Research · Midsize Cars
2016 Acura RLXRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 6 owner complaints for the 2016 Acura RLX. Most complaints involve suspension (2) and structure (2). The EPA rates it 23 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Combined MPG
23mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
6
Top: suspension
Fuel cost / yr
$3,450est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2016 Acura RLX as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
6 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jul 2016 – Sep 2026
- Suspension2
- Structure2
- Fuel/propulsion system1
- Steering1
- Electrical system1
- Wheels1
- Air bags1
- Other / unknown2
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Suspension
2 reports
“The contact owns a 2016 Acura RLX. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and turning, the rear axle made a rubbing sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the rear axle actuators had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered because the 10-year extended warranty had expired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone, and a case was filed, but coverage was denied. The contact was awaiting a callback from an Acura regional manager. The contact stated that the failure was a factory defect. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.”
Structure
2 reports1 crash
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 ACURA RLX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER LOADING GROCERIES INTO THE TRUNK OF THE VEHICLE, THE TRUNK TO WAS MANUALLY CLOSED HOWEVER, THE TRUNK UNLOCKED INDEPENDENTLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS NO FIX FOR THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER ADMITTED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW. A CASE NUMBER WAS PROVIDED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VERN EIDE ACURA (4030 S GRANGE AVE, SIOUX FALLS, SD 57105, WHERE THE DEALER REPLACED TWO NEW ANTENNAS FOR THE REMOTE USED TO UNLOCKED THE TRUNK, AND A NEW BATTERY IN THE KEY FOB. THE ANTENNA AND BATTERY REPLACEMENT FAILED TO FIX THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,700.*DT CONSUMER WAS TOLD NOTHING COULD BE DONE ABOUT IT BY CUSTOMER SERVICE.*JB*DT *TR”
Fuel/propulsion system
1 report
“The car died on the freeway, tow truck towed contacted mechanic next day and they came and diagnosed the car and needed a crank shaft sensor and change was complete. Car is still showing the same issues stalls approximately 30 to 40 mins of idle I had mechanic pull live data stream from scanner upon monitoring short term fuel trim bank 1 still shows that the fuel pump is seizing one warm, causing the car to stall, which is a huge safety issue I have a 5 month old and 8 year old in the car when she stalled on the freeway. Pump is seizing when it’s hot.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
1 version rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Midsize Cars
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S6)
- Drive
- Front-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
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RLX Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 30 | 23 | $3,450 | 380 |
- 23mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5Acura RLX 4 DR FWD
- Frontal crash
- 5 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 5 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 9.7%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026Vehicle 10024
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat 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.
2016 RLX questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Acura RLX have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 28, 2026.
What are the most common 2016 Acura RLX problems?
Owners filed 6 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are suspension (2), structure (2), fuel/propulsion system (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2016 Acura RLX get?
The EPA rates the 2016 Acura RLX at 23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
How safe is the 2016 Acura RLX?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2016 Acura RLX 5 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026