The Most Common 2016 Acura MDX Problems

Problems at acceleration, lurching, and transmission slipping are among the 2016 Acura MDX problems you should know about.
Written by Brad Marley
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
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When you’re behind the wheel of the 2016
Acura MDX
, the most common problems you can expect to experience are issues with accelerating, the transmission slipping, and lurching of the vehicle. In addition, there have been reports of engine light illumination and decreasing fuel mileage.
The 2016 Acura MDX is a sharp SUV option if you’re looking for a nimble ride along with robust power and good fuel economy. On top of that, you get the solid
Honda
engineering that’s world-renowned for its blend of form and function. 
But that doesn’t mean the MDX is problem-free. Here to break down everything you might encounter—from common mechanical problems to its shortcomings—is
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The most common 2016 Acura MDX problems

Overall, the 2016 Acura MDX seems to struggle, and drivers take notice. If you drive an MDX, you might deal with issues like transmission problems, the car hesitating when you accelerate, fuel tank leaks, or the engine stalling.
Right around the 9,600 mile-mark, drivers report hesitation upon acceleration. The vehicle also tends to lurch, which often starts at around 7,400 miles. In addition, drivers report “harmonic vibration” when the vehicle gets closer to 20,000 miles. While that might sound like a symphonic description, it’s certainly not something you want to hear when you’re driving down the highway.
The 2016 model year of the Acura MDX also experienced problems with the EVAP canister vent solenoid, which means it would suddenly stop responding to commands to open and close. Also, the engine might take a minute to start, coupled with decreasing fuel mileage. All of this adds up to a vehicle that doesn’t seem as reliable as its later versions.
Other common problems with the 2016 MDX include: 
  • Possible loss of tailgate lift light
  • Reduced fuel pump performance
  • Insufficient welds in fuel tank
These are not major issues by any means, but they are enough to be irksome, which is something you don’t want to experience with a car that is only a handful of years old.
To date, there have been three recalls associated with the 2016 Acura MDX. These are related to some of the problems we mentioned above: fuel tank welds, reduced fuel pump performance, and possible loss of tailgate lid lift.

Is the 2016 Acura MDX reliable?

The 2016 Acura MDX is not a terrible car, per se. It still scores decently well in the category of midsize luxury SUV.
But we do want to point out that this type of SUV is not going to rank high on the scale of reliable SUVs. The Honda CR-V, for instance, gets high marks for reliability. While the CR-V gets a 4.5/5 from RepairPal, the MDX scores a 4/5. But the J.D. Power score for quality and reliability is where you see a dip. The 2016 Acura MDX score comes in at 67/100, which is not something to write home about. 
The average annual cost of the 2016 Acura MDX is $491, which puts it right around the average cost for similar SUVs. 

How to simplify car insurance shopping (and still optimize coverage!) 

If you can find a used 2016 Acura MDX for a decent price, it might be a good bargain. It has sharper handling than other cars in the space, good gas mileage, and a strong V6 engine. If you own one, be sure to insure it with the right
Acura car insurance
policy.
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