2016 Acura MDX

What owners report most often

1. Engine161
2. Power train111
3. Other or unspecified40
4. Electrical system37
5. Fuel/propulsion system27
6. Structure21
7. Vehicle speed control19
8. Lane departure14

Recalls and investigations

1. Structure, frame and membersJun 4, 2026

   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.

   Failure of rear suspension components, such as the rear control arm, can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

   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.

   Campaign 26V365000 on NHTSA.gov

2. Exterior lightingApr 17, 2025

   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.

   Vehicle lights that fail to illuminate can decrease visibility and increase the risk of a crash.

   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.

   Campaign 25V259000 on NHTSA.gov

3. Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpDec 18, 2023

   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.

   Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

   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.

   Campaign 23V858000 on NHTSA.gov

4. Engine and engine cooling, engine, hard parts internal/mechanicalNov 13, 2023

   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.

   A damaged engine may run improperly or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a fire, crash, or injury.

   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.

   Campaign 23V751000 on NHTSA.gov

5. Exterior lighting, tail lightsMar 28, 2019

   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.

   Loss of the taillights reduces the vehicle's visibility, increasing the risk of crash.

   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.

   Campaign 19V256000 on NHTSA.gov

6. Fuel system, other, delivery, fuel pumpJan 29, 2019

   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.

   Reduced fuel pump performance can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of crash.

   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.

   Campaign 19V060000 on NHTSA.gov

7. Fuel system, gasoline, storage, tank assemblyJun 9, 2016

   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.

   A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.

   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).

   Campaign 16V417000 on NHTSA.gov

Representative owner complaints

374 reports, newest first.

1. Suspension, Sep 21, 2026

   My 2016 Acura MDX (VIN [XXX]) is covered by Acura safety campaign 4170A8. The campaign covers rear subframe corrosion at the suspension mounting points that can cause the rear wheels to become misaligned or inadequately retained, affecting handling, stability, and braking. On XXX, I brought the vehicle to Sunnyside Acura, [XXX] (Repair Order XXX). The dealer did not perform the recall remedy and noted "cannot complete as rear toe arms are seized." They ordered replacement rear toe arms (52370-TZ5-A91 and 52375-TZ5-A91) that day. More than a month later, the recall repair has still not been completed: I filed a complaint with the dealership. They called me but did not follow through. On XXX, the dealer postponed the repair because no loaner vehicle was available. The repair was rescheduled for XXX. The dealer did not contact me. I contacted Acura Client Relations more than a week ago and have received no response. I am driving a vehicle with a known, open safety defect that Acura has acknowledged but has not repaired. I am asking NHTSA to help ensure Acura and its dealer complete the recall remedy promptly. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

2. Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Sep 15, 2026

   The contact owns a 2016 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power and failed to accelerate while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure posed a potential safety risk in daily traffic. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the road, and the vehicle was towed to a local dealer for diagnosis. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with engine bearing failure into the engine oil pan and cylinder #5 failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and NHTSA Action Number: PE25008 (Engine). The manufacturer was notified of the failure by telephone. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

3. Engine, Sep 15, 2026

   Heard a knocking noise in the engine, had it serviced at an independent mechanic (towed as to not create more damage and the knocking noise was louder). Mechanic told me that the rod bearing/engine had failed and would need to be replaced. $7000-$10000 for replacement. He also indicated that this was under recall for 2016-2020 cars. I checked my VIN and my car is not part of the recall but the car has 130000 miles and has been serviced regularly. I am requesting that it be part of the recall since this is a known/reported issue for this year/model. I called American Honda and they said because of the mileage and age, that it would not be part of the recall.

4. Other or unspecified, Sep 8, 2026

   Car Keyless Entry Module/ TPMS Module having problem and alarms keep going off at anytime. It also stops car while driving because of no fob detection. It also automatically tries to turn the car on/off even when it was parked.

5. Engine, Sep 7, 2026

   "My 2016 Acura MDX completely seized on the highway after a loud knocking sound, which perfectly matches the connecting rod bearing failure under Recall 23V-751. Even if my specific VIN isn't showing up as open on the website, I know the NHTSA has a major open investigation into 1.4 million of these V6 engines because hundreds of vehicles are failing exactly like mine outside the original recall scope. I need Acura to open a corporate goodwill case to inspect my engine and cover this repair."

6. Engine, Sep 5, 2026

   "Vehicle experienced a sudden flashing check engine light pulled over checked oil restarted car flashing check engine light went away then started flashing again a few miles down the road (Cylinder 3 misfire) accompanied by severe engine knocking. The engine locked up/seized while hot. car was stuck on the road and was unable to shift to neutral. After cooling down, the engine restarted but produces a heavy metallic scraping and loud squealing noise from internal friction. This matches the exact failure mechanism of connecting rod bearing failure under investigation PE25008, but Honda/Acura has excluded this VIN from active recalls. I was forced to pay $389 out-of-pocket for an emergency tow."

7. Suspension, Structure, Sep 4, 2026

   The contact owns a 2016 Acura MDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V365000 (Structure, Suspension) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The vehicle was taken to a local authorized dealer, and recall repairs were performed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

8. Exterior lighting, Aug 28, 2026

   2016 Acura MDX. The red LED section of the inner tailgate taillight (lid light) has failed and no longer illuminates. The white backup bulb in the same assembly still works. The LED section is sealed inside the assembly and cannot be serviced, so the entire lid light must be replaced. This vehicle received safety recall M49 (NHTSA 19V-256) in 2019 for moisture intrusion into the inner taillights. The same failure has now occurred again. Honda's own Part 573 report for recall FLI (NHTSA 25V-259) states that the redesigned assemblies installed under 19V-256 do not sufficiently prevent moisture intrusion, and that moisture entered through two new pathways: between the gasket and the seal ribs of the lid light, and at the interface between the gasket and the body dust sealer. My failure appears to be exactly that condition. The NHTSA VIN lookup shows zero unrepaired recalls for this VIN. When I contacted Acura, I was told the issue was repaired in 2019. That response addresses M49, not FLI. I have not been able to get confirmation of whether FLI applies to this VIN or was ever performed. Loss of the rear position lights reduces visibility and is a citable equipment violation.

9. Engine, Aug 24, 2026

   On August 3rd the vehicle began making a loud clicking/knocking noise from the engine area of the car. Took the car to Richard Bailey Automotive on August 4th for diagnosis. Was informed a week later the engine needed replacement. Have owned the car for 3 months. No warning lights except to clean the backup camera. All maintenance has been performed on the vehicle.

10. Engine, Aug 24, 2026, fire

    The engine in the car caught fire and subsequently destroyed the vehicle. The car was parking in a shopping center parking lot at the time.

11. Engine, Aug 6, 2026

    The contact owns a 2016 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.

12. Suspension, Aug 4, 2026

    I received a letter from Acura about a safety recall on the subframe. My car has been making a creaking noise and so I called the number on the letter. The guy gave me the number to Acura, Brookfield WI. I called and talked to someone there today, I think his name was John. I told him I wanted my car checked for the recall issue and I am worried about the noise. He said a subframe won't cause squeaking and I would have to pay $200 for them to look at it. I said I would call back in fall as the letter states but Im still wanting this issue fixed now.

13. Engine and engine cooling, Aug 3, 2026

    The contact called on behalf of the owner of a 2016 Acura MDX. The contact stated that the owner reported an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine while starting the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the independent mechanic, where the timing belt tensioner was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The mechanic disassembled the oil filter and discovered metal shavings inside the filter. The mechanic related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE25008 (Engine). The manufacturer was notified of the failure; however, no assistance was provided because the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

14. Exterior lighting, Jul 31, 2026

    The contact owns a 2016 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and attempting to open the trunk, the contact became aware that the inner driver’s side taillight was inoperable. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V256000 (Exterior Lighting); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The independent mechanic stated that the taillight needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 149,000.

15. Engine, Jul 17, 2026

    Catastrophic Engine failure. Engine shook, then loss power. Multiple lights went off. Repair shop found metal shavings in the oil pan. Later diagnosed by specialist with cam/rocker engine issue. Recommended action was engine replacement.

16. Electrical system, Jul 14, 2026, fire

    I just got back home from Walmart, went in my house to get a few things and head to my camper. I had to get one last thing ,so I started to drive over town I noticed a plastic burning smell ,I thought someone was burning trash, so I keep going ,the smell got worse,so I stopped and was going to check what it was and smoke started coming out of the vents,so I turned around drove car home,as I was pulling into my drive ,I noticed the wiring harness fell from behind glove box ,on fire on the floor. We got car in driveway and got out,tried to extinguish the fire but couldn't, so grab everything out of the car,and the car became totally engulfed in flames,the car was totally gone from this electrical short.

17. Engine, Jul 10, 2026

    Engine began knocking, brass colored shaving in drained oil due to bearing damage. This vin is not covered by the recall scope

18. Steering, Suspension, Engine, Jul 8, 2026

    I am filing a safety and compliance complaint regarding execution of Federal Recall Campaign #26V365 by Valley Stream Acura and sales fraud by Paragon Acura. I purchased this 2016 Acura MDX from Paragon Acura on May 29, 2026. I have driven it only 550 miles, placing it strictly within the statutory New York State 60-Day Used Car Lemon Law Warranty window. A certified 6-page independent ASE forensic report documents that Valley Stream Acura bolted the federal recall brackets directly onto severely cracked rear control arms and rusted struts without disclosure. Furthermore, Paragon Acura forced a brand-new front control arm link onto a deeply pitted, scaling, and structurally compromised front steering knuckle to mask pre-sale defects, signing a false NYS highway safety certification. The vehicle was released to me with a bone-dry, empty engine cooling loop, creating an immediate fire hazard. Acura Corporate (Case #16437213) refuses to issue a corrective directive, willfully leaving a non-compliant vehicle on public roads.

19. Engine, Jul 3, 2026

    Started (first noticed)check engine light flashing turned radio down right of way and noticed engine knocking with no warning still 40% engine oil life left. Had test done P0303 misfire on cylinder 3 and rod bearing knock was told need an engine . Had all oil changes and maintenance done on time. ran my vin and unfortunately was told it is not covered under recall.

20. Engine, Jul 1, 2026

    My 2016 Acura Max sha awd has 124 k on it and the other day I was driving down the road and my engine light went on than I lost power down to 20 mph and heard a knocking noise from the engine like the rod bearing broke or something I’ve noticed the recall on the engine for some Acura 2016-2025 3.5v6 engines but Acura is saying my model car was not in the recall list which I can’t understand why if it has the same engine 3.5 v6 with the same rod barring issue as the ones on the list being recalled . The issue is with all 2016-2025 Acura Mdx models that have the 3.5 v6 in it .

21. Engine, Jun 26, 2026

    I was driving on the highway. All of a sudden, my engine started making knocking noises. Shortly after that, the car started to lose power, and immediately the low engine oil light came on. I pulled over immediately to check the engine oil level. Oil level was normal. I restarted the car, but the mechanical knocking noise was evident and did not sound right. Towed the car to the closest Acura Dealership. Diagnostics states that engine has ceased and would not crank. Replacements engine is required and would costs approx. $4200. Acura has a recall on some 2016-2020 MDX for similar engine issues, but my VIN did not qualified. The symptoms i exprienced is very similar to what was described in the recall. Acura representative denied any goodwill support/help.

22. Steering, Service brakes, Lane departure, Jun 24, 2026

    I started the vehicle and steering wheel was frozen and EPS, Brake, and lane departure lights on the dash. I shut the car off and let it sit for five minutes. Restarted and the steering wheel came back to normal. but all light remained on. I drove the car about half a mile and the lights went off. When I got home, I shut the car off and started it again. The wheel was frozen again, and all the lights came back on. I shut the car off and re-started and steering came back on. I'm afraid this will happen again but while I'm driving. I looked up the issue but no recall but a lot of complaints with same problem. I cannot drive like this for it can be dangerous if I'm driving and lose control of the vehicle and hurt someone or myself. I took the car to a mechanic, but he said there is no current issues just stored codes. Today I had the same problem.

23. Power train, Engine, Jun 24, 2026

    Our 2016 Acura MDX SH-AWD has the exact same engine problem/damage caused by the Connecting Rod Bearing recall. Our vehicle displayed the exact symptoms described by countless other MDX owners including owners who have vehicles both on & not included on the current recall list.

24. Engine, Jun 18, 2026

    This make and model has the same problems with the engine rod bearings it’s the v6 3.5L

25. Engine, May 28, 2026

    FOUND #4 CYLINDER MISFIRE - METAL CONTAMINATION SPUN A BEARING INTERNALLY INSIDE THE ENGINE. RECOMMEND REPLACING THE ENGINE. SEE QUOTES BELOW: RECOMMEND AT THE SAME TIME AS THE ENGINE REPLACEMENT - STARTER, TIMING BELT, SPARK PLUGS, AND VALVE. Found #4 cylinder misfire – metal contamination – spun a bearing internally inside the engine. Recommend replacing the engine.” After researching this issue, I became concerned that this failure appears very similar to the widely reported connecting rod bearing failures associated with Acura/Honda 3.5L V6 engines and Recall 23V-751. The symptoms in my vehicle closely match the issues described in the recall and related investigations, including: connecting rod bearing failure, spun bearing, internal engine damage, metal contamination, cylinder misfire, and complete engine failure. Additionally, I understand that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has expanded investigations into similar engine failures affecting Acura and Honda vehicles outside the original recall VIN population.