a 3.0L turbo V6 (K26Z6) is available in the Type S version, producing higher output, but this turbo variant was introduced late 2021 / 2022 model year and is market-specific..
What oil and capacity does the 2021 Acura MDX K26Z6/J35Y6 (YD4/5) use? 2021 Acura MDX K26Z6/J35Y6 (YD4/5) is listed with SAE 0W-20 fully synthetic motor oil meeting Acura/ Honda HTO-06 standard and oil capacity 5.4 US quarts (5.1 liters) service-fill with oil filter change. Confirm market and engine option before service.
What are common 2021 Acura MDX K26Z6/J35Y6 (YD4/5) problems? Highlighted checks for 2021 Acura MDX K26Z6/J35Y6 (YD4/5): Minor infotainment software glitches, Possible transmission software updates required.

Engine identity

Engine code

K26Z6, J35Y6

Engine summary

Displacement

3.5 L (3491 cc) V6

Power

290 hp (216 kW) @ 6200 rpm (3.5L V6)

Torque

267 lb-ft (362 Nm) @ 4700 rpm (3.5L V6)

Fuel system

Direct injection with VTEC

Timing drive

Dual overhead camshafts with chain drive

OBD port

Verify by VIN and market

Oils and fluids

Oil type

SAE 0W-20 fully synthetic motor oil meeting Acura/ Honda HTO-06 standard

Oil capacity

5.4 US quarts (5.1 liters) service-fill with oil filter change

Coolant

9.2 US quarts (8.7 liters) including engine block and radiator

Fluid

Honda DW-1 automatic transmission fluid

Differential fluid

MTF Type 2 fluid for AWD differentials

Brake fluid

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid

Service and parts data

Manual transmission

Not offered in 2021 MDX

Automatic transmission

10-speed automatic transmission (9-speed in some markets for lower trims)

Spark plugs

Iridium tipped spark plugs, gap 0.044 inches (1.1 mm)

Service interval

Oil and filter every 7,500 miles / 12 months; spark plugs every 105,000 miles

Tire sizes

245/60R18, 20-inch tires optional on upper trims and Type S

Wheel torque

Verify by VIN and market

FAQ

What engine code does the 2021 Acura MDX K26Z6/J35Y6 (YD4/5) use? 2021 Acura MDX K26Z6/J35Y6 (YD4/5) is listed here with engine code K26Z6, J35Y6; engine summary: The 2021 Acura MDX is offered primarily with a 3.5L V6 (J35Y6) producing around 290 hp and 267 lb-ft torque with direct injection, VTEC, and a cylinder deactivation system, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. In select markets, a 3.0L turbo V6 (K26Z6) is available in the Type S version, producing higher output, but this turbo variant was introduced late 2021 / 2022 model year and is market-specific..

What oil and capacity does the 2021 Acura MDX K26Z6/J35Y6 (YD4/5) use? 2021 Acura MDX K26Z6/J35Y6 (YD4/5) is listed with SAE 0W-20 fully synthetic motor oil meeting Acura/ Honda HTO-06 standard and oil capacity 5.4 US quarts (5.1 liters) service-fill with oil filter change. Confirm market and engine option before service.

What are common 2021 Acura MDX K26Z6/J35Y6 (YD4/5) problems? Highlighted checks for 2021 Acura MDX K26Z6/J35Y6 (YD4/5): Minor infotainment software glitches, Possible transmission software updates required.

2021 Acura MDX K26Z6/J35Y6 (YD4/5)

Engine identity

Oils and fluids

Service and parts data

Common and chronic problems

First checks

Before replacing parts

Important notes

Scanning Engine...

2021 Acura MDX K26Z6/J35Y6 (YD4/5)

Engine identity

Oils and fluids

Service and parts data

Common and chronic problems

First checks

Before replacing parts

Important notes