10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
18,460 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2016 Acura MDX electrical problems

electrical problem

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2016 Acura MDX Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #28

Apr 202022

MDX

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My vehicle has been going off on its own when it is off, the lights starts to flicker on the outside and on the dashboard, the seats malfunction on its own so does the steering wheel causing the steering wheel to move up and down adjusting on its own, the car alarm will go off all the time, and I hear a noise coming from under the hood. It-??s so bad that I have to take out the battery and leave it cause this problem will continue until the battery is dead, sometimes it will cause all the lights to come on and stay on all night, mean while the vehicle is not even turned on when all this is happening, I search couple video and websites only to see other people having the same problem with this specific type of vehicle, this problem been consistent for months and it makes the car unable to drive.

- Mcdonough, GA, USA

problem #27

Apr 202022

MDX

  • miles
My vehicle has been going off on its own when it is off, the lights starts to flicker on the outside and on the dashboard, the seats malfunction on its own so does the steering wheel causing the steering wheel to move up and down adjusting on its own, the car alarm will go off all the time, and I hear a noise coming from under the hood. It-??s so bad that I have to take out the battery and leave it cause this problem will continue until the battery is dead, sometimes it will cause all the lights to come on and stay on all night, mean while the vehicle is not even turned on when all this is happening, I search couple video and websites only to see other people having the same problem with this specific type of vehicle, this problem been consistent for months and it makes the car unable to drive.

- Mcdonough, GA, USA

problem #26

Jul 232024

MDX

  • miles
We have a 2016 Acura MDX and it has automatically shifted to Neutral 3 times (twice while driving on the freeway and 1x yesterday while driving on the street at normal speeds) in the last 2 months. On the MDX dashboard, it will display "Emissions System Problem" and then display "Stop Driving When Safe. Transmission Problem. See Manual." However, the car will automatically shift to Neutral within seconds. My children's lives (7 y/o and 5 y/o) were placed in danger as a result of this system failure. I have contacted the Acura Honda Recall Specialists and Client Relations Representatives. The car is being diagnosed at Cerritos Acura dealership at the present time. A case number has been filed since our VIN shows no recall, despite it having recalls for other 2016 Acura MDXs.

- Anaheim, CA, USA

problem #25

May 062022

MDX

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Car failed at stops when auto stop is engaged. Vehicle would not restart. This happened at stop lights, stop signs etc. I took in for repair and the starter was replaced. American Honda subsequently issued a notice (not a full recall) for my vehicle for this issue. They offered reimbursement for the repairs. However, when I sent in the repair bill, the refused to reimburse. They need to be held accountable for this issue.

- Chamblee, GA, USA

problem #24

Oct 212022

MDX

  • miles
Transmission shifted to neutral limiting controllable forward movement. This occurred without any warning while in traffic. This created a VERY HIGH SAFETY RISK. This issue occurred three times creating a need to have it towed into a repair dealer, diagnostics, and resetting of the electrical circuit. The diagnosis code was P0973.

- Overland Park, KS, USA

problem #23

Nov 092022

MDX

  • miles
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.

- Sierra Vista , AZ, USA

problem #22

Mar 232022

MDX

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While driving on the interstate miles in cruise control vehicle started to reduce speed quickly. upon pressing the accelerator (as a semi was right behind me) nothing happened. I attempted to pump the gas pedal in desperation of not being hit as no pull off lane was available. After about 4 minutes vehicle was able to accelerate once again no warning signs or lights came on at this time (i had my 4 young children in the vehicle) extremely unsafe and yet no resolution with said issues. This has occurred 4 times as of yet. #2 dashboard display vehicle in park (P)blinking along with codes; lane departure failure, transmission system failure, blind spot failure. During this time i was able to still drive. Dealership verbalized they could not resolve the issue as no codes ect.,(Popped up) or Registered upon diagnosis. Has occurred 3 times. #3 vehicle door windows are loose as if they were going to fall right off. #4 When I start the engine there's a loud noise prior to starting and during idle. #5 Air conditioner stops working in the front only on occasions. Especially on warmer days. #6 not shifting smoothly. #7 Doors sound as if not sealed appropriately. #7 safety features warning of not able to function due yo overheating

- Sierra Vista, AZ, USA

problem #21

Oct 092021

MDX

  • miles
I believe my transmission or the electrical component(s) to my transmission failed. I was driving down the road and all of a sudden my car shifted into neutral and would not allow me to accelerate so we had make our way to the shoulder to put the car in park. Having my vehicle thrown into neutral while driving and not being able to accelerate put not only us, but other drivers at serious risk! There were several warning messages popping up on our screen (see attached photos). In researching this issue, I found that there had been several TSBs and a class action lawsuit claiming the same issue faced by many drivers. It is currently at the Acura dealership getting serviced and they will be replacing the entire transmission and TCM harness under the CPO warranty. I cannot believe there has not been a recall on this potentially life-threatening issue.

- Youngsville, LA, USA

problem #20

Nov 082020

MDX

  • 77,000 miles
In the last 6 months, my SUV has stalled either at a stop light or when parked. It would sputter on trying to restart. Battery was not an issue. Thought it was a starter issue and got a new starter. But it happened again today and the tow truck guy powered with jump start (even though it was not a battery issue) and it started.

- Saratoga, CA, USA

problem #19

Jul 222020

MDX

  • 61,083 miles
If the owner sits in the car with the radio operating and then turns the car off completely but doesn't lock the vehicle and then returns at some point and attempts to unlock the vehicle and then start the engine, on an intermittent basis, the battery has been run down even though the engine was turned off.

- Denver, CO, USA

problem #18

Sep 172019

MDX

  • 72,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Vehicle had an electronic failure (eps) which caused a loss of steering control. Vehicle was in motion in our driveway.

- Tucson, AZ, USA

problem #17

Jul 202019

MDX

  • 38,000 miles
My 2016 Acura MDX. Stalled twice. Both times in start and stop traffic when stopped the cylinder deactivation engaged, however then the power went out completely without warning, it took about 5-10 min then the push to start worked and the car restarted. After the first stall we took it Acura, however they said there was nothing wrong. I am writing this report after the second stall today.

- Daly City, CA, USA

problem #16

Jun 172019

MDX

  • 38,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Acura MDX. On several occasions, while stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle stalled. When the push to start button was pressed, the vehicle restarted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A diagnostic appointment was scheduled with Acura of fremont (located at 5700 cushing pkwy, fremont, ca 94538, (510) 431-2500). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 38,000.

- San Jose, CA, USA

problem #15

Apr 202017

MDX

  • 50,000 miles
Transmition problem ( electrical )

- Paterson, NJ, USA

problem #14

Jun 102018

MDX

  • 31,003 miles
June 10, 2018 - 4 hours into 5.5 hour trip, traveling on hwy 98, South of tallahassee, fl, vehicle lost acceleration, series of warning lights started flashing. Limped over onto shoulder, turned vehicle off, called roadside assistance. When tow truck arrived an hour later, started vehicle and it ran normally....drove vehicle to proctor Acura, following tow truck. Dealership and factory personnel unable to determine problem. December 4, 2018 - 1 hour into 3 hour trip, wife traveling alone on interstate 10E, mobile, al. While on bridge across mobile bay, vehicle lost acceleration. As she was coasting onto narrow shoulder, frantically pumping accelerator, vehicle re-engaged and trip was completed with no further issue. Unsure if warning lights came on. March 8, 2019 - 3.5 hours into 5 hour trip, traveling on hwy 49N, between hattiesburg and collins, Ms. Various warning lights came on, emergency flashers came on by itself, vehicle never lost acceleration. Pulled over onto shoulder, left engine running, and then drove appx 5 miles to a sonic drive-in. Turned vehicle off, let it sit for a few minutes, called Acura customer service and was assigned a case #. restarted engine, emergency flashers no longer on, other warning lights still flashing and drove to destination. Started trip back home the next day, warning lights remained on until a third of the way, then those lights went off. Took vehicle to tim smith Acura, ft. Walton beach, fl. Met with dealership service manager, who explained diagnosis and repairs made, but would provide no assurance whatsoever problems would not reoccur. Also mentioned he just received an email from factory that a possible fix was at hand but would be a few weeks away. Notes: * problems occur only during a road trip * vehicle fixes itself every time * vehicle is unsafe & unreliable * emailed am Honda, no reply

- Miramar Beach, FL, USA

problem #13

Aug 232018

MDX

  • 17,000 miles
Car electrical activated when start button was pushed but it wasn't clear if engine was running. Car would not "turn off" or lock. Many error messages came across dash and car was not properly recognizing fobs. An Acura service center was called and we were told our only option was to disconnect battery leads or let the car run until the battery died. Many hours later the battery died. When the Acura service truck came to get us they couldn't even get the car into neutral after charging the battery and wheel truck had to be called. The dealership had the car for weeks and was not able to determine the pause. We have multiple videos of the incident. Note that the car was not in accessory mode and the behavior is inconsistent with accessory mode.

- Seattle, WA, USA

problem #12

Jul 302018

MDX

  • 16,758 miles
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. All of this happened while in motion. The worst of this happened on 07/30/2018 but variations of this occurred prior to that.

- Seattle, WA, USA

problem #11

Jun 282017

MDX

  • 8,699 miles
Vehicle jerked while stopping (in motion), vehicle would hesitate on acceleration (in motion or from a stop), this was followed by flashing error lights. The vehicle was inoperable and had to be towed in by Acura service.

- Seattle, WA, USA

problem #10

Jul 232018

MDX

  • 44,108 miles
When driving around 75 mph on the interstate I went to switch lanes and when pressing the accelerator nothing happened and acceleration was not possible. All warning lights came on, including all wheel drive system problem, emission system problem, all wheel drive system problem, transmission system problem. Check engine and sh-AWD. The power steering and brakes still worked and was extremely lucky to get the car to the shoulder without getting injured or killed. Had car towed to chattanooga Acura dealer. Car was operating normally when they received it. Acura tech support advised dealer to replace transmission and transmission control module (tcm). Also was told Acura is working on a software update for the tcm but it is not available yet but I have little confidence in the fix and little confidence that this won't reoccur. Strongly considering replacing the car

- Marietta, GA, USA

problem #9

Dec 282017

MDX

  • 24,000 miles
While driving all warning and hazard lights com on has happened 3 times now in dealer shop for over a month I do not fell safe in car the dealer can not tell me weather safe or not and does not seem to be able to fix problem

- Beverely Hill, FL, USA

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