2016 Acura MDX Engine Problems
NHTSA lists 182 engine complaints for the 2016 Acura MDX, 49% of its 374 total complaints for the year. Median mileage at failure was 52,000, with 3 crashes, 2 fires, and 2 injuries reported. A related engine recall (23V751000) also applies to this model year.
- Engine complaints
- 182
- 49% of 374
- Crashes reported
- 3
- Fires reported
- 2
- Injuries reported
- 2
- Median mileage
- 52,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Owners describe unexpected engine shutdown or stalling while driving at low speed, including at idle in traffic.
- Several complaints describe engine or under-hood fires, in some cases while driving on the highway or while parked, with smoke coming from the passenger side of the vehicle.
- Owners report jerking, hesitating, or abrupt shifting behavior tied to the engine and transmission interaction, occurring across a wide range of speeds.
- Some drivers report a high-pitched chirping noise from the engine at idle once warm, with dealers unable to pinpoint the cause.
- A few owners report the engine failing to start along with multiple dashboard warning lights, sometimes recurring within weeks.
- One complaint describes coolant entering the transmission through a faulty two-way valve, causing shifting and noise problems.
When 2016 Acura MDX engine complaints were filed
First complaint Sep 8, 2015, latest Sep 15, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2016 Acura MDX
- NHTSA 23V751000Nov 13, 2023Engine248,999 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanical
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.
Remedy: 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. 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed in mid-December 2024. Honda began mailing owner notification letters as of March 18, 2024. 2015-2016 Acura owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-December 2024, 2018 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed the end of March/early April 2024, 2019 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-May 2024, 2020 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-June 2024, and 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed January 27, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XG1 and GG0.
Engine 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 engine complaints does the 2016 Acura MDX have?
- NHTSA lists 182 engine complaints for the 2016 Acura MDX, which is 49% of the 374 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there an engine recall for the 2016 Acura MDX?
- Yes. Recall 23V751000 covers a manufacturing error affecting the engine connecting rod on certain 2016-2020 Acura MDX vehicles among other Honda/Acura models, and dealers will inspect and repair or replace the engine free of charge.
- At what mileage do engine problems typically show up on the 2016 MDX?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for engine complaints on the 2016 MDX is 52,000 miles.
- Have engine problems on the 2016 MDX caused crashes or fires?
- NHTSA data tied to this engine complaint category for the 2016 MDX shows 3 crashes, 2 fires, and 2 injuries.