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Acura MDX (pre-2007)
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tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper
cwalti@gmail.com
The car itself seems solid and reliable, but it has not gone without problems.
As minor as these are, I expected better from my $45,000 vehicle.
1) Subwoofer
The subwoofer causes an abnormal vibration in the exterior rear quarter panel. This vibrates so badly that you can see it vibrating and it makes a horrible noise, even with the volume set at like 6 or 7.
It has been in for a repair 5 times and going in again tomorrow.
Each "repair" makes the problem worse.
There is now an awful loud thump back there every time a door is opened, and the vibration can now be heard from inside the cabin.
2) Dash Rattle
This can only be heard on cold mornings, but it's there and it drives me crazy.
3) Windshield whistle
The windshield whistles at 78 mph and above. It is coming from the passenger corner. I guess the resolution is - Don't Speed!
4) Navigation; Loss of power
The Navi unit has lost power 5 times since my purchase in May, 06. I know this because I have been prompted for the security code when starting the car 3 times now, and it has shut down and rebooted twice while driving. Problem is only with the Nav as the stereo has never prompted for it's code.
Acura has looked at it and found no problems, but now the center stack doesn't fit into the dash as well and is sticking out in the corners. They are going to try and correct this tomorrow.
5) Key Fobs
The fob has a lousy range and only locks the doors when it feels like it. Sometimes, it doesn't lock at all. I've had this looked at and they are not able to fix the problem.
Also, the keyfob is really scratched up while only carrying one key. It looks 6 yrs old.
6) Driver's seat movement
I can feel this when starting, stopping, and accelerating around corners. This is a safety issue that has yet to be corrected.
7) Daylight Savings Time
Not Acura's fault, but the car no longer can change it's time automatically. This now needs to be done manually.
Acura claims there is no update or correction planned for this.
8) Climate Control
The climate control in this car is a joke. I set it to 70 and sometimes, the heat blasts until my eyes dry out and I die. Other times, it seems to think it's very hot in the car and never heats up at all.
Car runs and drives great. I love the navi, the mpg, and the car is awesome for family road trips.
I just didn't expect these little nuisances.
Sort of a bummer.
I had 5 things looked at...
1) Subwoofer
I was told it's normal.
The thump is a cover over a vent tube on each side of the car, and that cover flaps when the cabin pressure changes by opening a door.
This is also the cause of the vibration.
Normally, I would push this further, but the MDX is becoming the wife's car and she doesn't notice the issue with her choice of music.
2) Navigation; Loss of power
They have not found the cause of power loss but they did fix the installation of the Nav unit and it looks much better.
3) Key Fobs
First time I had this looked at, they found nothing. I asked again on this visit and they are now aware of an issue with the unit that receives the signal. It's located behind the glove box. They replaced that and so far, so good.
4) Daylight Savings Time
Acura is working on an update.
5) Squeaking rear door handle
Needed to be lubricated inside the door, which they took care of.
I completely forgot to mention the movement in the seat. I mentioned it on the phone when making the appointment, but forgot about it when dropping it off.
My bad.
Acura is working on an update.
They did have substantial lead time on that! The DST legislation was passed two years ago (Energy Policy Act of 2005).
tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper
Believe me... I agree.
I work for a software company and we've been dealing with DST issues for longer than I care to remember.
Why Acura dropped the ball on this, I don't know.
As for my Keyfob repair, it's now worse than before.
Acura has admitted to there being a problem with the receiver and replaced mine.
The car will now no longer lock at all, until I walk up the the passenger window and point the fob inside.
Ugh. :sick:
The unit that receives the signal from the keyfob was not working properly, causing me to have a hard time locking the doors.... and was replaced.
The keyfobs then need to be programmed to that unit.
Another reason would be if you lose your keyfob and buy a new one. The fob then needs to be programmed.
This conversation started when people were talking about using the 2007 Keyfob in an earlier model, since the fob is a switchblade design with the key inside.
We had this feature in an RX300 back in 1998 so i surprise many people who buy a luxury car now and have no idea that happens. Some cars even open the sunroof.
-Cj
BTW, I have had more problems with the MDX than any other vechicle I have owned. These include replacement of transmission, NAVI computer, rear propeller shaft, 4 headlight assys, temp sensor, EGR valve,belt/tensor pulley, front stablizer bars, front shocks, 2 mirror actuators, & front engine mount. And I don't drive it off road.
Clarification - I am aiming the FOB @ the passenger's Multiplex control unit? (MCU is the passenger door lock?)
Thanks for your assistance.
Joey
I sat in the driver's seat while going through the steps, and didn't point anywhere in specific, but yes, the control unit is behind the glove box.
The price was going to be $1,094, so I said I would think about it, as I wasn't sure I needed if fixed that bad. Anyone had an experiences with backup cameras gone bad?
You could do it yourself in your driveway fo about $250-
I changed my pads myself at 55K and not the rotors and the brakes continue to work fine.
Big surprise....my alarm did not go off?
Any ideas? Does this have anything to do with the re-programming of my two FOBS?
Thanks in advance.
The alarm is set when the vehicle is locked... it's not set by any action of the fob, other than locking the car.
Sounds like a problem with the alarm itself.
I don't know off the top of my head, but is there a separate fuse for that?
I did verify the alarm is being set when I lock with the FOB. Red light does come on the driver side door.
Thanks for the suggestion.
I know, after an awkward experience at the dealership, that if you reach into an open window of a Lexus, unlock the door, and then open it, the alarm sounds through the whole dealership for 10 minutes.... while a bunch of sales people panic while trying to find the missing key.
I honestly don't know if the MDX does this as well, but I can try on mine tonight, when I get home.
I left my window down, locked the doors and then reached in and unlocked my doors manually, No alarm sounded?
I'll try to remember for tonight.
One might regard it as normal wear - for inferior leather.
tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper
I believe you have had issues w/ the subwoofer in your pre '07 MDX. Am I right? I have had the vibration from it as well for a long time and now it is out of warranty. Is there anything I can do myself to lessen this vibration? I have had to turn the bass down to almost zero to get rid of the noise. Thanks
The wife has taken ownership of the MDX and this occurred when I got my G35 back in April.
I was fighting quite a bit with Acura over this vibration, and they were trying to work with me, but making matters worse with every attempt.
They've scratched interior panels, screwed up wiring, ruined a cargo tie down and the list goes on.
When the wife took the MDX from me, she didn't continue the fight... didn't matter as much to her.
She still complains about it though.
My daughter watches a movie like The Little Mermaid and there are scenes that sound like the whole back of the truck is gonna fall apart.
Acura's final word when I last talked to them is "working as designed"
The "optional" sound system in the vehicle is an absolute joke and I hate it.
I wish I had a good answer for you, but the sub is awful, the system was poorly designed, and the service guys have no idea how to make it any better. :sick:
God, that's a bad answer, huh?
Without that sub, it sounds pathetic.
I also want to get the 7 years, 100,000 powertrain warranty, is that automatically included when you buy a CPO MDX or do I need to get a separate extended warranty.
Thanks a lot in advance for your responses.
R
p.s. Also, if you know of a good and reputable acura dealer in NJ or NYC metro area, please let me know. Thanks again
BTW, there is another one (2005 MDX touring with Nav, RES, and towing package - priced @ $23,995) with ~ 64k miles located in the Milwaukee, WI area. I found it the same time I found mine via Autotrader (this one is located at a place named Car King). Colors are burgandy exterior with tan interior. Using the provided pictures as reference, looks to be in really good condition. Here's the link:
http://www.autotrader.com/dealers/dda/detail.jsp?result_car_id=235928389&dealers- hip_view_name=www.carkinginc.com&car_id=235928389&dealer_id=554624
Best of luck to you all in your searching!
MJ
Found a 2005 MDX touring with nav & RES w/ 38K miles. Dealer (toyota dealer) asking $23,900. Looks and drives great, but missing the nav disc. Is there anything else I should look at before making offer?
Thanks
KW
Tires and brakes are usual and customary between 35,000-45,000 miles. May want to be sure the differential and transmission fluids were changed on the MDX