It has been suggested to me, but no, not really. The problem is that the stuff that goes wrong has been relatively minor, annoying things. If a major system (trans, brakes, etc) were to need repair, I would definitely be thinking that. I am just hoping they worked out the "bugs" in mine.
As far as an update, I got my car back yesterday. First of all, I love my dealer. The guy I deal with has been absolutely fantastic. They have really gone the extra mile to try and pinpoint the problems and fix them. So, no complaints there. (I will put the plug in for Pohanka Acura, because they really deserve it). As I previously said Acura really should be ashamed to have let my car leave the factory in the condition it was in.
But, here is the UPDATE:
-Starting problem: One of the Cells in the battery was failing intermittently. The replaced the battery, problem seems to be gone. I can't blame Acura, they don't build batteries.
- Clunk: Pohanka replaced one of the rear struts (I have the Sport with electronic struts). They had previously done the service repair on the bolts. Again, a part Acura doesn't make.
- Clunk: Muffler. I will do a separate post on this because I bet others may want to know this. The clunking sound may not have been the strut, it may have been the muffler all along. I was told that one of the baffles in the muffler was broken and was rattling. They replaced the muffler and not only is the knocking/clunk apparently gone (for now), but it seems much faster and sounds better (is that possible or do I just want it to be better). Another part Acura doesn't make, but come on, if the baffle was broken and rattling around (since it was brand new), what idiot installed the part. How did a broken muffler (and windshield, and strut, and battery, and dashboard, etc) get through quality control.
- door handles: they had to be adjusted, because they weren't adjusted correctly at the factory. I can absolutely blame Acura for this one.
I hate sounding like I am dissing the car, I really am not. I love driving it and even more so now that it seems even faster and quieter. But, I don't think I am wrong in being really annoyed and frustrated at what appears to be very poor build quality. My dealer has done a great job fixing everything, but when I bought an Acura (my first), I never expected that my dealer would have to fix so many things, so soon.
I hope all the kinks are worked out and it will be as trouble free as all the rest of yours for the next 100+K miles.
If you scroll up, you will see that unfortunately I have had a lot of warranty experience with my MDX. One of the problems was the rear clunk many of us have experienced.
Intially, my dealer did the service repair of the rear bolts. The clunk was definately better, but didn't go away.
My dealer has now replaced a defective muffler. The muffler sits right next to the strut, so it is hard to distinguish the location of the source of the sound. I know no one is replacing the mufflers, because the dealer doesn't stock the part, it took days to get it from Acura. I bet the dealers aren't focusing on this as a possible source of the problem.
One of the interior baffles in one of my mufflers was broken. It would clunk when jolted from a bump, but, it's a muffler, so I didn't hear it rattling around the rest of the time. The replacement of the muffler seems to have done the trick. I will do another post, if it comes back. Also, my MDX seems to be quicker and sound better (throaty-er, okay, its not a word, but you know what I mean). I don't know if that is possible, or am I just hoping it will be better, but it really does seem quicker. (If anyone can tell me if that is possible I would be interested).
So everyone, if your dealer can't find the problem, shake the muffler. If it rattles, you found the problem and it's an easy fix.
I will keep you posted. Good luck everyone.
(I feel it necessary to put the plug to my dealer for finding and fixing this. They have been absolutely great to deal with - Pohanka Acura in Chantilly VA)
If your regular host hasn't yet beat me to it, I'd suggest you post your review of your dealer here, and help others out with this valuable information:
Anyone else have an issue with their front brakes on their 07 MDX clunking when coming to a complete stop and then accelerating; also when turning the steering wheel? Acura says this is normal and doesn't want to do anything about it; I say it is very disconcerting to hear the front brakes clunk as they slide around in the calipers. The problems just continue to surface with this vehicle. This problem didn't happen when brand new it started around 4K miles. :lemon:
I'm thinking of filing a lemon law cliam on this very disappointing Acura. :lemon:
I have an 08 that doesn't have the clunking but I had a Mazda MPV that had the noise and while not a safety issue, it was a problem. I forget what the fix was but it was addressed. It was more than just calipers sliding around. I think it may have had to do with adding shims and there was a TSB. Hopefully Acura won't abdicate responsibity. If enough owners complain, they can't.
I thought I would share this...since I understand what it feels like to have issues with a new car (although my 2008 MDX has had no problems).
To find Acura's TSBs for the variety of problems you have, refer to the Acuramdx.org website, then goto the forums. Sorry for posting information about another forum on this forum...but it's in the interest of the reader's.
Once in that forum, click on the 2007 MDX forum, then goto the TSB thread...there you will find a list of all the 2007+ Acura MDX TSBs (you can download them as well).
By the way, if any of you are experiencing a shutter around 20 mph (only once per ignition...this is the ABS doing a self check...I have verified this with the dealer and had them test drive other 2008 MDXs and heard the same problem.)
I bought my 08 MDX Tech last Friday, and LOVE it,,,except that tonight when I got in to go to work, all my XM presets are forgotten and the navigation won't let me use the "go home" button or voice command. Several of the options in the nav menu aren't highlighted and you can't even scroll over them. Any suggestions? or ideas what is wrong? I am headed to the dealer tomorrow,,,
Got my 08 Sport/Ent last Friday as well, but have no issue with XM/Nav. I do have an issue with a high frequency vibration (much like a low voltage electric shock) from the gas pedal and sometimes the brake pedal. Do you feel the "shocking" sensation in the pedals as well?
I had the same problem when it was new. My wife drove the car. No, that's not the problem (if she is reading this). She used the second key, drove it and parked in our garage. I went out the next day and used key #1, and everything was gone. The car doesn't reset the presets until the doors are locked. So, take key #1 lock the car and then unlock it. Everything should be back to normal. Moral of the story. . . don't let anyone drive your car! Good luck.
Yeah, I feel a high frequency vibration sometimes in the gas pedal. Not as irritating as the wind noise from the drivers side window though. The parts are in (3 seals), I just haven't had time to have them installed. I'll ask about the vibration when I take it in for the seals.
I haven't noticed any vibrations yet. But my commute to work is only a mile. I will let you know in a week or so when I have had a chance to take it on the open road.
That's exactly what happened! I have key #1 and my fiance has key #2,,,(again, he's not the problem ). I tried what you suggested, and so far, so good. I think it worked. I will post again if it happens again, but until then, my fingers are crossed. Thanks for the good advice.
Hi, has any one heard a louding crack/popping sound on starting up their car? I have 07 MDX and I hear it on occasion, haven't been able to figure out when it will occur. I vaguely remember seeing someone posting about it before but now I can't find it. Obviously, the dealer was unable to reproduce it. It is definitely coming from the speakers and it's buggin' the heck out of me. Thanks for any hints.
My dealer said that acura is aware of it and they are working on a "fix". Another poster has said there is already a TSB out on the subject but my tech knew nothing about it. Apparently a software update is warranted.
I previously posted my problem with the "popping" sounds on start ups. The "service advisors" are clueless. I took my car in three times with various made up stories until I grabbed a technician on a break and he looked it up on the Acura Technical Service Bullentin and downloaded a 30 minute software update for the glitch. Make sure you tell them to look up their website for the TSB. It was fixed and my car has been doing fine since then.
I just drop off my MDX for 15,000 mi scheduled maintenance at Acura service center this morning. The guy was checking and telling me that it will be $500+ for the service, which includes transmission oil change, wiper blade replacement and so on. Told the guy to just change oil, VTL differential fluid and rotate the tire and bill comes down to under $200.00 Checked owner's manual and didn't see any of changes are needed at 15,000 mile as guy at the service told me.
What do you guys normally do for 15,000 miles scheduled maintenance? Follow the manual or follow service rep. at Acura dealer? BTW, I am in NY area.
Follow the manual. The knowledge level of service reps can vary greatly, almost as much as Eli Manning's passer rating. [Only deviate from the manual to prevent known problems from occurring - like extra transmission flushes on the '01 and '02 MDX ]
I recently came across my receipt for my 7,500 mile service and was a little under $200. Hiway robbery, but I used my business to forge a relationship with my dealer - who has since helped me get $100s of free "out-of-warranty" repairs from Acura.
I need a 60k service on my wagon. The local mechanic's estimate was within $10 of what Edmunds said it should be ($350). One of the local dealers said $800! They wanted to do some stuff that wasn't factory recommended, but sheesh.
I hear you. At this point I am not sure if I should continue to bring my MDX to Acura dealer for the service in the future.
Feel like you'll have to STUDY your manual to get the car serviced from the dealer. Otherwise, it'll end up paying couple of hundred dollars. When I brought MDX for first time service, which was 7500 miles, the guy was telling me that I need bunch of services and it will cost me $250.00. Told them to just change the oil, because that's what manual was recommending at 7,500 miles for normal driving condition. Then guy was telling me that it would void my warranty since I don't follow their recommendation.
I am thinking lot of customers bring their cars to their dealers for the service and follow whatever they tell them to do and end up paying WAY more than it suppose to. Guess that's how they make extra money other than selling the cars.
I've heard the thud several times, while turning. I haven't check the spare to insure that it is secure.
I also hear the brakes release with a rapid clicking sound. The dealer tells me this is normal on the 07 MDX. I'm wondering if it is a pressure proportioning issue, since I hear several clicks instead of one.
We found the source of an irritating whistling noise in the cabin over 70 MPH. It's the Recirculate button - turn it on and there's the whistling sound. Turn it off, and it goes away. Now we have convince the dealer who can't replicate the sound (because he won't drive the car fast enough to do so). However, he did change the sunroof seal even though we told him it was the recirculate button.
It would be OK if the dealer was in town, but he's 45 minutes away, and we're going back for our 4th time.
I have the same issue - It is NOT the brakes they are feeding you lies! This issue is a defect from the front lower control arms. Yes, your front suspension is shot!!! Mine has it and it has been getting progressively worse - your's will too. It is to the point that it cracks and clunks when turning, braking, accelerating, etc... Now they are playing games with me. I've taken it in three times and I'm sick of it since they will not take responsibility for the piece of junk vehicle they have built so I've filed a lemon law claim against Acura! Nothing but a :lemon:
It sounds like your whistling noise and my whistling noise are two different things. Is yours an '07-'08? My '07s noise can be heard above 30 mph and seems to be emanating from the drivers' window near the A pillar. Maybe I'll mess w/ the recirculating button and see what happens. The dealer ordered 3 seals for the vehicle but I'm waiting until after the holidays to have them installed.
I thought the sound was coming from the door mirrors or the sunroof, but discovered the re-circulate button by accident. I have an 07 and a lot of other people have the same complaint. It seems that the focus is on a flap door that doesn't close properly in the blower motor assembly.
so how DO you reset the service reminder? I am very happy with my regular independent mechanic and prefer to use his shop than the local dealer but this "service engine soon" message is driving me a little bonkers.
It's in the manual. If I remember correctly, you have to press RESET and SELECT button together for few seconds to reset the service reminder. This is for 2006 MDX. Please check your manual if you have later model.
I discussed the "thud" with the dealer, they indicated that the problem has been described before and the fix was to replace the a leaking strut. They didn't find any issue with my 07 MDX, but its documented now.
They also looked at the brakes due to my complaing of them making a clicking noise, but didn't recommend a fix. He mentioned that it could be that the brake pad may be floating (by design) and that the click may be the pad shifting. A different retaining clip might cure the issue.
The clicking sounds are not your brakes - it's your front lower control arms going bad. Try this: Put vehicle in reverse and as your are moving slowly in reverse turn the steering wheel all the way to the right or left and you will hear cracking/clicking metallic sounds. You will also hear it when coming to a complete stop and then starting again, etc. The dealers are not aware of this problem but Acura is and they don't know what to do with this! :confuse:
The 07 MDX is the 1st year (new) model and they have issues that are just now starting to show up so seemingly these issues have not been addressed in the 08's either at this point. Regrettably Acura just keeps putting defective products out w/o taking steps to address the defects.
Bought new 08 MDX with Tech and Entertainment in mid-October. When we returned from vacation after not using car for a week in first week of November, it was dead. Have had guys there to jump start car no less than 6 times and probably more. Had it checked around Thanksgiving and they said it was bad battery. Past week had it jump started twice and later today will be third time (they did it yesterday too). Going back in again today. Any suggestions? I told them I want it written on invoice that I am getting a new battery (not some recharged old one) and that I consider this try number two for purposes of NY lemon law.
I had a similar problem on a 2007 MDX. After several tries, dealer found out that the automatic door lock was getting stuck and draining the battery. After replacement of the locking system, car has run perfectly... Maybe have the dealer check this out.
Haven't seen this as a common problem w/ the '07-'08. Not like "clunk" or gas pedal vibration problems. Hopefully its just the battery. Still getting poor mileage? How many miles on the car?
I think it's beyond the battery as we are on the second battery and it dies after non-use -- like something is still on when we think all is off. As to mileage, when I reset it and wife was doing some "modified" local driving (like some small stints on parkway and local driving) it was 14.1 but since then it's back to like 12.1. I think she has a very heavy foot. Up to around 1200 miles (though I haven't driven it since Christmas so I don't know for sure). I need to reset it and see what happens.
Car is going in this afternoon and hopefully we'll hear something later tomorrow.
Do you have Nav? There was a problem w/ the TL's Nav a while back that was draining people's batteries. I had something replaced on my '05 even though I never had the dead battery problem.
You should determine what the pressure is in each tire, in pounds per square inch, and then you should make sure they are filled to the recommended value as stipulated by Acura.
Thanks, I ended up calling Acura and the tech said to wait and see if the sensor goes off by itself before putting additional air in. Well, it warmed up (into the teens!) and the sensor light turned off.
Has your gas pedal vibration been fixed? I have an 08 with 800 miles and my foot and legs are hurting everytime I drive the car because of gas and brake pedal vibrations. Can anyone help?
That sounds like a much more pronounced problem than mine. My vibration is intermittent and certainly doesn't cause my legs to hurt. Get to your dealer/doctor right away! :sick:
Thanks very much. I spoke with dealer and they aren't sure yet but think it is in fact the door lock. Will post answer. Car has been there since Wednesday afternoon (and it's now Friday afternoon). Told them not to give it back until sure about problem. Was replacking the locking system complicated? I worry about competency of technicians and them screwing something else up.
My 2002 MDX has a middle console that displays my MPG, Trip time, and some other interesting data as a I drive. About a week ago the entire console went dead along with the radio and CD player. My husband spent an hour last weekend checking the fuses but that didn't fix the problem - our local garage couldn't root out the problem this morning.
I sooo don't want to take it into the dealership if it's a really easy fix. Anyone have something like this occur and have ideas to troubleshoot a fix?
Problem has been identified as the rear seat entertainment system not shutting off properly. We turned it off but it somehow it continued to pull power. Requires special part which has been ordered. Will let you know when finally resolved. In mean time, car to be returned to us today with system disabled so it can't pull power.
Comments
As far as an update, I got my car back yesterday. First of all, I love my dealer. The guy I deal with has been absolutely fantastic. They have really gone the extra mile to try and pinpoint the problems and fix them. So, no complaints there. (I will put the plug in for Pohanka Acura, because they really deserve it). As I previously said Acura really should be ashamed to have let my car leave the factory in the condition it was in.
But, here is the UPDATE:
-Starting problem: One of the Cells in the battery was failing intermittently. The replaced the battery, problem seems to be gone. I can't blame Acura, they don't build batteries.
- Clunk: Pohanka replaced one of the rear struts (I have the Sport with electronic struts). They had previously done the service repair on the bolts. Again, a part Acura doesn't make.
- Clunk: Muffler. I will do a separate post on this because I bet others may want to know this. The clunking sound may not have been the strut, it may have been the muffler all along. I was told that one of the baffles in the muffler was broken and was rattling. They replaced the muffler and not only is the knocking/clunk apparently gone (for now), but it seems much faster and sounds better (is that possible or do I just want it to be better). Another part Acura doesn't make, but come on, if the baffle was broken and rattling around (since it was brand new), what idiot installed the part. How did a broken muffler (and windshield, and strut, and battery, and dashboard, etc) get through quality control.
- door handles: they had to be adjusted, because they weren't adjusted correctly at the factory. I can absolutely blame Acura for this one.
I hate sounding like I am dissing the car, I really am not. I love driving it and even more so now that it seems even faster and quieter. But, I don't think I am wrong in being really annoyed and frustrated at what appears to be very poor build quality. My dealer has done a great job fixing everything, but when I bought an Acura (my first), I never expected that my dealer would have to fix so many things, so soon.
I hope all the kinks are worked out and it will be as trouble free as all the rest of yours for the next 100+K miles.
Intially, my dealer did the service repair of the rear bolts. The clunk was definately better, but didn't go away.
My dealer has now replaced a defective muffler. The muffler sits right next to the strut, so it is hard to distinguish the location of the source of the sound. I know no one is replacing the mufflers, because the dealer doesn't stock the part, it took days to get it from Acura. I bet the dealers aren't focusing on this as a possible source of the problem.
One of the interior baffles in one of my mufflers was broken. It would clunk when jolted from a bump, but, it's a muffler, so I didn't hear it rattling around the rest of the time. The replacement of the muffler seems to have done the trick. I will do another post, if it comes back. Also, my MDX seems to be quicker and sound better (throaty-er, okay, its not a word, but you know what I mean). I don't know if that is possible, or am I just hoping it will be better, but it really does seem quicker. (If anyone can tell me if that is possible I would be interested).
So everyone, if your dealer can't find the problem, shake the muffler. If it rattles, you found the problem and it's an easy fix.
I will keep you posted. Good luck everyone.
(I feel it necessary to put the plug to my dealer for finding and fixing this. They have been absolutely great to deal with - Pohanka Acura in Chantilly VA)
http://www.edmunds.com/dealerships/drr/jump.html
MrShiftright
Visiting Host
I'm thinking of filing a lemon law cliam on this very disappointing Acura. :lemon:
I thought I would share this...since I understand what it feels like to have issues with a new car (although my 2008 MDX has had no problems).
To find Acura's TSBs for the variety of problems you have, refer to the Acuramdx.org website, then goto the forums. Sorry for posting information about another forum on this forum...but it's in the interest of the reader's.
Once in that forum, click on the 2007 MDX forum, then goto the TSB thread...there you will find a list of all the 2007+ Acura MDX TSBs (you can download them as well).
By the way, if any of you are experiencing a shutter around 20 mph (only once per ignition...this is the ABS doing a self check...I have verified this with the dealer and had them test drive other 2008 MDXs and heard the same problem.)
Happy Holiday's...
The "service advisors" are clueless. I took my car in three times with various made up stories until I grabbed a technician on a break and he looked it up on the Acura Technical Service Bullentin and downloaded a 30 minute software update for the glitch. Make sure you tell them to look up their website for the TSB.
It was fixed and my car has been doing fine since then.
I just drop off my MDX for 15,000 mi scheduled maintenance at Acura service center this morning. The guy was checking and telling me that it will be $500+ for the service, which includes transmission oil change, wiper blade replacement and so on. Told the guy to just change oil, VTL differential fluid and rotate the tire and bill comes down to under $200.00 Checked owner's manual and didn't see any of changes are needed at 15,000 mile as guy at the service told me.
What do you guys normally do for 15,000 miles scheduled maintenance? Follow the manual or follow service rep. at Acura dealer? BTW, I am in NY area.
Thanks.
I recently came across my receipt for my 7,500 mile service and was a little under $200. Hiway robbery, but I used my business to forge a relationship with my dealer - who has since helped me get $100s of free "out-of-warranty" repairs from Acura.
Feel like you'll have to STUDY your manual to get the car serviced from the dealer. Otherwise, it'll end up paying couple of hundred dollars. When I brought MDX for first time service, which was 7500 miles, the guy was telling me that I need bunch of services and it will cost me $250.00. Told them to just change the oil, because that's what manual was recommending at 7,500 miles for normal driving condition. Then guy was telling me that it would void my warranty since I don't follow their recommendation.
I am thinking lot of customers bring their cars to their dealers for the service and follow whatever they tell them to do and end up paying WAY more than it suppose to. Guess that's how they make extra money other than selling the cars.
I also hear the brakes release with a rapid clicking sound. The dealer tells me this is normal on the 07 MDX. I'm wondering if it is a pressure proportioning issue, since I hear several clicks instead of one.
It'll be check out on 12/27. I'll report back.
It would be OK if the dealer was in town, but he's 45 minutes away, and we're going back for our 4th time.
Good luck with yours!
Happy New Year ~
Hope it's the seals they ordered.
They also looked at the brakes due to my complaing of them making a clicking noise, but didn't recommend a fix. He mentioned that it could be that the brake pad may be floating (by design) and that the click may be the pad shifting. A different retaining clip might cure the issue.
The 07 MDX is the 1st year (new) model and they have issues that are just now starting to show up so seemingly these issues have not been addressed in the 08's either at this point. Regrettably Acura just keeps putting defective products out w/o taking steps to address the defects.
Good luck!
As to mileage, when I reset it and wife was doing some "modified" local driving (like some small stints on parkway and local driving) it was 14.1 but since then it's back to like 12.1. I think she has a very heavy foot. Up to around 1200 miles (though I haven't driven it since Christmas so I don't know for sure). I need to reset it and see what happens.
Car is going in this afternoon and hopefully we'll hear something later tomorrow.
I sooo don't want to take it into the dealership if it's a really easy fix. Anyone have something like this occur and have ideas to troubleshoot a fix?
Thanks for your help...Vicky