Rod bearing failures and nine-speed transmission
The 2016 MDX has about 680 complaints per 100,000 sold, the highest of any year. Engine rod bearing failures and nine-speed transmission faults lead the list.
Updated November 2026 · based on 378 owner complaints and 7 recalls
681 2.0x the MDX average
7 free to fix at a dealer
Every MDX year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Known problems on the 2016 MDX
Top problems and what they cost
Connecting rod bearing failure
Knocking and engine failure.
Fix: Free under recall or extension if eligible; otherwise $6,000 to $10,000
Engine
Nine-speed transmission
Rough, delayed or jerky shifts.
Fix: Software update $150; transmission $4,000 to $6,000
Transmission and drivetrain
Recalls
Reduced fuel pump performance can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of crash.
Loss of the taillights reduces the vehicle's visibility, increasing the risk of crash.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
A damaged engine may run improperly or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a fire, crash, or injury.
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Vehicle lights that fail to illuminate can decrease visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
Show all 7 recalls
Failure of rear suspension components, such as the rear control arm, can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Complaints by part
Before you buy a 2016 Acura MDX
- Listen for knocking at idle and under load.Knocking, ticking or rattling from the engine, especially when cold, can mean worn bearings, lifters or a stretched timing chain. These are engine-out repairs costing thousands.Owners filed 102 complaints about engine rod bearing failure on the 2016 MDX, one of the worst years for it.
- Feel for jerky shifts in traffic.Rough, delayed or slipping gear changes are early signs of transmission trouble. A rebuilt or replacement transmission often costs $3,000 to $6,000.Owners filed 42 complaints about nine-speed transmission problems on the 2016 MDX, one of the worst years for it.
- Check by VIN for open engine recalls and extensions.A recall is a safety fix the carmaker must do for free, even for later owners. Typing the 17-character VIN (on the dashboard and driver door) into nhtsa.gov/recalls shows any that were never done. Codes like 18V332 are recall numbers.The 2016 MDX has 7 recalls on record, listed below.
Questions
Is the 2016 Acura MDX reliable?
Rod bearing failures and nine-speed transmission. The 2016 MDX has about 680 complaints per 100,000 sold, the highest of any year. Engine rod bearing failures and nine-speed transmission faults lead the list.
How many recalls does the 2016 Acura MDX have?
7 recalls. Recall repairs are free at any Acura dealer, even for later owners. Enter the VIN on the free government recall lookup to see which are still open on a specific car.
What are the most common 2016 Acura MDX problems?
Connecting rod bearing failure; Nine-speed transmission.
Crash rating shown for the 2016 Acura MDX SUV FWD. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.