If you are an Acura MDX owner or you are thinking about buying one, there are a few things that you should know about this car. There are many problems that are experienced year after year, showing that the problems aren’t just confined to one year.
Perhaps one of the biggest and scariest problems that Acura MDX owners face is the problems that the vehicle has with the braking system. Other common issues are the check engine light coming on, problems with the transmission, its overuse of oil, issues with the idle stop stalling, and issues with the adaptive damper system.
Acura MDX owners have a lot of issues and problems with their vehicles. Today we are going to provide you with a look at the different issues that the Acura MDX has had over the years.
Not only are we going to provide you with a list of the most common problems and the solutions to the recurring issues that the Acura MDX has.
Common Acura MDX Problems & Issues
1. Transmission Problems
The transmission is one of the most expensive and important parts of any vehicle. it’s what makes the vehicle go. So when a certain vehicle has problems with the transmission, this can not only be frustrating for the owners but also potentially dangerous.
Some Acura MDX model years had widespread issues with transmissions. It isn’t unusual for these problems with transmissions to happen in vehicles with low mileage and which were only 2 or 3 years old.
2001 & 2002 Year Models
Some of the symptoms that these first-generation Acura MDX models were:
- No acceleration or slipping acceleration even with high RPMs.
- Shuddering when reaching highway speeds that often sounded similar to rumble strips
- Hard shifting going from low – high gear
- Not shifting into gear
- Some of the first-generation owners repeatedly had to replace the transmission.
The model years of the first generation MDX had the highest number of severe gearbox failures.
The transmission was updated in 2003. This resulted in a drop in failures. However, a lot of owners of the models from 2004-2006 still had problems with the shuddering noise when they traveled 30-40 MPH.
A lot of owners also had issues with hesitation when accelerating and noticed that their RPMs were erratically increasing and decreasing. After a few seconds, the vehicle would lurch forward.
The 2016 Model Year
- Issues finding the correct gear
- Jerky or hard shifts
- Squeaking noises while shifting
The transmission software was updated by Acura in later years. This addressed the hesitation in its transmission and the jerkiness. However, there were still complaints in the 2017 & 2018 models. When the 2019 models came out, the transmission was much smoother.
Solutions
A lot of the first-generation owners fixed the issues by draining their transmission fluid and replacing it three times. They drove for short distances in between. This completely flushed the system.
If this didn’t work, the torque converter, pressure sensor, or solenoid may be broken. These are all vital components. So it’s a good idea to have a mechanic look it over and see if that helps.
The rumble strip or shuddering noise problem usually can be fixed by updating the software of the car and replacing the car’s torque converter.
Shifting manually into D4 will also completely eliminate the noise and shuddering since it usually only occurs when the car’s transmission goes into overdrive or the Dy5 gear. This only should be used when highway driving.
In the 2014 model, a TSB was issued by Acura. This fixed the third generation’s hesitation problems. It just needed an update to the software and a change of fluids.
Issues with the 2016-2018 models also can be improved with a software update and fluid flush. Some of the owners have said that doing this doesn’t remove the issues with hard shifting completely, but their transmission was running a lot smoother.
The problems also often go away once the 9-speed transmission’s warmed up a bit.
2. Overuse of Oil
Oil is one of the things that every car needs. But one of the problems is that the Acura MDX consumed a lot more than other vehicles.
Owners of models 2010-2013 discovered that they were using a lot of oil. The second generation from model years 2010-2013 had many complaints from owners who noticed that it consumed a lot of oil.
Although the models from 2007-2009 had the same engines, the facelifted cars’ piston rings were different. These often got clogged with the buildup of carbon, failing to remove the oil from the engine’s combustion chamber.
Even though it’s not unusual for high-milage, older cars to lose oil between changes because of worn-out components in the engine and leaks, the models from 2010-2013 often have problems after just three years or so at low mileage. The problems keep on getting worse as time goes by.
Solution
There was a recall issued by Acura for all of the models from 2010-2013 in 2019 to address the issues with oil consumption. They also extended the warranties on the engines for those vehicles that were affected to 125,000 miles or 8 years.
That being said, vehicles must undergo a test at an Acura dealer to check their oil consumption. If 1,000 miles pass and the car hasn’t lost enough oil, the company can deny a warranty claim.
Some owners also said that the warranty claim got rejected because they couldn’t submit ample proof of their prior service history. This can be an issue to find if the vehicle was purchased used.
Doing this recall will require tearing the engine down and replacing the piston rings and pistons, along with other things. This is a huge task.
Of course, you can also keep on checking the oil and topping it off so that it doesn’t run out. This is particularly important when you are driving a great distance on a trip.
However, the worst thing that can happen is the excessive buildup of carbon could cause damage to the piston. This can lead to its piston rings scoring the walls of the cylinder. This is going to lead eventually to loss of compression and the engine completely failing.
3. Auto Idle Stop Stalling
A lot of people complained about third-generation MDXs (and even Acura TLXs) having issues with their Auto Idle Stop system stalling.
Introduced in the model from 2016, it turns the engine off when the brake’s completely depressed off while waiting at a red light so that fuel consumption is reduced. It should seamlessly and automatically turn the car’s engine back on once the gas is stepped on.
However, a lot of owners discovered that it sometimes will go into neutral once the engine begins up again and something stops them from going into drive. In order to get their vehicle going again, they have to manually restart their car.
Solution
This feature’s issues usually can be solved with a new 12-volt battery. It put lots of strain on the battery since it needs to keep the electronics and air conditioning running without help from the alternator. Therefore, it can quickly wear out, particularly in climates with colder weather.
Issues with the idle stop feature can usually be solved by replacing the 12-volt battery.
Some of the owners could resolve the issues with their idle stop by taking their vehicle back to their dealer and having their software updated or reset. The system also can be tricked by just stepping lightly on your brake to stop the system from engaging.
4. Adaptive Damper System Issues
Some second-generation Acura MDX’s trim levels, like the Advance and Sport models, included an Adaptive Damper System. This offered better handling with magnetic struts. However, their replacement costs are a lot higher upon failure.
Just one of these shock absorbers costs anywhere from $700-$800. Therefore, replacing the four corners can exceed $2,000 easily. There are also no less expensive after-market alternatives.
The majority of drivers are able to get approximately 100K miles for each set. However, there are people who have reported that they needed replacement at just 30K miles.
Possible Solution To That Issue
There is only one way that you can fix these suspension components when they fail – completely replace them.
Many owners decide to put in regular shocks. However, this does take some modification. Replacing all of the corners usually will cost as much as a single magnetic strut. Therefore, it’s worth looking into if you want to save money on repairs.
The good news is that the process is documented widely on many Acura forums. It can be done easily by a mechanic if you aren’t able to do it yourself.
5. Suspension Noises
A lot of owners of the early third-generation models said that they heard a thumping or clunking noise from their rear suspension. This only happened when they went over bumps slowly even though their vehicle was still fairly new.
Second-generation MDXs also were known for having clunks in their front suspension, though this normally would happen in older vehicles with high mileage.
As time goes by, components of the suspension wear out. Therefore, this could be thought of as normal wear. However, it can be difficult to figure out which of the components have to be replaced.
What Can Be Done?
Because there were so many people who were complaining about the noisy rear suspension in the third generation, in 2016 Acura released a TSB for addressing the issue.
It was recommended by the TSB to replace the rear upper damage mount bushings and shock absorbers so that the annoying noises were stopped.
The clunks that were heard in the front suspension of the second generation might be due to worn out:
- Lower control arm ball joints
- Shock absorbers
- Sway bar end links
If you replace all these at one the same time, it’s going to be expensive. So, you want to take your Acura MDX to your mechanic so that they are able to correctly isolate the issue.
6. Braking Problems 4th Gen
There have been problems with the brakes in all MDX generations. However, even the fourth generation has had complaints about squeaking and screeching noises. This means that the car’s brake rotors and pads were worn out even though it had only been 3,000 miles or so.
In addition, there are also two complaints about the vehicle’s crash mitigation braking system not working the way that it should. The vehicle would perform emergency braking even though there wasn’t a need for it.
Possible Solutions
There were recalls done on the Acura MDX to fix the many braking problems that the
What years did the Acura MDX Have Problems?
There are a lot of Acura MDX models that had issues. The most problematic ones were the models from the years:
- 2014
- 2017
- 2010
However, the other years where problems were mostly found were in the following:
Problems were mostly found in these
2001 Acura MDX
- Flashing Check Engine & D4 Lights
- Vibration or Shudder Noises When Driving at between 35-40 MPH
- Debris found in the transmission because of failed torque converter clutch
- Check engine light coming on for difficulty starting and running rough
- Check Engine Light for Running Rough and Difficulty Starting
- Recall issued by Acura because of gas tank problem
2002 Acura MDX
- Flashing Check Engine & D4 Lights
- Vibration or Shudder Noises When Driving at between 35-40 MPH
- Debris found in the transmission because of failed torque converter clutch
- Check engine light coming on for difficulty starting and running rough
- Check Engine Light for Running Rough and Difficulty Starting
- Recall issued by Acura because of gas tank problem
- Flashing Check Engine & D4 Lights
- Vibration or Shudder Noises When Driving at between 35-40 MPH
- Engine taking too long to start up & check engine light
- Recommended update to PCM if the automatic transmission’s replaced
- Inactive-merged-failure of EVAP Solenoid or EGR Valve.
- 2003 Acura MDX
- Flashing Check Engine & D4 Lights
- Vibration or Shudder Noises When Driving at between 35-40 MPH
- Debris found in the transmission because of failed torque converter clutch
2004 Acura MDX
- Flashing Check Engine & D4 Lights
- Vibration or Shudder Noises When Driving at between 35-40 MPH
- Debris found in the transmission because of failed torque converter clutch
- Check engine light coming on for difficulty starting and running rough
- Check Engine Light for Running Rough and Difficulty Starting
2005 Acura MDX
- Flashing Check Engine & D4 Lights
- Vibration or Shudder Noises When Driving at between 35-40 MPH
- Debris found in the transmission because of failed torque converter clutch
- Check engine light coming on for difficulty starting and running rough
2010 Acura MDX
- Flashing Check Engine & D4 Lights
- Vibration or Shudder Noises When Driving at between 35-40 MPH
- Debris found in the transmission because of failed torque converter clutch
- Check engine light coming on for difficulty starting and running rough
- Check Engine Light for Running Rough and Difficulty Starting
2014 Acura MDX
- Flashing Check Engine & D4 Lights
- Vibration or Shudder Noises When Driving at between 35-40 MPH
- Check engine light coming on for difficulty starting and running rough
- Erratic Engine Idle Speed & Engine Stalls
2016 Acura MDX
- Flashing Check Engine & D4 Lights
- Vibration or Shudder Noises When Driving at between 35-40 MPH
- Check engine light coming on for difficulty starting and running rough
- Erratic Engine Idle Speed & Engine Stalls
Best years to buy used with few complaints
If you want to buy an Acura MDX used, the best ones that you want to look for are the 2015 model and the 2019 model.
These are the two models that have the fewest issues and the 2019 model was given a 5-star safety rating by the NHTSA. So, when you are looking for an Acura MDX that has the fewest problems, these are the two to look for.
Recent Recall #s
There are several types of recall numbers issued for the Acura MDX. Below are the three common Acura MDX numbers that have been issued and what they were issued for.
- 21V215000 = Fuel system, gasoline: Delivery: Fuel pump
- 19V298000 – Engine and engine cooling: Engine: Gasoline: Belts and associated pulleys
- 19V256000 – Exterior lighting: Taillights
A recall number is issued by the NHTSA when part of your vehicle is deemed unsafe or doesn’t meet the minimum standards of safety. These can be mild, or they can be very dangerous.
As a vehicle owner, one of the things that you should be informed about is whether or not your car has a recall. This is often sent to you by the manufacturer of your vehicle. However, if you are concerned about whether or not your vehicle has a recall, you can check this website.
How To Check For Open Recalls On Acura MDX?
Here is how you can use the website to find out if you have a recall:
- First, you need to have your VIN. This can be found on your windshield’s lower left corner. It’s 17 characters long. It also can be found on the registration card of your vehicle and may also be found on the insurance card.
- Type your VIN into the website.
- It will show if your vehicle has been affected by a recall for the past 15 years.
How Reliable is the Acura MDX?
It has a reliability rating of 4.0/5.0. This puts its rank at 2nd out of the 14 in the luxury midsize SUV category. Its average annual cost for repairs is $571. This puts it at an average amount for ownership costs.
The repair severity is low, and it has an average frequency of issues. Therefore, the major problems aren’t common for an Acura MDX.
What is Its life expectancy?
This robust, durable SUV can last anywhere from 250K to 300K when it’s driven conservatively and properly maintained.
Based on driving 15,000 per year, it’s expected that you can drive anywhere from 16 to 20 years before the costs of repair become too much to keep on doing or the vehicle breaks down. Of course, this can change based on how it is maintained and how it’s treated.
However, this is what can be if it’s taken care of properly.
If you are looking for a reliable car that doesn’t have a lot of problems, the Acura MDX is probably one that you should pass by unless you choose the 2015 model or the 2019 model.
There are a lot of problems that seem to follow the Acura MDX from one year to another and the problems, although sometimes mild, seem to be more trouble than they are worth.