Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 371 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Acura MDX, and it carries 7 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 107 | 29% |
| Power train | 61 | 16% |
| Unknown or other | 19 | 5% |
| Power train | 14 | 4% |
| Structure | 13 | 4% |
| Electrical system | 10 | 3% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 9 | 2% |
| Service brakes | 8 | 2% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 6 | 2% |
| Exterior lighting | 5 | 1% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
Car Keyless Entry Module/ TPMS Module having problem and alarms keep going off at anytime. It also stops car while driving because of no fob detection. It also automatically tries to turn the car on/off even when it was
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
"My 2016 Acura MDX completely seized on the highway after a loud knocking sound, which perfectly matches the connecting rod bearing failure under Recall 23V-751. Even if my specific VIN isn't showing up as open on the we
NHTSA complaint: Engine
"Vehicle experienced a sudden flashing check engine light pulled over checked oil restarted car flashing check engine light went away then started flashing again a few miles down the road (Cylinder 3 misfire) accompanied
NHTSA complaint: Engine
The contact owns a 2016 Acura MDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V365000 (Structure, Suspension) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The vehicle was taken to a
NHTSA complaint: Suspension
2016 Acura MDX. The red LED section of the inner tailgate taillight (lid light) has failed and no longer illuminates. The white backup bulb in the same assembly still works. The LED section is sealed inside the assembly
NHTSA complaint: Exterior lighting
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 complaint: Engine
On August 3rd the vehicle began making a loud clicking/knocking noise from the engine area of the car. Took the car to Richard Bailey Automotive on August 4th for diagnosis. Was informed a week later the engine needed re
NHTSA complaint: Engine
The contact owns a 2016 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer
NHTSA complaint: Engine
NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the 2016 Acura MDX. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
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.
Risk: Reduced fuel pump performance can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix: 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.
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.
Risk: Loss of the taillights reduces the vehicle's visibility, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix: 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
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 wh
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Fix: 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 numb
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.
Risk: A damaged engine may run improperly or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a fire, crash, or injury.
Fix: 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. 2016-20
| Reliability raw | 56 | average |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 70 | good |
| Maintenance | 79 | good |
| Depreciation | 64 | average |
| Performance | 67 | good |
| Efficiency | 39 | below average |
| Safety | 93 | excellent |
Percentile ranks against other SUVs in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 371 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and engine is the most reported area with 107 of them (29%). There are 7 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 56/100 (average) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 70/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2016 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 67/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.