2005 Acura MDX
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 180 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 8th highest complaint count among 24 MDX model years with reports.
Of the 2005 reports, 15 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 15 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Vehicle speed control, accelerator pedalOct 10, 2019
Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain Accelerator Pedal Assemblies part numbers 699-114 and 825-5029-1, sold as replacement parts for 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2004-2008 Acura TL and TSX, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2007-2011 Honda Element, 2005-2008 Honda Pilot and 2006-2014 Honda Ridgeline vehicles. The rotating portion of the accelerator pedal assembly may bind. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 124, "Accelerator Control Systems."
If the accelerator pedal binds, the engine may not quickly return to idle after the pedal is no longer pressed, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dorman will notify owners, and qualified service facilities will replace the affected accelerator pedal assemblies, free of charge. The recall began December 9, 2019. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492, using option 5. Dorman's number for this recall is AS1019XXXX.
Campaign 19E068000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJun 27, 2019
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2012 RL, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are E5D and X5C.
Campaign 19V501000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleJun 27, 2019
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2003-2006 MDX, 2001-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot and 2006 Ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are Q5A and Y58.
Campaign 19V499000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleMar 6, 2019
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode.
An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is O41. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is U40.
Campaign 19V182000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 10, 2017
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Acura MDX and Honda CR-V vehicles, 2005-2011 Honda Element vehicles, 2005-2012 Acura RL vehicles, 2006-2012 Honda Ridgeline vehicles, 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles and 2005-2008 Honda Pilot vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain 2005-2006 Acura MDX and Honda CR-V vehicles, 2005-2009 Acura RL and Honda Element vehicles, 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles, 2005-2008 Honda Pilot vehicles and 2006-2009 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling certain 2005-2006 Acura MDX and Honda CR-V vehicles, 2005-2008 Acura RL, Honda Element and Honda Pilot vehicles, 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles and 2006-2008 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall bagan March 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KD9 and KE0.
Campaign 17V029000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleMay 23, 2016
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2011 Acura RL, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2006-2011 Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or that have ever been registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2008 Acura RL, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2003-2008 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2006-2008 Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or that have ever been registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling model year 2002-2004 Odyssey and model year 2003-2004 Acura MDX, Honda Element, and Honda Pilot vehicles originally sold, or registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began June 27, 2016. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KA0, KA1, KA2, and KA3.
Campaign 16V344000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleMay 28, 2015
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2001-2007 Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2001-2004 Honda Civic GX, 2003-2005 Honda Civic Hybrid, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2006 Ridgeline, 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2003-2006 Acura MDX, and 2002-2003 Acura 3.2TL vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion and other factors, including manufacturing variability that, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-800-382-2238, select option 4. Note: Vehicles that have had their driver frontal air bag replaced previously as part of a recall remedy prior to September 12, 2014 need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. Vehicles that, on or after September 12, 2014, received a remedy for a prior driver frontal air bag inflator recall already received an inflator of a different design, and therefore are not included in this recall and do not require additional servicing. Note: This recall fully supersedes recalls 08V-593, 09V-259, 10V-041, 11V-260, 14V-351 and 15V-153. Honda's numbers for this recall are JQ9, JR0, JR1, JR2, JR3, JR4, JR5, JR6, JR7, and JR8.
Campaign 15V320000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsNov 4, 2014
American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2001-2005 Honda Civic, 2003-2004 Civic CNG and Element, 2002-2005 CR-V, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2005 Accord, Pilot, Civic Hybrid, and Acura MDX, 2005 Acura RL and 2006 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Saipan, Guam, and American Samoa are addressed by this recall. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengers frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.
Campaign 14V700000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsJun 20, 2014
American Honda Motor Company, Inc.'s (Honda) is conducting a limited regional recall for certain model year 2003-2005 Accord, Civic, CR-V, Pilot and Acura MDX, model year 2003-2004 Odyssey and Element, and model year 2005 Acura RL, and 2006 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in California, and equipped with Takata-brand air bag inflators. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengers frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflators in all affected vehicles, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during August 2014. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.
Campaign 14V353000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/moduleMar 14, 2013
Honda is recalling certain model year 2005 Pilot vehicles manufactured July 29, 2004, through August 29, 2005; model year 2005-2006 Acura MDX vehicles manufactured September 16, 2004, through September 22, 2005; and model year 2005 Acura RL vehicles manufactured March 1, 2004, through June 29, 2005. An electrical capacitor may have been damaged during the manufacturing of the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) control module causing intermittent, automatic, minor brake application. However, if the driver applies the brakes while the VSA is malfunctioning, the vehicle may come to an abrupt stop. Additionally, due to a loose ground connection, certain model year 2005 Pilots have a VSA system that may apply partial brake force, without the illumination of the brake lights, whether or not the driver is using the brakes.
Sudden inadvertent braking, especially without illumination of the brake lights, may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Owners will be notified and instructed to take their vehicles to a dealer of their respective brand. The dealer will install a partial wiring harness containing a capacitor for the VSA modulator, free of charge. The affected model year 2005 Pilots will have their ground connection tightened. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Honda owners may contact Honda Automobile Customer Service at 1-800-999-1009, and select option 4 or go to www.recalls.honda.com; Acura owners may contact 1-800-382-2238, and select option 4, or go to www.recalls.acura.com.
Campaign 13V092000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, ignition, switchDec 11, 2012
Honda is recalling certain model year 2003 and 2004 Pilot and Odyssey and 2003 through 2006 Acura MDX passenger vehicles manufactured from November 26, 2001, through August 30, 2006. The interlock lever of the ignition switch may deform, which can allow the interlock function of a vehicle with an automatic transmission to be defeated.
Removal of the ignition key when the gear selector of a vehicle with an automatic transmission has not been shifted to the park position can allow the vehicle to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.
Honda will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicle to a Honda or Acura dealer. The dealer will install an updated shift interlock lever and, if necessary, replace any necessary part of the ignition switch, free of charge. The recall began on February 22, 2013. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
Campaign 12V573000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, mechanical, carrier/rackFeb 5, 2008
HONDA IS RECALLING 2,032 HITCH STYLE BIKE RACKS SOLD AS AFTERMARKET FOR USE ON MY 2003-2007 AND SOME MY 2008 HONDA PILOT, RIDGELINE, AND ACURA MDX VEHICLES. A PINCH BOLT EXISTS BETWEEN THE BIKE ARM BRACKET AND THE UPRIGHT ASSEMBLY OF THE "HITCH" STYLE BICYCLE RACK.
WHEN MOVING THE BIKE ARM BRACKET TO ITS DOWN POSITION, THIS PINCH BOLT HAS THE POTENTIAL OF CAUSING SEVERE LACERATION OR AMPUTATION TO THE USER'S FINGERTIPS OR HAND.
OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT THULE AT 800-THULE91 (800-848-5391) TO OBTAIN A FREE REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS OR OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.
Campaign 08E013000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storage, tank assemblyNov 18, 2004
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, SOME FUEL TANKS WERE IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED.
IN A CRASH, THE FUEL TANK COULD BE DAMAGED AND LEAK FUEL. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
DEALERS REPLACED THE FUEL TANK. ALL OWNERS WERE NOTIFIED BY TELEPHONE ON NOVEMBER 10, 2004.
Campaign 04V541000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: power train
87 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Jan 9, 2013
THERE IS A GRINDING NOISE WHEN TRAVELING 35-45 MPH. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THE TORQUE CONVERTER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Power train, Jan 5, 2013
THE ACURA MDX THAT WE (MYSELF AND MY WIFE) OWN BEGAN TO SHOW PRONOUNCED TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS DURING OCTOBER, 2012. WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE ONLY ONE MONTH PRIOR. INITIALLY, AFTER INSPECTION BY THE DEALER, WE WERE TOLD THAT THE ISSUES WE WERE HAVING WITH ACCELERATION AND DOWNSHIFTING RELATED TO CLOGGED FUEL INJECTORS, BUT THE PROBLEM DID NOT DIMINISH ONCE THEY WERE CLEANED. THE VEHICLE WOULD "REV" AT HIGH RPM'S DURING ACCELERATION AND WOULD "BANG" AND JOLT WHEN THE VEHICLE DOWNSHIFTED. WE HAD A THOROUGH TRANSMISSION INSPECTION AND LEARNED THAT THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION WAS FAILING. IT HAD A LIMITED WARRANTY WHICH ALLOWED FOR A USED REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSION, WHICH WAS INSTALLED BY AAMCO IN WARWICK, RI. OUR OUT OF POCKET COST WAS STILL APPROXIMATELY $600.00. *TR
Power train, Oct 17, 2012
WHEN TRAVELING BETWEEN 30-45 MPH CAR HAS VIBRATION AND GRUMBLING SOUND AS IF DIFFICULTY IN CHANGING GEARS. TOOK CAR TO ACURA DEALER AND WAS TOLD TORQUE CONVERTER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I HAD THE TRANSMISSION FLUSHED AND HOPING TO HAVE THE CAR RECALLED SINCE THIS SEEMS TO BE AN ISSUE WITH OTHER MDX'S. WAS QUOTED $3111 PLUS TAX TO REPLACE TORQUE CONVERTER AND THINK THIS SHOULD FALL UNDER A RECALL DUE TO FAULTY EQUIPMENT. THIS IS A ONE OWNER VEHICLE MAINTAINED BY ACURA SERVICE CENTER AND THIS SEEMS UNUSUAL TO HAVE A TORQUE CONVERTER FAIL AT JUST OVER 100,000 MILES. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Oct 2, 2012
2005 ACURA MDX: LEAVING MY NEIGHBORHOOD I TOOK A RIGHT TURN ONTO THE MAIN THOROUGHFARE. AFTER SOME ACCELERATION (1ST GEAR), I HEARD A LOUD SQUEAL/BLOW. IMMEDIATELY HAD NO POWER TO MANEUVER FORWARD AND OFF TO SIDE OF ROAD IN BUSY TRAFFIC. IRONICALLY, MDX WAS TAKEN FOR MAINTENANCE AT DEALERSHIP. MDX SEEMINGLY TESTED WITH FLYING COLORS 43 DAYS EARLIER. NO CAUTIONARY COMMENTS FROM MECHANICS AT DEALERSHIP. *TR
Power train, Engine, Sep 6, 2012
HELLO, I AM A VERY UNHAPPY FRUSTRATED 2005 ACURA MDX OWNER. MY CAR 2005ACURA MDX AT 82K MILES, I NOTICED CAR SHIFTING GEAR WAS NOT SHIFTING SMOOTHLY. HAVING DIFFICULTY WHILE SHIFTING GEAR & WHICH WENT WORSE & VERY STIFF. ALSO, A GRINDING NOISE COMING, WHILE ACCELERATING AT LOW SPEEDS ( 25-40MPH). IT STARTED TO HAPPEN ALMOST EVERY TIME I ACCELERATE THE CAR OR HOLDING THIS SPEED ON A SLIGHT INCLINE LEVEL. I HAVE HAD MY MECHANIC TO LOOK AT IT & WAS TOLD THIS NOISE IS A TRANSMISSION/TORQUE CONVERTER PROBLEM. IT'S COMMON TO ACURA MDXS. & ALSO, ADVISED TO TAKE IT TO ACURA DEALER. ON OCT-2009 CAR WAS PLACED FOR SERVICE @ AUTHORIZED ACURA DEALER. WHERE DEALER STATE THAT IT'S OUT OF COMPANY WARRANTY. THE GEAR SHIFT CABLE AS WELL AS TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED WITH 3-YEAR WARRANTY ACURA DEALER AT MY (OWNER) EXPENSE 5K. AGAIN, IN JUNE-2012 @ 89K MILEAGES, SAME PROBLEM STARTED. MY CAR SHIFT GEAR WAS NOT SHIFTING SMOOTHLY. MY CAR NEEDED EXCESSIVE FORCE IN ORDER TO SHIFT GEARS. AGAIN, CAR WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED ACURA DEALER AND THE GEAR SHIFT CABLE WAS REPLACED. DEALER STATE THAT THE GEAR SHIFT CABLE WAS COVERED WITH RUST. WHICH I BELIEVE THE FAILURE WAS A ACURA DESIGN FLAW. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED SECOND TIME AT MY EXPENSE($400.00) FOR THE SAME PROBLEM OR CAUSE. RECENTLY, AGAIN (SEPT-2012) SAME STRANGE VIBRATION/GRINDING NOISE STARTED. IT SOUNDS IDENTICAL TO THE ISSUE I WAS HAVING PREVIOUSLY. HOWEVER, THIS TYPES OF FAILURE RECURRING EVERY FEW MONTHS LATER. UNFORTUNATELY, I FOUND THE SAME PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. IT IS VERY FRUSTRATING AND FEEL VERY NERVOUS WHILE DRIVING WITH MY FAMILY. I EVEN GET SCARED TO DRIVE THIS ACURA SUV IN CASE IT WILL STOP ON THE MIDDLE OF THE WAY, WHILE DRIVING. I'M REQUESTING YOU( NHTSA) TO TAKE THIS SERIOUS AND POSSIBLE LIFE THREATENING MATTER WITH ACURA AND MAKE THEM ACCOUNTABLE AND RESPONSIBLE FOR IT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Aug 22, 2012
WHILE DRIVING THE SUV IN A BUSY STREET 30-45MPH FELT THE VIBRATION, GRINDING, THE TRIANGLE DISTRESS SIGN CAME ON AND FELT THE VEHICLE IS GOING TO STALL. MANAGED TO GET THE SUV TO THE PARKING LOT ON THE RIGHT SIDE. THE SUV COMPLETELY STALLED THERE AND WE GOT IT TOWED TO THE ACURA DEALER. THEY LOOKED AT IT AND THE TECHNICIAN GAVE US THE INITIAL DIAGNOSIS AS "RADIATOR HAS BLOWN COOLANT LINE , FLUIDS HAVE CROSS CONTAMINATED AND WILL TAKE A LOT OF TIME TO BLEED OUT, ALSO POSSIBLE TRANSMISSION FAILURE IN THE PROCESS WOULD NEED TO RETEST DRIVE AFTER RADIATOR REPLACEMENT TO SEE IF TRANSMISSION WORKS". *TR
Power train, Aug 13, 2012
TRANSMISSION / TORQUE CONVERTER JUDDER AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH WHEN APPLYING LIGHT PRESSURE TO ACCELERATOR. ACURA DEALER APPLIED 1255A9 SOFTWARE UPDATE, WHICH SEEMED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM FOR AWHILE. THE PROBLEM BEGAN REOCCURRING APPROXIMATELY 1 YEAR LATER. *TR
Power train, Apr 3, 2012
AT LOW SPEED AND LOW RPM'S UP TO 35 MILES EXPERIENCING TRANSMISSION JITTER. DID SOFTWARE UPDATE AT THE DEALER ( AS PER RECALL), PROBLEM RE-APPEARED SHORTLY AFTER. WAS ADVISED TO REPLACE TRANNY FOR $4500. THIS APPEARS TO BE WELL KNOWN ISSUE WITH 2005 MDX'S. SEEKING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE SINCE IT IS CLEAR DESIGN FLOW. *TR
Power train, Jan 6, 2012
I HAVE CODE P0740 WHICH IS TCC FUNCTION. MY TRANS IS OPERATING ERRATICALLY AND UNDRIVEABLE. AFTER FAITHFUL SERVICE INTERVALS THE TRANS DIED IN MY CAR. ACURA DENIES KNOWLEDGE OF THE PROBLEM EVEN THOUGH THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE THEIR TORQUE CONVERTER FAILED DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW. I WAS ALMOST KILLED WHEN THE TRANS SHUDDERED AND STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. I AM FURIOUS THIS CAR IS EXPENSIVE AND NO NEED FOR TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT SUCH LOW MILEAGE. PLEASE RECALL AND HELP. *TR
Power train, Oct 3, 2011
HAD TROUBLE WITH GEAR SHIFTING VERY STIFF.BROUGHT TO DEALER IN 06/11 ,DEALER JUST GREASED THE CABLE, BROUGHT BACK IN SEPT. 2011,TOLD SALT FROM ROADS CAUSED IT AND WOULD NEED NEW CABLE. BROUGHT CAR TO ANOTHER ACURA DEALER THEY SAID CABLE AND LEVER ARM NEED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE IT WAS A DESIGN FLAW THE COMPANY HAS SINCE CORRECTED THE PROBLEM.I HAD PROBLEM A FEW YEARS EARLIER BUT DID NOT THINK MUCH ABOUT IT UNTIL MY WIFE USED MY CAR AND HAD GREAT DIFFICULTY AND ALMOST HAD AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THE GEAR SHIFTING. I CALLED ACURA (CASE NUMBER [XXX]) JONATHAN A ACURA REPRESENTATIVE ONLY WAS GIVING ME APPROXIMATELY 150.00 OFF FROM 450.00. I TOLD HIM IT WAS INSUFFICIENT AMOUNT AND SAID I WOULD REPORT IT TO NHTSA. HE SAID IF I DID, HE WOULD WITHDRAW THE OFFER. HE IN ESSENCE BLACKED MAILED ME NOT TO REPORT THE PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Sep 30, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE REQUIRED EXCESSIVE FORCE IN ORDER TO SHIFT GEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE GEAR SHIFT CABLE WAS LUBRICATED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED A FEW MONTHS LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER, WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE GEAR SHIFT CABLE WAS COVERED WITH RUST AND THE FAILURE WAS A DESIGN FLAW. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED TWICE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED LITTLE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000. UPDATED 11/01/11*LJ UPDATED 11/30/11
Power train, Jul 21, 2011
I HAVE A 2005 ACURA MDX 140K MILES. I HAVE HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS FOR THE PAST YEAR OR SO. YESTERDAY I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WHEN THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING. I WOULD PRESS ON THE GAS AND THERE WOULD BE HESITATION. SEEMED TO HAVE A MIND OF IT'S OWN. RPM'S WOULD GO UP BUT THE CAR WOULD KEEP SPEED. HAD TO GET IT TOWED FROM ORANGE COUNTY TO SAN DIEGO. *KB
Power train, Jun 21, 2011
SHUDDERING AND WASH-BOARDING, DUE TO DEFECTIVE TORQUE CONVERTER. ACURA MAILED OUT TRANSMISSION SOFTWARE UPDATES DECEMBER 2009 AND NOVEMBER 2010 TO ADDRESS THIS ON-GOING ISSUE. I HAVE KEPT MINE AND CAN SEND YOU THE DOCUMENTATION ON IT IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE IT. NEITHER SOFTWARE UPDATES FIXED THE ISSUE. NOW THEY ARE SAYING WE NEED TO REPLACE THE TORQUE CONVERTER. THIS IS A WELL-KNOWN SAFETY HAZARD (CHECK OUT THE INTERNET FORUMS ON IT) AND CAN CAUSE FATAL ACCIDENTS. PLEASE CONSIDER A RECALL, ESPECIALLY IN LIGHT OF ACURA'S KNOWLEDGE OF THE ISSUE AND UNWILLINGNESS TO FIX IT THE PROPER WAY BY REPLACING THE PART. THIS CANNOT BE FIXED BY A MERE SOFTWARE UPDATE. THIS ISSUE IS JUST AS BIG AND ON-GOING AS THE TOYOTA ISSUE. PLEASE ISSUE A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE. I UNDERSTAND THAT SOME OF THE ACURA SEDANS (TL'S) ALSO HAVE THIS SAME TRANSMISSION PROBLEM!!
Power train, Mar 17, 2011
MY 2005 ACURA MDX DRIVE TRAIN WILL MAKE A "JUDDER" SOUND AND CAN BE FELT IN THE VEHICLE ALL WHILE LOOSING ACCELERATION AT AROUND 30 TO 40 MPH. THE RESULTING LOSS OF ACCELERATION LEADS TO SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERNS WHILE TRYING TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC ON RAMPS. THERE WAS A RECALL REGARDING THIS PROBLEM FROM ACURA. I TOOK THE MDX INTO THE DEALER AND THEY DID A PCM PROGRAM UPDATE. THIS SEEMED TO FIX THE PROBLEM FOR ABOUT TWO MONTHS BUT NOW THE PROBLEM IS BACK AGAIN.
Power train, Mar 14, 2011
HELLO, I AM A VERY FRUSTRATED ACURA MDX OWNER. I HD PURCHASED 2005 ACURA MDX BRAND NEW. I USD THE SUV FOR 3 YEARS WHEN I STARTED HEARING A "VIBRATION" OR "JUDDER"NOISE WHILE CRUISING BETWEEN 20-45 MILES PER HOUR. IN DECEMBER 2010, I RECEIVED A RECALL AND WAS VERY HAPPY THAT THE ISSUE WILL BE RESOLVED. I TOOK THE RECALL NOTICE SENT BY HONDA MOTORS AND WENT TO THE ALHAMBRA, CA ACURA DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP UPDATED THE PCM A/T SOFTWARE . THE CAUSE IN THE WORK ORDER WAS MENTIONED AS PRODUCT UPDATE - PM UPDATE FOR LOCK-UP CLUTCH FUNCTION. SOFTWARE UPDATE S/B# 09-037. I GOT IT UPDATE WITHIN 3 HOURS AND FINALLY FELT HAPPY THAT MY SUV WILL BE RUNNING FINE. TO MY UTTER DISMAY, I FOUND THE SAME PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. IT IS VERY FRUSTRATING AND FEEL VERY NERVOUS WHILE DRIVING WITH MY FAMILY. I EVEN GET SCARED TO DRIVE THESUV IN CASE IT WILL STOP ON FREEWAY. NHTSA IS A GOVERNING BODY TO HELP SUCH SITUATION. I AM PRETTY SURE, THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN REPORTED BEFORE IN NHTSA WEB SITE. I EARNESTLY REQUEST NHTSA TO TAKE THIS SERIOUS AND POSSIBLE LIFE THREATENING MATTER WITH ACURA AND MAKE THEM ACCOUNTABLE AND RESPONSIBLE [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Mar 7, 2011
MY TRANSMISSION FAILED . I DRIVE AN AVERAGE OF 80 MILES TO AND FROM WORK. MOST OF IT WAS HIGHWAY DRIVING. I WOULD NOTICE SOME HESITATION AT LOW SPEEDS IN ABOUT 50,000 MILES BUT WOULD GO AWAY. AT APPROXIMATELY 100,000 MILES THE PROBLEMS STARTED GETTING MORE NOTICEABLE.THE TIME LEADING TO THE EVENTUAL FAILURE OF MY TRANSMISSION WAS A SHUDDER DURING LOW SPEEDS BETWEEN 20 TO 40 MILES PER HOUR. THEN HESITATION DURING ACCELERATION AND THEN EVENTUAL SLIPPAGE OF THE GEARS WHICH ALMOST COST ME AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE IT HAPPENED WHEN I WAS DRIVING IN THE HIGHWAY. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO EXIT RIGHT AWAY AND AVERT ANY DIFFICULTIES GETTING HELP AT THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I BROUGHT IT TO A DEALERSHIP WHICH RECOMMENDED THE REPLACEMENT OF THE TRANSMISSION. *TR
Power train, Feb 22, 2011
TRANSMISSION ROUGH AND NOISY STARTING ON 35 MPH. IT NEEDS A TORQUE CONVERTER AND TRANSMISSION REPLACED. THESE CAR IS BECOME DANGERS TO DRIVE, YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT ANY MOMENT. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL DUE TO MANY MANY OTHER OWNERS HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. I JUST CALL ACURA CUSTOMER SUPPORT AND THEM SAD THAT I HAVE TO PAY FOR AN ESTIMATE ($200-300) AND THEN ($3000) FOR WORK WHICH SHOULD BE DONE, BECAUSE WARRANTY IS EXPIRED. IS THIS SOME KIND OF CATCH FOR THE CUSTOMERS RIGHT AFTER THE WARRANTY PERIOD? IT IS TOO MANY COMPLAINS ON 55,000 TO 80,000 MILES FOR THAT CAR. IS THIS SOMETHING THAT HONDA INVENTED TO COLLECT MORE MONEY FROM THE CUSTOMERS? I PERSONALLY CANNOT TRUST HONDA ANYMORE. THIS IS RIDICULOUS, A SPECIALLY IF YOU COMPARE THE PRICE ON THIS CAR, WHICH IS ALREADY OVERPRICED BASED ON THE FAKE RELIABILITY. THAT ISSUE MUST BE RECALLED BY HONDA IMMEDIATELY, IF THEY WANT TO KEEP GOOD NAME AND NOT FOLLOW THE TOYOTA, WITH THEIR PROBLEM. I WAS THINKING I AM BUYING GOD CAR, BUT I PURCHASE NOTHING BUT THE TROUBLE. *TR
Power train, Jan 28, 2011
WE TOOK OUR 2005 MDX (89K MILES) FOR THE TORQUE CONVERTER RECALL ABOUT A MONTH AGO. AFTER THEY "FIXED IT" WE NOTICED IT WAS STILL SHUTTERING. SO, WE TOOK IT BACK TO THEM AND THEY REMOVED THE TRANSMISSION, REPLACED A FEW OTHER THINGS AND THE SHUTTER WENT AWAY. THAT WAS 3 WEEKS AGO. TODAY, I WAS DRIVING AND NOTICED THE D5 LIGHT STARTED BLINKING. IN REVIEWING OTHER INTERNET POSTS, IT CAN MEAN THE TRANSMISSION IS GOING OUT OR A SWITCH IS OVERHEATING/FAILING. I'M NOT EXPERIENCING ANY OTHER PROBLEMS SO HE SAID THAT IT IS PROBABLY THE SWITCH AND THAT SOMETIMES THAT HAPPENS WHEN A TRANSMISSION IS REMOVED AND PUT BACK IN. SO, I TOOK IT INTO THE ACURA DEALERSHIP TODAY AND THEY ARE CURRENTLY LOOKING INTO IT. ON THE PHONE, I SAID "IT WOULDN'T COST ANYTHING TO GET THE SWITCH REPLACED...RIGHT?" HE WENT ON TO SAY WELL IF YOU DON'T HAVE THE EXTENDED WARRANTY, THEN YES. I'M GOING TO FIGHT THIS ONE FOR SURE...THEY HAD TO PULL THE TRANSMISSION BECAUSE OF THE TORQUE CONVERTER RECALL....I'M SURE THAT IS WHAT IS CAUSING IT....IT'S JUST A COINCIDENCE THAT 3 WEEKS AFTER THEY WORKED ON THE TRANSMISSION THAT NOW IT THE D5 LIGHT IS BLINKING? I DON'T THINK SO. *TR
Power train, Jan 21, 2011
2005 MDX. WITHIN ONE YEAR OF PURCHASE, A HIGH PITCHED RINGING WAS IDENTIFIED TO THE ACURA DEALER. SOUND WAS DISMISSED AS NORMAL. FOR THE NEXT FOUR YEARS THE SOUND RECURRED ON ACCELERATION AND UPHILL DRIVING. AT 64,000 MILES THE RINGING SOUND WAS DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER TO BE A FAILING TORQUE CONVERTER. TORQUE CONVERTER WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER (WARRANTY). ONE YEAR LATER, THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN MAKING A RUMBLING SOUND WHILE ACCELERATING BETWEEN TWENTY AND THIRTY FIVE MILES/HOUR. ALSO, THE RINGING NOISE RE-EMERGED. CAR WAS TAKEN TO DEALER. DEALER INFORMED US THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON OUR MDX REGARDING THE RUMBLING PROBLEM--TOLD IT IS AN ELECTRONIC PROBLEM REQUIRING A ONE HOUR FIX. (THOUGH AT THIS TIME I CAN FIND NO INFORMATION ABOUT THIS SUPPOSED RECALL). THE MDX WAS GIVEN TO DEALER FOR FIX. AFTER THE FIRST DAY, DEALER INFORMED US THAT THE FIX HAD NOT SOLVED THE PROBLEM, AND THEY WOULD TRY AGAIN (AT THE DIRECTION OF ACURA TECHNICAL SUPPORT) THE NEXT DAY. AGAIN, THE DEALER INFORMED US THAT THE PROBLEM WAS NOT FIXED. DEALER'S MECHANIC HAS TOLD US IT IS THE TRANSMISSION THAT IS FAULTY, BUT UNFORTUNATELY ACURA TECHNICAL SUPPORT IS REFUSING THAT DIAGNOSIS. THE CAR IS NOW GOING ON ITS FOURTH DAY IN THE DEALERSHIP AND WE HAVE BEEN TOLD BY THE SERVICE ADVISER THAT ACURA IS UNWILLING TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM BEYOND THE ELECTRONIC ADJUSTMENT. WE HAVE BEEN ADVISED BY THEM TO DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL THE PROBLEM GETS WORSE, THEN BRING IT BACK. THE PROBLEM, PRIOR TO DROPPING THE CAR OFF AT THE DEALER THIS LAST TIME, OCCURRED ALMOST CONSTANTLY WHILE ACCELERATING SLOWLY BETWEEN 20 AND 30 MPH, AT TIMES FEELING AS IF THE CAR MAY STALL. IT HAS YET TO POSE A SAFETY HAZARD, BUT HAS COMPLETELY ERODED OUR CONFIDENCE IN THE VEHICLE'S ABILITY TO TAKE EXTENDED TRIPS. FEAR OF BREAKDOWN KEEPS OUR TRIPS LIMITED TO TWENTY MILES OR LESS. WE HAVE SPOKEN TO A LAWYER AND WILL FILE LAWSUIT IF ACURA DOES NOT ADDRESS THIS OBVIOUS AND UNACCEPTABLE FLAW. *TR
Power train, Jan 18, 2011
MY 2005 ACURA MDX HAS ENCOUNTERED PROBLEMS WHERE THE CAR SUDDENLY STOPS WHEN THE BRAKE IS APPLIED AND FAILS TO ACCELERATE SMOOTHLY (THE CAR LURCHES DURING ACCELERATION). THIS USUALLY OCCURS AT SLOWER SPEEDS (<30MPH). THIS HAS OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. ACURA SERVICE HAS BEEN UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM DESPITE OUR PLEAS TO FIND THE PROBLEM. SOMETIMES THE PROBLEM IS AMELIORATED WHEN THE IGNITION IS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED, SIMILAR TO A COMPUTER REBOOT. THE MOST RECENT INCIDENT, TODAY, DID NOT RECTIFY ITSELF WHEN THE CAR WAS RESTARTED. THIS SITUATION IS DANGEROUS AS THE CAR IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO REAR-END AND OTHER COLLISION WHEN THE CAR "LOCKS UP" DURING ACCELERATION OR BRAKING. *TR
Power train, Jan 10, 2011
TRANSMISSION WAS VIBRATING BETWEEN 30 AND 45 MPH. RECEIVED LETTER CONFIRMING A COMPUTER UPDATE WAS NECESSARY TO CORRECT FAILURE. DEALERSHIP UPDATED TRANSMISSION. STILL HAVE MINOR ISSUES WITH MODIFICATION. THE VIBRATION WAS NOT APPARENT IN 4TH GEAR DRIVING, ONLY WHEN DRIVEN IN OVERDRIVE. HONDA SHOULD REDESIGN AND RECALL. *TR
Power train, Dec 14, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING SHE HEARD AN ABNORMAL GRINDING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC THAT LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE TRANSMISSION TORQUE CONVERTER. THE CONTACT STATED SHE HAD PREVIOUSLY RECEIVED A LETTER FROM THE MANUFACTURER IN REGARDS TO THE FAILURE. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE LETTER WAS SENT TO CAUTION OWNERS ABOUT THE POSSIBLE FAILURES AND THAT THE COMPUTER WOULD BE UPDATED TO PREVENT THE FAILURE. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT BECAUSE THE CONTACT HAD ALREADY EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE, THEY WERE UNABLE TO ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WERE 80,000.
Power train, Dec 1, 2010
TORQUE CONVERTER SLIPPED - FAILURE OF TRANSMISSION - ACURA MDX 2005 *TR
Power train, Dec 1, 2010
CAR IS MAKING A GRINDING NOISE AT APPROXIMATELY 30 TO 40 M/H. I HAD THE TIMING BELT CHANGED AND WAS TOLD THIS NOISE IS A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM THAT IS COMMON TO ACURA MDXS BETWEEN 02S TO 06S. I HAVE JUSTIFIED THE COST OF ACURAS BECAUSE OF THEIR LONGEVITY AND AM VERY UPSET OVER THE REPAIR COST OF $4000. WHY HASN'T ACURA BEEN FORCED TO STAND BEHIND THIS DEFECT WHEN IT SEEMS TO BE SO COMMON WHEN I INVESTIGATED ON THE INTERNET. *TR
Power train, Nov 29, 2010
TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS ON ACURA MDX. *TR