2016 Acura MDX problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 374 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Acura MDX, filed between 2015-07-13 and 2026-09-21. The most common problem areas are the engine (161, 43%), power train (111, 30%) and electrical system (37, 10%). Owners reported 10 crashes, 5 fires and 5 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 7 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2016 Acura MDX complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 161 | 43% | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Power train | 111 | 30% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown or other | 40 | 11% | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 37 | 10% | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 27 | 7% | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Structure | 21 | 6% | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 19 | 5% | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Lane departure | 14 | 4% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 13 | 3% | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| Steering | 12 | 3% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 10 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 10 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 9 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control (esc) | 8 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 8 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Engine: 161 complaints
- 161 complaints of 374 (43%) name the engine.
- 26 of them also name the power train; owners reported 2 crashes, 2 fires and 2 injuries in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2016 Acura MDX; the recall, campaign 23V751000, says: “Due to a manufacturing error, the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, damaging the engine.”
Power train: 111 complaints
- 111 complaints of 374 (30%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 26 of them also name the engine; owners reported 1 crash in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Acura MDX covers this system.
Electrical system: 37 complaints
- 37 complaints of 374 (10%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 13 of them also name the engine; owners reported 1 fire and 1 injury in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Acura MDX covers this system.
Fuel/propulsion system: 27 complaints
- 27 complaints of 374 (7%) name the fuel/propulsion system — the fuel tank, pump, lines, injectors and fuel-system controls.
- 15 of them also name the engine; owners reported 1 crash and 1 injury in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Acura MDX covers this system.
Structure: 21 complaints
- 21 complaints of 374 (6%) name the structure — the body and frame structure.
- 4 of them also name the unknown or other; owners reported 1 crash and 1 injury in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2016 Acura MDX; the recall, campaign 26V365000, says: “The rear subframe may corrode at the suspension mounting points, which can result in rear suspension component failure.”
Vehicle speed control: 19 complaints
- 19 complaints of 374 (5%) name the vehicle speed control — cruise control and accelerator/throttle control.
- 7 of them also name the engine; owners reported 2 crashes and 2 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Acura MDX covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 12 |
| 2016 | 25 |
| 2017 | 18 |
| 2018 | 19 |
| 2019 | 48 |
| 2020 | 21 |
| 2021 | 13 |
| 2022 | 14 |
| 2023 | 13 |
| 2024 | 69 |
| 2025 | 75 |
| 2026 | 47 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names MDX, model year 2016. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2016 Acura MDX recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Acura MDX?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2016 Acura MDX's most common problem areas are the engine (161 of 374 complaints), power train (111 of 374 complaints) and electrical system (37 of 374 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2016 Acura MDX have?
NHTSA has 374 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Acura MDX, including 10 reported crashes and 5 reported fires.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Acura MDX's problems?
NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2016 Acura MDX; 2 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.