CR says to avoid 2016 model?
 

I had my heart set on a 2016 MDX SH-AWD, but tonight I was strolling through Barnes & Noble and picked up a copy of the Consumer Reports buying guide. They specifically listed the 2016 model as one of their top used cars to avoid, which was the only Acura to make the list besides the 2016 ILX and 2015 TLX. When I looked into the detailed reliability reviews in the book, every category (engine, trans, electrical, suspension, etc.) was at least average with most of them being well above average, yet the overall reliability rating was the worst possible score. Why is this? Should I look into a 2015 model instead or just go for a Pilot?

It is most likely do to the ZF9 transmission. That transmission will forever be a dark spot on the Honda/Acura history books and there is a big reason they are phasing it out in upcoming models. The 2015's had the solid 6 speed transmission built by Honda. I personally would go with a 2015 if I was looking at this generation of MDX. The Pilot also has the ZF9 in the top trims so you would be running into another dead end with that. Have you considered the RDX at all? The new one is amazing.

From my readinga the ZF9 speeds issues are largely software related. The latest flash has mostly taken care of the drivability issues. My 18 is silky smooth. But I will admit it took a bit to get used to it. From what I have read the new 10 speed right now is also plagued with problems. While I dont trust anything from consumer reports any more, I would look at something a bit newer.

There were quite a few zf9s that were replaced under warranty for a 2016 models and a few 2017's, that and rough shifts due to software were likely the recommendation to avoid 2016. By late 2017 and 2018 those issues were largely resolved as I haven't seen a single report of a 2018 needing a new transmission. 2019 mdx and pilot even made enhancements to the zf9 and the result is a very smooth transmission.

Which model years do you recommend? I'm on a budget of $30k so I was looking at the refreshed 2016 MDX, but $25k would be even better so I wouldn't mind a 2014-15 MDX or 2016 Pilot either. I prefer larger cars and my dad was trying to talk me into a Highlander since he has one, but the last 2 cars I've owned were a Pilot and a Ridgeline so I've grown fond of the Honda family.

No details on why it was on their list of worst cars built in the past 10 years, hence why I came here to ask. I'm guessing it's the transmission/drivability based on what everyone is saying.

I recommend a 2015 MDX simply because 2014 was the first model year and in 2015 they did a bunch of software updates to the system and a couple other updates IIRC. I don't like the ZF9 even on the 2018 MDX's so it's an automatic deal breaker for me. As mentioned some people had to have their entire ZF9 replaced on their 2016's and some 2017's even. The 2016 Pilot in lower trims has the 6 speed auto but in higher trims has the ZF9 too so I'd avoid it too.

Thanks, the 2015 MDX SH-AWD Advance is still my first choice, but the 2016 Pilot EX-L with the 6 speed should be solid right?

I, too, would stay away from the 16. I have a friend that leased one and he hated the transmission. On that same note, I have a 19 MDX and the 9 speed has been smoothed out. The transmission is now programed to start from a stop in 2nd gear, unless you are in sport mode where it starts in first. By starting in 2nd, you avoid that first gear jerk/hesitation that this transmission is know for. its silky smooth and still fast from a start. That first gear isn't really needed unless you really need to go. Also, on another note, my wife had leased a 15 MDX in the past (its been replaced) and it was trouble free. I actually like the 9 speed transmission better, in the 19 with the corrected software.

Final note: I leased a 19 Jeep Cherokee for my daughter. It, too, has the ZF 9 speed. Chrysler has not figured it out yet, the transmission is jerky and not as pleasant to drive as the 19 MDX. It does start in first gear, but I sometimes manually start it in 2nd to smooth it out. But, its an interesting comparison that not many can speak to like I can.

Yup both solid choices.

Off topic, but is that a Kia in your picture? :dunno:

Lol your question is actually super Ironic and funny because I owned a Kia sorento SX at one point and my Avatar was of the close up of a Kia Sorento SX Grille. But to answer your question that avatar is of my now sold 2007 RDX. But I can see how it would like like a second generation Kia Sportage.

Honestly not sure where to get the info on it but I'm certain that when the 2015's were coming out there was some press info on the updates. I'd ask your dealer about it next visit, they might be able to check if everything is up to date.

https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-mdx-discussion-2014-414/update-odmd-mdx-20

Check this thread out, it has some great info on the 2015 model software updates. It seems pretty big.

Looks like the 2014 and 2016 MDX are ones to avoid if you can.
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Acura/MDX/

Does your 2014 MDX has the ZF9 tranny or not ?

Zf9 wasn't introduced until 2016. All 2016+ (except Sport Hybrid) have the Zf9. Although 2019 the zf9 was tweaked to make it much more smooth. 2018 and most of 2017 also doesn't appear to have issues with transmission replacement like the 2016.

My issue with the ZF9 is the physical design. No matter how you play around with it, those dog clutches will always lag and jerk. It's definitely much improved, but I'm far too fussy to ignore it.

I have no complaints so far with my 2019. In the next few weeks I'll take it on a road trip and will see if there is still a lag or delay searching for the right gear but driving around town it doesn't jerk and there isn't any lag I've noticed.

Some of the issues with the zf9 such as lag and difficulty finding the right gear are a byproduct of a transmission with so many gears. The 7 speed in my 2010 Fx35 had a similar issue that was improved with software update. But the new Honda 10 speed has similar complaints to the zf9 if you read the RDX forum and that transmission doesn't use dog clutches that I'm aware of

I disagree, arguably the best automatic transmission on the market that is not a dual clutch is the ZF8 and its an amazing transmission. Always at the right gear, no hesitation and very very quick and smooth shifts. The Honda 10AT is well....this is Honda, they can't design a good transmission if their life depends on it lol. At least not right off the bat.

I was speaking generally, as auto manufacturers have switched to new transmissions over the past several years that have a high number of gears a large number of them have consumer complaints about the transmission. So it's not unique to the zf9 or the Honda 10 speed. Obviously this doesn't apply to all transmissions