2016 Acura MDX · symptom sheet
Check engine light or misfire
- 47owner reports
- 87,000median miles
- $8,000median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Sep 15, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
207 of the 374 complaints on this car are about the engine. 47 of those describe misfire.
Tick what matches of 47 reports
Misfire on other MDX years
No other MDX model year has enough reports of misfire for a sheet of its own. See every MDX year.
What this problem usually is
These reports start with the check engine light. Many describe the engine running rough or shaking at idle, a P0300-series code, or a catalytic converter code. A worrying number say the light was flashing. Owners often list ignition coils or spark plugs already replaced, and the light coming back afterward.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the spark plugs (4 reports).
Recalls and investigations
4 recalls on the engine cover the 2016 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Due to a manufacturing error, the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, damaging the engine.
Particulates in fuel may adhere to the internal components of the fuel pump, reducing its performance.
The affected vehicles have fuel tanks that were manufactured with insufficient welds which may separate and allow fuel to leak out.
All 7 recalls on the 2016 Acura MDX, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the MDX
Engine failure. Open.
No restart after auto start/stop engages. Open.
Engine failure. Closed aug 20, 2025.
Ignition interlock failure - rollaway. Closed jan 14, 2013, led to recall 12V-573.
What owners paid
8 of the 47 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $1,500 to $10,000.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 77,000 and 115,911 miles, from the 26 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 9 service bulletins or notices for the 2016 Acura MDX that deal with this problem. 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.
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.
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2016-2020 MDXs, RLXs & TLXs with a client complaint of the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) on with the DTC P030X (Cylinder Misfire Detected), P0171 & P0174 (Rear/Front Bank Fuel System Too Lean), ...
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2016-2020 MDXs, RDXs & TLXs with a client complaint of the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) on with the DTC P030X (Cylinder Misfire Detected), P0171 & P0174 (Rear/Front Bank Fuel System Too Lean), ...
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]).
5 more on the 2016 Acura MDX page.
What owners wrote
“Transmission shifted to neutral limiting controllable forward movement. This occurred without any warning while in traffic. This created a VERY HIGH SAFETY RISK. This issue occurred three times creating a need to have it towed into a repair dealer, diagnostics, and resetting of the electrical circuit. The diagnosis code was P0973.”
Filed Nov 17, 2022
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 47 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Which lights mean pull over now? Warning lights by color and urgency
Other problems on this car
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 94 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 82 reports
- Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 39 reports