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2014 Acura MDX Vibrations
leomanecio
Member Posts: 1
Just got 2014 MDX basic and experiencing some "vibrations" on driver's side left front (sounds like strut area) and left rear (shock area). I now think the vibrations are VCM-related but if this is the case, what is the connection to the rear? I took it to the dealer and the damn vibrations couldn't be replicated even while I drove the car. Has anyone out there experienced anything similar? If you like your stereo turned up, chances are you can't hear or feel these vibrations.
2014 Acura MDX Basic FWD Graphite Ext/Ebony Int
2014 Acura MDX Basic FWD Graphite Ext/Ebony Int
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Comments
I purchased a new 2014 MDX two weeks ago. There is a noticeable defect with the rubbber weather strip around the windows of the rear passenger doors. There is a point on the 3 o'clock position of the window seal that bends roughly 30 degrees. At that point, the seal is popping out. Looks ugly and water can get inside.
I examined all five 2014 MDX on the dealership lot, they all had this same issue. Dealership doesn't know how to fix it, and Honda Canada is asking the design engineer in U.S.
THe 2013 & 2012 MDX have the same 30 degree angle, but no such problem.
I'm asking all affected owners to ask HONDA to fix this.
To avoid the vibes, you can put the trans in sport and downshift using the paddles when revs get down to 2000 rpm. But we shouldn't have to do this to avoid vibrations in a a premium brand vehicle. As more MDX miles are driven, more will report the issue. I'm going to bring this up when I bring mine in for the first oil change. I'll let you know.
My 2014 MDX was new in October. After about 3000 miles I began hearing short (1 to 3 second) vibration type sounds, at speeds anywhere from 20 to 50 mph, coming from under the hood directly in front of the driver position. I also sense a momentary lapse of power of the same duration and corresponding to the sound. In winter months I live in Florida so I took the car to the Acura dealer in Ocala. The service guy, who heard the sounds while on a test drive, said he was aware of the defect as others were in about the same noise. He said it has to do with the cylinder management system when cylinders are de-activated/re-activated re: fuel conservation. I asked what the fix was and he replied there wasn't one. He said an Acura rep had been to the dealership in November and told them Honda didn't consider the problem worthy of a recall and therefore nothing would be done to rid the car of this very annoying, repetitive vibration noise. He also told me that certain 'Honda' models, with engines which have had the cylinder management system for a few years, also have the problem (this is a new engine for Acura in 2014).
I told him ANY mechanical defect can be fixed and in my opinion Honda/Acura are simply ignoring their customers by not acknowledging and then fixing it. It may not (or may, the jury is still out) affect the performance of the cylinder management system BUT it really annoys me to have to listen to the noise constantly (and for as long as I will own the car for possibly for another 2-3 years) and therefore it should be dealt with. Notwithstanding I paid approx. $55,000 for this car and expect to be treated with kid gloves if they wish to retain me as a loyal customer, which I have been as I have owned a 2009 RDX, a 2011 MDX and now this model!!
If they do not address this defect they will definitely lose me as a repeat customer, probably to Lexus.
There was a recall for vehicles manufactured between May 2013 and Oct 2013 for loose bolts. Did any of you contact Acura?
Bought mine in November and it goes through spells of doing this same thing - mostly when the car is warm, weather is warm and when I'm traveling at a level speed (20-70 mph) with my foot consistent on the gas. I'm so glad someone caught it in video! Haven't been in for my first service yet, but will inquire about the recall when I do. Hopefully others will keep this page updated with their outcomes.
Did any notice load engine noise for 2014 MDX as in youtube video and other forums. Are there still problems with MDX that were purchased this year from January ? I want to purchase one if it all is fixed. My first luxury car, and I don't want to waste my time at dealer to do R & D and get upset about the purchase. I can purchase RX350 and live with it.
Not every car has that issue, there are plenty that are running just fine. Mine was purchased 2/28, and has zero problem so far.
Bought my 2014 MDX about 3 months ago..experiencing the EXACT vibrations that is in the video above. Have a an appointment with the dealership in a few days. Curious as to what they will tell me
I test drove a 2014 MDX today and am considering purchasing the car. Having read some reviews by owners I am having second thoughts. Any suggestions and input would be appreciated. You can reply directly to my email at [Email removed] or reply to this post. All information sincerely appreciated. This is alot of money to waste if the car is a "dog".
I have the same problem from the video. I bought mine 10/2013. I just finished driving the car with the mechanic. He didn't seem to think it was a serious issue. This is very concerning as the vibrations are quite scary to drive with. This is my second Acura MDX. The first one was a beauty. I wouldn't buy anything Acura again.
Can any of you who has had this problem before please comment on how it was resolved?
I would have thought that an Acura service manager would be monitoring this page and respond to such serious reported issues. I was planning to buy an Acura but have decided to hold back due to such serious problems and comments posted here. If this is a widespread problem, Honda will be slugged like GM is now being slugged. Car companies keep quiet when there is a problem, not realizing a stitch in times saves time. Head in the sand is a sure way for a future disaster.
Took my MDX 2014 in and they fixed the noise within 15 minutes. The noise comes when the air intake volume changes. They just added additional foam on the intake cover area and we have no noise.
Had similar vibration issues with two 2014 MDX's. Took it to another dealer who told me the clamps were bad or not holding on the horizontal flat plastic next to the front grill. Wind caused it to vibrate at certain speeds. They either fixed or replaced the clamps which stopped the problem.
Does anyone know if the root cause has been determined? Is it the molding? Air Intake Manifold? Heat Shield? Steering column? Engine? Whoever is reading this DONOT buy an 2014 2015 Acura MDX until Acura admits to this defect in their product. It's amazing how these big brand Japanese manufacturers can get away with not resolving this issue. It appears that many vehicles are affected with this same vibration defect. I have owned 3 Acuras in my lifetime if this issue is not resolved I will never buy an Acura again.
I would like to let you all know that I was able to fix ALL of these problems ...
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after many visits to different dealerships, a couple of calls to Acura corporate and having to put up with all this BS, I found a good solution:
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I waited for a good discount offer and jumped on top of that and used some aggressive negotiation on a leftover 2014 BMW X3 Xdrive28i (with premium pkg, lightning pkg, driver assist pkg, fineline wave trim) and traded that POS Acura RDX (paying $15 extra a month than the RDX) .
NEVER EVER again I will buy an Acura. So far I notice that I am looking for whatever excuse to drive my bimmer and I am a happy camper once again. As for the future, I see myself driving another BMW or maybe a Lexus if they are able to fix the ugly grille of the new NX
Leased a 2015 MDX SH-AWD w/Tech and these vibrations have become very apparent. Like others report, they appear to be coming from the driver's side engine compartment. They start at around 1500rpm and peak at around 1800rpm when the throttle is lightly applied, right before upshifts. The problem can be easily replicated when driving in third gear, light throttle, at around 25mph. I know, because that's usually the speed I drive here in NYC. Passengers often comment on this. There seems to be additional low-tone humming (similar to a subwoofer playing a continuous low-frequency tone) from the rear of the vehicle. Not sure if this is related to VCM and possibly active noise cancelation. Either way, it's a poorly developed technology if it creates unwanted noise in a luxury vehicle designed to be as quiet as possible. I will be writing a letter to Acura corporate, referencing many of the posts here.