2016 Acura MDX Complaints

EXTERIOR LIGHTING — Filed 09/18/2026

Water leakage into the right tailgate lid light assembly caused it to malfunction. In the photo you can see water pooled in the right lower corner. There is a recall for this specific issue for the year/make/model of my vehicle (NHTSA ID 25V259000). However my VIN is not included. I took my vehicle to the dealership and they confirmed that moisture was entering the tailgate lid light assembly which caused the light to fail. There was a warranty extension issued in July 2025 that expired in November 2025 related to this issue that applied to my specific vehicle. However I was not having this safety issue at the time and did not receive notification so I was unaware of the warranty extension. [XXX] I am reporting this as a safety complaint because it is the exact issue for which a recall was issued, yet Acura did not include my vehicle based on its VIN. Therefore it is possible they did not include all vehicles for which this problem may occur. Because the failure of the taillight due to a defect is a safety issue increasing crash risk, this should have been included in the recall rather than just a 6 month warranty extension. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 06/28/2019

Driving home from a trip June 2019 on the highway at 60mph with 3 children and my husband, my 2016 Acura MDX experienced complete engine failure - alarms started to sound and I experienced a loss of acceleration, lights in the dash included Engine Problem, Transmission Problem, Emission System Problem, Critical Failure Detected Stop Driving When Safe etc. The vehicle shifted into neutral. I was able to pull off the road onto the shoulder. The engine was still running but would not shift into park. I contacted Acura TLC to have the vehicle towed but we were stranded on the side of a very busy highway in 90 degree heat with 3 kids waiting. Not only was it unsafe to be driving 60mph and lose engine power, I had to also negotiate three lanes of traffic to safely reach the shoulder. The dealership that serviced my vehicle stated it needed a "software update" - the vehicle was with them the week before this happened for regular maintenance and they failed to do the supposed software update. I complained about engine issue in this vehicle from the first time I took for service and nothing was ever done about my complaints. I have all my service records from Acura service indicating my complaints. In 2026 we took the vehicle back to Acura for diagnostics and were told the engine and transmission needed to be replaced due to a KNOWN issue by Honda Motor Corp with the transmission cooler system contamination. The repair estimate is $36,506.15.

SUSPENSION — Filed 08/19/2026

My 2016 Acura MDX (VIN [XXX]) is covered by Acura safety campaign 4170A8. The campaign covers rear subframe corrosion at the suspension mounting points that can cause the rear wheels to become misaligned or inadequately retained, affecting handling, stability, and braking. On XXX, I brought the vehicle to Sunnyside Acura, [XXX] (Repair Order XXX). The dealer did not perform the recall remedy and noted "cannot complete as rear toe arms are seized." They ordered replacement rear toe arms (52370-TZ5-A91 and 52375-TZ5-A91) that day. More than a month later, the recall repair has still not been completed: I filed a complaint with the dealership. They called me but did not follow through. On XXX, the dealer postponed the repair because no loaner vehicle was available. The repair was rescheduled for XXX. The dealer did not contact me. I contacted Acura Client Relations more than a week ago and have received no response. I am driving a vehicle with a known, open safety defect that Acura has acknowledged but has not repaired. I am asking NHTSA to help ensure Acura and its dealer complete the recall remedy promptly. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ENGINE — Filed 09/12/2026

Heard a knocking noise in the engine, had it serviced at an independent mechanic (towed as to not create more damage and the knocking noise was louder). Mechanic told me that the rod bearing/engine had failed and would need to be replaced. $7000-$10000 for replacement. He also indicated that this was under recall for 2016-2020 cars. I checked my VIN and my car is not part of the recall but the car has 130000 miles and has been serviced regularly. I am requesting that it be part of the recall since this is a known/reported issue for this year/model. I called American Honda and they said because of the mileage and age, that it would not be part of the recall.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE — Filed 09/04/2026

The contact owns a 2016 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power and failed to accelerate while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure posed a potential safety risk in daily traffic. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the road, and the vehicle was towed to a local dealer for diagnosis. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with engine bearing failure into the engine oil pan and cylinder #5 failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and NHTSA Action Number: PE25008 (Engine). The manufacturer was notified of the failure by telephone. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 09/05/2026

Car Keyless Entry Module/ TPMS Module having problem and alarms keep going off at anytime. It also stops car while driving because of no fob detection. It also automatically tries to turn the car on/off even when it was parked.

ENGINE — Filed 09/11/2025

"My 2016 Acura MDX completely seized on the highway after a loud knocking sound, which perfectly matches the connecting rod bearing failure under Recall 23V-751. Even if my specific VIN isn't showing up as open on the website, I know the NHTSA has a major open investigation into 1.4 million of these V6 engines because hundreds of vehicles are failing exactly like mine outside the original recall scope. I need Acura to open a corporate goodwill case to inspect my engine and cover this repair."

ENGINE — Filed 09/03/2026

"Vehicle experienced a sudden flashing check engine light pulled over checked oil restarted car flashing check engine light went away then started flashing again a few miles down the road (Cylinder 3 misfire) accompanied by severe engine knocking. The engine locked up/seized while hot. car was stuck on the road and was unable to shift to neutral. After cooling down, the engine restarted but produces a heavy metallic scraping and loud squealing noise from internal friction. This matches the exact failure mechanism of connecting rod bearing failure under investigation PE25008, but Honda/Acura has excluded this VIN from active recalls. I was forced to pay $389 out-of-pocket for an emergency tow."

SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE — Filed 08/08/2026

The contact owns a 2016 Acura MDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V365000 (Structure, Suspension) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The vehicle was taken to a local authorized dealer, and recall repairs were performed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

ENGINE — Filed 08/23/2026

The engine in the car caught fire and subsequently destroyed the vehicle. The car was parking in a shopping center parking lot at the time.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 07/02/2026

I just got back home from Walmart, went in my house to get a few things and head to my camper. I had to get one last thing ,so I started to drive over town I noticed a plastic burning smell ,I thought someone was burning trash, so I keep going ,the smell got worse,so I stopped and was going to check what it was and smoke started coming out of the vents,so I turned around drove car home,as I was pulling into my drive ,I noticed the wiring harness fell from behind glove box ,on fire on the floor. We got car in driveway and got out,tried to extinguish the fire but couldn't, so grab everything out of the car,and the car became totally engulfed in flames,the car was totally gone from this electrical short.

AIR BAGS — Filed 08/03/2025

The contact's daughter owned a 2016 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving approximately 70 MPH on an interstate, another driver crashed into the rear passenger's side and the front passenger's side of the vehicle, causing the vehicle to spin clockwise. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The driver hit her shoulder and lower back against the driver's side door. The driver later received medical assistance and was being treated for lower back and shoulder injuries. No police report was filed. The rear tires were damaged and became flat. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and the vehicle was later towed to the dealer's auto body shop, where it was totaled. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 92,900.

SEAT BELTS — Filed 12/13/2023

I was involved in an accident 12/13, 2023. No airbags deployed, however, my seatbelt locked up. A new seatbelt was ordered through Acura soon thereafter 12/23. At the time this was ordered, I was told that there was no ETA as there is a national backorder. Fast forward to today, my car has been fully repaired and is still sitting in the local repair shop because there are still no seatbelts available. I have filed complaints with Acura corporate, and have a claim number that I would be more than happy to provide. Acura corporate has advised the repair shop that it will be at least six months to one year until a seatbelt is is available I also have documentation on the “ expedited order” that was placed for the seatbelt in 12/2023. The insurance company, USAA, is now looking at totaling my car simply because we cannot find a seatbelt. The local Acura dealers, and our car repair shop cannot believe that cannot seem to get a seatbelt for me, and it’s been four months. On my research online, it appears that Acura may be legally obligated to manufacture, and provide this part. I wanted to report this to the proper regulatory agency to ensure that this has been documented. The car is completely drivable, given the lack of safety restraint. I also am aware that I am not alone in this complaint, as many other MDX owners are experiencing the same I am not sure how to proceed from here and I’m hoping that you may be able to help Thank you so much for your time and consideration

SEAT BELTS,AIR BAGS — Filed 12/06/2023

The contact owns a 2016 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds through a parking area, his foot slipped and the vehicle unintendedly accelerated, coming to a complete stop after crashing into an 8-inch barrier. The air bags did not deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. A Police report was not filed, and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the driver's side seat belt needed to be replaced following the crash but informed the contact that Part Number: 04818-TZ5-A00ZC was unavailable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that parts were not yet available. A case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 02/10/2024

The trunk opens like it should, but then closes after the lift gate reaches the top. It will close on your head if you don't move out of the way, which is what happened the first time because I didn't know what was happening. You can stop the lift gate from continuing to close, but then you can hurt your arm due to the force the door is closing with, as there is no auto censor for the door to know something is blocking the path. This event has been reproduced over 50 times in the last week. About 10% of the time, the lift gate works normally. I have an appointment at the dealership in 3 days. Based on a search of TSBs, this problem has been reported multiple times since at least 2019. It had been working normally until this week, started 2/10/24 and is still occurring when I open the trunk. No warning messages appear.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE — Filed 11/09/2022

First on off glitching when ever accessory mode is used WHILE IN MOTION, FIRST BRAKELIGHT HAD WARNING THEN WARNING ABOUT TRAILER STABILITY ASSIST. WHEN I WENT IN REVERSE, THE WHOLE DASHBOARD INCLUDING THE NAVIGATION SCREEN WENT BLACK AND THE CAR FELT LIKE THE ENGINE STOPPED. THIS HAPPENED A FEW TIMES. I DON'T THINK THE ENGINE ACTUALLY STOPPED THOUGH BECAUSE I DID NOT HAVE TO RESTART THE CAR. THE BRAKE LIGHT ERROR MESSAGE HAS OCCURRED DRIVING FORWARD AS WELL, BUT NOT ACCOMPANIED BY THE BLACKOUT OF THE DASH AND NAV PANEL. Steering becane stiffer ALL OF THIS HAPPENED WHILE IN MOTION.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 01/17/2022

The contact's wife owns a 2016 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while his wife was reversing out of the driveway with his grandchildren in the rear seats, she stopped the vehicle to check for incoming traffic but the vehicle switched gears to drive on its own and accelerated forward. The contact's wife depressed the brake pedal but it failed to respond and the vehicle crashed into his unoccupied vehicle that was parked ahead in the driveway. The driver's airbags deployed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact's wife parked the vehicle. There were no injuries sustained. A police report was not filed. The contact stated that his wife switched gears to reverse and attempted to reverse the vehicle. The vehicle only reversed for 2 feet and switched gears back to park. The contact stated that the vehicle continuously switched gears to park whenever they attempted to reverse. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 37,592.

ENGINE — Filed 09/25/2020

IN SEPTEMBER 2020, CAR RANDOMLY TURNED OFF WHEN STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT (ON BUSY INTERSECTION) DURING IDLE MODE CAUSING THE CAR BEHIND US TO HIT WHEN LIGHT TURNED GREEN. NO DAMAGE WAS DONE TO MY CAR SINCE THE CAR WASN'T MOVING AT WAS HIT AT LOW SPEED.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 04/14/2020

CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE DRIVING WITH MY FAMILY INSIDE THE VEHICLE! LUCKY US POLICE WAS AROUND TO HELP EVERYONE OUT OF THE VEHICLE. *TR

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 11/15/2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, WHEN DRIVING OVER A SPEED BUMP THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND IMPACTED THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT STATED SHE WAS NOT INJURED. THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVER OF THE OTHER VEHICLE SUSTAINED UNKNOWN INJURIES BUT WAS NOT AWARE IF MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE AND WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT COLLISION CENTER. THE VEHICLE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC OR DEALER. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED AFTER THE ACCIDENT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V060000 (FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER) AT NORRIS ACURA (8559 BALTIMORE NATIONAL PIKE, ELLICOTT CITY, MD 21043) ON 10/11/2019. THE CONTACT STATED AFTER THE RECALL REMEDY THE VEHICLE HAD A FUEL LEAK. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED, HOWEVER STATED SHE WOULD BE REASONABLE FOR DIAGNOSES AND REPAIRS FEES. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 64,053.

AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 10/03/2019

I WAS APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT ON A BUSY STREET ON A VERY BRIGHT DAY AND DID NOT SEE THAT THE STOP LIGHT I WAS APPROACHING HAD TURNED RED. WHEN I REALIZED IT WAS RED, I BRAKED RAPIDLY OF COURSE BUT STILL GOING AT A PRETTY GOOD SPEED I HIT THE STOPPED CAR IN FRONT OF ME. THE COLLISION WAS BETWEEN DRIVERS SIDE OF MY MDX AND RIGHT REAR OF A MEDIUM-SIZED WHITE JEEP. MY 17 YR OLD SON WAS IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AND HIS AIR BAG DEPLOYED, HOWEVER MY DRIVER BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. BOTH SEAT BELTS LOCKED UP. THE IMPACT WAS VERY STRONG ON DRIVER SIDE GIVEN THAT IS WHERE WE HIT. FORTUNATELY, MY SEAT BELT KEPT ME FROM HITTING THE WINDSHIELD. MY ONLY INJURIES ARE NECK ACHE, HEAD ACHE, SEAT BELT BRUISES, AND RINGING EARS. MY CONCERN IS FOR FUTURE USE OF MY CAR. IF THE DRIVER AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY GIVEN THIS HARD OF A HIT, I DO NOT BELIEVE IT WILL DEPLOY IN ANY COLLISION. I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH ACURA REQUESTING THEM TO INSPECT THE AIRBAG AND BLACK BOX TO DETERMINE WHY IT DID NOT DEPLOY AND THEY SAID THAT AIRBAGS ARE DESIGNED TO ONLY DEPLOY WHEN NEEDED AND IN THIS CASE THE CARS COMPUTER DETERMINED IT WAS NOT NEEDED HENCE THERE IS NO REASON TO INSPECT IT FURTHER. I BELIEVE THAT IF THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WHERE THE IMPACT WAS LESS THEN THE AIR BAG SHOULD HAVE ALSO DEPLOYED ON THE DRIVER SIDE. MY INSURANCE ADJUSTER ALSO SUPPOSEDLY REQUESTED ACURA TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND THEY ALSO DID NOT GET ANY FAVORABLE ACTION FROM ACURA. HONDA/ACURA OF AMERICA RETURNED MY PHONE CALLS TWICE AND SIMPLY SAID THERE IS NO SUPPORTING INFORMATION INDICATING THAT THE AIRBAG OR CARS COMPUTER SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED. THEY ALSO DID NOT ASK ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THE ACCIDENT IN WHICH ADDITIONAL INFORMATION COULD BE PROVIDED. THE ESTIMATED REPAIR ON THE CAR IS OVER $12K.

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 04/07/2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 ACURA MDX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE BRAKE PEDAL FAILED TO RESPOND AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A PARKED VEHICLE. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER WAS SHAKEN UP BY THE INCIDENT, BUT WAS NOT INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY TO RALLYE ACURA (1750 NORTHERN BLVD, ROSLYN, NY 11576, (516) 625-7070); HOWEVER, THE DEALER REFUSED TO INSPECT AND DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE BRAKE FAILURE. THE DEALER STATED THAT DUE TO THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, THE COMPUTER SYSTEM WAS NOT AVAILABLE TO BE ACCESSED TO PROVIDE A TECHNICAL ANALYSIS. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS TO REPAIR THE COLLISION DAMAGES. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT ISSUED ANY BRAKE SYSTEM RECALLS FOR THIS YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE CRASH. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.

ENGINE — Filed 03/04/2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 ACURA MDX. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, THE CONTACT SMELLED SMOKE WHEN THE HEATER WAS ACTIVATED. THE CONTACT EXITED THE HIGHWAY, PARKED, AND EXITED THE VEHICLE. SMOKE AND FLAMES ENGULFED THE VEHICLE FROM UNDERNEATH THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. THE POLICE ARRIVED SHORTLY AND CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000.

STEERING — Filed 12/20/2017

I WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET AT AROUND 20-25 MPH WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN I HEAR A LOUD SNAPPING SOUND. I IMMEDIATELY LOST ALL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND IT JERKED HARD TO THE RIGHT HITTING TWO PARKED VEHICLES. UPON INSPECTION, IT APPEARS AS THOUGH THE REAR CONTROL ARM ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT WHEEL SNAPPED, CAUSING ME TO LOSE CONTROL.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 08/29/2015

FORWARD/FRONT COLLISION MITIGATION BRAKING SYSTEM DIDN'T ENGAGE ENOUGH TO REDUCE OR AVOID IMPACT OF THE COLLISION. MY VEHICLE TOOK A RIGHT TURN AT ABOUT 20-25 MPH AND TRAVELLED LESS THAN 2-2.5 CAR LENGTH BEFORE GETTING ONTO THE CURB AND HITTING AN IRON PILLAR ABOUT 2 FEET HIGH ON SIDE WALK. IT WAS A SIDE FRONTAL COLLISION AND THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT WHEEL DIRECTLY HIT THE IRON PILLAR. THE VEHICLE SPEED WASN'T REDUCED TO MITIGATE IMPACT/DAMAGE FROM THE COLLISION AND VEHICLE TOOK FULL IMPACT OF THE COLLISION. THE FORWARD/FRONT COLLISION MITIGATION BRAKING SYSTEM MUST BE EVALUATED TO ASSESS SUITABILITY TO AVOID COLLISION WITH OBJECTS OF LOW HEIGHT.