Is the 2016 Acura MDX transmission reliable?

NHTSA data shows 111 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2016 MDX, 30% of that year's 374 total complaints, which is the highest share among MDX model years listed. Owners describe erratic shifting, unexpected drops into neutral, and one transmission failure linked to coolant contamination.

Is there a transmission recall for the 2016 Acura MDX?

No related recalls are listed in this data for the Transmission & Powertrain area of the 2016 MDX.

At what mileage do 2016 MDX transmission problems usually show up?

The median mileage at failure among reported cases is 31,001.5 miles.

Did the 2016 MDX transmission issues cause any crashes?

NHTSA records show 1 crash and 0 fires associated with Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2016 MDX, with 0 injuries reported.

2016 Acura MDX Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 111 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2016 Acura MDX, 30% of all 374 complaints for the year, the highest share of any MDX model year. Median mileage at failure was 31,001.5 miles. No related recalls are listed for this problem area.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 111; 30% of 374
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 31,002 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Owners report the 9-speed transmission shifting unpredictably, with delayed engagement, pauses in power delivery, and jerky or erratic shifts, sometimes tied to how much throttle is applied.
Several owners describe the transmission unexpectedly dropping into neutral while driving, including at highway speed, and becoming stuck there or unable to shift back into gear.
Some drivers report the vehicle shifting into drive or park on its own during low-speed maneuvers, including one case where the brakes failed to stop forward acceleration and a crash occurred.
Owners describe rough or delayed shifts between low gears, along with the car lunging forward or hesitating when coming to a stop.
One complaint describes a transmission fluid heater fault that allowed engine coolant into the transmission, causing shifting problems, a beeping noise at low speed, and eventual transmission failure.
A separate owner reported a transmission fluid leak discovered after only a couple hundred miles of driving, traced to a gasket and cover issue.

When 2016 Acura MDX transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Jul 13, 2015, latest Jun 24, 2026.

111 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2015 Q3 to 2026 Q2; peak 2019 Q1 (8).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2016 Acura MDX

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by MDX model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

200587 (48%)
200638 (44%)
20078 (8%)
20083 (6%)
20098 (15%)
20105 (11%)
20118 (11%)
201213 (17%)
20134 (14%)
201426 (15%)
201512 (17%)
2016111 (30%)
201764 (25%)
201823 (14%)
201931 (16%)
202021 (10%)
202264 (42%)
202310 (26%)
20242 (5%)
20254 (4%)

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2016 Acura MDX transmission reliable?: NHTSA data shows 111 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2016 MDX, 30% of that year's 374 total complaints, which is the highest share among MDX model years listed. Owners describe erratic shifting, unexpected drops into neutral, and one transmission failure linked to coolant contamination.
Is there a transmission recall for the 2016 Acura MDX?: No related recalls are listed in this data for the Transmission & Powertrain area of the 2016 MDX.
At what mileage do 2016 MDX transmission problems usually show up?: The median mileage at failure among reported cases is 31,001.5 miles.
Did the 2016 MDX transmission issues cause any crashes?: NHTSA records show 1 crash and 0 fires associated with Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2016 MDX, with 0 injuries reported.