2016 Acura MDX

The 2016 Acura MDX is a mid-size luxury SUV known for its reliability, spacious interior, and comfortable ride. It came standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. While it’s generally considered a dependable vehicle, some owners have reported specific issues. What owners like about the MDX is its luxury features at a competitive price point, its fuel efficiency for its class, and its reputation for longevity. What owners dislike is its infotainment system, which can be unintuitive, and the sometimes-firm ride quality.

Engine

3.5L V6

• Variable Timing Control (VTC) Actuator Rattle
  • Description/Symptoms: A rattling noise upon cold start-up that lasts for a few seconds. The noise is caused by the VTC actuator not properly locking in place.
  • Solution: Replacing the VTC actuator with an updated design can fix the issue. Honda released a technical service bulletin (TSB) to address this.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil accumulating around the valve covers or rear main seal. Can lead to burning oil smell or low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replacing the valve cover gaskets or rear main seal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

9-Speed Automatic

• Harsh Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough or jerky shifts, especially between lower gears. Hesitation or delay when accelerating, particularly during gear changes.
  • Solution: In some cases, a software update to the transmission control module (TCM) can improve shift quality. In more severe cases, transmission replacement may be needed.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (Software Update) - $5000+ (Transmission Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration at low speeds, especially when the torque converter is locking up.
  • Solution: Torque converter replacement is typically required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Shock Absorber Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Fluid leaking from the rear shock absorbers, leading to a bouncy or unstable ride, and increased stopping distance.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking shock absorbers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature battery failure or the vehicle failing to start after sitting for a short period.
  • Solution: Identifying and addressing the parasitic drain. This may involve diagnosing faulty modules, aftermarket accessories, or wiring issues.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment screen freezes, becomes unresponsive, or crashes intermittently.
  • Solution: Software updates may resolve some issues. Replacement of the infotainment unit might be necessary in more severe cases.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (Software Update) - $1000+ (Infotainment Unit Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Automatic Tailgate Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The automatic tailgate fails to open or close properly, gets stuck, or makes unusual noises.
  • Solution: Replacing the tailgate struts or motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Navigation System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The navigation system fails to load maps, provides incorrect directions, or becomes unresponsive.
  • Solution: Checking and updating maps. Replacement of the navigation unit might be necessary in more severe cases.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (Software Update) - $1000+ (Navigation Unit Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Bluetooth Connectivity Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty pairing devices with the Bluetooth system or intermittent disconnection during calls or audio streaming.
  • Solution: Restarting or updating the infotainment system and checking Bluetooth devices.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 - $100+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2016 Acura MDX is generally a reliable vehicle, but owners have reported issues with the transmission, particularly harsh shifting. Engine issues such as VTC actuator rattle and oil leaks can also occur. Electrical issues like battery drain and infotainment problems are also notable. While some problems can be resolved with software updates or minor repairs, others may require more costly replacements, such as the transmission or infotainment unit. Although some issues such as the VTC Actuator rattle can be common, the MDX has proven to be a reliable vehicle and these problems are relatively minor compared to other vehicles in the same class.