This page covers 7 recalls, 349 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2016 Acura MDX.
21–22 mpg combined
10.7–11.2 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The dominant complaint pattern for the 2016 Acura MDX centers on the engine and powertrain. Engine complaints are the most numerous, with owners frequently describing sudden and complete loss of power while driving at highway speeds, the vehicle stops responding to the accelerator for several seconds before recovering. A number of owners also report the engine entering limp mode, with the vehicle refusing to accelerate above low speeds until restarted. Connecting rod bearing failures appear in multiple reports, sometimes accompanied by loud noises and shaking before the engine shuts down. On the powertrain side, owners report transmission fluid contamination traced to a failed automatic transmission fluid warmer, where engine coolant and transmission fluid mix. Owners also describe the transmission unexpectedly shifting into neutral while driving, triggering multiple warning lights on the instrument panel.
349
Total Complaints
10
Crash-Related
3
Fire-Related
5
With Injuries
By System
The 2016 Acura MDX has 7 recalls, the most serious involving a fuel tank with inadequate welds that can separate and leak fuel, a risk of engine seizure that can cause a stall or fire, and rear suspension components that can corrode and fail, causing loss of vehicle control.
Two separate fuel pump recalls also carry the risk of an engine stall while driving: one affects a broad range of Honda and Acura vehicles where the pump can fail outright, and another, specific to 3.5L V6 models, involves fuel particulates that clog the pump and reduce its output. On the lighting side, moisture can get into the tailgate lid light assembly and wiring harness, causing the taillights, license plate lights, and position lights to go dark, reducing how visible the vehicle is to other drivers at night. The suspension corrosion recall is limited to vehicles originally sold or registered in states with heavy road salt use.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear subframe can corrode at suspension attachment points, potentially causing rear suspension components to fail.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the rear subframe, install a reinforcement kit, and repair or replace components as needed at no cost.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Moisture can seep into the tailgate lid light assembly and wiring, causing interior and exterior lights to stop working, including lid lights, position lights, license plate lights, and taillights.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the wiring, install a fuse harness, replace the lid light, and repair the body dust sealer as needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail, potentially stopping fuel delivery to the engine.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel pump module at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A manufacturing error may cause the connecting rod bearing in the engine to wear and seize, which damages the engine.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the engine and repair or replace it as necessary at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Moisture can enter the tailgate lid lights, causing the tailgate lid lights and taillights to stop working.
What the fix does
Dealers will modify the tailgate lid lights, install updated gaskets and wiring, or replace both tailgate lid lights.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Fuel particles can build up inside the fuel pump, reducing how well it works.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the engine control software and replace the fuel pump if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel tank has welds that are not strong enough. These welds may separate, causing fuel to leak from the tank.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel tank with a properly welded tank at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
