2016 Acura MDX Electrical System Problems
NHTSA lists 46 electrical system complaints for the 2016 Acura MDX, 12% of that year's 374 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 27,501. Two related recalls (25V259000 and 19V256000) cover moisture entering the tailgate lid light wiring, causing light failures.
- Electrical System complaints
- 46
- 12% of 374
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 27,502 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical electrical symptoms owners report
- Multiple warning lights (transmission, VSA, hill start assist, all-wheel drive) illuminate simultaneously while driving, sometimes paired with sudden loss of acceleration or stalling at highway speed.
- Vehicle enters a failsafe or limp mode where the transmission stops shifting properly and the car becomes barely drivable, occurring more than once in some cases.
- Battery drains unexpectedly, leaving the vehicle unable to start, including instances where the car died while in an intersection.
- A dark band or line appears across the top of the windshield at night, blocking part of the driver's view.
- Onboard computer triggers unexpected software updates that interfere with engine starting.
- Dashboard and navigation screen go black while shifting into reverse, accompanied by brake and trailer stability warning messages.
When 2016 Acura MDX electrical complaints were filed
First complaint Sep 8, 2015, latest Aug 28, 2026.
Electrical System recalls for the 2016 Acura MDX
- NHTSA 25V259000Apr 17, 2025Electrical System152,800 vehicles
Interior lighting
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.
Risk: Vehicle lights that fail to illuminate can decrease visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the wiring and install a fuse harness, replace the lid light, and repair the body dust sealer, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 30, 2025. Owners may contact Acura's customer service at 1-800-382-2238. Acura's number for this recall is FLI. Vehicles included in this recall that were previously repaired under NHTSA recall number 19V-256 will need to have the new remedy completed.
- NHTSA 19V256000Mar 28, 2019Electrical System322,897 vehicles
Exterior lighting
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.
Remedy: 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 free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2019. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is M49.
Electrical System complaints by MDX model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many electrical system complaints does NHTSA have for the 2016 Acura MDX?
- NHTSA lists 46 electrical system complaints for the 2016 MDX, which is 12% of the 374 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for electrical issues on the 2016 Acura MDX?
- Yes. Recall 19V256000 and recall 25V259000 both address moisture entering the tailgate lid light wiring harness, which can cause interior and exterior lights to fail.
- At what mileage do electrical problems typically show up on the 2016 MDX?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA is 27,501 miles, though some owners reported issues at much lower mileage.
- Did the 2016 MDX electrical problems cause any crashes or injuries?
- NHTSA data shows 0 crashes, 1 fire, and 1 injury linked to electrical system complaints for the 2016 MDX.
- How does the 2016 MDX compare to other model years for electrical complaints?
- The 2016 MDX had 46 electrical complaints (12% share), lower in share than years like 2013 (38%) or 2025 (46%), though higher in raw count than most earlier model years.