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.
Engine, Aug 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that there were metal shavings inside the oil pan and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,172.
Engine, Aug 26, 2025
Engine failure. McGrath confirmed the engine had the same rod issues as described in the recall. Corporate refused to cover the repair.
Engine, Aug 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. Additionally, there was loud popping noise coming from the engine compartment, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the connecting rod inside cylinder #2 had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,311.
Air bags, Aug 20, 2025, crash, fire
The contact's daughter owned a 2016 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving approximately 70 MPH on an interstate, another driver crashed into the rear passenger's side and the front passenger's side of the vehicle, causing the vehicle to spin clockwise. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The driver hit her shoulder and lower back against the driver's side door. The driver later received medical assistance and was being treated for lower back and shoulder injuries. No police report was filed. The rear tires were damaged and became flat. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and the vehicle was later towed to the dealer's auto body shop, where it was totaled. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 92,900.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, there were several unknown warning lights flashing on the instrument cluster. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was coasted over to the side of the road; however, while attempting to shift into park(P), the transmission was unable to be shifted into park(P). The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Lane departure, Aug 7, 2025
On Saturday [XXX] I was travelling on [XXX] from Orangeburg to Atlanta. I did was not using cruise control but the system was enabled. Enabling the cruise control system on my automatically enabled the LKAS(Lane Keep Assist) feature on my car. On at least two other occasions, specifically going around corners at low speed, I've had the LKAS system grab the wheel and steer the car aggressively to the left. On these prior occasions we were travelling at low speed and the road conditions were questionable as in striping of the roads were not clear. On [XXX], the road conditions were optimal minus being a little wet due to rain. The LKAS unexpectedly turned the wheel hard to the left going around a corner at 55mph and into oncoming traffic. Before I could regain control of the vehicle it veered into a ditch, across a culvert and landed in the ditch on the other side of a driveway. If not for sheer luck both I and the oncoming driver would be dead and the car destroyed. I am taking the car to a dealer tomorrow to have them inspect the LKAS. There were no warning lamps, message or any other alerts prior to the LKAS taking over the steering. Upon coming to a rest and recovering, I inspected the vehicle and found no damage save a deflating front tire and was able to drive the car back to Atlanta. I do not have Dashcam footage of the other occurrence of the LKAS malfunctioning but I did have a DashCam in the car and running when this latest incident occurred and if possible I will attach it to this complaint. Prior to submitting this complaint and contacting a dealership to have the car inspected I did put in my VIN and research if there had been any recalls on the LKAS system in my model year vehicle. I can confirm that there were not but there had been recalls for earlier versions of the same vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Jul 30, 2025
Catastrophic engine failure occurred while driving on July 4, 2025, resulting in the car briefly stopping at 60mph skidding tires on I-70 (a major highway in colorado), then tires unlocked and now engine moving again but with a check engine light, and acceleration was sluggish. It freaked out the family and we pulled over at the next exit to find the engine was knocking like crazy. No injuries occurred, but the sudden engine failure while driving created a serious safety hazard. Complete loss of power could have resulted in accident if this had occurred in traffic, on highway, or during emergency maneuver. We later found out engine the rod bearing failed on cylinder 4 and shattered in several pieces. We took it to both independent auto repair shop, then the dealer, both confirmed rod bearing problem, and engine replacement now required. Dealer is quoting us $24000. Failure was due to connecting rod bearing failure - a known defect currently under NHTSA Investigation RQ24-013. This failure is consistent with NHTSA Investigation RQ24-013 covering connecting rod bearing failures in 1.4 million Honda/Acura vehicles including 2016 MDX. The failure appears related to unaddressed ATF warmer defect covered under Acura's KG9 warranty extension (Service Bulletin 17-026) that compromised cooling system in December 2024, leading to thermal stress and bearing failure. Acura was aware this defect was serious enough to warrant 10-year unlimited mileage warranty coverage but failed to honor it. We had the car serviced June 25th 2025 at the dealer just 9 days prior to the July 4th 2025 incident for its regular maintenance oil change, brake fluid flush, and valve adjustment.
Electrical system, Jul 23, 2025
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2016 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 65,445 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 151,000.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 20, 2025
While driving on the highway this vehicle shifted into neutral and lost power. Once pulled to the side of the road, the vehicle was able to be turned off and re started. This happened to my teenage daughter without warning.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 18, 2025
My vehicle is showing the exact same symptoms that the 2016-2018 MDX fuel pump recall is stating but my VIN number is not part of the vehicles being recalled. I reached out to Acura relations and unfortunately, they cannot provide authorization to repair my fuel pump even though my vehicle falls under the same years that this model is being recalled for. I went to an independent shop to try and understand what the problem with my vehicle is and I was told that the high pressure fuel pump seems to be failing and was asked why I have not taken the vehicle to the dealership for the fuel pump recall. Due to this issue I am unable to properly use my vehicle. If i step on the accelerator too hard, the vehicle gets engine misfires and immediately goes on limp mode.
Engine, Jul 17, 2025
On August 29, 2024 my vehicle stopped working. I was driving through a busy Costco parking lot. We stopped to wait for a car to turn, the auto engine idle turned on. When we removed our foot from the brake that car wouldn't move. It wouldn't start again, everything seized up. We couldn't push the car because the tires locked up. We called a tow truck, luckily we were not in a parking spot because the tow truck driver had to pull it on the bed. The vehicle was towed to Stephen Wade Honda, they have always maintained our vehicle and done the recalls when able to. The nearest Acura dealership is 127 miles away. We were told that the engine suffered catastrophic engine failure. I reached out to Acura and a lady on the phone said she was sorry there was nothing Acura could do. I want to know why my vehicle is not under recall for catastrophic engine failure.
Engine, Jul 13, 2025
driving on freeway at 65mph and check engine light flashed as vehicle started to studder and turned off while driving. vehicle would not even try to start afterwards. vehicle got towed off freeway to my home. I continued to try to start, it sounded like a bad starter or dead battery, so I charged the battery and got the vehicle to crank and start. engine was knocking and squealing and pinging. immediately turned off and did some research. found out about recall and my engine is not on it . I found a local shop and had it towed there. it ended up being a bad rod/bearing in the engine. I had to have the engine replaced.
Engine, Jul 9, 2025
On Sunday, while driving approximately 70 mph on the highway with my two young children in the car, the check engine light began flashing, the vehicle suddenly lost power, and would not accelerate past 60 mph. The engine then began producing loud clanking or knocking noises. I pulled over as quickly as I could and had the vehicle towed to my local Acura dealership. The technician who inspected the vehicle indicated it is in the early stages of catastrophic engine failure—likely due to a spun rod bearing. These symptoms are nearly identical to those described in NHTSA Recall 23V751000, which addresses rod bearing failure, sudden loss of power, and potential engine seizure in certain Acura models. A less severe version of this issue occurred a few days earlier, on Thursday, also while driving on the highway. The check engine light began flashing and the vehicle experienced a noticeable loss of power. I pulled over and restarted the vehicle, and that resolved the issue. I drove the vehicle multiple times—including on the highway—between Thursday and Sunday with no further issues until the much more severe failure occurred. Despite the clear safety concerns—and the fact that both incidents closely mirror the description in Recall 23V751000—my VIN is not currently included in the recall. The vehicle has fewer than 90,000 miles and has been maintained exclusively at Acura dealerships. I’ve reported this to Acura, and my case has been escalated for internal review. An Acura representative encouraged me to contact NHTSA directly, as your agency is responsible for determining whether the scope of the recall should be expanded. This is a serious safety issue that occurred without warning—at highway speeds, with children in the car – and put my family at risk. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate and consider expanding Recall 23V751000 to include similarly affected vehicles like mine. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the contact stated that the engine and low oil pressure warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated the vehicle was shaking abnormally, and the vehicle failed to exceed 30 MPH. The vehicle was driven to a nearby parking lot. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic to be inspected. The contact was informed that the engine was covered in engine oil. The contact stated that the vehicle had recently received an oil change. The contact was advised to have the vehicle towed to the dealer. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with fractured bearings and engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine and the bearings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.
Engine, Jun 26, 2025
While driving southbound on I-5 from San Francisco to Anaheim, the vehicle began making rattling and squeaking noises from the engine compartment. Within minutes, multiple warning systems activated, including alerts for power steering, brake system, ABS, and other critical components. The vehicle quickly lost power and could no longer shift gears. We were forced to exit the highway near Kettleman City, but the engine completely shut off as we were exiting. Brake pressure was lost, and the vehicle could not be stopped using the primary braking system. We had to use the emergency brake to avoid a collision. The vehicle was towed by roadside assistance to a dealership for inspection. The dealer confirmed that the engine had spun a connecting rod bearing in cylinders #3 and #4, which caused piston damage and full engine seizure. The service department acknowledged this failure matched a known recall (Recall No. 23V-751), but stated the vehicle was not eligible for repair due to its VIN not being listed. Despite this, the failure is identical in cause and outcome to those covered by the recall and poses the same safety risks.
Power train, Jun 22, 2025
Car stalled in traffic and would not restart, and couldn’t figure out how to put in neutral. We had good samaritans that wanted to push it out of the way, but no one could figure out how to put the car in neutral. Even the police and tow truck driver couldn’t figure out how to put it in neutral. I found out after research that to put it neutral when it will not start requires a special tool that has to be installed by opening the hood. Acura doesn’t even include this special tool.It costs extra. So if you’re are in traffic and your car stalls there is no way to push it out of the way. This is incredibly dangerous in a traffic situation.
Engine, Jun 10, 2025
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.
Engine, Jun 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the contact felt a big bang with an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle then stalled. The contact inspected the vehicle and observed a liquid pouring out from the engine compartment onto the ground. The vehicle was not able to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 92,380.
Power train, Engine, May 30, 2025
Recall 23V-751 affecting certain or maybe all 2016 Acura MDX SH-AWD connecting rod bearing failure. The vehicle came to a sudden stop on the freeway after a loud terrible sound from the engine. This left my wife and child on a freeway exit ramp with no way to navigate the car to safety. The vehicle won't start, it makes a terrible clanging noise and stops. It has a seized connecting rod bearing and now a broken connecting rod and several holes punched from the broken rod. It was immediately towed to an Acura Service Center where it was confirmed. Recall 23V-751 described this failure exactly yet my car VIN is not included in the recall even though it is clearly affected by that recall. Acura Client relations refused to add the VIN even after saying they would if the problem was confirmed by an Acura Service Technician which it was but they refuse to add the VIN and repair the SUV.
Electrical system, Engine, May 24, 2025
The engine light came on more than 12 times in the past 3 months. I tried to have the dealer check, but they found nothing. Then the light started to of on and off every time I drive in the rain
Exterior lighting, Engine, May 24, 2025
This specific vehicle has an issue with the starter and flywheel breaking up for no reason. After being replaced twice, they were broken again in three months. The suspension has also been broken many times, and even after replacing the entire four sides, it still did not fix the problem. It also produces a rubber smell when driven over than 1 hour non stop
Engine, May 20, 2025
***THIS IS A RESUBMIT WITH CORRECTED INFORMATION*** I purchased a used 2016 Acura MDX from a family member, and shortly afterward began experiencing a rhythmic metallic knocking noise under load, particularly at low RPMs (e.g., accelerating in low gears or when the engine is bogged). The noise is not present at idle or during coasting, and it closely matches the symptoms described in recall 23V-751, which addresses premature connecting rod bearing wear that may lead to engine failure in certain Honda and Acura vehicles. However, my vehicle’s VIN is not included in the existing recall. The knocking has persisted across several thousand miles and multiple oil changes. I recently inspected the drained oil and found metallic sparkles/particles, which may indicate active bearing wear. There has been no Check Engine Light, and the vehicle has received on-time oil changes using high-quality synthetic oil, with immediate mechanical inspection when the noise first appeared. I know for certain the previous owner maintained the vehicle properly, as he is a family member and I occasionally helped with maintenance myself. Based on the symptom pattern, operating conditions, and consistency with the failure mode described in 23V-751, I believe this vehicle may be affected by the same underlying defect, but is excluded due to an overly narrow recall scope. I am submitting this complaint in support of Recall Query RQ24-013, which is currently under review to determine whether Honda failed to include all affected vehicles. I am concerned this poses a long-term safety and reliability risk, and that vehicles like mine are being improperly excluded from coverage. It is available for inspection. I am deeply concerned for my significant other to drive my vehicle in any capacity, and myself as well. I have videos as well. Please reach out if you need them because the bearing has not spun out yet.
Engine, May 20, 2025
I purchased a used 2016 Acura MDX and shortly afterward began experiencing a rhythmic metallic knocking noise under load, particularly at low RPMs (e.g., accelerating in low gears or when the engine is bogged). The noise is not present at idle or during coasting, and it closely matches the symptoms described in recall 21V-215, which affects certain 2016–2018 Acura/Honda models for premature connecting rod bearing wear. However, my vehicle’s VIN is not included in the existing recall. I purchased a used 2016 Acura MDX and shortly afterward began experiencing a rhythmic metallic knocking noise under load, particularly at low RPMs (e.g., accelerating in low gears or when the engine is bogged). The noise is not present at idle or during coasting, and it closely matches the symptoms described in recall 21V-215, which affects certain 2016–2018 Acura/Honda models for premature connecting rod bearing wear. However, my vehicle’s VIN is not included in the existing recall. This vehicle has received on-time oil changes using high-quality synthetic oil, and I have taken care to immediately investigate any new or unusual noises. The knock has persisted across multiple oil changes and several thousand miles without worsening, but recently I noticed metallic sparkles in the used oil—potential signs of rod bearing wear. There has been no Check Engine Light, but based on the symptom pattern, operating conditions, and consistency with the defect description in recall 21V-215, I believe this vehicle may be experiencing the same issue and is simply outside the current recall range. I am submitting this report in support of the ongoing Recall Query (RQ) into whether Honda failed to include all affected VINs. This appears to be the same failure mode as those already recalled, and it presents a serious long-term risk to engine safety and reliability.
Engine, May 19, 2025
Engine shut off due to rod bearing failure
Engine, May 12, 2025
The rod bearing went on this car. I don't understand how there was an open recall but this car was NOT included with the issue. This makes no sense to me. This was a huge cost to my hard working family to fix and Acura was less than helpful esp considering it was an actual recall for our car year. But due to our luck, our car was NOT included. I feel that this needs to be investigated further because more cars were impacted by this recall than were deemed to be included. I reached out previously on this matter to this organization and received NO response.