2016 Acura MDX: common problems and reliability

One of the worst MDX years.

One of the Acura MDX years to avoid. All MDX years

374 owner complaints, most about engine. 7 recalls.

Should I buy a 2016 MDX?

The 2016 Acura MDX has 374 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 7 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and power train.

Safety record for the 2016 model year

374
Owner complaints
7
Recalls
10
Crash reports
5
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2016 Acura MDX vehicles (US, public record).

The Year Score compares this year with other MDX years only. How we score it

Is 2016 a good year for the MDX?

Across the 25 MDX model years we track, complaint volume runs from 29 (2013) to 374 (2016). With 374 complaints, the 2016 MDX sits above the model's median of 105.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

engine
161
power train
111
electrical system
37
fuel/propulsion system
27
structure
21

Recalls affecting the 2016 MDX

fuel system, other:delivery:fuel pump

Campaign 19V060000

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.

exterior lighting:tail lights

Campaign 19V256000

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.

fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly

Campaign 16V417000

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.

engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanical

Campaign 23V751000

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.

Show 3 more recalls

fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump

Campaign 23V858000

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.

exterior lighting

Campaign 25V259000

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.

structure:frame and members

Campaign 26V365000

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.

What owners say across generations

Owners broadly praise the MDX for reliability, driving dynamics, interior comfort, and value, with many describing it as the most reliable vehicle they have owned and reporting zero issues over tens of thousands of miles.

Owner insights cover all generations of the MDX. See the full MDX owner picture and every model year.

Typical used price

Used MDX listings typically run $18,298–$31,502.

Other MDX model years

Compare every MDX year side by side to see how 2016 ranks against the rest.

Compare the MDX against its rivals

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