Research · Midsize Cars

2016 Acura RLX HybridRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 2 owner complaints for the 2016 Acura RLX Hybrid. Most complaints involve engine (1) and traction control system (1). The EPA rates it 30 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
30mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
2
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$2,500est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2016 Acura RLX Hybrid as of Nov 12, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 12, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

2 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 2019 – May 2024
  1. Engine1
  2. Traction control system1

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 RLX Hybrid model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
20141
20162
20183
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 12, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Engine

1 report
“2016 RLX SH-AWD (bought new in 2017 - now with 62K on the odometer) developed a knocking noise on [XXX] 2024. I scheduled service with Buerkle Acura (Brooklyn Park, MN) and drove it very little until the appointment on Wednesday, [XXX], 2024. I was hoping it was noisy valves, or a broken exhaust hanger, but was informed by the technician last night that there are metal shavings in the oil pan and that connecting rod bearing #5 is spun. All maintenance has been performed at this dealership, which is where I bought the car brand new. The engine in this vehicle is the J35Y4 which is NOT part of the NHTSA Recall No. : 23V-751. Please look into this matter, as I have seen on the Acura forum [XXX] ) that another Acura RLX owner (2018 model) has experienced a connecting rod bearing failure as well. My vehicle is covered by an extended warranty from Acura, so I will be getting a new short block. The heads were pressure tested and milled and will be reinstalled. All labor and parts are covered by the extended warranty by Acura, so I have no complaints with Acura (so far).”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 19, 2024EngineODI 11589515

Traction control system

1 report
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 ACURA RLX. WHEN MAKING A TURN, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE LOST TRACTION INTERMITTENTLY. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO COLUMBIA ACURA INC (10979 MONTGOMERY RD, CINCINNATI, OH 45249, (513) 530-0100) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE OF THE DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR SPECIFICS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 22, 2019Traction control systemODI 11190898
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 12, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

1 version rated by the EPA
EPA class
Midsize Cars
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl hybrid
Transmissions
Automatic (AM7)
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 Nov 12, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
RLX Hybrid
Auto (AM7), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · All-Wheel Drive
283130$2,500302
  • RLX Hybrid
    Auto (AM7), 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    28 city · 31 hwy · $2,500/yr
    30
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 12, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2016 Acura RLX Hybrid as of Nov 12, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 12, 2026Vehicle 10025
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 RLX Hybrid questions

How many recalls does the 2016 Acura RLX Hybrid have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 12, 2026.

What are the most common 2016 Acura RLX Hybrid problems?

Owners filed 2 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (1), traction control system (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2016 Acura RLX Hybrid get?

The EPA rates the 2016 Acura RLX Hybrid at 30 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 12, 2026