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Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD

2016 Acura RDXRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 41 owner complaints for the 2016 Acura RDX. Most complaints involve power train (9) and electrical system (8). The EPA rates it 22–23 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Check a VINAdd to my garage
Combined MPG
22–23mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
2campaigns
Latest Mar 2019
Owner complaints
41
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$3,450est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

2 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Air bags: inflator module

Free remedy

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode.

Air bagsReported Mar 6, 2019NHTSA 19V182000

Air bags: inflator module

Free remedy

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Honda CR-V, 2011-2015 CR-Z, 2010-2014 FCX, and Insight, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013-2014 Fit EV, 2007-2014 Ridgeline, 2013-2016 Acura ILX, 2013-2014 Acura ILX Hybrid, 2007-2016 RDX, 2005-2012 Acura RL, 2009-2014 Acura TL, and 2010-2013 Acura ZDX vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.

Air bagsReported Feb 3, 2016NHTSA 16V061000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

41 complaints filed with NHTSA · Oct 2015 – Sep 2026
  1. Power train9
  2. Electrical system8
  3. Engine7
  4. Service brakes6
  5. Steering4
  6. Fuel/propulsion system4
  7. Structure3
  8. Forward collision avoidance2
  9. Air bags2

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each RDX model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
200753
200833
200915
201022
201116
201215
2013162
2014244
2015415
201641
201780
201878
2019439
2020349
2021117
202231
202324
202412
202530
20261
Crashes reported
3
Fires reported
2
Injuries reported
3
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Power train

9 reports
“On May 25, 2026, while driving my 2016 Acura RDX AWD on the interstate at highway speed, it suddenly began running rough and felt as if I was driving over low, spaced-out speed bumps. The check engine light started flashing, and multiple safety-system warnings appeared, including AWD System Problem, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) Problem, Hill Start Assist Problem, Electric Power Steering (EPS) Problem, and lane-keeping warnings. The vehicle lost normal performance, and I was concerned about safely continuing in interstate traffic. The interstate shoulder was narrow, and the shoulder was ending where traffic was merging onto another busy interstate. I pulled over as soon as I could safely do so. The vehicle was then towed to the dealership for diagnosis. The Acura dealership diagnosed internal engine damage, cylinder misfires, and broken piston rings and advised that the engine required replacement. The vehicle had approximately 170,526 miles at the time of failure. Prior to this incident, the vehicle was operating normally, had been regularly maintained, and had not been involved in any collision. There was no indication that an engine failure was imminent.…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 16, 2026Steering, Power train, EngineODI 11744363

Electrical system

8 reports1 fire
“On several occasions, the car alarm starts randomly sounding. When my son went to the vehicle, the lights on the dash board were flashing on and off and there was a clicking sound. We replaced the batteries in the key fobs. The battery was low so we had that recharged but the problem continued. We replaced the car battery and that appeared to solve the problem for about 6 months. The same problem occurred again. The only way to stop the alarm from going off is to disconnect the battery. Leaving the door unlocked does not stop this from happening. When we searched online, it is clear this is a common problem with this car, but there have been no recalls or TSB issued. This is a safety issue because we need to disconnect the battery and leave the car unlocked when we leave the vehicle. This has not been inspected by any service center. Based on our research, Acura will recommend replacing the smart power control unit at a cost of up to $1500 or more. We are hoping that others have reported this as well.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 11, 2026Electrical systemODI 11737153

Engine

7 reports2 fires
“Vehicle constantly surges during acceleration, seems as if the transmission is bad however, it also feels as if the fuel filter is clogged. This sputter occurs at various speed. Vehicle has less than 64,000 miles. Is there a fix to this issue?”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 10, 2021Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11428505
All 2016 RDX problemsSend a problem to a mechanic on findmechanic.ai
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (S6)
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
RDX 2WD
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
202823$3,450386
RDX 4WD
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · All-Wheel Drive
192722$3,600402
  • RDX 2WD
    Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    20 city · 28 hwy · $3,450/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
  • RDX 4WD
    Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    19 city · 27 hwy · $3,600/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
Estimate your fuel costCost of ownership
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Acura RDX SUV AWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
15.5%
Overall
5 / 5
Acura RDX SUV FWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
16.4%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026Vehicle 10038Vehicle 10037
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2016 RDX questions

How many recalls does the 2016 Acura RDX have?

2 safety recalls as of Oct 28, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2016 Acura RDX problems?

Owners filed 41 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (9), electrical system (8), engine (7). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2016 Acura RDX get?

The EPA rates the 2016 Acura RDX at 22–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

How safe is the 2016 Acura RDX?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2016 Acura RDX 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026