Acura MDX Acura MDX

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Acura MDX repairs by problem area

Engine (19%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (11%)

Brakes and Traction Control (3%)

Suspension and Steering (16%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (34%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (11%)

Other (5%)

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Chart based on 2532 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the Acura MDX.

Acura MDX transmission repair cost distribution

$2500+ (13%)

$1000 - $2499 (9%)

$500 - $999 (10%)

$100 - $499 (27%)

< $100 (41%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 214 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2018 Acura MDX 4dr SUV

290-horsepower 3.5L I6 9-speed shiftable automatic AWD

24000 mi Updated transmission software to fix poor shifting performance, especially when cold. 

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2017 Acura MDX 4dr SUV

290-horsepower 3.5L I6 9-speed shiftable automatic AWD

14000 mi The 2017 MDX transmission shifts roughly (just like our 2003 MDX 198,000 2nd transmission.) During routine maintenance they did an adjustment, reports wife. Computer she thinks. Fix worked but was temporary. I am very wary of the MDX Transmission. We are snowbirds. 2017 MDX is North, we are South, so no access to records. 
16000 mi Multiple issues with the 9-speed transmission that required a few reflashings. Disconcerting surge in acceleration from a stop with a cold engine, and a profoundly rough shift between gears 4 and 5 once up to normal operating temp. 

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2016 Acura MDX 4dr SUV

290-horsepower 3.5L V6 9-speed shiftable automatic FWD

12000 mi Transmission failed. Cooler fluid from transmission inter cooler leaked into transmission. Replaced transmission, all hydraulic lines, inter cooler flushed radiator. No cost. Warranty job. 

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2016 Acura MDX 4dr SUV

290-horsepower 3.5L V6 9-speed shiftable automatic AWD

12000 mi Transmission fluid leak due to technician error from previous scheduled maintenance trip. 
8000 mi TSB reprogramming for rough shifting 
9000 mi A number of technicians expressed concerns about shifting of the automatic transmission. 
8200 mi Software update to improve transmission 
6000 mi Car needs transmission software update. Unfortunately, it is outside of the VIN sequence eligible for TSB 15-054 and the dealership cannot make repairs. 
9000 mi Ultimately sold the car due to transmission problems, which Acura claimed were "normal" and refused to fix. 
22000 mi After repeated trips to dealer, it was finally determined that coolant fluid was contaminating transmission fluid. The engine RPM would surge by 300 to 500 RPM when using cruise control on level road. After third trip, Honda sent a factory expert who determined the problem. Dealer service manager is inept. Replace entire transmission and cooling system. I left the car for 35 day and honda reimbursed me for 1 month of loan payment of $505.00 
19723 mi Feels like accelerating on downhill even though gas pedal not depressed. I was told by the technician that it is normal with the way the 9 speed AT was programmed. 
48000 mi Heard a squeak when shifting. Transmission clutch went out. Acura replaced full transmission under warranty. 

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2015 Acura MDX 4dr SUV

290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

51000 mi Torque converter lockup problem. Software update and transmission flush. 

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2015 Acura MDX 4dr SUV

290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

4800 mi Required update to onboard software. I thought it was related to a recall but service manager said technically it was not. 
125000 mi

US $315
Transmission fluid used was found to overheat and created a noticeable surge, especially at speeds under 55 mph. Transmission fluid was drained and then flushed twice with new fluid. This corrected the problem. 
43000 mi Transmission not shifting properly. ECM flash and fluid flush done 

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2014 Acura MDX 4dr SUV

290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

60000 mi Transmission was slipping. Dealer changed all of the fluids per Acura instruction. If that doesn’t cure the problem, I have to take it back for the second fix, whatever that is. It looks like I will have to go back as there stills is some slippage. Looks like changing the fluids took care of the problem . 
62000 mi Transmission had slight slippage. Acura has known of this issue with other cars and recommended completely changing out fluids in power train first and then drive for at least 1000 miles . I did and problem was resolved lved 
12300 mi

US $160
Transmission shifts sluggish 

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2014 Acura MDX 4dr SUV

290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

9000 mi defective drive shaft was replaced. 
21700 mi Computer threw SHAWD and Emmissions error lights. Disappeared at shop. They did a software update and claimed it was a known problem. Why did they not alert me to come and get the update? 
73000 mi Hesitation when driving at low rpm. Computer was reflashed and the system was flushed 
24700 mi The Axle had a defect. 
28600 mi Axle Repair 
35000 mi axel making noise 
16000 mi Continued issues with the 6 speed transmission. Shifts erratically and abruptly. Very poor experience with this car. I would not buy this car again. 
25000 mi Transmission was finally replaced after 2.5 years of not performing correctly. MDX now runs perfectly. 
14000 mi Misadjusted shifter cable. Car would not go into Park. Fixed at dealer. 
25660 mi Transmission fluid leak. Silicon was used to repair the area, thought to be from one of the bolt holes. 
28820 mi noisy when shifting into gear. correct by a TSB by dealer 
5000 mi Vehicle was leaking transmission fluid. The couldn't repair it, so the transmission was replaced! 

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2013 Acura MDX 4dr SUV

300-horsepower 3.7L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

34000 mi Third gear died and was replaced under warranty. 
29000 mi Clicking axles 
76880 mi clunking sound when turning. covered by extended powertrain warranty; MK: code for stabilizer bar, but sounds like CV joint 

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2012 Acura MDX 4dr SUV

300-horsepower 3.7L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

25000 mi Transmission was hunting and surging erratically. Dealer applied 2012 Transmission software reflash. Problem Fixed. 
6000 mi Slipping gear 
28900 mi Front Axle Worn, needed replacement 
63120 mi Vehicle making noise when turning. More predominate on right hand turns. Diagnosed as drive shaft issue - CV joint needed to be replaced. 
17000 mi Transmission began slipping in reverse and failing to engage without throttle application. Dealer diagnosed transmission as faulty and replaced it under warranty. 
68000 mi

US $254
Transmission reflash to update programming. 95% resolved problem. 
84000 mi Experiencing noise when turning the wheel under load, like on a hill. Left axle shaft was the source. Replaced both L & R axle shafts for $520 cost. Did not use Acura parts for replacement, which were more than twice the price. 
62000 mi My car was making a noise like the wheel bearing was going but the repair ended up being replacing the axle. 

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2011 Acura MDX 4dr SUV

300-horsepower 3.7L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

56000 mi AWD rear propeller (drive) shaft carrier bearing; notorious for making noise before failing. Replaced under drivetrain warranty. 
30380 mi Software upgrade for transmission as a result of transmission lock up malfunction which causes transmission to chug(rpm spike) around 80km/hr 
68500 mi Found leaking boot. Replaced under warranty. 
71000 mi

US $220
Downshift paddle froze and would not move- had to be replaced- 
8300 mi car shudders from standstill to initial take off, when steering wheel is turned. 
19000 mi Car shudders/vibrates when turning steering wheel while stopped and with transmission engaged (i.e. when pulling up to park or backing up from parking). 
47300 mi Transmission was slipping. Replaced a sensor that fixed the problem 
126000 mi

US $650
Clonking noise when car was turning left. Cause was a faulty right front axle and was replaced (part 44305-STX-A51 Driveshaft Assy., R) 
158000 mi

US $980
U-joint failure 
119000 mi

US $300
inner passenger CV boot replaced 
128000 mi

US $400
outer passenger CV boot replaced 
127000 mi

US $150
Transmission flush, clean and refill 

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2010 Acura MDX

Engine not specified

1000 mi Bad CV joint at 1900 

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2010 Acura MDX 4dr SUV

300-horsepower 3.7L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

6000 mi

US $275
Torque converter went out and had to be replaced. 
47000 mi Replaced pressure switch "B" (3rd gear). 
19300 mi Torque converter issue, software updated and transmission fluid replaced. 
24000 mi Dealer performed "Software Update for Lock-up Clutch" as recommended by Acura. 
17000 mi Software update to fix a "juddering" (Acura's term) in the transmission. I never perceived any problem. 
102000 mi

US $500
Transmission oil, transfer fluid 
98700 mi Reported rattle/diesel sounding noise. Flagged as possible Torque Converter issue 
114000 mi

US $1900
Rattle noiser reported was low rear differential fluid. Proper service completed, rectified noise. 
79000 mi

US $600
Car was in to replace Timing Belt as scheduled maintenance and I reported that car would not shift into reverse at times. Entire Transmission was replaced under Extended Warranty. Also had some seals replaced/repaired. Repair cost only TB. 
31620 mi Recall to update transmission software as transmission started to slip after engine software update to fix pinging. Now fuel consumption has increases from 13.8L per 100 kms (combined) to 15.8L. Dealer to look at next week. 
22700 mi updated transmission software to reduce vibration 

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2009 Acura MDX 4dr SUV

300-horsepower 3.7L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

15000 mi possibly problem with torque converter Replaced torque converter. 
71000 mi

US $630
3rd gear sensor. Maintenance code "Transmission P0847" 
19220 mi Torn driver side CV boot. 
28300 mi

C $186
Lazy shifting. Even though the MID showed B12 svc, I got the tranny fluid changed. 
37300 mi TSB-PCM software update issued by Acura 
88000 mi

US $300
Inner CV boot torn/leaking (pass.), replaced boot repacked CV joint. 
109630 mi

US $668
Clicking upon turning. Replaced Rt. Driveshaft assembly. 
1000 mi intermittent noise emitted from front differential. 
41900 mi Transmission noise drivetrain vibration in the low speed range of 4th gear, sometimes 3rd, also, at a steady speed the tach was bouncing. Dealer replaced Torque Converter and it fixed the issue 
97000 mi

US $50
Transmission light kept coming on and was intermittent. Took it to Advanced Auto and the error came up as possible 3rd clutch pressure switch. I bought one for maybe $50 and a few hours of labor included taking off the under-engine panels. 
123380 mi

C $200
transmission sensor defective 
170000 mi

US $1200
CV joints. Replaced both front (driver and passenger side) axles. 
64300 mi hesitation btw 2nd and 3rd gear around the 35 to 45 MPH point. 

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2008 Acura MDX

Engine not specified

75640 mi Ecu program due to torque converter judder. (Still present) 
78740 mi Took back to the dealer because transmission still judders at low speeds. Nothing was repaired or diagnosed. Took back again and took ride with technician and he said it was normal. Bs 

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2008 Acura MDX 4dr SUV

300-horsepower 3.7L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

102000 mi Torque converter? traded car 
80300 mi

US $180
Warranty repair to re-program transmission computer to correct low-speed "judder" during acceleration. Recall/Warranty Repair 
56000 mi Vehicle was shuddering around 1500rpm. Detected a faulty Torque converter. Acura replaced with new TC. 
40000 mi Torque Converter recall - shop flashed PCM. Improved 1st gear rolling stops. 
66500 mi

US $460
Check shawd light came on. Vehicle went into fwd mode. Nav error message code 43 came up. Dealer replaced rear differential fluid sensor and changed fluid to ensure no contamination from work 
63000 mi SH-AWD light came on again. After 2 days light went off. Took back to repair shop. Shop can't replicate Rattle at 2200 RPMs under load. Shop can't find it. 
99800 mi

US $2800
Replace transfer seal 
36000 mi This was a recall that reprogrammed drivetrain. Although I never felt it, wife felt an occasional shutter. This was to take care of it. 
46000 mi Slipping torque converter. 
70800 mi Cracked axle seal noted when car taken in for an oil change, they did not have part in stock that day, ordered part, set me up with loaner car, and repaired car at no charge. 
1000 mi Transmission was replaced at 620miles. Transmission would shift hard into 2nd and 3rd and occasionally slip.  
6000 mi Check transmission appeared on the computer. A switch was stuck in the open position causing the vehicle not to shift into 5th gear. 
55000 mi ECM reprogram to fix torque conv problems. Recall item 
60300 mi

US $150
Axle seal leaking, replaced part 
123000 mi

US $1200
both front axle assemblies 
99500 mi cv joint 
76000 mi

US $508
While driving, the check engine light came on with the transmission warning light ON and "D" (Drive) started flashing. Dealer replaced the EL627 Auto Transmission Pressure switch, changed trans fluid. 
128340 mi transmission fluid leaking due to faulty rad. Shop replaced. 
95500 mi

US $100
Third gear clutch sensor, transmission code came up P0874, car would not accelerate very well or shift gears 
70000 mi

US $1000
replace boot 
56000 mi This problem was related to a software issue that controls the transmission and was fixed for free due to manufacturer service bulletin 
128700 mi

US $270
3rd gear pressure switch failed. Sensor replaced 
103900 mi The fuse for the awd system blew out and needed to be replaced. The dealer replaced it at no cost to me because my car came out of the shop from an oil change and the awd didn't work, but it did before I dropped the car for the oil change 
170900 mi

US $60
There's a shudder b/t 30-45mph occurring intermittently since it was bought new. Dealer replaced torque converter under warr. twice but claimed they could not reproduce the issue when it was brought in 3rd and 4th times. No fix. 

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2007 Acura MDX 4dr SUV

300-horsepower 3.7L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

12000 mi Small hole in outer CV boot. Leaking small amounts of heavy grease onto inside wheel. Dealer replaced with new outer CV boot. 
37000 mi engine made louder sound. told problem could not be replicated. had to take back a second time when transmission light came on. pressure and foreign substance check currently being done. 
56900 mi Warranty extension, torque converter: PCM update for lock-up clutch function". Not experiencing any "shudder" problems noted in the letter, but took it in anyway for software update. Warranty for the torque converter extended to 8 years / 105k miles. 
43000 mi transmission needed to be replaced 
162000 mi

US $183
Bad sensor replaced 
48980 mi

C $371
Transmission issue on second gen MDX. 
68380 mi Check transmission error 
82460 mi

C $80
Transmission fluid leak. 
76300 mi Bad sensor caused Engine light and SH-AWD light to come on. 
78000 mi Warranty Extension: Torque Converter Product Update: PCM Update for Lock-Up Clutch Function. Received letter from Honda TSB 12-029 was applied. 
37000 mi Recurrence of old problem with warning light for SH-AWD, and VSA since control unit replaced once already. Still in shop at this time. 
103000 mi

US $825
Leak in transmission cooler line. Replaced and new fluid approx. $300.00. 
54500 mi

US $500
Was told drivers side axle is slinging grease and needs to be replaced 
100440 mi Car occasionally faults on check transmission error along with flashing D sign which also triggers the check engine light. However car still drives okay even with error. Code resets by itself after turning engine off. 
109400 mi Occasionally doesn't start with gear in park positioj except if I shift to neutral.Guess neutral safety switch is playing up. 
124000 mi

$700
Replaced gear selector bushing. Required tearing half the dash apart to get access. 
244000 mi

US $280
3rd gear trans oil pressure sensor replace 
16000 mi The rear differential is leaking from the drivers side oil seal. New differential has been ordered as they do not repair this component, but replace it. 
38000 mi replaced Torque Converter due to issue at 25 and 45 when the converter would lock up. Shudder was felt at only those speeds in 5th gear. 
98000 mi

US $250
Noise like a whine after driving 50 or more hwy miles. 
70000 mi oil pressure switch on AT 
69000 mi

US $240
P0847 code, 3rd gear oil pressure sensor fail, D light flashing. 
90300 mi

US $100
Transmission relay switch was replaced. Error code was P1717. The oil level sensor had to be replaced, as it was giving repeated warning of low oil, when it wasn't low. Acura has TSB on this issue. 
97000 mi

US $1170
Heat exchanger in Radiator broke. Transmission fluid filled radiator and coolant went in transmission. Radiator had to be replaced, and everything flushed out. Acura refused to help (out of warranty) 
18560 mi Repairs carried out on front driving shaft. 
91500 mi

US $340
3rd gear pressure switch failure with subsequent flashing D on gear selector and P0847 OBD code. Switch was replaced. 
89800 mi

US $70
P1717 check engine light. Transmission range switch fault. Flashing "D" on MID. Dealership could not duplicate. No faults found. 
1000 mi Right front transaxle boot split. dealer ordered parts, replaced boot. two trips to dealer. second repair.MDX pulled to right.dealer agreed after road test but I needed tomake another appiontment. I did. They did an alignment which fixed the problem. Installed ordered boot. 

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2006 Acura MDX

Engine not specified

119000 mi

US $400
replaced torque converter 

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2006 Acura MDX 4dr SUV

253-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed automatic AWD

31000 mi bad torque converter 
53000 mi

US $140
groaning from rear differential 
60000 mi

US $700
Transmission making a growling grinding noise when driven between 20-40 with mild acceleration. 
78000 mi Torque converter that had been adjusted before was replaced but vibrating noise came back. 
64800 mi Transmission Whine. Replaced transmission. 
90000 mi

US $150
CV boots deteriorated. 
158000 mi

US $1800
Transfer case seal leak. 
4000 mi Traction control in-operative. Vibration in driveline after vehicle driven by unauthorized personel. Problem noted and will be pursued as condition worsens. 
42000 mi CV boots leaking oil. 
69000 mi Transmission reprogram as part of service bulletin 
104500 mi

US $1250
Updated software transmission 
166000 mi

US $175
Some sensor that was related to the shifter to put the car into drive or park, made the dash light come on for the check engine. 
72000 mi Had the transmission fluid flushed and replaced First time doing this. Fluid looked tired but was not burnts. Trans was whining a bit but now hardly any whine. 
108000 mi

US $400
Replaced cam thruster o rings and right inner axle seal. 
60760 mi

C $100
Changed radiator and flushed transmission fluid and coolant. Problem was transmission fluid mixed with the radiator coolant and came out thru the radiator over flow. Warranty covered the job entirely. Paid $100 for towing the car to dealer  
108000 mi

US $150
Transmission line was leaking. New line and fluid installed. 
98000 mi CVJ boot cracked & leaking grease 

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2005 Acura MDX

Engine not specified

70000 mi

US $300
shifter cable needed replacement 
47000 mi

US $900
Transmission failure due to water leaking from faulty radiator. 

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2005 Acura MDX 4dr SUV

265-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed automatic AWD

95300 mi

US $900
transmission cooler went out, spilled all fluid. 
127300 mi

US $225
CV boot replaced 
49000 mi

US $180
Torque converter slipping 
73000 mi

US $880
Transmission cooler failed internally, allowing ATF fluid and engine coolant to intermingle. Within a day the car was undriveable. 
91000 mi

US $1680
CEL check returned transmission sensor fault; dealer inspection reported that transmission was failing and required full replacement. 
124000 mi

US $270
Transmission was getting a bit slippy/shuddery. Mechanic flushed/replaced fluids in Automatic Transmission, rear differential, and transfer case. 
43000 mi Bad torque converter.  
153140 mi Transmission oil leaked into radiator. Could still be driven as long as the fluid was topped up. Vehicle traded for new. 
82000 mi torque converter 
86000 mi Torque converter needed replaced and gaskets associated with repair. 
51000 mi Fouth gear switch replaced for second time. Many warning lights when this switch failed, quite unsettling to see. Covered by Acura because of previous repair. 
55000 mi Torque converter replaced for second time. When it went out made a rattling/vibrating/groaning sound and would "lock up" in 4th gear, only to finally shift to third after dropping speed. Covered by Acura because of previous repair. 
136000 mi

US $400
replace worn cv boots 
131000 mi

US $1400
replaced front half axle 
208000 mi

US $488
Replaced shift solenoid to repair leak 
172000 mi

US $250
Changed solenoids for torque converter lock. 
87420 mi

C $40
Flushed rear-diff fluid - the vehicle was vibrating badly when turning and accelerating from low speed. 
137800 mi

US $1000
wear item boots needed to be replaced 
113700 mi

US $2400
Dealer reported mini-axle boots in need of replacement. My trusted mechanic says they can wait. They're starting to show crack lines, but they're holding. 
245300 mi

US $164
Regular transmission service and replacement of front differential seal. 
125000 mi

US $3600
Car failed to engage in drive or reverse. Required full transmission replacement. 

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2004 Acura MDX 4dr SUV

265-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed automatic AWD

89000 mi

US $250
CV Axle Shaft Boots on both front and right started leaking. Replaced both axles as a preventative measure. 
320000 mi

US $150
Shifter cable needed greasing.  
154200 mi

US $450
front wheel axel, alignment, tire rotation 
250000 mi Nearly impossible to shift from park to drive. Mechanic said problem was likely internal to transmission. Didn't feel like putting several thousand $ into it so I sold it. 
140000 mi

US $425
Rumble / slippage in transmission at 20 mph. Replaced ATF 2x, replaced torque converter clutch solenoid, replaced front an rear diff fluids.  
104000 mi

US $4000
Transmission rebuilt. 
128200 mi

US $450
Leak in both front inner boots 
61000 mi Replacement of throw-out bearing. 
98000 mi

US $500
too front inner CV boots are leaking. Dealer asked for $500 for fixing the boots. found a local technician looking for side jobs to change the two front axles for $500. 
225000 mi

US $251
Replace driver side halfshaft 
217000 mi

US $125
Transmission was hard to shift. Lubed and the problem was fixed 
146000 mi

US $1500
Cooling system bracket housing transmission fluid cooling line failed. Cooling fluid in transmission, transmission fluid in radiator. Replaced lines and radiator. Transmission started slipping a day after repairs. Dealership flush of transmission was inadequate to solve problem. Sent to another shop with a pressurized transmission flusher. Slipping returned within days. Rebuild of transmission, another $1,500, same cost as all the flushes. Coolant in transmission had loosened glue holding the friction plates in the torque converter. 
168020 mi

C $600
Gear box cable broke and cannot shift cars gears. 
195000 mi

US $5000
Transmission had full rebuild due to cooler in radiator breaking and an ingestion of coolant into trans. 
155000 mi

US $1007
Transmission fluid leak while on Freeway. Vehicle completely lost power 
99000 mi

US $2675
Replaced Torque Converter due to minor grinding noise at 35-45mph while on flat road surface at low RPM and lightly tapping the gas pedal. Also replaced Starter. Because of torque converter replaced last month, it placed undue stress on 4th gear and therefore broke. Easy repair, in and out in a day for about $350, I think. My extended warranty covered me again! Warranty was about to expire in 120mi. Replaced Torque Converter due to minor grinding noise at 35-45mph while on flat road surface at low RPM and lightly tapping the gas pedal. 

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2004 Acura MDX 4-door

6-cylinder automatic 4WD

188000 mi

US $365
Replace right front axel due to boot leakage. 

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2003 Acura MDX

Engine not specified

104000 mi making dragging noise 

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2003 Acura MDX 4dr SUV

260-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed automatic AWD

105400 mi

C $3500
Total transmission failure. POS stranded my wife on side of road. No gears at all working. US car in Canada - Dealer can't confirm part number will work. Got rebuilt transmission from USA.  Total transmission failure. POS stranded my wife on side of road. No gears at all working. US car in Canada - Dealer can't confirm part number will work. Got rebuilt transmission from USA.  
163000 mi

US $4850
Transmission failure. New transmission, torque converter, installed larger transmission cooler. 
165000 mi Broken CV axle on right front. I'm having to wait for my paycheck to have repaired. 
86000 mi

US $200
Torque converter replaced. 
181000 mi

US $2700
Transmission slowly deteriorating over several months. Shop (Mulistate transmission in Madison Hgts, MI) rebuilt it. Running fine now. 
55000 mi

US $110
Transmission torque converter replaced. 
72300 mi

US $1600
Transmission plug leaking. Ultimately, dealer says that transmission is shot and needs to be replaced. 
100000 mi

US $250
Weird noise at 45-50 mph and a little vibration. 
240000 mi the car does not move 
134000 mi

US $2800
Had transmission rebuilt by 3rd party repair shop. Received better warranty than dealer 3yr/50k on rebuild and cost less than dealer. 
155000 mi

US $1500
transmission had to be replaced; dealer wanted too much for it between $3700-$4500; so family friend replaced the transmission himself; overall cost was $1500 
105000 mi

US $400
Replaced CV shaft 
171000 mi

US $850
Cracked axel replaced 
287000 mi

US $418
The high pressure line from the radiator to cool the Transmission pulled out. Had to replace radiator and line. When it failed it quickly lost all gears. Had to be towed. 
152000 mi

US $2000
CV joint grease coming out. replaced as a preventative measure. 
57000 mi Replaced transmission 
120000 mi

US $2500
Bad transmission. Replaced with rebuilt 
167700 mi

US $5000
Internal failure caused transmission to go out.  
187000 mi Transmission leak 
39000 mi Transmission replacement 
124000 mi Periodic Transmission shutter for the past 30000 miles. I did not trust vehicle for any long trips. This year MDX he's a history of torque converter/transmission troubles. Repairs were over half the vehicle value. 
135000 mi

US $3000
The transmission engagement discs were more than 80% wear, we paid a shop, non-dealer, to rebuild entire transmission. 
137020 mi TRANSMISSION slipping twice while running at 5-10 kph. I have to move to D4 and return to D5. 
151020 mi 1 Oct 2017 - the car randomly the transmission disengage at a very low speed, right away will shift the transmission at D1/D2 to engaged. No fix yet/no solution would get from shop. "I make a right turn the car stops accelerating. The engine is still running but the car doesn't go, stop the car and it will move again." Went to Transmission specialist, they diagnost but didn't find any. July 2017: TRANSMISSION random slippage at slower speed (5-10 kph.) I shift to D4 (slipped), Next slippage, I shift to D3(slipped). Every time transmission slips at the middle of the road, right away I shift to D2 or D1 (no slippage at slower speed) and it engaged. After that, shift back to high speed gear. My assumption it could be the module??? The car runs great as long you are not at slower speed (D1, D2 range). 
114000 mi

US $250
rebuilt transmission 

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2002 Acura MDX 4dr SUV

240-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed automatic AWD

127000 mi

US $3700
Transmission total replacement Rebuilt entire transmission. Ugh. Started having problems for a few months, got worse. 
164300 mi

US $3500
Transmission replaced - had been rebuilt in 2010 - replaced 42 months later 
165000 mi

US $4500
Replace transmission, 2nd time 
87000 mi

US $42
Second transmission slipping. Returned three times but dealer could not duplicate. Warning light came on so I took it back. Acura replaced the transmission (out of Warranty). 
148000 mi Was able to get it to upshift once I got it moving in 1st gear then once over 15mph I shifted up to 5d and it was no problems...once I stopped, I started this cycle over again. .. 
184000 mi

US $2000
Transmission rebuild performed due to high mileage (184K). 
132000 mi Replaced Torque Converter. 
141000 mi Transmission issues reappearing, sold it. 
71000 mi

US $800
Replace front axies. 
136000 mi

US $4000
This is the second replacement transmission for this car. First replacement @ 24,000 miles. The second replacement @ 135,000 miles. 
110360 mi

C $600
Gear shifter became difficult to move - diagnosis and repair of shift cable 
176000 mi CEL: transmission pressure switch went bad. 
163000 mi Transmission slipping bad in 3rd gear, making a bad vibration at cruise speed in this gear. 
103000 mi

US $3600
replace transmission. I had an after market warranty which covered repair costs 
170000 mi

US $4000
Replaced original transmission 
209300 mi

US $200
Transmission overheated. Shop reported fluid dip stick was "missing" when they inspected. Transmission was dry of oil. Fluid replaced and transmission recovered. Sight "catch" when shifting into 2nd gear. Suspect last oil service... 
212000 mi Just before I had to get a smog check to register the truck the “check engine” light came on. When I had the code checked it was due to transmission failure. I took it to a smog test center and they wouldn’t test it with the check engine light on. So I had the light reset but it came back on after about 50 miles before I could get the smog check done. 
109000 mi

US $160
replace right front axel and cv joints 
68000 mi I bought this car used w/45k miles. After talking with Acura/Honda NA they took care of it for free, as Tranny problems with 01-03 are well known. They wanted $2500 for a two year warranty after the repair. Sold veh w/110k miles and a slight whine in it 
138000 mi

US $5000
car will not shift smooth. 
116000 mi The Transmission was not shifting correctly but they told me nothing was wrong, I already put one transmission in and did not plan to install another one so I traded the csr 
292000 mi failure of transmission- not worth fixing due to age and mileage- sold as scrap. 
139400 mi Auto trans had to be rebuilt. 

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2001 Acura MDX 4dr SUV

240-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed automatic AWD

102000 mi

US $100
Transmission and torque converter replaced. 
127000 mi

US $42
Replaced failing torque converter. Bad torque converter was itself a replacement that was covered under a 36 month/36000 mile parts and labor warranty. 
142600 mi Transmission failure; mechanic suspected that the front bearing gave way as that was the common failure point in the 01s. Completely seized up the tires on the road. Sold privately "as is". 
163000 mi

US $2550
Didn't shift out of 3rd gear. when repair was complete 3rd gear was burnt. lack of fluid. replaced overhauled. working perfectly now. 
74000 mi

US $40
Felt like you were on rumble strips. Acura paid for a new touque converter. 
203000 mi replaced transmission for 5th time. Free under warranty for last transmission which cost $2,000. Previous 3 transmissions were free. replaced transmission for 5th time. Free under warranty for last transmission which cost $2,000. Previous 3 transmissions were free. 
170000 mi

US $3050
Rebuilt Trans, Replace engine & trans mounts, replace oil pressure sender 
106000 mi Transmission failing. Took to the Acura Dealer-problem confirmed. Next step:Acura Client Services for goodwill consideration. 
147000 mi

US $5440
Bearing failure in transmission, non-rebuild able. Needed new unit. Left front cv axle replaced at same time do to ripped boot. 
140000 mi

US $4500
Rebuilt Transmission Replaced Engine Control unit 
134000 mi

US $2250
Replaced Torque Converter and flushed transmission. 
139800 mi

US $1800
Torque Converter was replaced for second time. 1st time was under warranty. 
183000 mi

US $120
Vehicle on second transmission (at 80k) and this one will need repairs/ replaced too. Don't buy an 01 or 02 as they all have this problem. 
192000 mi Transfer case failed. Did not repair. $5,800 quote, car is not worth that amount. 
200000 mi hard shifting stalling didn't do this before transmission fluid change 
174000 mi Transmission jerks periodically from 2-1 installed a trans cooler a few months ago since the transmission was overheating on a long trip (passing 18 wheelers). Oil looked clean and smelled normal. 
196000 mi

US $900
Repalce the shifter cable assembly 
75000 mi

US $150
Got the drive-train rumble strip noise. After researching problem on-line, changed rear diff fluid (VTM) and triple flushed auto trans (Max Life). Adjusted my driving style to avoid rumble, down shifted one gear and avoided 28 and 48 mph. 
85000 mi when traded, intermittent torque converter clutch rumble, rear CV or wheel bearing knock.  

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2001 Acura MDX 4-door

6-cylinder automatic AWD

80000 mi hesitation shifting between 1st, 2nd and 3rd gears. 

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See TrueDelta's information for all Acura models.

Acura MDX Transmission Problems

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently Acura MDX problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.