2016 Acura MDX Electrical Problems

I just got back home from Walmart, went in my house to get a few things and head to my camper. I had to get one last thing ,so I started to drive over town I noticed a plastic burning smell ,I thought someone was burning trash, so I keep going ,the smell got worse,so I stopped and was going to check what it was and smoke started coming out of the vents,so I turned around drove car home,as I was pulling into my drive ,I noticed the wiring harness fell from behind glove box ,on fire on the floor. We got car in driveway and got out,tried to extinguish the fire but couldn't, so grab everything out of the car,and the car became totally engulfed in flames,the car was totally gone from this electrical short.

NHTSA ID

11750455

Incident

Jul 2, 2026

As I was driving under the freeway stopped preparing to make a u-turn my car put itself in neutral and I could not change gears. I had to turn the car on and off for it to get itself back into drive. Another time I was stopped at a light and it did the same thing. Some time went one and it happened again but this time I was reversing to park and again put itself into neural. This is a safety hazard as it happens at different times when I’m driving when other vehicles are around. I do the maintenance at the dealership and they never say anything about my complaints or the car needing to be updated. Please let me know what I need to do?

NHTSA ID

11712944

Incident

Jun 1, 2025

On 9/12/2025 driving on the highway in stop and go traffic, the idle stop feature engaged, but the engine would not restart upon taking foot off break. Put vehicle into park and held start/stop button for couple seconds to turn off, then was able to restart vehicle by pushing start button. Couple days later went to start vehicle while parked and accessories came on, but engine wouldn’t start. After a few attempts, got vehicle to start.

NHTSA ID

11687501

Incident

Sep 12, 2025

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2016 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 65,445 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 151,000.

NHTSA ID

11675655

Incident

Jul 17, 2025

Mileage

151,000 mi

The engine light came on more than 12 times in the past 3 months. I tried to have the dealer check, but they found nothing. Then the light started to of on and off every time I drive in the rain

NHTSA ID

11662890

Incident

Feb 1, 2025

Vehicle always smells hot or as if something electric is burning in the engine compartment. Have always had scheduled maintenance and have taken it in on time for all oil changes and maintenance to be performed. Have asked for this to be checked at that time and when the smell has become over powering. Engine lights have popped up and then all lights have shut off two separate times previously to the point where I had to turn off the vehicle. I have taken it to two dealerships and another mechanic to look for the cause. They are not able to determine the cause but recommend I contact Acura as this sounds like a warranty issue.

NHTSA ID

11631726

Incident

Oct 24, 2024

I am [XXX] and I have owned Honda/Acura since I was 16 yrs old. My last vehicle was a Honda Odyssey minivan with 423K when I donated it, running well to a family that fostered kids! I bought a new 2016 Acura MDX and now it is 8 years old and has 180K on it. I get the oil changed and other normal service maintenance done only at Honda or Acura dealerships. I have never had a car accident and I take care of the maintenance early. All of a sudden, on Friday, [XXX], I had just started driving ( ~20 minutes in the car) and every light started flashing and the car sounded funny and it was hard to drive. I immediately got off the highway and found a repair place (Red's auto repair) right off the exit. They had me shut off the car. Then they checked the oil, which was showing 70%, and I had just had it changed less than 1000 miles earlier, and it had plenty of oil. They told me I could not drive the car! They said "something is wrong with the engine". Currently, LaFontaine Acura has my car. I have a loaner from them. They said it "spun a bearing" in the engine. Apparently there is a recall for this same problem for my year, make and model, but "currently" my VIN number is not included? And, it is the exact same problem bearing from the recall! THIS IS CRAZY! My car has been well taken care of and I would expect it to get at least 350k miles at least before any issues. If the same problem was recalled for other cars, why not mine? It is un-drivable now. I think that Honda has changed their manufacturing because in 43 years of driving Hondas they always are reliable and work well for years and years. My 5 adult kids drive Hondas as well! Never a problem. I think I got a vehicle with a defect that should not be, especially when the car has always been maintained so well, with the service records to show that. PLEASE HELP GET THIS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL FOR SAFETY! What is my next step to ensure that my car is included? Thank you very much INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT

NHTSA ID

11625941

Incident

Oct 25, 2024

While waiting to turn left from a busy street onto a highway, the engine seized. The car was unable to be moved from it's location in the center of the busy street with cars approaching quickly from behind and weaving around my stopped vehicle. I had the vehicle towed to Metro Acura in Montclair, CA and they confirmed that the connecting rod bearing had failed causing the engine to seize. They also confirmed that the vehicle is not part of the existing recall. The engine produced some rough noise prior to failing but otherwise did not provide any warning lamps or other messages.

NHTSA ID

11624809

Incident

Aug 19, 2024

My vehicle has been going off on its own when it is off, the lights starts to flicker on the outside and on the dashboard, the seats malfunction on its own so does the steering wheel causing the steering wheel to move up and down adjusting on its own, the car alarm will go off all the time, and I hear a noise coming from under the hood. It’s so bad that I have to take out the battery and leave it cause this problem will continue until the battery is dead, sometimes it will cause all the lights to come on and stay on all night, mean while the vehicle is not even turned on when all this is happening, I search couple video and websites only to see other people having the same problem with this specific type of vehicle, this problem been consistent for months and it makes the car unable to drive.

NHTSA ID

11612452

Incident

Apr 20, 2022

We have a 2016 Acura MDX and it has automatically shifted to Neutral 3 times (twice while driving on the freeway and 1x yesterday while driving on the street at normal speeds) in the last 2 months. On the MDX dashboard, it will display "Emissions System Problem" and then display "Stop Driving When Safe. Transmission Problem. See Manual." However, the car will automatically shift to Neutral within seconds. My children's lives (7 y/o and 5 y/o) were placed in danger as a result of this system failure. I have contacted the Acura Honda Recall Specialists and Client Relations Representatives. The car is being diagnosed at Cerritos Acura dealership at the present time. A case number has been filed since our VIN shows no recall, despite it having recalls for other 2016 Acura MDXs.

NHTSA ID

11604367

Incident

Jul 23, 2024

Car failed at stops when auto stop is engaged. Vehicle would not restart. This happened at stop lights, stop signs etc. I took in for repair and the starter was replaced. American Honda subsequently issued a notice (not a full recall) for my vehicle for this issue. They offered reimbursement for the repairs. However, when I sent in the repair bill, the refused to reimburse. They need to be held accountable for this issue.

NHTSA ID

11554177

Incident

May 6, 2022

Transmission shifted to neutral limiting controllable forward movement. This occurred without any warning while in traffic. This created a VERY HIGH SAFETY RISK. This issue occurred three times creating a need to have it towed into a repair dealer, diagnostics, and resetting of the electrical circuit. The diagnosis code was P0973.

NHTSA ID

11493954

Incident

Oct 21, 2022

First on off glitching when ever accessory mode is used WHILE IN MOTION, FIRST BRAKELIGHT HAD WARNING THEN WARNING ABOUT TRAILER STABILITY ASSIST. WHEN I WENT IN REVERSE, THE WHOLE DASHBOARD INCLUDING THE NAVIGATION SCREEN WENT BLACK AND THE CAR FELT LIKE THE ENGINE STOPPED. THIS HAPPENED A FEW TIMES. I DON'T THINK THE ENGINE ACTUALLY STOPPED THOUGH BECAUSE I DID NOT HAVE TO RESTART THE CAR. THE BRAKE LIGHT ERROR MESSAGE HAS OCCURRED DRIVING FORWARD AS WELL, BUT NOT ACCOMPANIED BY THE BLACKOUT OF THE DASH AND NAV PANEL. Steering becane stiffer ALL OF THIS HAPPENED WHILE IN MOTION.

NHTSA ID

11492993

Incident

Nov 9, 2022

While driving on the interstate miles in cruise control vehicle started to reduce speed quickly. upon pressing the accelerator (as a semi was right behind me) nothing happened. I attempted to pump the gas pedal in desperation of not being hit as no pull off lane was available. After about 4 minutes vehicle was able to accelerate once again no warning signs or lights came on at this time (i had my 4 young children in the vehicle) extremely unsafe and yet no resolution with said issues. This has occurred 4 times as of yet. #2 dashboard display vehicle in park (P)blinking along with codes; lane departure failure, transmission system failure, blind spot failure. During this time i was able to still drive. Dealership verbalized they could not resolve the issue as no codes ect.,(Popped up) or Registered upon diagnosis. Has occurred 3 times. #3 vehicle door windows are loose as if they were going to fall right off. #4 When I start the engine there's a loud noise prior to starting and during idle. #5 Air conditioner stops working in the front only on occasions. Especially on warmer days. #6 not shifting smoothly. #7 Doors sound as if not sealed appropriately. #7 safety features warning of not able to function due yo overheating

NHTSA ID

11466584

Incident

Mar 23, 2022

I believe my transmission or the electrical component(s) to my transmission failed. I was driving down the road and all of a sudden my car shifted into neutral and would not allow me to accelerate so we had make our way to the shoulder to put the car in park. Having my vehicle thrown into neutral while driving and not being able to accelerate put not only us, but other drivers at serious risk! There were several warning messages popping up on our screen (see attached photos). In researching this issue, I found that there had been several TSBs and a class action lawsuit claiming the same issue faced by many drivers. It is currently at the Acura dealership getting serviced and they will be replacing the entire transmission and TCM harness under the CPO warranty. I cannot believe there has not been a recall on this potentially life-threatening issue.

NHTSA ID

11436530

Incident

Oct 9, 2021

IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS, MY SUV HAS STALLED EITHER AT A STOP LIGHT OR WHEN PARKED. IT WOULD SPUTTER ON TRYING TO RESTART. BATTERY WAS NOT AN ISSUE. THOUGHT IT WAS A STARTER ISSUE AND GOT A NEW STARTER. BUT IT HAPPENED AGAIN TODAY AND THE TOW TRUCK GUY POWERED WITH JUMP START (EVEN THOUGH IT WAS NOT A BATTERY ISSUE) AND IT STARTED.

NHTSA ID

11373683

Incident

Nov 8, 2020

Mileage

77,000 mi

IF THE OWNER SITS IN THE CAR WITH THE RADIO OPERATING AND THEN TURNS THE CAR OFF COMPLETELY BUT DOESN'T LOCK THE VEHICLE AND THEN RETURNS AT SOME POINT AND ATTEMPTS TO UNLOCK THE VEHICLE AND THEN START THE ENGINE, ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS, THE BATTERY HAS BEEN RUN DOWN EVEN THOUGH THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF.

NHTSA ID

11342619

Incident

Jul 22, 2020

Mileage

61,083 mi

VEHICLE HAD AN ELECTRONIC FAILURE (EPS) WHICH CAUSED A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION IN OUR DRIVEWAY.

NHTSA ID

11256151

Incident

Sep 17, 2019

Mileage

72,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 ACURA MDX. WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED TO 45 MPH AND THE EMISSION, ALL WHEEL DRIVE, TRANSMISSION, AND BLIND SPOT WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FOX ACURA (4330 29TH ST SE, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49512, (616) 942-8040) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SOFTWARE NEEDED TO BE UPDATED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.

NHTSA ID

11240394

Incident

Jul 19, 2019

Mileage

105,000 mi

MY 2016 ACURA MDX. STALLED TWICE. BOTH TIMES IN START AND STOP TRAFFIC WHEN STOPPED THE CYLINDER DEACTIVATION ENGAGED, HOWEVER THEN THE POWER WENT OUT COMPLETELY WITHOUT WARNING, IT TOOK ABOUT 5-10 MIN THEN THE PUSH TO START WORKED AND THE CAR RESTARTED. AFTER THE FIRST STALL WE TOOK IT ACURA, HOWEVER THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. I AM WRITING THIS REPORT AFTER THE SECOND STALL TODAY.

NHTSA ID

11233636

Incident

Jul 20, 2019

Mileage

38,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 ACURA MDX. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE VEHICLE STALLED. WHEN THE PUSH TO START BUTTON WAS PRESSED, THE VEHICLE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. A DIAGNOSTIC APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED WITH ACURA OF FREMONT (LOCATED AT 5700 CUSHING PKWY, FREMONT, CA 94538, (510) 431-2500). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000.

NHTSA ID

11220990

Incident

Jun 17, 2019

Mileage

38,000 mi

TRANSMITION PROBLEM ( ELECTRICAL )

NHTSA ID

11197304

Incident

Apr 20, 2017

Mileage

50,000 mi

JUNE 10, 2018 - 4 HOURS INTO 5.5 HOUR TRIP, TRAVELING ON HWY 98, SOUTH OF TALLAHASSEE, FL, VEHICLE LOST ACCELERATION, SERIES OF WARNING LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING. LIMPED OVER ONTO SHOULDER, TURNED VEHICLE OFF, CALLED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. WHEN TOW TRUCK ARRIVED AN HOUR LATER, STARTED VEHICLE AND IT RAN NORMALLY....DROVE VEHICLE TO PROCTOR ACURA, FOLLOWING TOW TRUCK. DEALERSHIP AND FACTORY PERSONNEL UNABLE TO DETERMINE PROBLEM. DECEMBER 4, 2018 - 1 HOUR INTO 3 HOUR TRIP, WIFE TRAVELING ALONE ON INTERSTATE 10E, MOBILE, AL. WHILE ON BRIDGE ACROSS MOBILE BAY, VEHICLE LOST ACCELERATION. AS SHE WAS COASTING ONTO NARROW SHOULDER, FRANTICALLY PUMPING ACCELERATOR, VEHICLE RE-ENGAGED AND TRIP WAS COMPLETED WITH NO FURTHER ISSUE. UNSURE IF WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. MARCH 8, 2019 - 3.5 HOURS INTO 5 HOUR TRIP, TRAVELING ON HWY 49N, BETWEEN HATTIESBURG AND COLLINS, MS. VARIOUS WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON, EMERGENCY FLASHERS CAME ON BY ITSELF, VEHICLE NEVER LOST ACCELERATION. PULLED OVER ONTO SHOULDER, LEFT ENGINE RUNNING, AND THEN DROVE APPX 5 MILES TO A SONIC DRIVE-IN. TURNED VEHICLE OFF, LET IT SIT FOR A FEW MINUTES, CALLED ACURA CUSTOMER SERVICE AND WAS ASSIGNED A CASE #. RESTARTED ENGINE, EMERGENCY FLASHERS NO LONGER ON, OTHER WARNING LIGHTS STILL FLASHING AND DROVE TO DESTINATION. STARTED TRIP BACK HOME THE NEXT DAY, WARNING LIGHTS REMAINED ON UNTIL A THIRD OF THE WAY, THEN THOSE LIGHTS WENT OFF. TOOK VEHICLE TO TIM SMITH ACURA, FT. WALTON BEACH, FL. MET WITH DEALERSHIP SERVICE MANAGER, WHO EXPLAINED DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIRS MADE, BUT WOULD PROVIDE NO ASSURANCE WHATSOEVER PROBLEMS WOULD NOT REOCCUR. ALSO MENTIONED HE JUST RECEIVED AN EMAIL FROM FACTORY THAT A POSSIBLE FIX WAS AT HAND BUT WOULD BE A FEW WEEKS AWAY. NOTES: * PROBLEMS OCCUR ONLY DURING A ROAD TRIP * VEHICLE FIXES ITSELF EVERY TIME * VEHICLE IS UNSAFE & UNRELIABLE * EMAILED AM HONDA, NO REPLY

NHTSA ID

11195949

Incident

Jun 10, 2018

Mileage

31,003 mi

CAR ELECTRICAL ACTIVATED WHEN START BUTTON WAS PUSHED BUT IT WASN'T CLEAR IF ENGINE WAS RUNNING. CAR WOULD NOT "TURN OFF" OR LOCK. MANY ERROR MESSAGES CAME ACROSS DASH AND CAR WAS NOT PROPERLY RECOGNIZING FOBS. AN ACURA SERVICE CENTER WAS CALLED AND WE WERE TOLD OUR ONLY OPTION WAS TO DISCONNECT BATTERY LEADS OR LET THE CAR RUN UNTIL THE BATTERY DIED. MANY HOURS LATER THE BATTERY DIED. WHEN THE ACURA SERVICE TRUCK CAME TO GET US THEY COULDN'T EVEN GET THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL AFTER CHARGING THE BATTERY AND WHEEL TRUCK HAD TO BE CALLED. THE DEALERSHIP HAD THE CAR FOR WEEKS AND WAS NOT ABLE TO DETERMINE THE PAUSE. WE HAVE MULTIPLE VIDEOS OF THE INCIDENT. NOTE THAT THE CAR WAS NOT IN ACCESSORY MODE AND THE BEHAVIOR IS INCONSISTENT WITH ACCESSORY MODE.

NHTSA ID

11186341

Incident

Aug 23, 2018

Mileage

17,000 mi

WHILE IN MOTION, FIRST BRAKELIGHT HAD WARNING THEN WARNING ABOUT TRAILER STABILITY ASSIST. WHEN I WENT IN REVERSE, THE WHOLE DASHBOARD INCLUDING THE NAVIGATION SCREEN WENT BLACK AND THE CAR FELT LIKE THE ENGINE STOPPED. THIS HAPPENED A FEW TIMES. I DON'T THINK THE ENGINE ACTUALLY STOPPED THOUGH BECAUSE I DID NOT HAVE TO RESTART THE CAR. THE BRAKE LIGHT ERROR MESSAGE HAS OCCURRED DRIVING FORWARD AS WELL, BUT NOT ACCOMPANIED BY THE BLACKOUT OF THE DASH AND NAV PANEL. ALL OF THIS HAPPENED WHILE IN MOTION. THE WORST OF THIS HAPPENED ON 07/30/2018 BUT VARIATIONS OF THIS OCCURRED PRIOR TO THAT.

NHTSA ID

11184987

Incident

Jul 30, 2018

Mileage

16,758 mi