Is the 2016 Acura RDX reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2016 RDX rates Good, with a complaint index of 33 and 40 total complaints, ranking 13th worst among 19 model years of the RDX.

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Acura RDX?

NHTSA data shows Transmission & Powertrain issues lead with 9 complaints (23% share), followed by Electrical System (8 complaints, 20%) and Engine problems (7 complaints, 18%).

Does the 2016 Acura RDX have any recalls?

Yes, NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2016 RDX, both involving airbag inflators (campaigns 19V182000 and 16V061000). Neither is classified as a do-not-drive recall.

How does the 2016 RDX compare to other RDX years?

The 2016 model performs much better than 2014, 2015, 2019, and 2020, which all carry an Avoid verdict with complaint indexes of 83 to 100, compared to 33 for 2016.

What is the fuel economy of the 2016 Acura RDX?

The 2016 RDX gets an EPA-rated 22.5 mpg combined (19.5 city / 27.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,550.

2016 Acura RDX Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Good The 2016 Acura RDX has a complaint index of 33, ranking 13th worst out of 19 model years, and earns a Good verdict. It has 40 complaints and 2 recalls, both for airbag inflators, well below the higher-complaint 2014-2020 RDX years.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index: 33/100; #13 of 19 RDX years
Verdict: Good; vs. other years of this model
Complaints: 40; unique NHTSA reports
Recalls: 2; distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes: 3; reported in complaints
Fires: 2
Injuries: 3
Top issue: Transmission & Powertrain
Best nearby year: 2012; rated Best

NHTSA overall rating: 5 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG: 22.5; 19.5 city / 27.5 hwy
Injuries / deaths: 3 / 0

2016 Acura RDX recalls

2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

NHTSA 19V182000Mar 6, 2019Airbags1,101,534 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode.
Risk: An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is O41. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is U40.
NHTSA 16V061000Feb 3, 2016Airbags2,232,187 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Honda CR-V, 2011-2015 CR-Z, 2010-2014 FCX, and Insight, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013-2014 Fit EV, 2007-2014 Ridgeline, 2013-2016 Acura ILX, 2013-2014 Acura ILX Hybrid, 2007-2016 RDX, 2005-2012 Acura RL, 2009-2014 Acura TL, and 2010-2013 Acura ZDX vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are JY0, JY1, and JY2.

2016 Acura RDX fuel economy and fuel cost

City: 19.5 MPG
Highway: 27.5 MPG
Combined: 22.5 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA): $3,550; 15,000 mi/yr
Fuel: Premium
Current regular gas: $4.32/gal; national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2016 compared with other RDX years

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Recalls	MPG
2014	Avoid	83	242	3	22.5
2015	Avoid	89	411	3	22.5
2016	Good	33	40	2	22.5
2017	Caution	67	76	1	22.5
2018	Caution	56	77	1	22.5

All Acura RDX years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2016 Acura RDX reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2016 RDX rates Good, with a complaint index of 33 and 40 total complaints, ranking 13th worst among 19 model years of the RDX.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Acura RDX?: NHTSA data shows Transmission & Powertrain issues lead with 9 complaints (23% share), followed by Electrical System (8 complaints, 20%) and Engine problems (7 complaints, 18%).
Does the 2016 Acura RDX have any recalls?: Yes, NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2016 RDX, both involving airbag inflators (campaigns 19V182000 and 16V061000). Neither is classified as a do-not-drive recall.
How does the 2016 RDX compare to other RDX years?: The 2016 model performs much better than 2014, 2015, 2019, and 2020, which all carry an Avoid verdict with complaint indexes of 83 to 100, compared to 33 for 2016.
What is the fuel economy of the 2016 Acura RDX?: The 2016 RDX gets an EPA-rated 22.5 mpg combined (19.5 city / 27.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,550.