Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2016 Acura MDX owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
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. …
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, [redacted] 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. [redacted]
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.
The paint on this vehicle failed and matches photos in Acura service bulletin [redacted] which deals with failure of paint color [redacted]. 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.
The contact owns a 2016 Acura MDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V365000 (Structure, Suspension) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The vehicle was taken to a local authorized dealer, and recall repairs were performed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Body complaints in other MDX years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2016 Acura MDX?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the body & structure of the 2016 Acura MDX, 6% of the model year's 377 complaints. The component named most often is body (18 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2016 Acura MDX body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 2016 Acura MDX, though it has 7 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2016 Acura MDX body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 25,000 miles, and 50% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to body & structure problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.