Acura MDX Transmission Problems
I'm own a 2004 Acura MDX, that currently has no problems. But I heard of a recall for the transmission of the 01's to the 03's , stating that the transmission might suddenly downshift, causing a crash. Well, the 04 mdx all the way to the 06 mdx have the same transmisisons as of the 01's to the 03's. I'm very worried: does this problem affect the 04 to the 06?
0
Comments
Got 75% off the bill as "Good Will" from Acura, still have to pay $1200, 3 year warranty included.
Still, I think it is completely unacceptable for 40K luxury car to have transmission problems that early...
I think you meant 100,000 km or about 60,000 miles.
tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper
The local dealer called Acura and asked them if they would assist. They offered to pay 70% of the cost leaving me to pay $1180 of the $3,800 plus dollars of repairs required.
I called Acura and expressed my frustration over them not covering an issue that started while the car was under warranty. The Acura representative reponded:
1. Did you get all your service done at an Acura dealer?
2. The Acura dealer you took the car to does not belong to Acura.
3. We can withdraw our offer at any time...
So this will be my last Honda experience. I only hope others are not victimized by this company that doesn't seem committed to quality or service and clearly doesn't value its customers.
:confuse:
Thanks.
Try this link for the 2002 MDX.
I took it to an Acura dealer where they replaced the transmission, free of charge since I was within warranty, but the problem persisted even after the new transmission. I took it back and they checked for "updates" the computer might need. After verifying the computer was up to date with the most recent software, I left. The problem still exists.
Has anyone had any sort of problem like this?
Did they happen to mention what they think CAUSED the failure. I've been searching for months for anyone that might have a logical explanation. This senario of Acura replacing Transmissions and Torque converters has been going on since 2001!
There has to be a reason. It sounds like even Acura isn't concered.
What the heck is going on? The guy I have been working with is very kind and knows I am oviously upset with the situation. :mad: I got a free oil change and tire rotation but that doesnt really make up for the time I've lost from work (10+ hours), the mileage I've put on the car (350+ miles) or my aggravation!
Trust me, the dealership knows I don't live around the corner. I have made that perfectly clear! Oh, did I mention it took me 2 HOURS to get there this morning?
Good Luck!!!!
Someone also said that the 04-06 MDX has the same transmission as the 01-03... Does anyone know if this is true? If so, what about the recall?
If the "jerk" you feel is at 35 MPH when decelerating and engine RPM is below 1000 it's just the trans down shifting. (assuming it's not a violent down shift) You can watch the tach bump up slightly under these conditions. If your engine speed is above 1000 RPM when decelerating you shouldn't feel the down shift or see the RPM increase..
Consumer Reports still speaks glowingly about the MDX, I don't see how.
CR trashes the Dodge Grand Caravan, but I just sold my hoopti 1996 Grand Caravan with 206000 miles and it never needed transmission work. What are they smoking at Consumer Reports?
I sure hope Acura does step forward since this is obviously a chronic and ubiquitous problem.
I also cannot recommend the MDX to anyone who keeps a car more than 3 years. I guess we'll look at Jeep next time since they have a lifetime powertrain warranty.
Ken
My downshift on my '05 is very suttle at 35MPH when the engine speed is below 1000 RPM. The tach jumps up maybe 300 rpm..This is the only time I feel a downshift. If my engine speed is above 1000 RPM I feel nothing and the tach does not move while decelerating through 35MPH.
When is your "rough' downshift happening? What speed and what engine RPM?
53,000 miles (just out of warranty)
Ocasional growl noticed when above 30 mph and you let off the gas to let RPMs drop below 1.5.
Background:
'02 TL-S with 103,000 miles - Tranny replaced under warrenty at 35k miles, and replaced AGAIN at 99k miles (also covered under warranty). Then had the 105mile maintenance done: plugs, water pump, & timing belt =$1200 (Oh, by the way, my old timing belt looked brand new-probably could've gone another 50k without the maintenance)
All performed at an Acura dealership (1st tranny was at a diff't dealer)
Problem arose with the MDX and the guy at Acura dealership said sounds like a Torque Converter problem, Acura might cover some of the repair since I'm close to warranty and have had most of my work done there. I was a little insistent that Acura should take full responsibility for a problem like this, and he said he'd talk to the rep and plead my case.
Torque converter replaced, transmission flushed, Acura covered all repairs.
I'm just a bit regretful that I didn't have the tranny replaced too.
Any thoughts or results from people who've only had the TC replaced?
These vehicles and service at Acura dealerships are great, I just wish the engineers could get their transmissions right, the first or second time.
Thanks
I'm wondering if jkotlar's dealer figured out anything yet. I haven't taken the car into the dealer, but I'd be very hesitant to have to consider replacing the transmission if they say that's the problem... especially if replacing it won't solve the problem anyway! I'd rather just live with this problem if its not fixable rather than pay $$$ for something that won't help!
I'll let you know if I hear anything else! Keep us posted, too!
Next time you talk to your friend, the Acura service manager, ask him why these transmissions and/or torque converters fail so early. Or have you already had that conversation?
The sad part is, it doesn't seem to matter if vehicle is driven hard or babied. Others on another MDX forum have used their vehicle mainly for highway use and have changed out trans fluid every 30,000 miles and still have had the transmission fail prior to reaching 100,000 miles.Some have had numerous replacements! When it's time for this trans to fail, preventative maintenance or light use has no effect.
Looks like I'll dump mine before the warranty expires. I can't image spending $4500.00 on a transmission once this vehicle is out of warranty.
Let us know if you ever find out anything.
When I took it in, they say they can't replicate the problem so can't turn it in as a transmission problem as they don't think there is one. They will charge me $120 every time I bring it in but they can't find anything wrong with it - so I guess I won't be bringing it in every week like I'm tempted to. Any suggestions on how to get this to replicate so I can get it fixed?
I recently traded it in on an 08 mdx (smart move giving us a new body style car to drive while you fix the current one) and the salesman immediately said "these have problems with torque converters" (they're the second largest cpo dealer in the nation) and I told him it was just replaced at 49K miles.
Honestly though, I had done no fluid changes on the tranny. I had done rear differential fluid changes though.
Mark
I took it to the dealer today, they said they didn't notice what I described. Basically it's normal to them. But I feel jerky everyday in the rush hour traffic. They asked me to come again so that they can test it in the traffic.
Anyone 08 owner seen the same?