The 2016 MDX is Acura’s agile three-row luxury SUV. You may know Acura as the luxury nameplate of the Japanese automaker Honda which is a well known maker of reliable vehicles. 2016 Acura MDX is one of them and it has been known as one of the best three-row luxury SUVs. As reliable as it is or what it claims to be, there have been reports made by car owners about some 2016 MDX problems they encountered. The reported 2016 MDX problems include transmission problems, in-car electronics issues, engine stalling, and check engine light issues.
⚠️ If It's Broken, Don't Fix It - Get Paid Cash for Your Vehicle ⚠️
Although there are a number of reported 2016 MDX problems, lots of MDX owners have also expressed their satisfaction of owning one and shared some great reviews about it. To know more about the 2016 MDX problems and its reliability, read on! This guide includes everything you need to know about its problems and reliability.
2016 MDX Problems: Is the 2016 Acura MDX reliable?
The 2016 Acura MDX received great ratings and ranking when it first came out. It was the US News and World Report’s 2016 Best Luxury 3-Row SUV for the Money award and a 2016 Best Luxury 3-Row SUV for Families award finalist. It is even named as one of the best luxury three-row SUVs by various car websites.
The 2016 Acura MDX is often commended for its spacious cabin that can seat up to seven people. It is powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 engine with front-wheel drive that comes standard and an optional all-wheel drive. It is equipped with a lot of features including the IDS or the Integrated Dynamics System that allows drivers to increase steering feel and quicken throttle response by pressing the IDS button.
As for its fuel economy, the 2016 Acura DMX has an EPA-estimated 19 mpg city, 27 highway, 22 combined for the front-wheel drive MDX and the all-wheel drive has an estimated 18 mpg city, 26 highway, 21 combined.
The 2016 Acura MDX has many impressive safety features that is known to be its best selling point. It has been given top ratings from the IIHS that include the Top Safety Pick+ accolade and 5-star scores from the federal government in overall, frontal and side impact.
Overall, the 2016 Acura MDX is a good and reliable SUV. It is a good SUV to consider. It gives a smooth drive, superior handling, it also is responsive, and is agile. As for its reliability, it has a reliability rating of three out of five from J.D. Power which is an average score for its class.
2016 MDX Problems: What problems do Acura MDX have?
Like most cars, the 2016 Acura MDX also has some downsides. There are MDX users that reported some 2016 MDX problems they have experienced while using the SUV. There is a list of the common 2016 MDX problems based on the reports and complaints made by the MDX car owners which include issues on.
- The transmission
- Equipment
- Engine and cooling system
- Electrical system
- Vehicle speed control
- Service brakes
- Other fuel system
- Electronic stability control
- Steering, and
- Visibility
Transmission problems were reported by some MDX users and it included problems such as hesitation on acceleration, lurching, transmission slipping, transmission shifts erratically, harmonic vibration, and jerking while shifting.
Hesitation on acceleration started showing up when the vehicle hit its 9,600 mileage, lurching at 7,400 miles, transmission slipping at 9,950 miles average, transmission shifts erratically at 7,500 miles, harmonic vibration at 17,000 miles, and jerking while shifting at 9,500 miles.
The 2016 MDX problems that were reported include issues with its automatic transmission. Many MDX users reported that they experienced rough shifting along with the D4 light and a blinking check engine light. ODB trouble codes P0700, P0730, P0740, P70780, and P1768 are also found.
2002 to 2017 Acura MDX also experienced problems with the EVAP canister vent solenoid. It is reported that it suddenly stops responding to commands like open and close. In addition to that problem, they also have an illuminating check engine light, ODB trouble code P1457, engine takes a while to start, and a decreasing fuel mileage. The problem may be caused by a faulty valve that is found on the charcoal canister. It is supposed to open and close upon command but corrosion can happen that breaks one of two internal seals. This lets air to exit the system that sets off the OBD trouble code P1457. The problem can be corrected by replacing the faulty vent valve or by cleaning and sealing the valve.
Interior accessories problems have also been reported due to its uncomfortable seats and the difficulty to adjust the driver's seat. These problems have caused some MDX users to replace the MDX seats.
Some also reported a suspension problem that causes thumping that started to show up when the vehicle hits the 7,050 mileage.
Few brake problems were reported too. The report included brake failure and brake clicking. Brake failure started at the vehicles 7,600 miles and the brake clicking at 17,000 miles.
Electrical problems such as Cruise Control or Lane Departure not working and vehicle not starting were reported by a few MDX users too. Cruise Control or Lane Departure not working started at 20,000 miles and vehicle not starting at 18,450 miles average.
In-car electronic problems were reported too. Many have encountered having issues with their display screen freezing or go blank. Navigation screens lock up and the display control screen as well. 2016 MDX owners reported that their backup camera being too dark or having no display at all.
There were complaints about the in-dash navigation system or GPS that include GPS not working properly or is not giving the right directions, GPS design is not user-friendly, is not intuitive, and needs constant upgrading.
Engine problems include engine making rattling noise that some MDX users complained about. The typical repair cost of this problem is around $2,000 which the users also reported. The problem started to show up when the vehicle hit 16,000 miles. There have also been NHTSA complaints about engine problems that caused one fire and one crash with one injured individual as well as vehicle speed control problems that resulted in two crashes and one injured individual. Engine problems started around 33,520 miles and the vehicle speed control problems at 24,549 miles.
Exhaust system problems were reported by few MDX users. The problem includes an emission system warning that started to show up when the vehicle reached 6,000 miles.
Fuel system problems reported include unintended acceleration and an NHTSA complaint for fuel/propulsion system problems that caused one crash that caused one individual to be injured.
NHTSA Recalls
There have also been three reported recalls by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or the NHTSA for the 2016 Acura MDX. The recalls include:
- Acura Recall # KBO – Fuel tank may have insufficient welds.
The recall was announced on June 9, 2016. The recalls were for certain Acura MDX model year 2015 two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive vehicles and 2016 all-wheel drive vehicles. Honda vehicles like the 2015 to 2016 Honda Odyssey and the 2016 Honda Pilot two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive have been recalled too for the same reason.
The vehicles included in the recall # KBO have fuel tanks that were made with insufficient welds that can separate and can cause a fuel leak. It can be dangerous since fuel leaks in the presence of an ignition source may trigger a fire. The number of vehicles affected in this recall are 39.
- Acura Recall # NX3, P3W – Reduced fuel pump performance may cause stall.
This recall was announced on January 29, 2019. The recalls were for certain 2016 to 2018 Acura MDX and 2015 to 2019 Acura TLX that are equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine. 2015 to 2017 Honda Accord vehicles equipped with the same engine were recalled too.
The reason for the recall is that it has been found that there are particulates in a fuel that can stick to the internal components of the fuel pump making it reduce its performance. If its performance has been reduced, it could cause the engine to stall that could increase the risk of a crash. The reported vehicles that were affected in this recall are 437,032.
- Acura Recall # M49 – Possible loss of a tailgate lid light.
This recall was announced on March 28, 2019. The recalls were for certain 2014 to 2019 Acura MDX and 2017 to 2019 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid vehicles. Recall for these units is because of a flawed tailgate lid light that can cause moisture to seep into it that could result in a loss of the tailgate lid lights and the taillights. It reduces the vehicle’s visibility that can increase the risk of a crash. The number of vehicles affected in this recall is 322,897.
2016 MDX Problems: Are Acura MDX expensive to maintain?
The 2016 Acura MDX is a great SUV that is equipped with one of the best-designed engines in the automotive market today. It has been commended for its agile handling that is more athletic compared than the average SUVs. It offers lots of high-tech features too that help make its ride comfortable and safe.
Because of the reported 2016 MDX problems, people may ask if Acura MDX is expensive to maintain. Based on the data we have gathered from various car websites, the 2016 Acura MDX has an estimated annual maintenance cost of $850. Of course, the price can vary depending on the unit’s age, mileage, and condition.
There are 2016 MDX problems that need repairs and services. Here are some of the list of the common repairs and services and its cost for the 2016 Acura MDX.
- Airbag control module replacement – $770 to $820
- Anti-lock brake system inspection – $99 to $125
- Battery cable and battery terminal end services – $35 to $45
- Brake line replacement – $ 165 to $192
- Coolant reservoir replacement – $65 to $72
- Drive belt tensioner replacement – $350 to $371
- Emission system diagnosis and testing – $55 to $70
- Heater core replacement – $1,165 to $1,500
- Ignition switch replacement – $155 to $186
- Windshield wiper arm replacement – $105 to $115
2016 MDX Problems: What is the best year of Acura MDX?
The 2016 Acura is a great and reliable SUV but there are certain 2016 MDX problems that you can’t control and people might become wary of purchasing one. Although it may have problems, the 2016 Acura MDX is also included in the top 10 best Acura models of all time. If you are on a look out for the best Acura vehicle, here’s what you should buy.
- 2017 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid
- 2016 Acura MDX
- 2016 Acura RDX
- 2018 Acura MDX
- 2018 Acura RDX
- 2014 Acura MDX
- 2019 Acura MDX
- 2019 Acura RDX
- 2018 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid, and
- 2015 Acura MDX
If you decide to buy a used Acura, make sure that you do your research and follow the experts’ tips on buying a used car like checking vehicle history reports, inspecting the unit, and other helpful tips.
2016 MDX Problems: Final word
Thanks to its Japanese roots that are well-known to be makers of reliable and durable vehicles, the Acura vehicles manage to stand out and excel in all the important areas. The engine, the spacious cabin, luxurious feel, great handling, high-tech features, five-star safety rating and a lot more.
The 2016 MDX problems that have been reported by its users were lesser compared to the great reviews and ratings from satisfied customers. As there are no perfect vehicles, one tends to break down at some point or cause problems, it is important that you weigh in your options, do some research, and choose a vehicle that best suits your needs before purchasing one.
If you already own a 2016 Acura MDX and are experiencing the problems mentioned above, you can choose to have your vehicle repaired and enjoy it knowing that the MDX is a pretty reliable car. You can enjoy it for many years or choose to get the problem off your hand and sell your vehicle. We at Cash Cars Buyer buy any kind of vehicles regardless of their conditions.