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, Engine, May 8, 2025
I purchased the vehicle in 2017. It was certified used by acura dealer but it was practically new; less than a year old with 10,000 miles on it. About a month or so after purchasing I started noticing a an issue when pressing on the gas and the vehicle not responding and a few seconds later it would suddenly jerk trying to catch up to the gear it should be on. Right away I took it to dealership for them to inspect and they said the vehicle needed a "software update" and it should be fine after that. Long story short, it is now 2025 I've taken the vehicle in for a "software update" more times than I can count and I am still living with the same problem. On occasion it gets better and sometimes it gets worse. Especially at higher speeds when the gears seem to go to neutral for a few seconds and then re-engage again on its own which cause jerking/stalling motion.
Exterior lighting, Interior lighting, Apr 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Acura MDX. The contact stated that the driver's side rear taillight bulb had burned out. The contact replaced the bulb, but the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the driver's side rear taillight failure was intermittent but was a persistent failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the failure and determined that there was water inside the taillight assembly which caused the bulb to short circuit. The mechanic informed the contact that the taillight assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V259000 (Exterior Lighting, Interior Lighting); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 141,000.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 29, 2025
My Acura MDX 2016, when stopped in traffic or at a red light will randomly shut down or switch to neutral. It started 2-3 years back. This has happened frequently last few months. Last time i was stuck in the exit of a parking garage blocking the exit. After around 20-30 mins the car decided to start on its own. I took the car directly to a dealer who found no issues with the car. I had the battery replaced recently with a new battery Upon searching the internet, i found this link where each person is describing the same issue [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Apr 7, 2025
Vehicle started having issues just a couple of years after purchase (acquired brand new as a Lease which I later purchased when the Lease was up), in the beginning it was mostly at low speeds, but it would occasionally happen at higher speeds as well. You could feel it having hesitation when shifting gears. Took it to the dealer at around the 30K miles due for service (May of 2019). Had the transmission fluid replaced, dealer noted some "debris" was found. The problem quickly showed up again soon after this service, so the vehicle was brought back to the dealer for further checkup a couple of times, the result was always the same, no problem found, and the vehicle was OK to drive. I have lived with this problem ever since and on occasion it got even worse at higher speeds (around 65mph) when the gears seemed to go to neutral for a few seconds and then re-engage again on its own. Knowing that the car had always acted funny and the fact that the dealer never found any issues, I thought it must be more of the same. Finally, a couple of weeks ago (March 25 of 2025) the transmission gave up completely while my wife was driving the car, luckily it was not in a highway, she had enough time to pull to the side of the road but once the car stopped, it would not get into gear again. I have called the dealer for assistance, but they tell me the car is not under warranty anymore and there is no recall pending for this VIN, they could take it in, but the repairs would not be covered by them. This has prompted me to look into the issue further and found out that Acura issued a service bulleting number 17-026 back in 2018 which describes the same symptoms as what I describe above, they extended the warranty to 10 years but when I called them they say that it does not apply to my VIN because of a different manufacturing location (despite the fact that the symptoms are the same). Came to find out that other owners have had the same issue over the years.
Engine, Apr 2, 2025
I drive a 2016 Acura MDX, with less than 80K mileage. My car has an idle stop feature which was not working and I was having trouble starting my car in the mornings when it was cold. I assumed the battery was getting low, replaced to a new battery and the idle stop began working again momentarily. However, after coming to a stop and the idle stop feature engages, the vehicle was not always automatically restarting. More than once a day it turns off engine as intended with idle stop, but then my car shifts into Neutral and the engine fully dies. I'm left at stop lights or stop signs with a car that is off and will not restart. The last instance I was almost hit by a car when the light turned green and I could not drive forward. I have to shift into park, turn the on/off button, press my foot on the brake and push on/off button 2-3 times to get the car to start back up. All of this on a battery that’s less than a week old. More often then not the idle stop is not working at all. I’m left with a message on my dashboard “auto engine idle stop unavailable.” My VIN was not listed under the Acura SB to “update the PGM-FI software that may affect the idle stop operation and starter under certain conditions.”
Structure, Mar 24, 2025
Paint on the roof just suddenly peeled off 2 days ago. There's a Service Bulletin 19-029: [XXX] , but ACURA says the extended warranty is expired and they cannot do anything. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Mar 24, 2025
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.
Engine, Mar 19, 2025
My Acura mdx 2016 has always had oil changes on time . Also only 93 octane gas . Online there are 100’s of people complaining about my issue which there is a recall for same year make and model but my vin is not included. The recall is for rod knock , and this is what I’m experiencing right now out of nowhere. And Acura will not own up to it very upset . This is a very dangerous situation that can cause an accident with my family in the vehicle . Do to engine lock up .
Engine, Mar 18, 2025
Connecting rod failure causing the need for engine replacement. This connecting rod has been part of a recall campaign by Honda for 2016-2020 MDX models, but this 2016 engine VIN [XXX] is not part of the recall, even though the SAME EXACT issue as the recall is what occurred. Acura is refusing to honor the recall. This happened while on a highway in the California mountains, going uphill, putting my entire family at risk as the vehicle lost power and became inoperable. The dealership confirmed the connecting rod failure, but informed me of Acura's denial on the recall claim. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Mar 4, 2025
I have a 2016 Acura MDX with only 120,000 miles on it. Recently I started hearing a knock coming from the engine. I have taken it to three different mechanics, including an Acura dealership mechanic. I was informed by all three to not drive the car due to the fact that it was a rod bearing defect/problem. They all commented that I was lucky that it had not thrown a rod or I could have been injured or possibly had my engine freeze up while driving injuring myself or someone else. After some thorough investigation/research, I have been informed that my make and model has been recalled for the same issue, unfortunately, my Vin number is not included in the recall for whatever reason.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, there was a loud knock sound coming from the engine compartment, and afterward, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the connecting rod bearing in cylinder #3. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a claim was opened; however, the claim was later denied. The failure mileage was 122,000.
Power train, Engine, Feb 16, 2025
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The motor's rod bearing spun. It is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The failure could have created enough friction between the bearing sleeve, rod and/or journal bearing to seize the motor and the drivetrain while driving. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes the vehicle was taken to the Acura dealership to be inspected, diagnosed and repaired. There is a recall for the same year, make and model but my vehicle's VIN is not included in the recall. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle has only been inspected by the Acura dealership. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There was a check engine light that produced code P0430 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 2) and P0306 (Cylinder 6 Misfire Detected). The vehicle had a loss of power and troubles accelerating under load. The first time the problem was noticed was January 18th, 2025.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Feb 9, 2025
My Acura mdx 2016 is well maintained, only 42500 miles,bought brand new from dealer, problem started 6 months ago, accelerator, rpm goes up even on 20 miles driving, and car just stops and gear goes to park mode..dealer inspected, they said transmission needs to be replaced, contacted NCDS, their respond I passed the warranty of 7 years, not covered. Dealer charging 7100 to fix issues.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 3, 2025
After starting the engine, when attempting to slowly accelerate, the engine almost dies or hesitates to respond to accelerator. Dangerous situation.
Engine, Jan 30, 2025
Problem started with Check Engine light coming on, then going off, then coming on again followed by what seemed like all system failure lights getting reported. A clicking/rattling started to be heard in the engine. When driving the vehicle to the dealer to get it inspected the vehicle engine cut out while cruising at 45 MPH. I was able to roll to a stop on the side of the road luckily, it would not start and needed a tow to a more local related dealer (Honda) repair. Honda repair did not move past reading the codes, so I transported the vehicle via a service to the nearest Acura dealer, where they diagnosed the internal rod problem, with the fix being a replacement engine. The vehicle remains at this Acura dealer service.
Engine, Jan 24, 2025
I was driving down the road & without any warnings my car suddenly loss power. Engine started a really bad knocking sound then stalled out , took to certified mechanic and he told me I need a new engine. Prior to this there were no boarding likes or issues related to the car.
Engine, Jan 21, 2025
Loud Clicking sound, engine light blinking, car was shaking horribly almost caused an accident.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 18, 2025
“Emissions system problem” warning light has lit up on dashboard twice. This was checked and found to be a faulty code both times however, the second time it occurred, it correlated with the sway bars needing to be replaced.
Power train, Jan 9, 2025
Vehicle engine started making noise . Called Acura customer service . They advised have taken to Acura dealership for examination. Did so ($450.00 tow bill) there is a motor recall on 2016 Acura MDX. The Acura garage advised ( in writing ) that they felt this was the same engine problem ( rod bearing ) as in the 2016 Acura MDX under recall. . Acura corporate advised mine was not listed as recalled .
Power train, Jan 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Acura MDX. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle downshifted inadvertently. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where the failure was not able to be replicated. The contact stated that on one occasion while attempting to place the gear in any gear other than reverse (R) the gear selector indicator displayed the gear selected but the vehicle did not operate as intended. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Engine, Jan 7, 2025
Engine knocking noise, irritable shaking while on road, dangerous driving conditions. Engine Failed and diagnosed at Acura Dealership as failing bearings and connector rod. This issue is under investigation NHTSA Action Number: RQ24013 and I am currently being forced to pay out of pocket for the repair amounting to several thousand dollars. Acura needs to recall these engines NOW and get it fixed. This driving condition is EXTREMELY unsafe, the entire car shakes uncontrollably. This car was bought brand new from dealership by myself. 1 owner. Always serviced at Acura or Honda dealerships.
Engine, Jan 3, 2025
I have a 2016 Acura MDX with nearly 79,000 miles on it. It died without warning late at night while on the freeway on [XXX], leaving my [XXX] son stranded alone in a dark, remote area for about an hour. Not a safe situation! I had it towed to Shadetree Auto in Layton, Utah. They informed me that the engine had seized. What!? It was well maintained and just had the oil changed a few days previously. They wanted over $11,000 for a used engine. (See Attached Invoice & Report). They couldn't figure out why a well-maintained engine with only 79,000 miles on it would just seize up. Coolant was also not the issue. I couldn't afford it, so it sat for a couple of months until I discovered that there was a Recall on that year for faulty connecting rod bearings that was causing engines to seize. So, I checked into it, but my particular VIN # was not included in the recall. I found a copy of a letter from Acura stating that they were still determining the extent of the problem, nevertheless, they rejected my claim as not included, rather than extending the recall to include my vehicle's documented problem. (See the attached Acura letter dated Feb 7, 2024). I had my car towed to Jody Wilkinson Acura in Salt Lake City for a detailed inspection and second opinion and they confirmed that the engine was seized and that it I had a broken connecting rod on cylinder #1 due to a spun bearing (See photos at the end of attached email). But Acura continued to deny my claim. Jody Wilkinson's quoted me over $20,000 for a new engine. I asked Acura what the appeals process was and they said "there isn't one, we just won't cover it". Seems like Acura may be [XXX] a lot of people. Why would I put another known faulty engine in my car? Absurd! I have attached the following documents: •Shadetree Auto Inspection Report & Invoice •Acura Letter Feb 7, 2024 •Jody Wilkinson Inspection Report Your help in obtaining justice would be greatly appreciated! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Exterior lighting, Dec 30, 2024
Rear inner tail light on driver side is not working (34155-TZ5-H03). There is active recall on models between 2014-2019 but when checked my VIN it shows it is not covered. I went through the detail of recall and it can be clearly seen that the damage is same as shown in the recall. I will appreciate if someone can provide how do we know that my VIN was not impacted as there could be subcomponent which could have led to same issues as others from this period. I will appreciate if a prompt action can be taken and my vehicle can be added to the recall list as well. Thanks!
Engine, Dec 26, 2024
While driving on an interstate highway at 73 mph, under cruise control, at night, as the road started to incline up a hill my vehicle started losing power. The highway is two lanes each way, and I was in the left-hand lane passing a slower vehicle that was in the right-hand lane. There were cars behind me in my lane. When my car started losing power, the check-engine light came on along with some other indicators. I attempted to maintain speed by depressing the accelerator, but the car continued to slow down. It was nighttime when this happened, on a pitch-black highway that had been freshly paved. I was able to finally get behind the car I had been attempting to pass and was then able to get into the emergency lane and stop. My car was making a ticking noise. I turned off the car, opened the hood, but it all looked fine. I looked under the car - there were no fluids running out of the car. I checked the oil, and it was at the full mark on the dipstick - I had changed the oil about 1000 miles prior to this event. When I took the car to a local Acura dealer, they told me that the noise I was hearing was "rod knock", and that it would cost about $8000 to repair by purchasing a short block and having them install it. When I started researching the issue I learned that some 2016 Acura MDXs have a known issue of incorrect rod bearing size, but that my vehicle is excluded because it was evidently manufactured before a certain date. My car has only 125,116 miles on it. It is maintained meticulously. Please investigate.
Electrical system, Engine, Dec 20, 2024
Vehicle always smells hot or as if something electric is burning in the engine compartment. Have always had scheduled maintenance and have taken it in on time for all oil changes and maintenance to be performed. Have asked for this to be checked at that time and when the smell has become over powering. Engine lights have popped up and then all lights have shut off two separate times previously to the point where I had to turn off the vehicle. I have taken it to two dealerships and another mechanic to look for the cause. They are not able to determine the cause but recommend I contact Acura as this sounds like a warranty issue.