Is the 2016 Acura MDX reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Acura MDX is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Acura MDX?

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2016 Acura MDX have?

7 recalls on file for this model year.

2016 Acura MDX

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2016 Acura MDX
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 372
Recalls: 7
Investigations: 3
Top problem: Engine

Complaints per year

2016: 372 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2001	224
2002	204
2003	206
2004	171
2005	180
2006	87
2007	99
2008	49
2009	52
2010	45
2011	70
2012	76
2013	30
2014	170
2015	71
2016	372
2017	257
2018	168
2019	187
2020	220
2021	0
2022	154
2023	41
2024	39
2025	107
2026	8

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine

43% · 160 reports

CRASHFIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

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

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-24

Tl* the contact owned a 2016 Acura MDX. While driving 40 MPH on the highway, the contact smelled smoke when the heater was activated. The contact exited the highway, parked, and exited the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-03-05

Power train

30% · 111 reports

CRASH

Electrical system

10% · 37 reports

Most commonly citing software and speedometer/odometer.

FIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

I just got back home from Walmart, went in my house to get a few things and head to my camper.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-14

Fuel/propulsion system

7% · 27 reports

CRASHINJURY

Structure

6% · 21 reports

Most commonly citing body and underbody shields.

CRASHINJURY

Safety timeline

7 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

▮
2016Complaint volume 372 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2016-07-29Fuel system, gasoline16V417000 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.

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2019-03-25Fuel system, other19V060000 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.

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2019-05-07Exterior lighting19V256000 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.

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2024-03-28Engine and engine cooling23V751000 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.

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2024-03-29Fuel system, gasoline23V858000 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...

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2024-11-08Recall queryClosed 2025-08-20 Engine failure
I
2025-03-26Engineering analysisOpen No Restart After Auto Start/Stop Engages
R

2025-05-28Exterior lighting, interior lighting25V259000 Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles.

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2025-08-20Preliminary evaluationOpen Engine failure
R

Date not on fileStructure, suspension26V365000 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,...

Remedy: 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. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 7, 2026.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2016 Acura MDX — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Engine: 160 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 111 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 37 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 26V365000 · Structure, suspension
Recall 16V417000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 19V060000 · Fuel system, other
Recall 19V256000 · Exterior lighting
Recall 23V751000 · Engine and engine cooling
Recall 23V858000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 25V259000 · Exterior lighting, interior lighting

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2016 Acura MDX reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Acura MDX is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Acura MDX?: The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Acura MDX have?: 7 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.