2016 Acura MDX · symptom sheet
Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing
- 94owner reports
- 96,000median miles
- $8,000median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Sep 15, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
170 of the 374 complaints on this car are about the engine. 94 of those describe engine failure, which makes it the most reported problem on the 2016 MDX.
Narrower sheets: Rod bearing failure (66 reports) · Engine knocking or ticking (43 reports)
Tick what matches of 94 reports
Engine failure on other MDX years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2014, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2025.
What this problem usually is
These are the reports nobody wants to file. The engine started knocking or ticking, the oil light came on, and then it seized or had to be replaced. Some owners had the replacement covered under warranty or an extension, and plenty were told they'd pay. Several narrower sheets split this group into knocking, seized engines and rod bearing failure.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (93 reports), the timing chain (4 reports) and the short block or long block (3 reports).
Recalls and investigations
One recall on the engine covers the 2016 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
Due to a manufacturing error, the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, damaging the engine.
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.
What owners paid
13 of the 94 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $4,200 to $8,700.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 78,000 and 122,000 miles, from the 36 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 1 service bulletin or notice 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.
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.
What owners wrote
“Engine has 97,000 miles and has been meticulously maintained with current rod bearing failure.”
Filed Mar 14, 2026 · 97,000 miles
“Driving up a hill, new knocking noise, car lost engine power, steered the car to the curb and turned engine off. Got car towed to mechanic, ultimately diagnosed as connecting rod bearing failure at cylinder 1. No noted leaks nor other issues at engine nor transmission, this appeared to be defect of the connect rod itself.”
Filed Jun 10, 2025 · 66,701 miles
“Due to a manufacturing defect of the engine crankshaft, the connecting rod bearing prematurely wore and could seize. This is a recall for 2016 MDX V6 engines, my VIN is not included for some reason.”
Filed Mar 24, 2025 · 157,505 miles
“Engine blew a rod at 130,000 miles. Replaced engine. Maintained vehicle correctly And changed oil regularly. contacted Acura, but no help. Other vehicles reported similar problems and recalls issued., but not for my particular vehicle.”
Filed Dec 2, 2024 · 130,000 miles
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 94 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 Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works
Other problems on this car
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 82 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 47 reports
- Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 39 reports