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, Dec 16, 2024
This occurrence with the vehicle happened in October of 2023 and I no longer own it. The only reason I'm reporting it today is because of the news reports I've been seeing about a possible investigation into the exact issue I experienced. I started to hear a knock from the engine that got progressively worse over the course of a week. I made an appointment to have it looked at, but before I could even make it to that appointment multiple dash lights and warnings started showing up on the meter combi. Engine light was the first to appear followed by the transmission light, then the vehicle went into "limp mode." It wouldn't go over 30mph and eventually just shut itself off; every warning lamp on the dash was on. It was towed to a local Acura dealership where the service tech diagnosed the issue and stated it was a connecting rod bearing that had worn prematurely and there was movement in the piston. I had them check for a recall then and my VIN was not on the list so I proceeded to source a motor and have another shop swap it for much cheaper. That being said, I would very much like to be reimbursed for the costs I incurred. I have multiple documents and at one point had a video that the dealership tech sent me showing the defect. Not sure if they can provide that now or not.
Engine, Dec 13, 2024
The engine started to make noise, drove it to the Acura Dealership. The engine seized at the repair bay. The technician initially said they just had a recall on these engines then after looking up the ID notified me that the blown engine was not covered under the recall. After several calls to Honda corporate customer service they informed me that they knew it had a faulty engine however it was not under the recall and they didn't have to repair or replace. I paid the dealership to install another engine at my own expense.
Structure, Dec 10, 2024
Our 2016 MDX starting peeling paint off the roof. Acura said they extended the warranty for this known defect for an 8 year period. Since this problem just happened we are outside the 8 year extension. The internet is full of similar stories of people like us who have the paint peeling after the bogus 8 year extension. Acura said they aren't responsible. This isn't right.
Engine, Dec 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle lost power. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road after each failure and restarted. The contact stated that an unknown fault code was displayed occasionally. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Engine, Dec 2, 2024
Engine blew a rod at 130,000 miles. Replaced engine. Maintained vehicle correctly And changed oil regularly. contacted Acura, but no help. Other vehicles reported similar problems and recalls issued., but not for my particular vehicle.
Engine, Dec 1, 2024
Driving on [XXX], car began to make a loud noise, began to lose power and smoke was pouring out of the engine. No check engine lights came on. Pulled over immediately and turned off engine, and smoking continued. Car was in a unsafe location and we had to wait an hour with traffic very close for a tow truck. Large quantities of oil leaked out of the engine. Car was towed to Niello Acura in Roseville CA. They diagnosed Catastrophic Engine Failure. Large hole in oil pan and wrist pin found lodged between A/C compressor bracket and engine block. Wrist pin secures the piston to the connecting rod (there is a recall on Acura MDX's for this but my car was not included) Needs new engine. All maintenance was up to date. 78K miles on the engine, had just been serviced at 75K. Purchased at 18K as a Certified Used Vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Engine, Nov 26, 2024
the car suddenly shut off when i was on the red light wit the idle stop.
Engine, Nov 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was then towed to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the rod bearings had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 86,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Nov 18, 2024
I am [XXX] and I have owned Honda/Acura since I was 16 yrs old. My last vehicle was a Honda Odyssey minivan with 423K when I donated it, running well to a family that fostered kids! I bought a new 2016 Acura MDX and now it is 8 years old and has 180K on it. I get the oil changed and other normal service maintenance done only at Honda or Acura dealerships. I have never had a car accident and I take care of the maintenance early. All of a sudden, on Friday, [XXX], I had just started driving ( ~20 minutes in the car) and every light started flashing and the car sounded funny and it was hard to drive. I immediately got off the highway and found a repair place (Red's auto repair) right off the exit. They had me shut off the car. Then they checked the oil, which was showing 70%, and I had just had it changed less than 1000 miles earlier, and it had plenty of oil. They told me I could not drive the car! They said "something is wrong with the engine". Currently, LaFontaine Acura has my car. I have a loaner from them. They said it "spun a bearing" in the engine. Apparently there is a recall for this same problem for my year, make and model, but "currently" my VIN number is not included? And, it is the exact same problem bearing from the recall! THIS IS CRAZY! My car has been well taken care of and I would expect it to get at least 350k miles at least before any issues. If the same problem was recalled for other cars, why not mine? It is un-drivable now. I think that Honda has changed their manufacturing because in 43 years of driving Hondas they always are reliable and work well for years and years. My 5 adult kids drive Hondas as well! Never a problem. I think I got a vehicle with a defect that should not be, especially when the car has always been maintained so well, with the service records to show that. PLEASE HELP GET THIS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL FOR SAFETY! What is my next step to ensure that my car is included? Thank you very much INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Nov 16, 2024
I have had numerous instances of the car not engaging the transmission when driving. This can happen at highway speed; the car will not accelerate and acts like it is in neutral. You must take your foot off the gas pedal for the transmission to re-engage before accelerating. This has been an ongoing problem for a few years, and Acura says there is nothing wrong. This is very dangerous. I know multiple MDX owners who have experienced the same issue. I think there may be a class action lawsuit about it.
Engine, Nov 15, 2024
I was driving on the interstate going 80 when the car shut off. I coasted to the shoulder and had the car towed to the mechanic shop. The connecting rod broke, going through the engine causing me to need a new engine. When I contacted Acura they said my car wasn’t in the recall even though it’s exactly what was happening to other cars the same year and make as my car.
Engine, Nov 13, 2024
In July of 2024 my vehicle began to make a knocking sound from the engine. I started a claim through my third party warranty company and brought it to a repair shop. The shop informed me about the recall for my model and year vehicle, but my VIN was not included in the recall. It was determined that the connecting rod bearings failed, and after waiting for 6 weeks the engine was replaced with a used engine from the same year and model vehicle. I drove for about 1900 miles and the engine began knocking again. I returned the to the repair shop and the supplier of the engine provided another used engine. I am terrified that the same problem will occur again and feel the engine can fail at any time.
Engine, Nov 13, 2024
The car began making a front end noise and running shoddy and when we took it to the dealer they had to replace bearings/short block at 121k miles. We were told our VIN was outside of the previous recall so it wouldn’t be covered under that. We ended up paying a portion of that very large bill which inconvenienced our family. We were without our own vehicle for many weeks due to back ordered parts for the major repair. This car has always been serviced by Acura at regular intervals.
Engine, Nov 13, 2024
My 2016 Acura MDX with 113,000 miles on it suddenly experienced engine failure while driving my son to college in Salisbury, MD. The engine lost all power as I was coming off of the highway onto a side street in Salisbury. Fortunately no other vehicles were around me at the time and I was able to drift into a safe parking area. If it had happened on the highway or in traffic, it could have caused an accident. There were no warning lights on and the vehicle seemed to be running normally right up until it lost power. After having the vehicle towed to an Acura dealership, the mechanic found a broken rod that was likely due to a bad rod bearing. Other 2016 Acura MDX's have been recalled due to a defective rod bearing resulting in engine failure, but my VIN is not covered under the recall. Honda National just confirmed that it will not cover my MDX's repair under the recall. Prior to this, I had done all required maintenance on the vehicle.
Engine, Nov 13, 2024
Car had a failed crankshaft causing a rod bearing issue with the motor. The check engine light came on during use and car was taken to a local repair shop. The independent repair shop determined the issue is associated with recall TSB 24-001, and advised it be transported to a Honda dealership for repair. Honda confirmed that although the 2016 is under this recall this specific VIN is not. Car was repaired at Honda dealership with same exact repair kit and work done to fix the TSB 24-001 recall notice. Reached out to Honda customer service to understand why the car was not repaired under this current recall but was not given any additional information, case #14733117.
Engine, Nov 13, 2024
I am the owner of a 2016 Acura MDX Advance. While driving, I noticed an unusual knocking sound coming from the engine, despite no warning lights or error messages prior to this incident. Concerned about the noise, I promptly brought the vehicle to an Acura dealership for inspection. The initial diagnosis revealed a camshaft issue, which was replaced. However, upon reassembly, the technician detected a persistent knock that required further investigation. After a week of detailed inspection, the dealership traced the problem to a defect with the rod bearing, an issue that has been part of previous recalls, though my vehicle was not listed. This rod bearing defect caused significant internal damage to the engine, ultimately requiring a complete short-block replacement to restore proper functionality. While the dealership has since resolved the issue, I am deeply concerned about the safety implications of such a defect. Had the rod bearing failed entirely, it could have led to an engine blowout, risking sudden loss of power at highway speeds and potentially endangering my safety.
Engine, Nov 13, 2024
I was driving my 2016 Acura MDX (approximately 87,000 miles) at around 60 mph on the freeway when the engine began making a metallic clanking noise. Shortly after, the check engine light started flashing, and the vehicle lost acceleration, eventually coming to a complete stop. This created a potentially dangerous situation, but I was fortunately able to pull over safely. After the vehicle stopped, the engine would not restart. The mechanic who inspected the vehicle confirmed that the engine has seized. This incident occurred without any prior warning signs and could have resulted in a severe accident. I believe this issue poses a significant safety risk to drivers and passengers. I request an investigation into whether this problem could be due to a manufacturing defect or systemic issue with this model.
Engine, Nov 13, 2024
Failure of connecting rod bearings leading to complete engine failure.
Engine, Nov 12, 2024
I was driving back yo my home with my family and on freeway Acura MDX engine stopped with clanking metallic sound fortunately I was able to stop safely. This VIN [XXX] should be part of recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Nov 12, 2024
While waiting to turn left from a busy street onto a highway, the engine seized. The car was unable to be moved from it's location in the center of the busy street with cars approaching quickly from behind and weaving around my stopped vehicle. I had the vehicle towed to Metro Acura in Montclair, CA and they confirmed that the connecting rod bearing had failed causing the engine to seize. They also confirmed that the vehicle is not part of the existing recall. The engine produced some rough noise prior to failing but otherwise did not provide any warning lamps or other messages.
Engine, Nov 12, 2024
Engine started knocking and quit working while driving on the freeway. Was a connected rod bearing failure that was not included under the warranty or recall. Honda paid 75% of repairs but I had to pay $3300 myself.
Engine, Nov 12, 2024
The engine failed and was unable to be repaired like old Honda and they had no interest in resolving the issue, nor do they offer any replacement with.
Engine, Nov 11, 2024
We were on a highway drive to a state park 45 minutes from our house on [XXX]. 40 Minutes into the drive the check engine light flashed. We had just taken a long road trip from Minnesota to Ohio (and back again) the week before (10/15-10/20) and had NO problems whatsoever. We parked and read what we could online as to what to do. Checked the gas cap tightness, the oil, etc. and let the engine cool for 2 hours. Started the car and no lights came on. So we started driving home. 35 Minutes later ALL the lights on the dash came on. Scrolling through every system in the car-transmission, brakes, lane assist, etc. We pulled Over almost immediately. Turned the car off checked under the hood but nothing seemed glaringly wrong. It wasn’t overheating or smoking or anything. We tried to drive it directly to our mechanic. Got back on the highway and the engine would not get up to speed, just groaning. Worried we would be in danger on the highway we pulled over and called for a tow. The first mechanic that reviewed (just local not Honda) could hear a knocking in the engine. Towed it to an Acura dealership on 10/28/2024. The Acura mechanic there confirmed that it is a rod/rod bearing issue—but we don’t fall under the recall. The rod came loose in the engine, banged around, damaging the engine. Cost to fix is $10,000. This information came to us on 11/4. We filed a complaint with the Acura/Honda recall department that day. We have been waiting to hear their verdict (after their investigation) for the last week. We have been told multiple times that our car doesn’t fall under the original recall. But the Acura mechanic has confirmed it is the same issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Fuel system, Gasoline, Nov 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Acura MDX. The contact stated that the vehicle was hesitating and jerking while driving. The emissions and AWD warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was a fuel leak, and the fuel pump was replaced. After the vehicle was repaired, the contact started smelling an abnormal burning fuel odor. The contact was informed that the connector within the fuel system was corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The odor had become progressively worse over time. The vehicle was returned to the dealer who determined that the fuel injectors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.
Engine, Oct 28, 2024
Driving on the highway for the car to idle, slow down and shut off, causing us to go to the shoulder in a busy intersection. No fore warning just died and won’t start. Waited 20-30 minute to restart. The car will start but will not shift to neutral or drive.