2016 Acura MDX Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 113about this part
- Share
- 30%of 377 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 31,002miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 113 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2016 Acura MDX, 30% of the 377 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 31,002 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“With 1000ish miles on car, while we were driving it shifted into neutral then into park by itself. We were unable to shift the car at all. Fortunately we were at an intersection and not on a freeway. The dealership working with Acura were unable to diagnose the problem. Then it magically worked but they didn't feel we should drive it. Because cause not determined.”
NHTSA complaint #10820183, filed 2016-01, 1,141 miles“There were a number of incidents prior to 16 february 2018 where the care jerked while coming to a stop and hesitated on acceleration possibly related to transmission misshifting. We took our car into an Acura dealer on 16 february 2018 but the issue was not resolved.”
NHTSA complaint #11183849, filed 2019-03, 12,666 miles“I got in my car this morning an as soon as I put it in reverse, it lurched forward before finally moving backwards (there was no slope). Then, as I approached a traffic light on a city street and applied the brake, the car felt as though it accelerated slightly before slowing down.”
NHTSA complaint #11010242, filed 2017-07, 9,800 miles“For at least the past four years, my MDX has been catching while accelerating and lurching at other times. If I have to step on it to get through traffic or want to pass and I accelerate, the car will jerk. This is most noticeable at 40 MPH because that's the speed I'm driving at most often. It also happens at higher speeds when on the interstate. I have taken it in to the dealer numerous times, but they just keep telling me there is nothing they can do about it and they blow me off.”
NHTSA complaint #11405455, filed 2021-03, 28,000 miles“Purchased the car 7/6/2019 used with 26,943 miles. At 27,961 miles I was driving on the freeway in stop and go traffic. Pressed on the accelerator after a stop and the car jerked and I heard a loud clunk . Warning lights appeared for transmission system problem and blind spot warning malfunction . The car seemed to stay in first or second gear as I slowly exited the freeway at high RPM. Had it towed to the Acura dealer. Transmission replaced as a result.”
NHTSA complaint #11243010, filed 2019-08, 27,961 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10184012Dec 4, 2020Service Bulletin - During a downshift from 9th or 8th gear to 7th gear or lower, a miscalculation in the TCM software causes the MIL to come on with DTC P0716 (input shaft…
- 10182001Oct 28, 2020Service Bulletin - The transmission has intermittent harsh or jerky upshifts with steady acceleration.
- 10181414Oct 15, 2020Service Bulletin - During a downshift from 9th or 8th gear to 7th gear or lower, a miscalculation in the TCM software causes the MIL to come on with DTC P0716 (input shaft…
- 10179400Aug 24, 2020Service Bulletin - The transmission has intermittent harsh or jerky upshifts with steady acceleration.
- 10166511Oct 11, 2019Service Bulletin - Some 9-speed transmission warmers were improperly manufactured and allow the engine coolant and ATF to mix. If the fluids mix, the engine and transmission may…
- 10165014Sep 12, 2019Service Bulletin - During a downshift from 9th or 8th gear to 7th gear or lower, a miscalculation in the TCM software causes the MIL to come on with DTC P0716 (input shaft…
- 10163138Jul 12, 2019Service Bulletin - During a downshift from 9th or 8th gear to 7th gear or lower, a miscalculation in the TCM software causes the MIL to come on with DTC P0716, input shaft…
- 10161313Jun 12, 2019Service Bulletin - During a downshift from 9th or 8th gear to 7th gear or lower, a miscalculation in the TCM software causes the MIL to come on with DTC P0716, input shaft…
- 10154485Mar 8, 2019Owner Notficiation Letter - Our records indicate that a PRODUCT UPDATE has not been completed on this vehicle, refer to the address card for the affected VIN. Your MDX previously…
- 10154483Mar 8, 2019Owner Notification Letter - Our records indicate that a PRODUCT UPDATE has not been completed on this vehicle, refer to the address card for the affected VIN. The automatic…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 11% |
| 2025 | 6 | 5% |
| 2024 | 2 | 5% |
| 2023 | 12 | 27% |
| 2022 | 71 | 45% |
| 2020 | 21 | 9% |
| 2019 | 32 | 17% |
| 2018 | 23 | 14% |
| 2017 | 64 | 25% |
| 2016 | 113 | 30% |
| 2015 | 12 | 17% |
| 2014 | 27 | 16% |
| 2013 | 4 | 13% |
| 2012 | 13 | 17% |
| 2011 | 8 | 11% |
| 2010 | 5 | 11% |
| 2009 | 8 | 15% |
| 2008 | 3 | 6% |
| 2007 | 8 | 8% |
| 2006 | 38 | 44% |
| 2005 | 87 | 48% |
| 2004 | 77 | 45% |
| 2003 | 104 | 50% |
| 2002 | 125 | 61% |
| 2001 | 131 | 58% |
Other parts of the 2016 Acura MDX
163 complaintsOther or unknown
40 complaintsElectrical system
38 complaintsFuel system
32 complaintsBody and structure
21 complaintsVehicle speed control
19 complaintsLane departure
14 complaintsBrakes
13 complaintsSteering
12 complaintsExterior lighting
11 complaintsEngine cooling
10 complaintsForward collision avoidance
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 Acura MDX
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology