2016 Acura MDX
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 374 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the highest complaint count among 24 MDX model years with reports.
Of the 2016 reports, 10 involved a crash and 5 involved a fire. 5 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Power train, Jul 24, 2017
I GOT IN MY CAR THIS MORNING AN AS SOON AS I PUT IT IN REVERSE, IT LURCHED FORWARD BEFORE FINALLY MOVING BACKWARDS (THERE WAS NO SLOPE). THEN, AS I APPROACHED A TRAFFIC LIGHT ON A CITY STREET AND APPLIED THE BRAKE, THE CAR FELT AS THOUGH IT ACCELERATED SLIGHTLY BEFORE SLOWING DOWN.
Other or unspecified, Jun 9, 2017
THIS ISSUE INVOLVES THE FWS(FORWARD WARNING SYSTEM) ON THIS VEHICLE THE FWS OPERATES INTERMITTENTLY AND ERRACTICALLY. WHEN DRIVING HOME IN THE RAIN TODAY IT FLASHED ON AND OFF WITHOUT ANOTHER VEHICLE NEARBY. IN MANY CASES IT HAS FAILED TO WARN WHEN I AM APPROACHING ANOTHER VEHICLE AT CONSIDERATE SPEED. IN MOST CASES IT HAS FAILED TO WARN. THIS INTERMITTENT AND APPARENT OPERATION HAS SERVED AS A DISTRACTION AND HAS BECOME A SAFETY ISSUE, THE SALESMAN AND SERVICE MANAGER HAVE INTIMATED THAT THIS CAN BE CONSIDERED "NORMAL" FOR THIS SYSTEM. FOR ME THIS PROBLEM RESULTED IN A NEAR COLLISION AND AM CONCERNED FOR OTHER DRIVERS EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED IN CITY AND HIGHWAY DRIVING (ROAD TRIP FROM WEST COAST TO CHICAGO AND BACK) ONLY OCCURS WHEN IN MOTION WHETHER TURNING OR NOT.
Structure, May 23, 2017
DEAR SIR/MADAM - I WAS HEADING TO MY OFFICE FROM HOME ON THE HIGHWAY CA-84. WHILE DRIVING TODAY ON THE HIGHWAY AT AROUND 50MPH I HEAR SUDDEN LOUD POP UP SOUND FROM THE ROOF, I FELT LIKE AN EARTHQUAKE AND VEHICLE STARTING TO SHAKE. AS I SLOWED DOWN I FELT SOMETHING WRONG WITH SUNROOF. SINCE HIGHWAY LEADS TO THE BRIDGE AND HAS NO EXIT I CONTINUED TO DRIVE. HIGHWAY BECOMES INTERNAL ROAD AFTER 5 MILES. AS I GOT AN OPPORTUNITY I PARKED THE VEHICLE AND GET ABOVE TO CHECK WHAT REALLY HAPPENED. I WAS AMAZED TO SEE SUNROOF GLASS IS BROKEN, BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY THE ENTIRE CASING IS CAVING IN. THIS IS VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. SINCE THIS VEHICLE IS PRIME FOR MY KIDS COMMUTE I'M NOT SURE HOW SAFE THIS VEHICLE IS.
Other or unspecified, May 22, 2017
TRAVELING ABOUT 30 MPH IN A STRAIGHT LINE IN TRAFFIC. MDX SUDDENLY WOULDN'T ACCELERATE. CAR STARTED SLOWING EVEN THOUGH ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF TO CURB. COULDN'T SHIFT. CUT ENGINE OFF AND RESTARTED. CAR THEN RAN NORMAL.
Power train, Electrical system, Structure, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, May 12, 2017
UN INTENDED NON ACCELERATION. DUE TO SEVERE LAG, DELAY, AND SLUGGISH TRANSMISSION RESPONSE. ACURA HAS REPLACED MY TRANSMISSION UNDER WARRANTY AT 11,000 MILES AND DID NOT ADMIT FAULT AND SAY THERE WAS A PROBLEM. HERE'S MORE ON MY EXPERIENCE..IN MY 1 YEAR OF OWNERSHIP.. TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: 2016 ACURA MDX 13,000 MILES , PURCHASE NEW FROM SIERRA ACURA , ALHAMBRA, CA I AM WRITING TO REQUEST BUY BACK OF MY VEHICLE THIS CAR IS A LEMON. SINCE TAKING OWNERSHIP A YEAR AGO, MY 2016 MDX PURCHASED NEW HAS EXPERIENCED NOTHING BUT ONE PROBLEM AFTER PROBLEM. ACURA REPLACED TRANSMISSION A MONTH AGO BUT THE PROBLEM IS STILL THERE. IS IT ENGINEERED AND DESIGNED TO PERFORM IN A NOT SAFE MANNER ? MANY TIMES I EXPERIENCE SHIFTING AND ACCELERATING HESITATION AND JERKY/JOLTING. MY FAMILY AND I DO NOT FEEL SAFE OPERATING AND RIDING IN THIS VEHICLE. SEVERAL TIMES GAS PEDAL DEPRESSED AND VEHICLE LAGGED AT 20 MPH FOR MORE THAN 10 SECONDS BEFORE ACCELERATING. A FEW OF THE LATEST NEW AND ONGOING PROBLEMS ARE BELOW. DRIVER DOOR NOW APPEARS OFF SET AND AT DIFFERENT ANGLE PROTRUDING OUT NOW. APPEARS THAT THE DOOR IS NOT CLOSING PROPERLY AND THEREFORE NOT SEALED AT CLOSING. FURTHERMORE EVERY SINGLE WINDOW HAS EXPERIENCED FAULTY MECHANISMS WITH MOTORS, ACTUATORS, AND SEALS. WHEN CLOSING THE DOORS IT FEELS LIKE THE WINDOWS ARE LOOSE. THERE ARE ALSO SQUEAKS AND RATTLES EMINATING THROUGHOUT THE CABIN AREA. I SECURED AND COLLECTED ALL LOOSE ITEMS AND THE SOUND IS STILL THERE. AT ENGINE START UP EACH TIME, THERE IS A HIGH PITCH WHINING NOISE FOR A FEW SECONDS BEFORE ENGINE STARTS (PERHAPS SOMETHING ELSE FAULTY?) I HAVE VIDEO / SOUND DOCUMENTATION OF THIS WITH 2 SEPERATE RECORDING DATES . WITH REGARD TO THE NAVIGATION, MULTIMEDIA UNIT, IT HAS BEEN LAGGING, SLOW (ER) TO FUNCTION, AND SEVERE DELAY IN BACKUP CAMERA ACTUATING, AND AUDIO FUNCTIONS DELAY IN RESPONSE SOMETIMES.
Service brakes, Apr 28, 2017
WHILE APPRACHIING A RED LIGHT. I APPLIED THE BRAKES AND VEHICLE APPEARED TO ACCELERATE AND BRAKES DID NOT STOP CAR, I TURNED RIGHT ON TO SHOULDER OF MAJPR HIGHWAY TO AVOID ACCIDENT. NEXT DAY .WHILE BRAKING TO PARK, CAR WOUND NOT STOP AND ROLLED INTO FIELD. MY WIFE WAS WITH ME TO CONFIRM IT WAS NOT ME PUSHING THE GAS PETAL BY MISTAKE.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Feb 22, 2017
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
Other or unspecified, Jan 28, 2017
SUNROOF EXPLODED ALL OF A SUDDEN WHILE DRIVING ON A FREEWAY AT AROUND 70MPH. HEARD AN EXPLOSION ABOVE THE CAR, HAD TO PULL OVER IMMEDIATELY, AND FOUND THAT THE SUNROOF HAD EXPLODED. I HAVE A ROOF TOP BOX BUT THERE IS NO WAY THIS CAN MAKE CONTACT WITH THE SUNROOF. AS YOU CAN SEE IN THE PICTURE, THE EXPLOSION WAS OUTWARDS. GOOD THING OUR INSIDE SLIDING ROOF WAS CLOSED! WE ALSO HAD 2 KIDS IN THE CAR AT THE TIME.
Electrical system, Jan 9, 2017
INEXPLAINABLE BATTERY DRAIN ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS RESULTING IN NOT ENOUGH POWER TO START CAR. NO SOLUTION FROM ACURA EXCEPT THAT IT HAPPENS TO A LOT OF OWNERS. MOST RECENTLY CAR DIED IN AN INTERSECTION (WITH TWO KIDS IN CAR) AND COULD NOT RESTART OR SHIFT TO NEUTRAL (WITHOUT POWER) TO MOVE OUT OF INTERSECTION. CAR WAS STOPPED AT INTERSECTION, DRIVER MOVED FORWARD TO MAKE TURN, DRIVER STOPPED IN INTERSECTION AND AUTO-IDLE ENGAGED (TURNING CAR OFF MOMENTARILY), WHEN DRIVER RELEASED BRAKE, WHICH WOULD NORMALLY RESTART ENGINE, CAR WOULD NOT RESTART DUE TO LOSS OF POWER. STUCK FOR AN HOUR IN MIDDLE OF INTERSECTION UNTIL JUMPED. THREE DAYS PRIOR TO THAT, CAR SAT FOR 5 DAYS WITHOUT USE IN 40-50 DEGREE WEATHER, AND BATTERY WAS DEAD WHEN ATTEMPTED TO START. SEEMS TO BE A PARASITIC DRAIN OR FAULTY CHARGING ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITH CAR.
Visibility/wiper, Jan 9, 2017
WHILE DRIVING ON JAN. 7, 2017 IN SNOW MY WINDSHIELD WASHER WAS NOT OPERATING. DUE TO SALE ACCUMULATION THIS WAS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT MY WASHER FLUID FROZE. THE TEMPERATURE THAT DAY WAS 19 DEGREES. THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID IS NOT SUPPOSED TO FREEZE AT THAT TEMPERATURE. THE DEALER REFUSED TO TAKE ANY FURTHER ACTION OTHER THAN ADDING A CONCENTRATE TO THE WASHER FLUID. SINCE THE FLUID WAS ORIGINAL EITHER ACURA USED THE WRONG FLUID OR THERE IS AN EQUIPMENT PROBLEM THAT FREEZES AT 19 DEGREE TEMPERATURE. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AND SOME ACTION BY OR AGENCY IS NEEDED.. *TR
Power train, Jan 6, 2017
HI, I BOUGHT A MDX 2016 FROM AUTONATION ACURA LAST YEAR. I HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE CAR THIS WEEK. WHEN I WAS DRIVING(MOVING), MERGING ONTO A FREEWAY, AS THE TRAFFIC WAS MORE, IT WAS SLOW MERGE, SUDDENLY I WAS NOT ABLE TO ACCELERATE AS THE TRANSMISSION MOVED TO "NEUTRAL" FROM "DRIVE" AUTOMATICALLY. I DON'T THINK THIS IS NORMAL BEHAVIOR AND I DID NOT TOUCH THE GEAR BUTTONS OR STEERING WHEEL SHIFT PADDLES. THIS COULD BE A PROBLEM WITH CAR AND ITS DANGEROUS ISSUE. I WAS LUCKY THAT THE TRAFFIC WAS SLOW MOVING AND I DID MANAGE TO PUSH TO DRIVE AGAIN AND ACCELERATE. WHAT IF THIS IS ON A FAST MOVING FREEWAY. THANKS, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 2, 2017
ENGINE DOES NOT START AND ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS COME UP ON DASHBOARD. AFTER A FEW SECONDS, EACH OF THE SYSTEM COMES UP AS FAILED. DASHBOARD SHOWS AS ACC FAILED, LANE WARNING FAILED, EMISSION FAILED, ENGINE CHECK FAILED. THIS IS A SECOND FAILURE IN LAST 45 DAYS. FIRST FAILED ON NOV 20 AND CAR WAS IN SERVICE TILL DEC 21. AGAIN THE ENGINE FAILED ON JAN 02, NOT ALLOWING TO START AT ALL.
Power train, Dec 9, 2016
WHILE IN TRANSIT WITH JUST 15000 MILES ON THE CAR THE TRANSMISSION SYSTEM PROBLEM LIGHT ILLUMINATED. CAR WAS IMMEDIATELY TAKEN TO DEALER. THIS VEHICLE HAS A CENTER CONSOLE PUSH BUTTON CONTROL FOR THE TRANSMISSION. THE DEALER SAID THAT THERE WAS RESIDUE IN THE CONTROLLER MOST LIKELY DUE TO A SPILLED DRINK. THE CONTROLLER WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED AND IT WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. TO THE BEST OF OUR KNOWLEDGE WE SPILLED NO DRINKS ON THE CONTROLLER. HOWEVER, WHAT A POOR DESIGN. THE DRINK HOLDERS ARE RIGHT NEXT TO THE CONTROLLER! COULD A SPILLED DRINK CAUSE THE TRANSMISSION TO LOCK UP BASED ON THIS DESIGN?
Electronic stability control (ESC), Nov 28, 2016
DRIVING ON CITY STREET IN TRAFFIC AT ABOUT 20 MPH. ALL WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. INDIVIDUAL FAILURE ALERTS FLASHED ON NAVIGATION SCREEN. CONTINUED 2 MILES TO DESTINATION AND TURNED OFF IGNITION. RETURNED 2 HOURS LATER AND EVERYTHING WAS BACK TO NORMAL. TOOK CAR TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. CONTACTED ACURA CORPORATE AND THEY SAID IT WAS UP TO THE DEALER! RESEARCH SHOWS OTHERS HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM BUT IN SOME CASES WITH HIGHWAY SPEEDS THE CAR ALSO SUDDENLY DROPPED SPEED. OBVIOUSLY, THIS COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS. THE ISSUE IS CLEARLY AN INTERMITTENT BUG, PROBABLY SOFTWARE. RATHER THAN DO THEIR JOB AND TRY TO RECREATE IT AT THEIR LABS, ACURA IS JUST WAITING UNTIL THERE IS A LUCKY HIT ON THE PROBLEM OR AN ACCIDENT BEFORE RESPONDING. CLEARLY THIS IS A TOUGH PROBLEM BUT THAT IS EXACTLY WHY THE "STANDARD" METHODOLOGY ISN'T SUFFICIENT. I GUESS THE ONLY RESPONSE FOR A USER IS TO NOT EVER BUY AN ACURA AGAIN. THAT WILL BE MY SOLUTION. *TR
Other or unspecified, Nov 12, 2016
TRANSMISSION - CAR LURCHES AT LOW SPEEDS AND HESITATES WHEN YOU TRY TO START OFF FROM A STOP. I PURCHASED A 2016 ACURA MDX FROM JAY WOLFE HONDA IN KANSAS CITY, MO AND SO FAR MY TOTAL OVERALL EXPERIENCE IS A "0" I HAVE HAD MY CAR IN THE SHOP FOR ABOUT 20% OF THE TIME I HAVE OWNED IT AND MY LAST REPAIR WAS TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION WITH 10,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE! IT STILL SHIFTS JERKY AT LOW SPEED BUT I HAVEN'T TAKEN THE CAR BACK BECAUSE I AM GOING TO PURSUE THE LEMON LAW AND/OR ACURA ARBITRATION. I HAD A LOUD NOISE IN THE REAR END, AFTER THEY REPLACED THE STRUTS (AFTER 3 REPAIR ATTEMPTS) AND IT IS BETTER. THERE ARE 3 SERVICE BULLETINS OUT THERE FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO WANT TO TRY THEM TSB NO 16-035 REPLACE REAR SUSPENSION DAMPERS AND REAR UPPER MOUNT BUSHINGS. TSB NO 15-039 REPLACE TRANSMISSION END COVER GASKETS TSB NO 15-054 SOFTWARE UPDATE IN POWERTRAIN AND TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULES. I CALLED ACURA AND NONE OF THESE WERE LINKED TO MY SPECIFIC VEHICLE VIN #. HAD THEY REPLACED THE GASKETS, I MAY NOT HAVE HAD A FLUID LEAK WHICH SUPPOSEDLY CAUSED THE TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT. THE MODULE UPDATE IS SUPPOSED TO CORRECT THE SHIFTING - THAT IS QUESTIONABLE. THE REAR END WORK DID HELP THE NOISE IN THE REAR END. I COULD CONTINUE WITH MINOR DETAIL ISSUED BUT SUFFICE TO SAY I WOULD NOT PURCHASE NOR WOULD I RECOMMEND ANYONE TO PURCHASE AN ACURA MDX!!
Service brakes, Oct 28, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 ACURA MDX. WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE AND APPLYING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO MOVE FORWARD. THE CONTACT SHIFTED THE VEHICLE INTO REVERSE AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS OUT OF THE GARAGE WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS STILL BEING DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT COULD NOT STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE MOVED INTO THE STREET UNTIL THE CONTACT PRESSED THE START/STOP IGNITION BUTTON WHILE STILL APPLYING THE BRAKES. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE ISSUE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000. UPDATED 06/01/17*LJ UPDATED 09/07/2017*JS
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 30, 2016
NOTHING BUT TROUBLE SINCE I BOUGHT IT. PURCHASED JAN 2016. HAS REPLACED --- NAVIGATION, AMPLIFIER & FUEL PUMP!!! OWNED 2016 MDX FOR LESS THAN A WEEK- VEHICLE JOLTS FORWARD-GIVES ITSELF EXTRA GAS EVEN WHEN YOUR FOOT IS ON THE BRAKE! TRANSMISSION NOT SMOOTH. BEEN IN FOR SERVICE OVER 40 DAYS NOW (TOTAL). HESITATES SOMETIMES- WAS STUCK AT 15 MPH FOR A FEW MINUTES. RADIO GOES UNRESPONSIVE- NO BUTTONS WORK GETS STUCK AT STATION/VOL CAN'T TURN OFF EITHER. NAVIGATION DIED- TURNED OFF, THEN FLICKERED(WAS REPLACED) . SPEAKERS WENT FLAT- AMPLIFIER DIED (WAS REPLACED). THE ENGINE IDLE FEATURE DOESN'T WORK RIGHT. IT DOESN'T KEEP MY SAMSUNG PHONE CHARGED. I'VE TRIED MULTIPLE CORDS INCLUDING THE ORIGINAL ONE THAT CAME WITH PHONE. ACURALINK DOESN'T ALWAYS WORK EITHER. I SENT A DESTINATION BUT IT DOESN'T SHOW UP FOR A FEW HOURS OR DAYS! IT TWEETS NOW. THE WINDOW NOW SQUEAKS (NO, IT IS NOT TINTED OR ANYTHING). IT MAKES A STRANGE DRIPPING NOISE WHEN YOU TURN IT OFF. IT EATS GAS! I FILL IT UP AND IT'S GONE IN A BLINK..NOT THE APPROPRIATE MILES. IT BEEPS LOUDLY AND BLINKS THAT THERE IS AN OBJECT APPROACHING FOR NO REASON- NO ONE/THING THERE- NOTHING MOVING. IT HAS A MIND OF IT'S OWN. I'VE BEEN A LOYAL HONDA/ACURA OWNER FOR OVER 18 YEARS AND THEY HAVE NOT HELPED. WHEN THEY REPLACED THE NAVI THEY SAID THEY'D GIVE ME $500 FOR MY TROUBLE- BUT DIDN'T ANYWAY. THEY SAY THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT-- BUT JUST MONDAY SAID IT NEEDS A NEW FUEL PUMP BUT IS "SO NEW" THEY DON'T HAVE ONE SO IT HAD TO BE ORDERED. DISGRACEFUL. I ASKED FOR IT TO BE REPLACED- WAS DENIED. ACURA CLIENT REP SAYS- "AT THIS TIME THERE IS NOTHING WE CAN DO" I HAVE A SPINAL CONDITION AND THE JOLTING HURTS ME GREATLY. SOMEDAYS I CAN'T DRIVE MY BRAND NEW VEHICLE BC I CANT TAKE THE PAIN. THEY DON'T CARE. THEY DON'T STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT EITHER. HIGHLY DISAPPOINTED IN VEHICLE AND COMPANY
Power train, Sep 26, 2016
THERE IS NO WAY TO PLACE THE CAR IN NEUTRAL WITHOUT TURNING THE ENGINE ON. TODAY I WAS AT A GAS STATION WHEN A FUEL PUMP MALFUNCTIONED AND THERE WAS A FUEL SPILL THAT NEEDED TO BE CLEANED. THE PROCEDURE WAS TO MOVE THE CAR WITHOUT TURNING ON THE ENGINE SO THEY CAN ACCESS THE AREA TO CLEAN UP THE SPILL. AFTER SPEAKING TO MY LOCAL DEALER AND TO THE MAIN CONTACT PHONE NUMBER FOR HONDA NORTH AMERICA, THERE IS NO WAY TO GET THE CAR IN NEUTRAL WITHOUT THE ENGINE BEING ON. THIS CAUSED A SIGNIFICANT DELAY IN GETTING MY CAR MOVED SINCE A TOW TRUCK WITH A DOLLY WAS NEEDED.
Power train, Aug 7, 2016
AS I DRIVE MY CAR I EXPERIENCE VERY STRANGE BEHAVIOR FROM MY 9 SPEED TRANSMISSION. IT OCCURS BOTH WHILE ACCELERATING AND DECELERATING. DURING DECELERATION: (1) BY ONLY TAKING YOUR FOOT OFF THE GAS TO DECELERATE CREATES TRANSMISSION CONFUSION (THE CAR DOESN'T KNOW WHICH GEAR TO BE IN), WHICH CAN CAUSE THE CAR TO LUNG FORWARD OR JERK BACKWARD (2) THIS ALSO MAKES IT HARD TO STOP, REQUIRING LOTS OF EXTRA BRAKE PRESSURE. DURING ACCELERATION THE CAR CAN FEEL UNRESPONSIVE, WHICH CAN PROVE SCARY WHEN PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC.
Power train, Aug 2, 2016
WE PURCHASED A 2016 ACURA MDX WITH SH-AWD. WITHIN THE FIRST FEW WEEKS WE NOTICED THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS WERE JERKY AND ERRATIC. MOST OF THE PROBLEMS OCCURRED WHEN DRIVING BLOW 40 MPH. THE VEHICLE ALSO LUNGES FORWARD UNEXPECTEDLY WHEN DECELERATING WHILE YOUR FOOT IS OFF THE GAS PEDAL. IT FEELS AS IF THE CAR DOWNSHIFTS AND YOU GET SOME UNEXPECTED ACCELERATING. WE HAD ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION SINCE THE FIRST FEW WEEKS, THE DEALERSHIP KEPT SAYING THAT IT IS AN 'ADAPTIVE TRANSMISSION' AND WILL GET BETTER AFTER TIME. AFTER A FEW MONTHS, THINGS ONLY GOT WORSE. THE TRANSMISSION WOULD MAKE A LOUD METAL ON METAL NOISE WHEN STARTING THE CAR UP. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE DEALERSHIP FOR ALMOST 3 WEEKS BEFORE THEY COULD IDENTIFY AND FIX THE PROBLEM. THEY ENDED UP REPLACING THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION DECEMBER 2015 AND WE HAD TO GO BACK TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION ADJUSTED AS IT WAS SHIFTING SO HARD THAT YOU WOULD HEAR A CLUNK. THE VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN THE SAME AND IT DOES NOT FEEL SAFE TO DRIVE, ESPECIALLY IN THE WINTER. WE ARE VERY CAREFUL WHEN COMING TO A STOP BECAUSE YOU NEVER KNOW IF IT WILL SUDDENLY LUNGE FORWARD. NOW 8 MONTHS AFTER HAVING THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED, THE SAME NOISE IS COMING BACK. THE CAR IS BACK IN THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY WERE ABLE TO REPLICATE THE SOUND AGAIN. HOWEVER, NOW THEY ARE TELLING US THAT IT'S A CHARACTERISTIC OF THE TRANSMISSION AND THAT 40-50% OF ALL MDX'S WITH THE 9 SPEED AUTO WILL DEVELOP THIS NOISE! THEY SAY IT IS DUE TO THE FLUID BUILDING UP AT THE BOTTOM OF THE TRANSMISSION AND WHEN IT STARTS UP THE FLUID GETS PUSHED THROUGH ALL THE GEARS. IT SOUNDS MORE LIKE METAL ON METAL TO ME AND WHY WAS THE NOISE NOT THERE PRIOR AND ALWAYS DEVELOPS AFTER 6-8 MONTHS? I HAVE NOT SEEN ANYTHING ONLINE REGARDING THIS NOISE THAT SUPPOSEDLY OCCURS TO 40-50% OF MDXS.
Engine, Jul 24, 2016
WE TOOK A TEST DRIVE LOCALLY AROUND THE DEALER ON CITY STREETS AND DROVE MOSTLY UNDER 35 MILES PER HOUR. LATER THAT DAY WE TOOK DELIVERY OF OUR NEW 2016 ACURA MDX. AS WE STARTED DRIVING IT WE EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH SHIFTING. IT WAS ABNORMAL JERKING AND HESITATING AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 10-55MPH. IT WOULD SHIFT THROUGH GEARS RANDOMLY. SO MUCH JERKING AND HESITATING THAT MY FAMILY COMPLAINS OF JOLTS TO THEIR BODY. I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR IN SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY INSIST THAT THIS IS NORMAL TO DUE 9 SPEED OPERATION. THE ONLY WAY THAT I AM DRIVING THE CAR SMOOTHLY IS BY BABYING THE PEDAL. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE AND DO NOT FEEL CONFIDENT IN DRIVING IT. YOU WOULD HIT THE ACCELERATOR THE CAR WILL HESISTATE BEFORE THE CAR GOES FORWARD. THE BUTTONS WHILE BEING A COOL NEW FEATURE PRESENTS A SAFETY PROBLEM BECAUSE YOU HAVE TO LOOK DOWN AND FREQUENTLY CANNOT ENGAGE IN THE PROPER GEAR. IF YOU NEED TO GO FAST OR EVER GET CHASED?? THEN YOU CAN'T DO SO IN A QUICK MANNER! CAR NOW HAS 9800 MILES AND THIS PROBLEM STILL EXISTS.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Jul 3, 2016
WE BOUGHT A BRAND NEW 2016 ACURA MDX MODEL AND WITHIN FEW MONTHS, STARTED HAVING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. THE CAR WOULD START STALLING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AND COULD NOT ACCELERATE TO PICK UP SPEED. THIS HAPPENED IN A MAJOR HIGHWAY WHEN IT SUDDENLY STALLED AND COULD NOT PICK UP SPEED. FELT LIKE HAVING NO CONTROL OF CAR SPEED. THE D LETTER ON DASHBOARD STARTED FLASHING AND ALSO SHOWED BLIND SPOT MONITOR REPORT FAILURES. TOOK THE CAR TO DEALER FIRST TIME AND THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING AND SAID IT SHOULD NOT HAPPEN AGAIN. THE SECOND TIME HAPPENED IN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. TOOK IT TO DEALER AND HE SAID ITS FIXED AND KEPT CAR FOR FEW DAYS. WITHIN VERY FEW DAYS THE PROBLEM HAPPENED AGAIN. APART FROM THIS, THE CAR WHEN PUT IN DRIVE FROM PARK WOULD START GOING BACKWARDS WITH LITTLE UPHILL WHICH ALMOST GOT ME IN AN ACCIDENT ON THE HIGHWAY. I FELT VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE THE CAR ON A HIGHWAY DUE TO THESE SAFETY CONCERNS AS THERE WAS A POTENTIAL FOR ACCIDENTS AND INJURY TO SOME ONE. WE DEMONSTRATED THIS TO DEALER THE THIRD TIME. WE CALLED CLIENT SERVICES OF ACURA MANUFACTURER AND OPENED A CASE. THE REGIONAL MANAGER MENTIONED THEY WILL LOOK INTO THE ISSUES. WE HAD A LONG ROAD TRIP PLANNED AND WE WERE DEPENDENT ON THIS CAR AS IT WAS A FAMILY CAR BUT FELT VERY UNSAFE. THE CLIENT SERVICES OF ACURA HAD COMPLETE LACK OF EMPATHY AND WAS UNWILLING TO DO ANYTHING. HE KEPT STRESSING THAT WE NEED TO PICK UP THE CAR AND RETURN THE LOANER CAR ALTHOUGH WE HIGHLIGHTED THE SAFETY CONCERNS. WE ARE COMPLETELY DISAPPOINTED WITH ACURA AND STILL FEEL UNSAFE WITH THE CAR NOT KNOWING WHAT WILL HAPPEN NEXT.
Power train, Jun 23, 2016
I HAVE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE ON 3/23/16 AND FROM DAY ONE I HAVE BEEN HAVING ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION. WHEN I COME TO A STOP AND WAIT FOR ONCOMING TRAFFIC TO GIVE ME CHANCE TO CROSS THE STREET. WHEN I FINALLY GET THE CHANCE TO CROSS I PRESS THE GAS PEDAL AND THE CAR JUST DOES NOT WANT TO GO, IT STALLS. SAME ISSUE WHEN GETTING ON THE HIGHWAY WAITING FOR A CHANCE TO GET IN BUT THE CAR DOES NOT WANT TO. IT IS AN SAFETY ISSUE FOR EVERYONE BECAUSE I DO NOT KNOW IF THE CAR WILL RESPOND AND IF IT DOES NOT I CAN CAUSE OTHER VEHICLES TO CRASH INTO MINE. ANOTHER ISSUE JUST CAME OUT YESTERDAY I JUST GOT HOME AND WAS PARKING THE CAR ON MY PARKING LOT WHICH IS FLAT. WHILE PARKING AND SHIFTING FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE THE CAR JUST WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD AT ALL AND A LIGHT CAME OUT SHIFT TO PARK SO I DID AND THEN WHEN I SHIFTED TO REVERSE THE CAR WOULD ACCELERATE RAPIDLY. I HAVE THAT SEVERAL TIMES AND EVERY TIME WOULD DO THE SAME DID NOT GO FORWARD AT ALL AND REVERSE RAPIDLY. I HAVE RECORDED THE WHOLE ISSUE ON MY PHONE AND BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER. THEY HAVE TOLD ME THAT THEY NEVER HAVE SEEN THIS PROBLEM AND THEY WILL STAY WITH MY NEW CAR FOR ABOUT ONE WEEK. SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE WITH TRANSMISSION ISSUE BEFORE ANYONE GETS INJURED OR KILLED. DEFINITELY DID NOT EXPECT THAT FROM A $54,000 LUXURY SUV. I HAD TRADED MY 2009 ACURA MDX FOR THIS HUGE PROBLEM, WHAT A MISTAKE.
Power train, Engine, Jun 13, 2016
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
Steering, Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), May 24, 2016
AT 1300 MILES. VEHICLE EXHIBITED A CONDITION WHERE THE ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED, TRIGGERING ALERTS FOR EVERY SYSTEM. EMISSIONS, STABILITY, EVERY SAFETY FUNCTION, BRAKES, STEERING. VEHICLE WENT INTO SOME KIND OF FAILSAFE MODE WHERE THE TRANSMISSION DID NOT SHIFT WELL AT ALL, AND THE CAR WAS BARELY DRIVABLE. VEHICLE DID THIS TWICE OVER A WEEKEND. TOOK IT TO ACURA, AND AFTER AN ANALYSIS THEY BLAMED "BAD GAS." THIS IS AN EXCUSE AS THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD 1300 MILES ON IT AND HAD ONLY HAD 2 FILL UPS, AND BOTH WERE WITH TOP TIER PREMIUM GASOLINE. IN ADDITION, I DO NOT BELIEVE SOME "BAD" GAS SHOULD CAUSE THE ENTIRE VEHICLE TO GO COMPLETELY HAYWIRE SHUTTING EVERY SYSTEM OFF. THIS SEEMS TO BE A MAJOR FLAW IF SO. HOWEVER, AS I DON'T BELIEVE THE ANALYSIS THAT IT WAS "BAD GAS", I THINK ACURA HANDLED THE SITUATION WRONG AND IS SIMPLY USING AN EXCUSE RATHER THEN DETERMINING WHY SOME SORT OF ELECTRICAL CONDITION CAUSED THIS MASSIVE FAILURE OF THE VEHICLE.