The Lemon Index2016 Acura MDX.
The 2016 Acura MDX is one of the worst years by owner complaints: 122 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 217, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about transmission & drivetrain, it has 7 recalls, and it gets 21 to 23 mpg combined. The best Acura MDX year is 2010.
Lemon alert. 2.2× the average car's complaints.
Best year 2010
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 376 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Acura MDX year. 2016 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 12K to 75K miles on the car (174 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 36K–97K miles
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 13K–55K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 6K–52K miles
Recalls 7
- body structure 2026
The rear subframe may corrode at the suspension mounting points, which can result in rear suspension component failure.
- lights 2025
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.
- fuel system, gasoline 2023
The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Show all 7 recalls
- engine 2023
Due to a manufacturing error, the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, damaging the engine.
- lights 2019
Moisture may enter the tailgate lid lights, possibly causing a loss of the tailgate lid lights and the taillights.
- fuel system, other 2019
Particulates in fuel may adhere to the internal components of the fuel pump, reducing its performance.
- fuel system, gasoline 2016
The affected vehicles have fuel tanks that were manufactured with insufficient welds which may separate and allow fuel to leak out.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Acura told dealers about
Acura sent dealers 334 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Chirping noise from contact with the back edge
- Service news article - while driving under steady cruise (between 30 and 65 mph) or light…
- Engineering request for investigation - please call honda to discuss any fuel leaks from the…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenNo restart after auto start/stop engages2025
- OpenEngine failure2025
- ClosedEngine failure2024–2025
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acura MDX SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Acura MDX SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3450–3800 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.5L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
Rough gear shift and cars seems to be rev-up at low gears . This can create a dangerous condition while accelerating from stops .
2016 Acura MDX owner · NHTSA complaint 10823626
More owner reports
2016 Acura MDX. Consumer writes in regard to defective transmission.
NHTSA complaint 11266352
The car overheated and was leaking blue fluid, started smoking and had a weird chirping noise coming from the engine. The car was parked and was jumping another car with a dead battery.
NHTSA complaint 11098086
Quick answers
Is the 2016 Acura MDX reliable?
No, it is one of the worst by government complaints. It drew 2.2× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 217; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Acura MDX year by this measure is 2010.
What are the most common 2016 Acura MDX problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are transmission & drivetrain (48%), engine (20%) and electrical (16%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2016 Acura MDX have?
7 safety recalls (latest: body structure). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Acura MDX get?
21 to 23 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2016 Acura MDX safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2016 Acura MDX problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 12,900 and 75,000 miles. The middle report was at 37,900 miles, from 174 complaints.
Does the 2016 Acura MDX have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 48% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2016 Acura MDX cost in fuel a year?
About $3450 to $3800 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2016 Acura MDX have?
3.5L 6-cyl.
What Acura MDX year is better than the 2016?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2010, 2012 and 2013.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works