2016 Acura MDX Body & structure Problems

The factory‑applied exterior paint on the roof panel of my 2016 Acura MDX has experienced clear‑coat and base‑coat delamination, resulting in complete separation of paint layers and exposure of bare metal. This is not a cosmetic blemish or paint discoloration. The failure involves loss of adhesion between factory coating layers, causing large sections of paint to peel away unexpectedly. The exposed metal surface is at risk of corrosion, which may compromise the long‑term structural integrity of the vehicle’s roof panel. In addition, peeling paint has detached in rigid fragments that could become roadway debris, creating a hazard to other motorists if detachment occurs while driving. This condition matches a known manufacturing defect previously acknowledged by the manufacturer in a technical service bulletin addressing paint delamination on similarly built vehicles. However, the manufacturer has declined to correct the defect based solely on VIN exclusion, despite identical failure characteristics. The defect raises concerns beyond appearance, including corrosion risk, loss of protective coating, and potential safety hazards from detached exterior material.

NHTSA ID

11730700

Incident

Nov 1, 2025

Two issues: 1. The paint on my rooftop in front of the sunroof began peeling off three months ago. I’ve read and MANY owners of the same model within a two year timeframe have had the exact same issue and we realized it’s a manufacturer’s problem. The manufacturer however, is saying it’s out of warranty and that’s absurd because now we all have to pay $2000+ to have our entire roof repainted. I have read that some people have had it repainted and it’s peeling again. That is a major problem. Acura needs to remedy this quickly before they lose customers. And I really love my Acura and I would love to buy another one in the future, but I’m counting on this one lasting a very long time! Won’t last that long, however, if the paint peels off continuously. I’ve included below in the attachments the preliminary repair cost of this that I had quoted when I first discovered the issue in October. 2. My battery kept draining two years ago, even though I got a new battery – – twice within the same month – – and the dealership in Birmingham, King Acura, was very thorough and very kind and generous, and the only thing that they could figure out after I had read numerous reviews from consumers online and suggested it to them was that the Bluetooth was draining my battery. They told me I could replace it for $3500 or have them disconnect it permanently. I chose to have them disconnected permanently because I didn’t want to pay $3500 for a Bluetooth system that was working but caused a random side effect that affected my whole car. Can you please help me with these issues as I am a big fan of Acura and I would like to see Honda make good on this. Thank you.

NHTSA ID

11713845

Incident

Oct 8, 2025

White Diamond Pearl Paint started peeling prematurely approx 130,000 miles in 2023 in large sections causing unsightly paint. This is a very well known problem for this car in both Acuras and Hondas and a recall was done but with very very limited vehicles. Dealer refused to help us

NHTSA ID

11689519

Incident

Nov 1, 2023

Paint on the roof just suddenly peeled off 2 days ago. There's a Service Bulletin 19-029: [XXX] , but ACURA says the extended warranty is expired and they cannot do anything. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11650322

Incident

Mar 22, 2025

Our 2016 MDX starting peeling paint off the roof. Acura said they extended the warranty for this known defect for an 8 year period. Since this problem just happened we are outside the 8 year extension. The internet is full of similar stories of people like us who have the paint peeling after the bogus 8 year extension. Acura said they aren't responsible. This isn't right.

NHTSA ID

11629839

Incident

Dec 9, 2024

VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH PAINT PEELING OFF DIAMOND WHITE 2014-2016 WITH PAINT COLOR CODE OF NH603P- SO COMMON THAT ACURA ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN (19-029). THE PROBLEM IS ACURA SAYS IT IS BASED ON YOUR VIN. EVERYTHING I HAVE RESEARCHED SHOWS MOST VINS ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR REIMBURSEMENT (LIKE MINE) AND MANY PEOPLE ARE PISSED OFF> JUST GOOGLE "2016 WHITE ACURA MDX WITH PAINT PEELING" AND YOU WILL SEE HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE THIS EXACT SAME PROBLEM. LOCAL ACURA DEALERSHIP SAYS "YOUR VIN IS NOT ELIGIBLE" AS DOES ACURA HQ. I AM SEEKING A FULL RECALL ON ALL VEHICLES NOTED IN SERVICE BULLETIN 19-029 REGARDLESS OF VIN. THAT IS THE ONLY WAY TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. MANY PEOPLE WANT TO START A CLASS ACTION SUIT BUT NO ONE KNOWS HOW NOR DOES ANYONE WANT TO SPEND LEGAL FEES.

NHTSA ID

11619467

Incident

May 12, 2024

White paint is peeling on roof and exposing bare metal. Risk of rust, corrosion and structural degradation. Background: Acura/Honda knows of an issue with their White Pearl paint from 2016 and has issued a TSB to address the paint on certain VIN numbers. However, many owners are finding that even though they have a 2016 White Acura MDX, the VIN is not covered by the TSB. The TSB extends the warranty to 8 years for any peeling of the white paint. Acura/Honda states that only the VINs that are in range of the TSB are affected, however many owners are experiencing the peeling/chipping of the paint even thought their VIN is not in range. A popular online forum, [XXX] has multiple discussions on VINs not in range but still experiencing the peeling/chipping issue. I have attached links to just a few of the discussions I found. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11600416

Incident

Oct 8, 2022

The paint on the roof of my 2016 Acura MDX is peeling, as described in Acura Service Bulletin 19-029 in August 28, 2019. The paint code NH-603P matched the service bulletin but Acura is denying me of any warranty because of VIN. This is a known problem for 2014 - 2016 Honda and Acura White Diamond or Pearl White paint NH-603P many people have the same issues based from a quick search on Google but Honda and Acura are denying many people because they ARE NOT expanding the VIN and or only restricting and addressing certain locations. There are no dent or scratches on my roof, no sign of weather damage. They used the same paint and same problem as service bulletin so obviously the problem was not addressed to all 2014 - 2016 MDX. Manufacture should be held responsible and expand their service to other customers with the same paint code as well.

NHTSA ID

11591156

Incident

May 24, 2024

The vehicle was purchased at Mullers Woodfield Acura, 1099 W. Higgins Rd., Hoffman Estates, IL 60169, Tel. 847-519-9550 on [XXX]. I came home with the vehicle when it was dark. In the morning, I inspected the car and noticed paint issues where the bumper meets the painted metal and some areas around the sunroof and side edges of the roof. The dealer would not exchange for different vehicles; they offered to paint the areas, which they did through their insurance. Sometime later, around 2019, I noticed a small patch of paint missing on the roof. I took the vehicle to the dealer, where I found a Service Bulletin regarding this issue. The service bulletin dated 08/29/2019 was for the same problem I was experiencing. My dealer advised me that my VIN does not match the service bulletin. They quoted me $2,400 to repaint the car after they filed with Acura Care, which denied accountability. I went back and forth between the dealer and Honda Care but was nowhere. Nobody is taking responsibility for this manufacturer defect. I contacted them again today and was denied. I could not file a complaint with the person I spoke with, who stated she was the manager. This vehicle had paint issues from the start, and I reported it to the dealer and Honda Care and gave the Service Bulletin the vehicle year, paint color, and the claim the dealer filed with Honda Care. Pictures were taken, and the claim was denied because my VIN number is not listed with the Service Bulletin that came out. I am filing a complaint for a manufacturer defect that occurred with my vehicle from day 1, and neither the Dealer nor Honda Care wants to take responsibility. I am asking for a review of how the manufacturer can get away with this without any responsibility, especially since a service bulletin was issued. Please note that I am now divorced, and the vehicle is in my maiden name, [XXX] . My address is [XXX] . [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11589911

Incident

May 4, 2016

See attached document for complaint

NHTSA ID

11586389

Incident

Mar 1, 2022

There are two parts to this complaint. The issue regarding the transmission is potentially a safety issue and could result in an accident, while the peeling paint problem is already addressed in the Acura Service Bulletin 19-029 for VINs other than mine. Both are well documented problems that have been experienced by other 2016 Acura MDX owners. The transmission issue is an intermittent problem while accelerating and decelerating. There is a abrupt hesitation, or surging. While coating down a steep hil, the transmission will stay in gear at very high revs instead of shifting. These are an annoyance, but the acceleration problem could cause someone to hit the car from behind in heavy traffic situations. Some individuals note on the internet that their engines would accually stall when accelerating. I have brought my vehicle into the Acura Dealership on a number of occasions without the problem being resolved. The paint issue involves the white diamond pearl paint coming off the roof and is already addressed in Acura Service Bulleting 19-029. It is unthinkable that only some VINs are covered while others are not, if the same exact problem seems to exist on non-listed VINs. Honda Motor Company indicated that they would not add additional VINS unless directed to by NHTSA. Please have Honda extend the warranty on ALL 2016 Acura MDX models with the same problem.

NHTSA ID

11583323

Incident

Jan 1, 2018

The paint on this vehicle failed and matches photos in Acura service bulletin [XXX] which deals with failure of paint color [XXX]. When calling Honda I was told that that recall is VIN specific and that my vehicle was not affected. The attached photos clearly show that the paint is defective and therefor should be covered. According to the service bulletin a warranty extension was issued for 8 years from the date the vehicle was placed in to service which in my case was June 30, 2016. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11575982

Incident

Feb 1, 2024

My MDX exhibits the same paint defect in Acuras 19-029 Service Bulletin. I have paint chipping away between the windshield and the sun roof. However, Acura refuses to fix the issue because they say my VIN is not covered even though my cars year and paint fall under the description. 2016 MDX w Pearl Whit Paint. I need them to fix the issue by repainting my roof.

NHTSA ID

11555902

Incident

Jul 8, 2021

Paint is peeling and coming off of my roof, good and tail end of my suv. This can be a safety hazard if it continues to peel because that removes a layer of cover from the top which could lead to danger. The color is a pearl white. This has not been confirmed by a local dealer but it has been inspected by an insurance adjuster.

NHTSA ID

11533889

Incident

Jul 10, 2023

The paint on the roof of the car is peeling off excessively.

NHTSA ID

11532054

Incident

May 1, 2023

Good afternoon, my Acura MDX 2016 roof paint peeling off. It is known problem. also I found gov. document for warranty extension. but Acura refuse to fix my MDX paint job. because of my car is not in the warranty extension list. please check attached my photo file. this shows perfectly matched claim requirement. 2016 Acura MDX white pearl color (NH603P) what should I do please help me.

NHTSA ID

11479395

Incident

May 1, 2022

I WAS APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT ON A BUSY STREET ON A VERY BRIGHT DAY AND DID NOT SEE THAT THE STOP LIGHT I WAS APPROACHING HAD TURNED RED. WHEN I REALIZED IT WAS RED, I BRAKED RAPIDLY OF COURSE BUT STILL GOING AT A PRETTY GOOD SPEED I HIT THE STOPPED CAR IN FRONT OF ME. THE COLLISION WAS BETWEEN DRIVERS SIDE OF MY MDX AND RIGHT REAR OF A MEDIUM-SIZED WHITE JEEP. MY 17 YR OLD SON WAS IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AND HIS AIR BAG DEPLOYED, HOWEVER MY DRIVER BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. BOTH SEAT BELTS LOCKED UP. THE IMPACT WAS VERY STRONG ON DRIVER SIDE GIVEN THAT IS WHERE WE HIT. FORTUNATELY, MY SEAT BELT KEPT ME FROM HITTING THE WINDSHIELD. MY ONLY INJURIES ARE NECK ACHE, HEAD ACHE, SEAT BELT BRUISES, AND RINGING EARS. MY CONCERN IS FOR FUTURE USE OF MY CAR. IF THE DRIVER AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY GIVEN THIS HARD OF A HIT, I DO NOT BELIEVE IT WILL DEPLOY IN ANY COLLISION. I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH ACURA REQUESTING THEM TO INSPECT THE AIRBAG AND BLACK BOX TO DETERMINE WHY IT DID NOT DEPLOY AND THEY SAID THAT AIRBAGS ARE DESIGNED TO ONLY DEPLOY WHEN NEEDED AND IN THIS CASE THE CARS COMPUTER DETERMINED IT WAS NOT NEEDED HENCE THERE IS NO REASON TO INSPECT IT FURTHER. I BELIEVE THAT IF THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WHERE THE IMPACT WAS LESS THEN THE AIR BAG SHOULD HAVE ALSO DEPLOYED ON THE DRIVER SIDE. MY INSURANCE ADJUSTER ALSO SUPPOSEDLY REQUESTED ACURA TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND THEY ALSO DID NOT GET ANY FAVORABLE ACTION FROM ACURA. HONDA/ACURA OF AMERICA RETURNED MY PHONE CALLS TWICE AND SIMPLY SAID THERE IS NO SUPPORTING INFORMATION INDICATING THAT THE AIRBAG OR CARS COMPUTER SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED. THEY ALSO DID NOT ASK ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THE ACCIDENT IN WHICH ADDITIONAL INFORMATION COULD BE PROVIDED. THE ESTIMATED REPAIR ON THE CAR IS OVER $12K.

NHTSA ID

11271252

Incident

Oct 3, 2019

Mileage

50,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SIDEWALLS OF THE SPARE TIRE, WHICH WAS STORED UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE, WAS WEARING THROUGH AT THREE DIFFERENT LOCATIONS. THE TIRE WAS TAKEN TO MCDANIELS ACURA OF CHARLESTON (2283 SAVANNAH HWY, CHARLESTON, SC 29414, (843) 766-1299) AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED NOT TO WORRY. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.

NHTSA ID

11194881

Incident

Nov 1, 2018

Mileage

20,000 mi

DEAR SIR/MADAM - I WAS HEADING TO MY OFFICE FROM HOME ON THE HIGHWAY CA-84. WHILE DRIVING TODAY ON THE HIGHWAY AT AROUND 50MPH I HEAR SUDDEN LOUD POP UP SOUND FROM THE ROOF, I FELT LIKE AN EARTHQUAKE AND VEHICLE STARTING TO SHAKE. AS I SLOWED DOWN I FELT SOMETHING WRONG WITH SUNROOF. SINCE HIGHWAY LEADS TO THE BRIDGE AND HAS NO EXIT I CONTINUED TO DRIVE. HIGHWAY BECOMES INTERNAL ROAD AFTER 5 MILES. AS I GOT AN OPPORTUNITY I PARKED THE VEHICLE AND GET ABOVE TO CHECK WHAT REALLY HAPPENED. I WAS AMAZED TO SEE SUNROOF GLASS IS BROKEN, BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY THE ENTIRE CASING IS CAVING IN. THIS IS VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. SINCE THIS VEHICLE IS PRIME FOR MY KIDS COMMUTE I'M NOT SURE HOW SAFE THIS VEHICLE IS.

NHTSA ID

10991219

Incident

May 23, 2017

Mileage

25,000 mi

UN INTENDED NON ACCELERATION. DUE TO SEVERE LAG, DELAY, AND SLUGGISH TRANSMISSION RESPONSE. ACURA HAS REPLACED MY TRANSMISSION UNDER WARRANTY AT 11,000 MILES AND DID NOT ADMIT FAULT AND SAY THERE WAS A PROBLEM. HERE'S MORE ON MY EXPERIENCE..IN MY 1 YEAR OF OWNERSHIP.. TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: 2016 ACURA MDX 13,000 MILES , PURCHASE NEW FROM SIERRA ACURA , ALHAMBRA, CA I AM WRITING TO REQUEST BUY BACK OF MY VEHICLE THIS CAR IS A LEMON. SINCE TAKING OWNERSHIP A YEAR AGO, MY 2016 MDX PURCHASED NEW HAS EXPERIENCED NOTHING BUT ONE PROBLEM AFTER PROBLEM. ACURA REPLACED TRANSMISSION A MONTH AGO BUT THE PROBLEM IS STILL THERE. IS IT ENGINEERED AND DESIGNED TO PERFORM IN A NOT SAFE MANNER ? MANY TIMES I EXPERIENCE SHIFTING AND ACCELERATING HESITATION AND JERKY/JOLTING. MY FAMILY AND I DO NOT FEEL SAFE OPERATING AND RIDING IN THIS VEHICLE. SEVERAL TIMES GAS PEDAL DEPRESSED AND VEHICLE LAGGED AT 20 MPH FOR MORE THAN 10 SECONDS BEFORE ACCELERATING. A FEW OF THE LATEST NEW AND ONGOING PROBLEMS ARE BELOW. DRIVER DOOR NOW APPEARS OFF SET AND AT DIFFERENT ANGLE PROTRUDING OUT NOW. APPEARS THAT THE DOOR IS NOT CLOSING PROPERLY AND THEREFORE NOT SEALED AT CLOSING. FURTHERMORE EVERY SINGLE WINDOW HAS EXPERIENCED FAULTY MECHANISMS WITH MOTORS, ACTUATORS, AND SEALS. WHEN CLOSING THE DOORS IT FEELS LIKE THE WINDOWS ARE LOOSE. THERE ARE ALSO SQUEAKS AND RATTLES EMINATING THROUGHOUT THE CABIN AREA. I SECURED AND COLLECTED ALL LOOSE ITEMS AND THE SOUND IS STILL THERE. AT ENGINE START UP EACH TIME, THERE IS A HIGH PITCH WHINING NOISE FOR A FEW SECONDS BEFORE ENGINE STARTS (PERHAPS SOMETHING ELSE FAULTY?) I HAVE VIDEO / SOUND DOCUMENTATION OF THIS WITH 2 SEPERATE RECORDING DATES . WITH REGARD TO THE NAVIGATION, MULTIMEDIA UNIT, IT HAS BEEN LAGGING, SLOW (ER) TO FUNCTION, AND SEVERE DELAY IN BACKUP CAMERA ACTUATING, AND AUDIO FUNCTIONS DELAY IN RESPONSE SOMETIMES.

NHTSA ID

10985476

Incident

Dec 1, 2016

Mileage

11,111 mi