Third generation
2016 Acura MDX
The most reported problem on the 2016 Acura MDX is engine failure, with 94 complaints, usually around 96,000 miles.
- 374owner complaints
- 7recalls
- 10involved a crash
- 49,000median miles at failure
Newest report Sep 21, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
What is your MDX doing?
Each one opens a sheet built from the owner reports of that problem on the 2016 model year.
Is the 2016 Acura MDX reliable?
The 2016 Acura MDX has 374 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, 1.5 times the median of 248 for 2016 SUVs on this site. Of the 11 MDX model years since 2014, it has the most complaints. Complaint counts rise with sales as well as faults, so read what owners report below before deciding.
At a glance
- Next to the 2017
- At 34 complaints for each year on the road, the 2016 runs above the 2017 (26). That's the only adjacent model year with enough complaints to set beside it.
- Top problem
- Two problems run close. Engine failure has 94 complaints and stalling has 82, out of 374 in all. It's a high-mileage complaint: half of the 36 owners who gave a mileage for engine failure were past about 96,000 miles.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- 16 of the 374 complaints (4%) report a crash, a fire or an injury, a little under the 6% typical of vehicles on this site. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 10 reports mention a crash, 5 mention a fire and 5 people were hurt. The most crash reports, 3 of 10, fall under brake wear.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- engine failure, stalling and misfire all have recalls on the same system, and the same campaigns cover them: 23V-751. A recall on the same system doesn't always cover the failure owners describe, so compare its summary with the complaints.
- When owners filed
- Complaints are still climbing. 2025 brought 75, the most of any year so far. So far in 2026, 47 more have come in.
When each problem shows up
Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: engine failure, knocking or rod bearing, 94 complaints.
middle half of reports, median tick. The heavier grey bars have 75 or more reports.
Behind you
Around your mileage
Ahead of you
How this compares
374 complaints is 1.5 times the median 2016 model on this site and 1.5 times the median 2016 SUV. Among the 8 MDX model years here it ranks 1st for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.
Service bulletins for the 2016 Acura MDX
Acura filed 334 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2016 Acura MDX. 20 of them deal with a problem owners have reported on this car. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 1 bulletin · 94 complaints
The vehicle may exhibit several of the following symptoms: - Multiple indicators are on. - The option fuse E21 (7.5 A) is blown. - It is hard to shut off the engine. - No communication with the i-HDS.
Engine stalls or loses power while driving 1 bulletin · 82 complaints
The vehicle may exhibit several of the following symptoms: - Multiple indicators are on. - No communication with the i-HDS. - The option fuse (7.5 A) is blown. - MDX: Fuse E21 - TLX: Fuse B7 - MDX: It is hard to shut off the engine.
Check engine light or misfire 6 bulletins · 47 complaints
Under certain circumstances, after coming to a stop and engaging idle stop the vehicle may not restart automatically due to excessive cylinder pressure and/or low cranking torque.
During a downshift from 9th or 8th gear to 7th gear or lower, a miscalculation in the TCM software causes the MIL to come on with DTC P0716 (input shaft [mainshaft] speed sensor [range/performance]).
4 more on this problem
The MIL comes on with DTC P0430 (front bank catalyst system efficiency below threshold [Bank 2]). The PCM software may misinterpret sensor inputs as a deteriorated catalytic converter.
Servicenews article - We?re getting reports of reduced engine power with the MIL on. Service techs are seeing DTC P0369 (CMP sensor circuit intermittent interruption) and signs of excessive camshaft end play.
The MIL comes on with DTC P0430 (front bank catalyst system efficiency below threshold [Bank 2]).
Tech line summary article - We're getting reports of reduced engine power with the MIL on. Service techs are seeing DTC P0369 (CMP sensor circuit intermittent interruption) and signs of excessive camshaft end play.
Transmission jerks, lurches or bangs into gear 1 bulletin · 19 complaints
The transmission has intermittent harsh or jerky upshifts with steady acceleration.
Transmission fails or needs replacement 3 bulletins · 16 complaints
Some 9-speed transmission warmers were improperly manufactured and allow the engine coolant and ATF to mix. If the fluids mix, the engine and transmission may be permanently damaged and require replacement.
Owner Notficiation Letter - Our records indicate that a PRODUCT UPDATE has not been completed on this vehicle, refer to the address card for the affected VIN.
1 more on this problem
Customer letter - Your 2016 MDX previously had the transmission replaced because of a leaking 9-speed automatic transmission fluid (ATF) warmer.
Paint peels or body rusts 3 bulletins · 15 complaints
The AWD warning light is on potentially due to water intrusion into the rear differential pump motor connector area that corrodes the terminals.
Today, June 1, 2019, Acura is announcing a warranty extension for certain 2014-16 MDX vehicles with White Diamond Pearl paint to address client concerns with peeling paint.
1 more on this problem
The exterior paint on the roof and/or tailgate may peel off. American Honda is extending the warranty on the paint of the affected vehicles to 8 years from the original date of purchase with no mileage limit.
Engine rattles or ticks 1 bulletin · 15 complaints
SERVICE NEWS ARTICLE WHILE DRIVING UNDER STEADY CRUISE (BETWEEN 30 AND 65 MPH) OR LIGHT ACCELERATION, DOES THE ENGINE INTERMITTENTLY RATTLE OR RUNS ROUGH WITH THE MIL BLINKING? SINCE THESE DRIVING CONDITIONS ARE LIKELY TO ACTIVATE VCM OPERATION, THE PROBABLE REASON FOR THESE ...
Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 4 bulletins · 13 complaints
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is investigating certain 2014-2018 MDXs with a client complaint of vibration in the steering wheel while braking.
TECHLINE SUMMARY ARTICLE ARE YOU FEELING A VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE BRAKING? WERE AWARE OF THIS ISSUE AND ARE CURRENTLY LOOKING FOR A SOLUTION.
2 more on this problem
DEALER MESSAGE AMERICAN HONDA (AHM) IS INVESTIGATING CERTAIN 2016 MDXS WITH A CLIENT COMPLAINT OF A FRONT BRAKE NOISE. THE NOISE CAN BE DESCRIBED AS CLICKING, CLACKING OR CLUNKING DUE TO PAD SHIFT. THIS PAD SHIFT NOISE USUALLY OCCURS WHEN TURNING OR GOING STRAIGHT.
Replacement TCMs don?t come with trim data. After installation, you need to run a teach-in (hydraulic pressure characteristic calibration) procedure with the HDS.
Complaints filed by year
75 complaints came in 2025. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.
NHTSA investigations
Engine failure. Open.
NHTSA summary
No restart after auto start/stop engages. Open.
NHTSA summary
Engine failure. Closed aug 20, 2025.
NHTSA summary
Recalls that include the 2016 Acura MDX
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Honda Pilot, 2017-2023 Ridgeline, 2019-2023 Passport, and 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles that were sold in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. The rear subframe may corrode at the suspension mounting points, which can result in rear suspension component failure.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear subframe and install a rear subframe reinforcement kit and, as necessary, repair or replace the rear subframe components, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in the fall of 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are AOU and AOT. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning June 10, 2026.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles. Moisture may enter the tailgate lid light assembly and wiring harness, which can cause the interior and exterior lights to fail, including the lid lights, position lights, license plate lights and taillights.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the wiring and install a fuse harness, replace the lid light, and repair the body dust sealer, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 30, 2025. Owners may contact Acura's customer service at 1-800-382-2238. Acura's number for this recall is FLI. Vehicles included in this recall that were previously repaired under NHTSA recall number 19V-256 will need to have the new remedy completed.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, 2016 and 2018-2019 Pilot, 2017 and 2019 Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 Odyssey vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, damaging the engine.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair, or replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 28, 2024. 2016-2017 Acura MDX owner letters were mailed November 1, 2024. 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed in mid-December 2024. Honda began mailing owner notification letters as of March 18, 2024. 2015-2016 Acura owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-December 2024, 2018 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed the end of March/early April 2024, 2019 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-May 2024, 2020 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-June 2024, and 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed January 27, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XG1 and GG0.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Acura MDX and 2017-2019 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid vehicles. Moisture may enter the tailgate lid lights, possibly causing a loss of the tailgate lid lights and the taillights.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Acura will notify owners, and dealers will modify the tailgate lid lights and install updated gaskets and a wiring sub-harness or will replace both tailgate lid lights. The repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2019. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is M49.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Acura MDX, 2015-2019 Acura TLX and 2015-2017 Honda Accord vehicles, equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine. Particulates in fuel may adhere to the internal components of the fuel pump, reducing its performance.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the fuel injection engine control unit (FI-ECU) software and, if necessary, replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began March 25, 2019. Owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's recall number for this recall is P3W. Honda's recall number for this recall is N3X.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2015 Acura MDX 2WD and MDX 4WD vehicles, 2016 Acura MDX 4WD vehicles, 2015-2016 Honda Odyssey vehicles, and 2016 Honda Pilot 2WD and 4WD vehicles. The affected vehicles have fuel tanks that were manufactured with insufficient welds which may separate and allow fuel to leak out.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tanks, free of charge. Owners may contact Honda/Acura customer service at 1-888-234-2138. The recall began on July 29, 2016. Honda's numbers for this recall are KA9 (Honda vehicles) and KB0 (Acura vehicles).
All 7 recalls on the 2016 Acura MDX, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
Guide NHTSA has an open investigation on this car. What the investigation stages mean
Questions
What is the most common problem on the 2016 Acura MDX?
Engine failure, with 94 of the 374 complaints. Owners who gave a mileage for it put the median at about 96,000 miles.
At what mileage do 2016 Acura MDX problems start?
Of the 195 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 17,000 miles and half by about 49,000.
Is the 2016 Acura MDX better or worse than the 2017?
Counted per year on the road, the 2016 has more complaints than the 2017: 34 a year against 26.
How many 2016 Acura MDX complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
16 of them (4%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for engine failure on the 2016 Acura MDX?
Yes, NHTSA lists a recall on the same system: 23V-751. Its summary says which failure it covers, and that isn't always the one owners describe.