10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
19,658 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 engine problems

engine problem

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2016 Acura MDX Owner Comments (Page 1 of 3)

problem #56

Sep 212024

MDX

  • miles

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

The auto engine idle feature activated at a stoplight as normal, but when I lifted my foot from the brake to accelerate, the car shut down, shifted into neutral, and wouldn-??t restart. This happenwd 3 times in the last two days, leaving me stalled in heavy traffic for several minutes before i can get the car started again. This is extremely dangerous.

- Topsfield, MA, USA

problem #55

Sep 122024

MDX

  • miles
I have the same issue but my vin does not meet the requirement. reading multiple forum and a lot of people having the same issue. NHTSA RECALL NUMBER:23V-751 MFR CAMPAIGN ID:OH6 CAMPAIGN DESCRIPTION:2016-20 MDX Conn Rod Inspect Recall RECALL DATE:11/08/2023 RECALL STATUS:17 Character VIN Required SUMMARY: American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (Honda) is recalling certain 2016-2020 model year MDX vehicles. Due to a manufacturing defect of the engine crankshaft, the connecting rod bearing can prematurely wear and seize. SAFETY RISK: If the connecting rod bearing seizes, the engine can be damaged and run improperly, stall, stop while driving, and/or not start, increasing the risk of a fire, crash or injury.

- Jurupa Valley, CA, USA

problem #54

Aug 222024

MDX

  • miles
Our engine is exhibiting symptoms currently related to an open recall by Acura for Connecting Rod Bearings. Our 2016 MDX is one of the affected model years but as of now our VIN is not included in the recall. I don't believe this is coincidence. I believe the mechanical issue is more widespread than Acura wants to reveal and is subsequently limiting the VIV numbers it includes. I am trying to be proactive in this regard prior to an incident taking place.

- Celina, TX, USA

problem #53

Aug 282024

MDX

  • miles

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

The contact owns a 2016 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.

- Live Oak, FL, USA

problem #52

Jul 132024

MDX

  • miles
The connecting rod and bearing failed, causing the engine to immediately seize while in full operation on the highway. Components are available. The engine rod catastrophically failed and shot through the oil pan. Engine seized and lost power while on highway, cruising at 75mph. Flying engine components and the immediately loss of power was a major safety risk. The car was towed to the dealer and they found the rod bearing had sheared off. American Honda has been sent pictures. My model and year were affected by a recall on the failed components but my VIN was not identified. The car had no warning lights on the dash and was been recently serviced.

- Portland , OR, USA

problem #51

Jul 192024

MDX

  • 108,500 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made a rattling sound with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle failed to accelerate properly. The vehicle was taken to a nearby independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that there were metal shavings at the bottom of the oil pan. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 23-036. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 108,500.

- Lincoln, CA, USA

problem #50

Jul 232024

MDX

  • miles

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

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 #49

Jun 282024

MDX

  • miles
I was driving the car, when I saw a sign pop up on the dash saying " Emission Systems problem" and the car completely stopped within a 100 feet. The car passed the Emissions and Inspection the previous day and I have a registration till June 30, 2026 now. There was a clicking noise that I heard when driving during the morning. I had never heard it previously. There was an oil change sign for about 3-4 days buy there were no other warning lamps. Here is the video of the problem from the dealer - [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Herndon, VA, USA

problem #48

Sep 032023

MDX

  • miles
After traveling about on a 4 hour drive, my daughter who was driving the vehicle slowed down to make a turn. That's when she heard a loud clanking noise coming from the engine. She immediately pulled over and turned off the engine/vehicle. I went to meet her, and replicated the same problem when I turned the ignition switch to to on. It sounded as if there was some large piece of metal loose inside the engine -- it did not have consistency and was highly variable with regards to the sound it was making. The "Check Engine" light was on. Fortunately this did not occurr going at high/freeway speeds, yet the safety was compromised when my daughter was fortunate enough to leverage the momentum to get to the side of the road. Additionally, she was not in a spot where there was a shoulder/it was under an overpass, so she had to be careful and turned on her emergency lights. We had the vehicle towed to the nearby Honda Dealer. I am attaching their report and findings. They recommended engine be replaced; which we agreed to have done. Additionally, we continue to have problems due to the mounting and shacking which we believe comes from the installment of the new engine. We are submitting that report as well. At present, my daughter is not driving the vehicle and is relying on rides or borrowing other people's vehicles.

- San Antonio, TX, USA

problem #47

May 172024

MDX

  • miles
While driving our well-maintained 2016 Acura MDX on a 30-minute drive on [XXX], I heard a pop, and then the engine lost power. I couldn't get the RPMs over 2500. A fluttering noise evolved into knocking and the vehicle became increasingly sluggish and heavy. The check engine light started blinking, but the vehicle's temperature gauge showed no changes. There wasn't any smoke or unusual smells. I felt terrified trying to get safely onto the side of the road with cars driving at full speed. I had the car dropped off at our local service station and the owner determined that the engine cylinder was loose and lost compression with a knock. He says that the engine light did not give a code. The owner determined that we need to replace the engine. A rebuilt engine will cost us $8,000. When I called Acura, the service person I spoke with seemed surprised that our 8-year-old car with only 77,000 miles needed a new engine. Since Acura has so many cars to deal with on the latest recall, he said it would be weeks before anyone can look at it. I researched and found that our VPN was NOT included in the recent recall of 2016-2020 model year MDX vehicles all with the same problems. How can that be"??" INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Bethesda, MD, USA

problem #46

Mar 052024

MDX

  • miles

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

I am writing to bring to your immediate attention a critical safety issue with my 2016 Acura MDX, and the subsequent exclusion of my vehicle from a known recall that directly addresses the problems we are experiencing. Without any prior warning, we began hearing a fluttering sound coming from the engine whenever we accelerated. This noise progressively worsened and evolved into a pronounced knocking noise.Concurrently, the vehicle became increasingly sluggish and heavy, resulting in significant difficulty when accelerating. Despite these alarming symptoms, the vehicle's temperature gauge showed no changes, there was no smoke or unusual smells, and the check engine light did not activate. Gravely concerned for our safety, we promptly took the vehicle to our local mechanic for a thorough inspection.The diagnosis revealed significant engine damage, specifically to the connecting rod bearings and the crankshaft. Given the severity of the issue, we then brought the vehicle to the closest Acura dealership, Pohanka Acura. The service advisor informed us of a recall affecting the engine and rod bearings in the 2016 Acura MDX model. They also confirmed that our vehicle's engine was indeed damaged due to the same rod bearings and crankshaft issue described in the recall. However, despite this clear evidence, we were informed that our vehicle's VIN was excluded from the recall repair. The technician who performed the diagnostic on our vehicle recommended a new short engine block, which is was concerning especially since it mirrors the known recall issue. I am requesting that the NHTSA urgently investigate this matter. I hope the NHTSA treats this issue with the utmost urgency and seriousness it warrants. The safety of Acura MDX owners is at stake, and immediate action is essential to prevent further incidents and ensure our safety. Thank you for your prompt attention to this critical matter. I await your swift response and resolution. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA),

- Brambleton, VA, USA

problem #45

May 082024

MDX

  • miles
See attachment for detailed explanation

- Vancouover, WA, USA

problem #44

Mar 272024

MDX

  • miles
Acura MDX 2016 SH-AWD with 113366 miles diagnosis according to warning lights. DTC test certification codes: P0301 Misfire No. 1 cylinder P0306 Misfire No. 6 cylinder P0300 Random Misfire P0420 Catalyst System efficiency below threshold B1 Recommendation was that the Catalytic converter be replaced. All these codes were identified under Honda's TSB 20-100 dated 2/2021 on Odyssey, Pilot and Ridgeline models where AH extended warranty to 10 years from date of purchase or 150K. These V6 engines are pretty close to that of the 2016 MDX. Is there a remote possibility that these DTC codes could exist in MDX V6 engines when an issue arises similar to those in the Honda vehicles? These DTC codes appeared 24 hours/37 miles after a routine oil service on 3/26/2024 at Advantage Acura of Naperville with a perfect inspection report. The malfunction occurred in the vicinity of McGrath Acura of Westmont on the following day of 3/27/2024. The concern is if any of the emission system components were damaged during the routine oil service. Advantage Acura have in the past installed brake pads backwards on my Acura TL 2010 for which I do have proof.

- Naperville, IL, USA

problem #43

Mar 202024

MDX

  • miles
Engine rod bearing knocking. Will eventually fail and engine stop running at anytime. My independent service center did confirm the problem. The car has not been to the Dealer as they refuse to include my VIN # in the current recall for this very problem. No warning lights appeared, but slight ticking sound shortly turned into a loud knocking.

- Sierra Vista, AZ, USA

problem #42

Nov 092023

MDX

  • miles
There is a current recall on Acura/Hondas with the issue that we are having with our car. Knocking engine, car diagnosed with connecting rod bearing issue. Apparently not included in recall. This makes no sense. Car has been undriveable since 11/9/23 with no help from Acura/Honda Corporate. We have been trying to come to a resolution with no help. This should fall under the recall and where our car was manufactured should be looked into because on car forums there are many cars with our VINS having the same issue. This issue has affected more cars than Acura is saying and needs to be looked into before someone gets seriously injured. Acura/Honda are NOT taking this seriously at ALL.

- Marlborough, CT, USA

problem #41

Sep 152023

MDX

  • miles
My 2016 Acura MDX, which was well maintained, locked up while driving at around 45 mph this past September. Upon a certified mechanics evaluation, it was reported that the vehicle would require a new engine as it was "locked up". Shortly afterward, I read that certain model/makes of Acura vehicles were being recalled for this very reason/problem. I called Acura recall client support who informed me that the final list of recalled vehicles would not be available until January 2024 and that I would receive a letter in the mail. When I did not receive a letter, I called again and was informed that my VIN was not included in the recall. This is despite that thousands of other 2016 Acura MDXs were recalled. I find it difficult to accept that a known issue that necessitated a substantial recall of vehicles did not apply to my Acura since it was the exact issue being addressed. Especially since the vehicle was maintained very well from the time of purchase. My teenage son was driving the vehicle and was stranded along a dark highway until I could pick him up about 45 minutes later. There were not warning lights or notices of this pending failure. The vehicle could only partially be removed from the traffic lane at the time it locked up which resulted in a hazard, not only for my son, but for other travelers as well.

- Ligonier, PA, USA

problem #40

Jan 092024

MDX

  • miles
The connecting rod bearing has failed in my vehicle. It is causing damage to the engine, there are metal shavings found in the oil, and the engine is producing a strange and unusual sound. It's causing the engine damage and wear and causing it to seize. The incident has been reported to the dealer and has been confirmed in an inspection report. There is a CURRENT recall from NHTSA and Honda/Acura for this exact issue that includes the same make, year and model of my vehicle, however when VIN numbers were split, my vehicle was not included in the recall. The recall should be expanded to not only include more vehicles but those that are actually being impacted.

- Plymouth, MN, USA

problem #39

Dec 032023

MDX

  • miles
While driving on the highway the engine lost power. There was no warning.the car became inoperable. The safety of passengers and others traveling the highway were at risk. The dealer confirmed that the engine failed and advised that the rod bearing spun. The vehicle is available for inspection and it is unknown as to whether the manufacturer inspected the vehicle.

- Scottsdale, AZ, USA

problem #38

Dec 232023

MDX

  • miles
The car suffer complete engine failure while driving on the highway. I had the car towed to an acura dealer. The acura dealer has informed me that the engine rod failed There is a recall by acura for 250,000 vehicles incuding the same year and model for the same problem. The engine is availble for inspection. My vehicle is not under recall. i was informed by Acura customer relatiins that they will not help me. I was informed by a acura dealer that they will can replace the engine with a used engine for 9000$. i said ok but then wondered if the engine they would replace it with was under recall. The looked into it and have informed me that the engine is in fact one of the recalled engines and then asked me if i wanted to proceed with the replacement with an engine that is dangerous... This seems incredible to me and should be illegal and certainly dangerous..

- Venice, CA, USA

problem #37

Jan 092024

MDX 6-cyl

  • miles
while driving on a local road (not highway), engine began to make a very loud sound. sounds like metal on metal inside engine. called local ACURA dealer and they said that the connecting rod recall/problem that was announced in November 2023 "does not apply to my VIN".

- Milton, GA, USA

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