The Hummmm is not a big deal in my case - After 10 days and 800 miles, the hum is more like an exhaust tone that (and I am particular about noises in any automobile) is noticeable only if I am listening for it to occur. It briefly happens at about 2000 RPM - but not always; and it is more of a melodic tone to it. There is one post here that likens it to a cherry bomb muffler (!), (at least not in my MDX) - probably an exaggeration, but different folks, different strokes. So go ahead get the MDX - I would recommend it to any one. Also, see my post #337 that says something about the Lexus RX330 being quite noisey in comparison (which it is). Very happy thus far with MDX to drive around in.
Took my 04 mdx in finally to fix the exhaust noise. Three problems with the quick fix: 1) acura won't pay for it, 2) warranty on exhaust system would be void, 3) Tech says it may cause excessive stress elsewhere along the exhaust system. He thinks the reason the noise goes away when the rubber hanger is removed is because it changes the "pressure points" within the system. He also said if the car is driven with out this hanger it could cause the pipes to sag and buckle which would cost around $1000 to fix. He recommended that I keep the hanger on and wait for acura to come up with a permanent solution. He said he is not aware of any "fix" that acura is currently working on and that no one else at his dealership has complained about the problem. Well, at least I know where this hanger is located so I can take the damn thing off myself if I have to. Frustrating.......
Let's see - you have a $40K car w/ an obnoxious humm at driving speeds - An Acura, no less - the pride of the Honda fleet - and you're gonna accept "Acura won't pay for repairs. . ."???????
A strong suggestion - get on the horn w/ Acura customer service and get them working for you!
My dealer removed the hanger on his own - I just pointed out the hmmmm at highway speeds.
I have just begun to deal with this issue after a purchase of an 04 MDX in mid-Nov. After a couple of visits to the dealer and ride-alongs with service people, management and ownership- they admit that at 2000 rpm there is a huge noise. Acura client services was a zero as far as help goes. "a part of the new dual exhaust system, a design feature". Why on earth a new design with this noise?? Anyway, my dealer has tried one fix that has not worked. Acura corporate is unresponsive. I will go to my dealer with the fix in earlier postings. One thing that has not been mentioned is that it seems much worse at cold temps. My guess is that people in warmer areas are not getting the same degree of noise. Good luck everyone in dealing with this. Together we will get Acura to make good on a 40K+ car.
After a rather mild winter in the Midwest, we have been socked over the past few weeks. The 2004 MDX has been terrific on the road. I love this model. I want the 2000 rpm Hummmm repaired/fixed but other than that, it has been a much better winter drive than the Volvo XC that I traded in. Help on the 2000 rpm hummmm is coming...I hope!
Thank you very much for purchasing the [Honda/Acura] Navigation System Updated Disc version 2.11B. We apologize if you’ve experienced a problem using this disc. A special CD disc is being sent to you via US Mail at no charge that we believe will correct these issues.
The CD is to correct certain operational functions of the navigation program. It does not contain any additional map coverage or Points of Interest (POI) data. Please read the instructions that come with the disc, as this will explain in detail what software issues were addressed. ----------------- Hopefully it is okay to buy a DVD upgrade now. My upgrade from last October does have a better database than my OE DVD, but is slow and has other problems. Fingers crossed the fix for the upgrade is better.
I test drove several cars over the weekend with nav systems. The one in the TL (had voice control for nav, climate, and radio) was much better than any other. Even the one my O2 MDX, with the problem prone October upgrade, was better than the rest.
The CD (yes, a CD not a DVD) arrived today. The CD that came is for systems without voice recognition and with DVDs later than 2.05B. In addition to other Honda/Acura vehicles it is for the 2001 and 2002 MDX. The CD for vehicles with voice recognition may have different fixes.
The software fix is to correct problems with the Personal Address list feature and the Previous Destination feature, including incorrect side of the road issues with these features. The trip computer distance problem at refill is corrected also.
What is not fixed is the very slow database access, the excessively loud bong before the direction message, and the school icons always on problems.
I have not experienced any of the problems this software fix is supposed to correct.
When I installed the 2.11C patch for the nav system it lost about half of my previous destinations. The system also took several minutes and about a mile of driving before it figured out the car's location. Once it figured out where it was full function was restored. It still shows some schools in the wrong place or on the wrong side of the street and the icons in the turn box are still show from time to time even though they are turned off.
Last month I purchased 2004 model (Tour, Navi & DVD). Today I saw "Malfunction lamp" was on while driving. Based on manual, I checked the gas cap, was closed correctly. Dealer said, if car is driving OK, ignore it. Anyone with similar problem?
A friend of mine recently (within the last month) puchased an 04 MDX. This week, with just 600 miles on it, her entire engine is being replaced (the only details that I'm sure of are: it was bucking, had no power and the engine light constantly on). She's trying to get them to give her a brand new vehicle, but we're not sure what's going to happen yet.
Anyone else hear of or have any similar problems or does this seem to simply be the "lemon" in a bunch of great SUVs?
Any ideas on how she can get a replacement vehicle?
Sounds like something seized in the engine. A new engine isn't such a bad thing. I agree it is a brand new vehicle and she shouldn't have to deal with this...however an engine can be replaced without disrupting anything and be "as good as new". I had an engine rebuilt (short block replaced) in my Trooper, and apart from a few cables not being exactly where they were before the truck was perfect afterwards.
Brand New 2004 MDX with touring. Got a flat tire with 14 miles on the vehicle. Tire was puncture by all things a valve stem lying in the road. The tire that went flat was the right rear tire. After getting the tire repaired, I noticed the left front tire sensor light is on. This tire is fine. I cannot remember if the sensor may have been on even before the flat in the right rear. Anyone else with this problem or a suggestion before I cart it in to the dealer?
I purchased my mdx 2004 model in Dec, 03. From the very first day i have been hearing the noise of the sloshing gas tank, like the gas is hitting the wall of the gas tank several times whenever i apply the brake or make quick turns. I took it to the dealer and they test drove it and said it is definitely the sloshing gas tank. They said nothing can be done for this, it is a common problem in mdx b/c of the big gas tank. Is this true? Are other people experiencing the same problem. It is very disturbing noise. Also at the speed of 70 mph there is a loud noise coming from the engine, i believe. It gets better at 80 mph or if the speed is reduced to below 70 mph. Is this the same humming noise everybody is experiencing or something different??
Last week "Malfunction Indicator Lamp" came on while driving. Initially dealer(Devan Acura Norwalk) said, if car is driving OK, ignore it.
Yesterday Dealer said that there is recall on 2004 models for this as well as for poor milage. The "Malfunction Indicator Lamp" light is now gone after they applied the 2 "updates" from Acura.
They said nothing can be done for this, it is a common problem in mdx b/c of the big gas tank. Is this true?
Nah, it's not because the gas tank is big. It's because Honda/Acura cheaped out on the gas tank design. There are lots of vehicles with gas tanks as big, and bigger, that don't have the infamous slosh.
I never notice it, but then again I'm not listening for it and usually have the stereo on. But a number of folks do get annoyed by it.
This problem has existed since the introduction of the Honda Odyssey, well before the MDX's debut. Plenty of sloshing tank complaints on the Odyssey forums for a long time. The MDX obviously inherits the Odyssey's problem. Since Honda/Acura hasn't fixed it, I doubt if it'll be fixed in the current MDX. Maybe the next-generation Odyssey will fix it, along with the next-generation MDX that will be based on it.
Its the darn 2000 rpm hum/drone, There is a temp fix for it. I had posted the solution earlier and has fixed the noise on mine '04. If u missed it leme know harsmdx@yahoo.com, I'll send u the details...
. . . you mean, "temporary fix". Removing an exhaust system hanger (and not replacing it with additional support) is not a permanent fix. If the system is designed to be supported by three vibration isolator type supports, then the system needs three supports . . .. Also, an unauthorized modification to the exhaust system could void not only the Acura warrantee, but the emissions warranted as well!
Acura needs to develop and authorize a permanent repair for this problem.
I have a 04 mdx and hear clicking noise every time I hit the break. My dealer says it is normal. I owned 5 different vehicles so far and never had that problem. Is there anyone experiencing similar problem?
There is a known problem with the calipers...I thought was fixed in '04. My '02 clicks, but only the first time I stop in a given direction. i.e. the first time I back out of my driveway and brake it clicks, if I keep backing up it won't click again until I have braked going forward...which in turn will click the first time I stop going forward...not the second. Something about how the calipers apply the pads to the disks. I don't hear it with the windows up...not a big deal to me.
I don't know if this is your problem or not, but it is a known issue with the first 2 years of production.
What's the real gas mileage you guys get from the 04 MDX? Mine was only 15-16 mpg, seems awefully low to me. We drive it very softly, since it's still in the break-in period. Just wonder is this 15-16 mpg kind of low for a V6 engine?
Mine is giving me 16 mpg all the time. For a v6, it is definitely low. But if you ask acura they will say it is a common problem with mdx. I guess everything wrong with mdx is a common problem. Acura doen't want to correct anything because people like us keep buying them. For me this is the end, for sure. I am not going to buy acura again. Everything we are discussing here is happening with my mdx. The sloshing gas tank, the 2000 rpm hum/drone, the brake caliper noise, the low mileage etc. My brother has lexus v8 and it's mileage is better than mdx.
16 mpg is certainly not great but if most of your driving is city, the EPA city rating is 17 I believe so you're close. Mine gets around 16 city and about 22 highway, again close to EPA ratings. Remember the MDX weighs around 4500 lbs so it takes some juice to get it in motion. Plus its not the most aerodynamic vehicle on the road!
Have an 02. Actual mpg has been like gotribe says. The on board trip computer usually shows 5 to 10 percent better mpg than the vehicle actually gets when one does the arithmetic using actual miles and actual gallons. Best I've seen on a trip is 23 and the worst is 19. Around town the lowest has been 12 and the best 17. For the first 3000 miles the the average mpg was 15.7 mpg. The next 6000 miles improved a bit to 16.5 mpg. The next 9000 miles was another improvement to 17.6 mpg. The last 2500 miles is 18.0 mpg.
My increasing mpg, over nearly 22,000 miles, seems to indicate there is a very long break-in period for the engine with respect to mpg. Performance hasn't changed since I first checked at about 2000 miles, but mpg is up almost 20%.
The amount of freeway vs. local driving hasn't changed. Freeway speeds are 'with traffic' at 75 plus. The A/C is on all the time for at least 8 months of the year and probably 90% of the time during the other 4 months.
No mpg champ, but with so much weight to move, taken together with pushing a large frontal area through the air (the roof mounting bars don't help either) mpg is as expected, and not bad for this type of vehicle.
Next model year Toyota will have a hybrid RX400 and Highlander. Probably see mpg in the 20s around town and a little improvement on freeways too. Won't be cheap though.
Gasoline for my MDX is now almost $2.40 per gallon around here (SoCal). My current 18 mpg average isn't so good with these prices, but it isn't any worse than my PT Cruiser GT (which is driven much harder than the X).
ssyed: With respect to your post #386 the mpg isn't bad considering what other similar vehicles get. It has little to do with engine size or the number of cylinders. It is mostly the weight of the vehicle for local driving and mostly air drag at high speeds, though weight plays a role here too.
I get 15-16 around town and 23+ on the highway. I think it does pretty well for an SUV...around town is low, but when you are on long road trips the 23+ is great, stretching out time between stops. I have very short, stop and go around town, my old Nissan (prior to the MDX) which got 33+ on the highway was down to 19/20 around town where I live so below 17 seems consistent to me.
None of these "problems" bothers me with my '02. Everytime I get back from a family road trip I am so happy I bought one. To each his own I guess, but the mileage is consistent with advertising so there is no surprises here.
I agree with the other "new owners". While I understand the premise of break-in, my gas mileage on my '04, compared to the advertised gas mileage . . . , well, sux!
Thanks for the post, fndlyfmrflyr, that gives me some hope that things will get better over time - but rest assured, one the the key reasons we bought the X was gas mileage . . . If the car's gonna get 17 mpg, I could've bought a loaded Eddie Bauer Explorer (w/RES and NAV) and gotten the same mileage, and saved about $5-7K!!!
You may have been able to save $5-7k at purchase, but you would give it all back (and probably more)when you sold it in 3-4 years. Look at it this way--if you drive 15k miles per year the difference between 15mpg and 18mpg is roughly $300 per year. Not insignificant, but shouldnt drive the purchase decision on a $40k vehicle IMO
by any stretch! But, call a spade, a spade . . . 17-20 mpg highway IS NOT EVEN CLOSE TO THE ADVERTISED 24 mpg highway!!
I drive between 22-25K/yr, so economy does figure in . . . that's why I can't lease, and usually keep my (well maintained) cars for 150K miles or so. And at $300 - $400 more per year to operate the Ford (assume 17 mpg in the Ford, and 20 mpg in the Acura), that's an over 10 yr payback on sickerprice! (BTW - that comparison assumes driving both cars on regular gas- run the Acura on premium and the add'l exp for the ford drops even more).
don't get me wrong - love my X - just expected more from the economy end.
I have been shopping for a new SUV since Sept of last year and been reading the forums. Test drove Toyota Sequoia, 4Runner, VW Touareg, Honda Pilot, and MDX. Did not bother the other makes because of Reliability Issues. They were all nice and great SUV's. It was narrowed down to the MDX as my personal choice, despite of the problems I read in the forum about Humming, Sloshing and poor gas mileage. I hardly noticed or heard those annoying sounds when I test drove a couple of them. Ordered one last December and came in 2nd week of this month(Feb). And yes, after 2 weeks and 260 miles, the three are there...(1)Sloshing,(2)Humming at 2k rpm, and (3)16 mpg around town. The good sound of Bose Music has over taken 1 & 2. MPG Hwy will be tested this weekend when I'll take it for a long drive. Hope to get 22 mpg or better. If that is met then, I'm happy. The others I test drove has a listing of 19 mpg or worst in hwy. If Acura can come up with a solution to recall and correct 1 & 2, then I'll be happier.
I've discussed this before and want to update status. The Humming is cold weather related. As the weather has warmed, the humming has decreased. It is still there, much less. Acura has told me that they are working on a solution. I don't think removing a hanger from the exhaust as a temp fix is a good idea (the hangers are there for a reason). Let Acura come up with something. They do know about it and we can hope for a solution. Regarding gas milage. After reading the posts, I checked my MPG and yes it is under 16 in the city. I expected better and have added this to my small list of complaints. On the plus side- The 04 MDX did much better on the snow and ice than my previous car (Volvo Cross Country). I traded due to mechanical issues with the Volvo and thought I might sacrifice performance on snow and ice and I did not. MDX is better. I bought the MDX based upon previous experience with Honda and the issues with Volvo. So far, I'm happy, but I do expect/want fixes to the Hummm and MPG issues.
What kind of mpg were you expecting? The X weighs close to 4500 pounds and one should not expect great mpg from a vehicle in this weight class. Oil burners and hybrids (RX400) will do better in town and maybe a bit better on the highway too, but you pay extra for these. I'd like better mpg too, but I've found it is rare that a vehicle actually gets the EPA numbers. Usually it is a little less. The X actually comes close even when driven at high freeway speeds with the A/C on.
My next vehicle will probably be a hybrid. Doesn't use the gasoline engine during near gridlock conditions common around here. Rather have an oil burner, but there are none available in SoCal.
I doubt if acura will ever come up with the solution for sloshing gas tank. As other people are saying it's been there since mdx came in market for the first time and it has inherited it from the odyssey. It's just tough to convince yourself that it's okay, turn your radio or CD player on loud and you will hardly notice it. Especially when we are talking about a 40+ K vehicle. As I said before, people like us keep buying them, that's why acura will never correct the problem. They don't care. It's hard to believe that it can not be corrected or as my dealer said, nothing can be done about it. Let's see if acura comes up with a solution for 2000 rpm hum as other people are saying or simply just turn your radio on loud and you won't hear it, doesn't matter if you go deaf.
Took delivery of a 2004 MDX Touring in November 2003. I've never heard the sloshing sound that seems to be so common. Recently took the vehicle back to the dealer for the recall service (software update for emissions control purposes) and, although I had no complaints before, it seems to run even smoother now. As for the 2000rpm hum which I definately hear but is not terrible, I asked the service manager about it and he claimed that it was new to him so he called Acura. Before I left, an hour later, he said that he ordered the new exhaust mount bracket to fix the problem at no cost. Yesterday they called to say it was in. Does anyone know where or which mount this is? I'd like to check to be sure that they're not just removing a mount because. It seems from some of the other posts that some dealers are doing this although it may put stress on the exhaust system.
I know what you mean about the mpg. I just took delivery of my '04 X a week ago. I averaged 13.3 mpg. I was concerned. But noticed something last night that I think it's worth mentioning. I refueled yesterday and reset the trip computer. Started my car and drove straight home for about 3 miles, about 35 mph. I first got 8 mpg, then it increased as I drove longer. At one point, I got 18mpg when I was driving. When I stopped and waited for the traffic light, the mpg dropped. When I went up a steep hill, the mpg dropped, when I stopped to get my mail, came back in, the mpg dropped even more. Based on that, I think it's all depends on how often you stop and of course a few othe things. I warm up my car in the morning (usually for about 5 mins) so that the engine is warmed and the interior is heated. That could be why my first week was 13.3 mpg. I also have stop-and-go traffic to/from work.
Since last night and now, I averaged 17.1 mpg. Do yourself a favor and check it out next time you reset your trip computer. Watch that number, it will change constantly. The more you move your car at a consistent speed, the better mpg you'll get. In the end, it makes sense that if you have the engine running but the car is not moving, your mpg will decrease.
I'm taking my X for a highway spin this weekend. I'm confident that I will get at least what the manufacture has suggested.
I do have both humming and sloshing. The humming I think I can fix. I gave my dealer the solution that I got from the other forum, they were willing to fix it for me. But I denied because I didn't want them to fix anything without me knowing exactly what they will fix and that it still provide sufficient support for the exhaust system.
Don't think the sloshing can be fixed. But the as far as fixing the humming, I will do the following.
I think the humming is caused by the vibration that the exhaust system is sending to the frame as a result of being attached to the frame too tight. There are a few hangers underneath the X. Some people have suggested removing the front bolted metal hanger. Some have suggested removing the middle rubber hanger.
Doing either one would eliminate the noise. By removing either one, it releases the tension of the exhaust system being attached to the frame, which in turn, reduce the vibration that is being sent to the body of the car. But people have worried that removing one hanger would cause the exhaust system to sag in the long run.
One person has suggested cutting a little bit of the rubber of the middle hanger to make the hanger more flexible. This way the system is still sufficiently supported.
People have also express concerns that modifying anything will void the warranty. I suggest that you buy a generic piece of rubber at an Auto Parts. I bought one for $12.
Here is what I will do this weekend. 1. Remove the middle rubber hanger (located right under the X where the exhaust pipe is. There is only one there. It's adjacent to the rear door).
2. Save that just in case Acura has a better fix so that you can put it back on before you go to the dealer.
3. The rubber piece is 2 inches wide, by 4 inches long, by ~1 inch thick. I will carve the piece that I bought about half way down on each side of the thickness. So in the end, the thickness should be brought down to ~.5 - .75 inch (from 1 inch). I will only carve the portion where the piece already have holes, which is about 1.25 inch, not the entire 4 inches long.
4. Put that back onto the X. It should still provide enough support (better than removing it), more flexible, and the humming should be gone.
It sounds like a good idea. I had mine for just a couple of weeks and let it be for now. Humming comes as I pick up speed when starting, probably on 1st or 2nd gear as it reaches 2k rpm and once it reaches 3rd or 4th gear and drops to less than 2k rpm, humming is gone and cruises smoothly. Therefore, humming last for just a few seconds and it is gone. If you hold it to 2k rpm, naturally the humming will stay there, and drives you nuts, however, if you gas it a little bit it will go away. And yes, w/ a 40k SUV, this should'nt be happening.
Initially, I had the same negative experience with gas mileage that some of the recent posts describe - I noticed a marked improvement after 2000 miles (which was coincidental with warmer weather). Recently, during highway travel, my '04 MDX has averaged 23 to 24 mpg. Last week on a 175 mile trip ILL to WIS: 24.7mpg. That was traveling about 67 mph on an average. It seems that on a good day, w/o cross / head winds common this time of year, the MDX can do pretty well in gas consumption. Having said that, the first trip (same distance) during a snow storm, where the average speed was about 45 mph, our MDX got 25.4 mpg. Speed obviously has a negative effect, as one pushes air resistance. Around town, as the temperature has risen into the 40's, we're averaging about 18 to 19 mpg. Forget about good gas mileage if you have a LEADfoot, or if it's below freezing. Never heard the sloshing sound some posts describe.
I have an 02 MDX with 36k miles on the Michelin Cross Terrain tires. The Acura dealer where I have my X serviced tells me the tires need to be replaced due to wear. The tires are rated for 65k. Dealer says this is between me and Michelin. Has any one else had this problem?. I want to be ready with any ammo when I argue for a prorated price on a new set.
Are the MDX's Cross Terrains really rated for 65k?
I'm afraid it isn't unusual for the MDX's Cross Terrains to wear out at 36k. I've seen reports of replacement in the low 30's to the 40's, with some owners going beyond that on their OEM tires. Obviously it'll vary based on your driving conditions.
The Cross Terrains the MDX ships with (at least the ones I got) have a lower treadwear rating than the Cross Terrains you buy as replacement tires. Probably a cost-cutting measure.
At 21k mine had worn off 3.5 3/32 of the 9/32 of the useable tread (there was 11/32 of tread when new). Tread wear in the center is a little less (3 3/32) than the sides. Wear pattern is the same on all four tires. Impression is that the tires should have a few psi more than called for in the specs for even tread wear. Based on wear so far it looks like 65k is possible if tire pressures are kept a little higher than spec.
Based on using spec tire pressures it appears that 50k will be about what I can expect.
Tire Warranty's are hard to get credit for. If you go to an authorized Michelin dealer and fight through the rigamarole...you should be able to get a discount off a new set based on the amount tread left vs. mileage remaining on warranty...although that same discount could probably be gotten by also going in armed with tirerack.com pricing.
I have negotiated tire prices over the phone at goodyear, firestone and local shops...they all have probably $40 headroom on tires...when you consider they charge you $20 each to mount/balance + $6 valve stem charges.
I would get armed with both your warranty and internet pricing and then call around first. Find someone who is willing to talk turkey then actually go in person. My tactic was to tell them that I would order the tires and have them shipped to them, they could then install them... (cheaper base price + no salestax on tires + slightly higher install since I bought them elsewhere) came out to about $80 savings on 4 tires...I told them that if they could match that price out-the-door for me I would buy the tires though them...which still allowed them to get something on the tire markup.
All good info on my impending tire battle. I'll start by looking at the tire treadware marker on my X, had no idea the same tire could have a lesser rating. I did download the Michelin pdf. file on the warenty and it said, in part, the tires must be roatated every 7k miles, which would be like every other oil change. My treadware is very even and I can show I've had the tires roated every time Its been in for service at least, I guess they will have to take my word for the at home roatation. I'll post the results here.
I have around 2300 miles on my touring and still only getting around 15 MPG in town. Disappointed in what was expecting 17 and on the highway was getting around 18. Hopefully I will see improvement when have more miles? based on other posts.
This is from my post # 393. I just got back from an approximate 563 miles round trip and I average 22 mpg. This is about 85% spent on hwy driving. This is very much consistent on MDX's projected mpg on hwy and city. While driving on hwy (60-70mph hwy speed limit) and I mean just hwy, I was getting 24mpg, the rest were quick stops, and downtown driving. As of now, I have logged in 790 miles on my odometer and very satisfied with what I'm getting. This is my 2 cents on mpg.
On my last gas to destination and gas again to compute manually, my X was making 24.824 mpg on a 254.1 miles with a couple rest stops and 5 signal lights stops as I was nearing home. The humming was evident but never heard the sloshing.
At 21000 mi, my 01 MDX right strut leaked and was replaced under warranty. The dealer replaced only the defective one. Should both struts be replaced so they age the same? I talked to an Acura rep over the phone on my concern. The guy refused to answer my question. Acura customer support sucks. I have never had a vehicle that needs strut replacement at such a young age. Next time I look elsewhere.
Hmmm...I am not sure. I am not sure how the struts are engineered. I would think any springs inside should still be OK and shouldn't effect the ride left to right, but the shocks should be the same age on both sides. Shock performance will definitely be different from 0 to 21K miles.
I sort of think you are right both should be replaced...however you also run the risk that they are working on another part of your car and mess that part up if they were to change both?
Did you try calling another dealership/service department and get their opinion? Some places are not as tight lipped about "hypothetical" questions.
remember - warantees correct defective equipment, and do not provide maintenance! Maintenance says replace struts in pairs, warantee says fix the problem. I had the same situation with a new jeep a few years ago - had a bad engine miss - dealer said it was two fouled fuel injectors - he promptly replace the two (only) under warantee. I fought to get the others replaces (makes sense, doesn't it?) but they said that, until the others fail, their replacement isn't covered by warrantee . . . 'Course, if I wanted to PAY the dealer to replace them . ...
Comments
A strong suggestion - get on the horn w/ Acura customer service and get them working for you!
My dealer removed the hanger on his own - I just pointed out the hmmmm at highway speeds.
Good Luck.
Thank you very much for purchasing the [Honda/Acura] Navigation System Updated Disc version 2.11B. We apologize if you’ve experienced a problem using this disc. A special CD disc is being sent to you via US Mail at no charge that we believe will correct these issues.
The CD is to correct certain operational functions of the navigation program. It does not contain any additional map coverage or Points of Interest (POI) data. Please read the instructions that come with the disc, as this will explain in detail what software issues were addressed.
-----------------
Hopefully it is okay to buy a DVD upgrade now. My upgrade from last October does have a better database than my OE DVD, but is slow and has other problems. Fingers crossed the fix for the upgrade is better.
I test drove several cars over the weekend with nav systems. The one in the TL (had voice control for nav, climate, and radio) was much better than any other. Even the one my O2 MDX, with the problem prone October upgrade, was better than the rest.
The software fix is to correct problems with the Personal Address list feature and the Previous Destination feature, including incorrect side of the road issues with these features. The trip computer distance problem at refill is corrected also.
What is not fixed is the very slow database access, the excessively loud bong before the direction message, and the school icons always on problems.
I have not experienced any of the problems this software fix is supposed to correct.
Regards,
Madan
Anyone else hear of or have any similar problems or does this seem to simply be the "lemon" in a bunch of great SUVs?
Any ideas on how she can get a replacement vehicle?
Has anyone had the hanger replaced/removed and had this issue resolved?
Yesterday Dealer said that there is recall on 2004 models for this as well as for poor milage. The "Malfunction Indicator Lamp" light is now gone after they applied the 2 "updates" from Acura.
Nah, it's not because the gas tank is big. It's because Honda/Acura cheaped out on the gas tank design. There are lots of vehicles with gas tanks as big, and bigger, that don't have the infamous slosh.
I never notice it, but then again I'm not listening for it and usually have the stereo on. But a number of folks do get annoyed by it.
This problem has existed since the introduction of the Honda Odyssey, well before the MDX's debut. Plenty of sloshing tank complaints on the Odyssey forums for a long time. The MDX obviously inherits the Odyssey's problem. Since Honda/Acura hasn't fixed it, I doubt if it'll be fixed in the current MDX. Maybe the next-generation Odyssey will fix it, along with the next-generation MDX that will be based on it.
Acura needs to develop and authorize a permanent repair for this problem.
I don't know if this is your problem or not, but it is a known issue with the first 2 years of production.
Everything we are discussing here is happening with my mdx. The sloshing gas tank, the 2000 rpm hum/drone, the brake caliper noise, the low mileage etc. My brother has lexus v8 and it's mileage is better than mdx.
My increasing mpg, over nearly 22,000 miles, seems to indicate there is a very long break-in period for the engine with respect to mpg. Performance hasn't changed since I first checked at about 2000 miles, but mpg is up almost 20%.
The amount of freeway vs. local driving hasn't changed. Freeway speeds are 'with traffic' at 75 plus. The A/C is on all the time for at least 8 months of the year and probably 90% of the time during the other 4 months.
No mpg champ, but with so much weight to move, taken together with pushing a large frontal area through the air (the roof mounting bars don't help either) mpg is as expected, and not bad for this type of vehicle.
Next model year Toyota will have a hybrid RX400 and Highlander. Probably see mpg in the 20s around town and a little improvement on freeways too. Won't be cheap though.
Gasoline for my MDX is now almost $2.40 per gallon around here (SoCal). My current 18 mpg average isn't so good with these prices, but it isn't any worse than my PT Cruiser GT (which is driven much harder than the X).
ssyed: With respect to your post #386 the mpg isn't bad considering what other similar vehicles get. It has little to do with engine size or the number of cylinders. It is mostly the weight of the vehicle for local driving and mostly air drag at high speeds, though weight plays a role here too.
None of these "problems" bothers me with my '02. Everytime I get back from a family road trip I am so happy I bought one. To each his own I guess, but the mileage is consistent with advertising so there is no surprises here.
Thanks for the post, fndlyfmrflyr, that gives me some hope that things will get better over time - but rest assured, one the the key reasons we bought the X was gas mileage . . . If the car's gonna get 17 mpg, I could've bought a loaded Eddie Bauer Explorer (w/RES and NAV) and gotten the same mileage, and saved about $5-7K!!!
I drive between 22-25K/yr, so economy does figure in . . . that's why I can't lease, and usually keep my (well maintained) cars for 150K miles or so. And at $300 - $400 more per year to operate the Ford (assume 17 mpg in the Ford, and 20 mpg in the Acura), that's an over 10 yr payback on sickerprice! (BTW - that comparison assumes driving both cars on regular gas- run the Acura on premium and the add'l exp for the ford drops even more).
don't get me wrong - love my X - just expected more from the economy end.
My next vehicle will probably be a hybrid. Doesn't use the gasoline engine during near gridlock conditions common around here. Rather have an oil burner, but there are none available in SoCal.
Since last night and now, I averaged 17.1 mpg. Do yourself a favor and check it out next time you reset your trip computer. Watch that number, it will change constantly. The more you move your car at a consistent speed, the better mpg you'll get. In the end, it makes sense that if you have the engine running but the car is not moving, your mpg will decrease.
I'm taking my X for a highway spin this weekend. I'm confident that I will get at least what the manufacture has suggested.
Don't think the sloshing can be fixed. But the as far as fixing the humming, I will do the following.
I think the humming is caused by the vibration that the exhaust system is sending to the frame as a result of being attached to the frame too tight. There are a few hangers underneath the X. Some people have suggested removing the front bolted metal hanger. Some have suggested removing the middle rubber hanger.
Doing either one would eliminate the noise. By removing either one, it releases the tension of the exhaust system being attached to the frame, which in turn, reduce the vibration that is being sent to the body of the car. But people have worried that removing one hanger would cause the exhaust system to sag in the long run.
One person has suggested cutting a little bit of the rubber of the middle hanger to make the hanger more flexible. This way the system is still sufficiently supported.
People have also express concerns that modifying anything will void the warranty. I suggest that you buy a generic piece of rubber at an Auto Parts. I bought one for $12.
Here is what I will do this weekend.
1. Remove the middle rubber hanger (located right under the X where the exhaust pipe is. There is only one there. It's adjacent to the rear door).
2. Save that just in case Acura has a better fix so that you can put it back on before you go to the dealer.
3. The rubber piece is 2 inches wide, by 4 inches long, by ~1 inch thick. I will carve the piece that I bought about half way down on each side of the thickness. So in the end, the thickness should be brought down to ~.5 - .75 inch (from 1 inch). I will only carve the portion where the piece already have holes, which is about 1.25 inch, not the entire 4 inches long.
4. Put that back onto the X. It should still provide enough support (better than removing it), more flexible, and the humming should be gone.
I'm afraid it isn't unusual for the MDX's Cross Terrains to wear out at 36k. I've seen reports of replacement in the low 30's to the 40's, with some owners going beyond that on their OEM tires. Obviously it'll vary based on your driving conditions.
The Cross Terrains the MDX ships with (at least the ones I got) have a lower treadwear rating than the Cross Terrains you buy as replacement tires. Probably a cost-cutting measure.
Based on using spec tire pressures it appears that 50k will be about what I can expect.
I have negotiated tire prices over the phone at goodyear, firestone and local shops...they all have probably $40 headroom on tires...when you consider they charge you $20 each to mount/balance + $6 valve stem charges.
I would get armed with both your warranty and internet pricing and then call around first. Find someone who is willing to talk turkey then actually go in person. My tactic was to tell them that I would order the tires and have them shipped to them, they could then install them... (cheaper base price + no salestax on tires + slightly higher install since I bought them elsewhere) came out to about $80 savings on 4 tires...I told them that if they could match that price out-the-door for me I would buy the tires though them...which still allowed them to get something on the tire markup.
I sort of think you are right both should be replaced...however you also run the risk that they are working on another part of your car and mess that part up if they were to change both?
Did you try calling another dealership/service department and get their opinion? Some places are not as tight lipped about "hypothetical" questions.