Makes›Acura›MDX›2016

2016 Acura MDX

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.

Acura MDX
Pictured: 2022 Acura MDX Technology, front 7.2.22. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV AWD
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
23 combined · 20 city / 27 hwy
Length
193.7 in
Curb weight
4,343 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
7 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
  • Many owner complaints377 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 29 for similar models — most often about the engine.
  • 7 recallsMore than similar models (about 2). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 20 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2016 Acura MDX is a small SUV offered with a 3.5L 6-cyl engine and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 194 inches long and 77 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,343 lb.

EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 27 highway), 7% worse than the 2016 small SUV average of 24.6 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 7 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 377 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2016

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 MDX — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 MDX →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV AWD193.7 in77.2 in67.3 in111 in66.5 / 66.1 in4,343 lb58/42

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
MDX 2WD3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S9)Front-Wheel Drive20 / 27 / 23-7%$3,550391
MDX 2WD3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S9)Front-Wheel Drive19 / 27 / 22-11%$3,750406
MDX 4WD3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S9)All-Wheel Drive19 / 26 / 22-4%$3,750411
MDX 4WD3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S9)All-Wheel Drive18 / 26 / 21-9%$3,900415
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $5,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
24.6 MPG2016 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Acura MDX.

Similar 2016 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2016 Acura MDX (this car)23 MPGNot rated7
2016 Porsche Cayenne24 MPGNot rated2
2016 BMW X525 MPGNot rated5
2016 Lexus RX30 MPGNot rated3
2016 Volvo XC9025 MPGNot rated8
2016 Tesla Model X289 miNot rated12
2016 Porsche Macan19 MPGNot rated6

Recalls (7)

Structure › Frame And Members · Jun 4, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V365000 · 965,561 vehicles

Problem
American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Honda Pilot, 2017-2023 Ridgeline, 2019-2023 Passport, and 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles that were sold in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. The rear subframe may corrode at the suspension mounting points, which can result in rear suspension component failure.
Risk
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.
Fix
Dealers will inspect the rear subframe and install a rear subframe reinforcement kit and, as necessary, repair or replace the rear subframe components, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in the fall of 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are AOU and AOT. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning June 10, 2026.
Interior Lighting · Apr 17, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V259000 · 152,800 vehicles

Problem
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles. Moisture may enter the tailgate lid light assembly and wiring harness, which can cause the interior and exterior lights to fail, including the lid lights, position lights, license plate lights and taillights.
Risk
Vehicle lights that fail to illuminate can decrease visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect the wiring and install a fuse harness, replace the lid light, and repair the body dust sealer, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 30, 2025. Owners may contact Acura's customer service at 1-800-382-2238. Acura's number for this recall is FLI. Vehicles included in this recall that were previously repaired under NHTSA recall number 19V-256 will need to have the new remedy completed.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Dec 18, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V858000 · 2,490,460 vehicles

Problem
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Risk
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical · Nov 13, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V751000 · 248,999 vehicles

Problem
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, 2016 and 2018-2019 Pilot, 2017 and 2019 Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 Odyssey vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, damaging the engine.
Risk
A damaged engine may run improperly or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a fire, crash, or injury.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and repair, or replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 28, 2024. 2016-2017 Acura MDX owner letters were mailed November 1, 2024. 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed in mid-December 2024. Honda began mailing owner notification letters as of March 18, 2024. 2015-2016 Acura owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-December 2024, 2018 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed the end of March/early April 2024, 2019 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-May 2024, 2020 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-June 2024, and 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed January 27, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XG1 and GG0.
Exterior Lighting · Mar 28, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V256000 · 322,897 vehicles

Problem
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Acura MDX and 2017-2019 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid vehicles. Moisture may enter the tailgate lid lights, possibly causing a loss of the tailgate lid lights and the taillights.
Risk
Loss of the taillights reduces the vehicle's visibility, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix
Acura will notify owners, and dealers will modify the tailgate lid lights and install updated gaskets and a wiring sub-harness or will replace both tailgate lid lights. The repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2019. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is M49.
Fuel System, Other › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Jan 29, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V060000 · 437,032 vehicles

Problem
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Acura MDX, 2015-2019 Acura TLX and 2015-2017 Honda Accord vehicles, equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine. Particulates in fuel may adhere to the internal components of the fuel pump, reducing its performance.
Risk
Reduced fuel pump performance can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the fuel injection engine control unit (FI-ECU) software and, if necessary, replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began March 25, 2019. Owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's recall number for this recall is P3W. Honda's recall number for this recall is N3X.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly · Jun 9, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V417000 · 39 vehicles

Problem
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2015 Acura MDX 2WD and MDX 4WD vehicles, 2016 Acura MDX 4WD vehicles, 2015-2016 Honda Odyssey vehicles, and 2016 Honda Pilot 2WD and 4WD vehicles. The affected vehicles have fuel tanks that were manufactured with insufficient welds which may separate and allow fuel to leak out.
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Fix
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tanks, free of charge. Owners may contact Honda/Acura customer service at 1-888-234-2138. The recall began on July 29, 2016. Honda's numbers for this recall are KA9 (Honda vehicles) and KB0 (Acura vehicles).
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2016 Acura MDX is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

377Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
10Involved a crash
5Involved a fire
5Injuries reported
38,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine163
Power Train113
Unknown Or Other40
Electrical System35
Fuel/Propulsion System28
Vehicle Speed Control19
Structure › Body18
Service Brakes13
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/10: 424/11: 1824/12: 925/01: 825/02: 425/03: 525/04: 425/05: 825/06: 425/07: 825/08: 625/09: 625/10: 725/11: 1025/12: 526/01: 926/03: 526/04: 426/05: 526/06: 426/07: 726/08: 626/09: 726/10: 324/1025/0125/0425/0725/1026/0126/0526/08max 18

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2016 Acura MDX buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 7 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Engine — 163 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  3. Power Train — 113 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  4. Electrical System — 35 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 38,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Acura MDX. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other MDX years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 MDX22198.4 inNot rated19
2025 MDX22198.4 in★★★★★4112
2024 MDX22198.4 in★★★★★343
2023 MDX22198.4 in★★★★★348
2022 MDX22198.4 in★★★★★3181
2020 MDX27196.1 in★★★★★8231
2019 MDX27196.1 in★★★★★9198
2018 MDX27196.1 in★★★★★10170
2017 MDX27196.1 inNot rated9268
2015 MDX23193.7 inNot rated867
2014 MDX23193.7 inNot rated8128
2013 MDX18190.9 inNot rated124

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Acura. How we calculate this →