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.

Complaints by model year
  1. 180

Of the 2005 reports, 15 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 15 people were injured.

Primary concernPower train87 reports · 48% of complaints
Owner complaints180Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship13 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Power train87
  2. Air bags39
  3. Electrical system18
  4. Service brakes15
  5. Electronic stability control (ESC)11
  6. Engine and engine cooling9
  7. Steering9
  8. Vehicle speed control9

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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 passenger’s 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

  9. 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 passenger’s 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

  10. 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

  11. 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

  12. 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

  13. 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

180 reports, newest first.

  1. Power train, Jun 18, 2010

    2005 ACURA MDX MAKES GRINDING NOISE WHEN ACCELERATING BETWEEN 35 AND 40 MPH. THIS STARTED OCCURRING AROUND 30,000 MILES AND CONTINUES TO THIS DAY. THERE ARE MANY REPORTS OF THIS EXACT SAME PROBLEM ON VARIOUS AUTOMOTIVE FORUMS. THIS WAS REPORTED TO THE DEALER WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRANTY, HOWEVER, IT WAS NOT ADDRESSED UNTIL I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR LATER WITH SIGNIFICANT DOCUMENTATION REGARDING THE PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP PRESENTED THE CASE TO HONDA AND THEY ARE WILLING TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION TORQUE CONVERTER HOWEVER I MUST PAY 25%. THIS DOES NOT SEE FAIR. *TR

  2. Power train, May 11, 2010

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN EXPERIENCING A RECURRING FAILURE WITH THE TRANSMISSION WHICH WOULD INTERMITTENTLY SKIP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THE FAILURE WAS NOT A SAFETY CONCERN. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE TRANSMISSION WAS THEN REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSION WAS NEW BUT UPON SPEAKING WITH THE MANUFACTURER, HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS RE-MANUFACTURED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 151,000. UPDATED 11/03/10. *LJ

  3. Power train, Apr 28, 2010

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 ACURA MDX. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED A GRINDING NOISE IN THE TRANSMISSION WHEN HE DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL LIGHTLY. THERE WAS ALSO A PULLING SOUND COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION AREA. THE NOISE CONTINUED UNTIL THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED HARDER OR THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 53,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 54,500. UPDATED 07/29/10 *BF UPDATED 08/03/10

  4. Equipment, Apr 27, 2010

    ACURA MDX VENT CLIPS ALWAYS BREAK AND IT'S COMMON PROBLEM WITH ALL THE MDX MODELS IRRESPECTIVE OF THE YEAR. I HAVE A 2005 MDX AND THE AIR VENT CLIP AT 52K. ITS NOT COVERED UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY OR CERTIFIED WARRANTY. I HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE CENTER PANEL WHICH COSTS AROUND $250.00. I SEE LOT OF ACURA OWNERS COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS ON WEBISTES. HTTP://204.16.221.2/DIRECT/VIEW/.F143463/0 (EDMUNDS) PLEASE DO GOOGLE YOU WILL FIND LOT OF USERS POSTING PROBLEMS WITH ACURA MDX AIR VENT CLIPS. THIS IS A MOST COMMON COMPLAINT ACROSS THE BOARD FOR ACURA MDX ACURA IS TRYING TO RIP CUSTOMERS BY SELLING A BAD PRODUCT. *TR

  5. Power train, Apr 13, 2010

    AROUND 40,000 MILES MY ACURA MDX 2005 BEGAN MAKING A LOW GROANING NOISE AT 25MPH AND 35 MPH TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND FOUND IT WAS THE TORQUE CONVERTER. I ALSO SUSPECT THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED DUE TO THE MEDAL SHAVINGS IN THE FLUID. THIS IS THE 2ND ACURA MDX I HAVE OWNED. THE FIRST WAS A 2003 BUT THE DEALER ASSURED ME THAT THE PROBLEM WAS ADDRESSED IN THE 2005 VERSION. IM THINKING ABOUT A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT. *TR

  6. Power train, Mar 21, 2010

    I HAVE A 2005 ACURA MDX PREMIUM MODEL. THE CAR IS ONLY DRIVEN 56,000 MILES. THERE ARE ALWAYS A GRINDING NOISE WHEN SPEED IS ABOUT 25 -- 40 MPH. I HAVE BEEN TOLD IT IS A TRANSMISSION TORQUE CONVERTER PROBLEM. *TR

  7. Visibility, Structure, Feb 10, 2010

    WHEN I TRIED TO OPEN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW OF MY 2005 ACURA MDX SUV, SOMEHOW, THE WINDOW GLASS PUSHED THE DOOR OPEN TOO, AND DAMAGED THE OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLE. NOW, I CAN NOT OPEN THAT DOOR FROM OUTSIDE, AND I CAN NOT LOWER THE WINDOW GLASS MORE THAN 5 INCHES OTHERWISE THE DOOR WOULD BE PUSHED OPEN BY IT. THAT INCIDENT ALMOST RESULTED IN A BAD ACCIDENT ON THE HIGHWAY. *TR

  8. Power train, Jan 28, 2010

    I HAVE A 2005 ACURA MDX TOURING MODEL WHICH IS MAKING GRINDING NOISE WHICH SEEMS TO BE TRANSMISSION RELATED. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR ABOUT A YEAR. I ASKED MY MECHANIC TO CHECK IT AND HE COULD NOT COME TO A REMEDY. I HAVE READ OF OTHER 2005 ACURA MDX OWNERS FINDING THE SAME PROBLEM WHICH MEANS IT IS SYSTEMIC/MANUFACTURING FLAW. THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM. I USE PREMIUM GASOLINE SO IT ISN'T ANYTHING RELATED TO LOW GRADE GAS. IT IS A LOUD GRINDING SOUND THAT HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS JUST STARTING TO GET GOING, AROUND 20-25 MPH AND IF I SLOW DOWN AND ACCELERATE AGAIN. I AM SURE IT WILL CONTINUE TO GET WORSE. I ALSO HAD THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER SHIELD CHECKED TO MAKE SURE IT WASN'T LOOSE AND RATTLING AND IT WAS OK. *TW

  9. Power train, Dec 20, 2009

    BEGINNING IN 2006 I STARTED TO EXPERIENCE A HESITATION AND A HISSING SOUND IN MY 2005 ACURA MDX AT HWY AND LOCAL RD SPEED FOR THE PAST THREE YEARS I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP ONLY TO GET THE SAME RESPONSE OF UNABLE TO DUPLICATE. I RECENTLY TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN ON 11/09 AND THIS TIME THEY WERE ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM WHICH WAS A BAD TORQUE CONVERTER WHICH REQUIRED THE REPLACEMENT OF THE TRANSMISSION. THE DEALER CLAIMED THE ISSUE STARTED AT 58,000 MILE AND THEREFORE OUT OF WARRANTY. THE DEALER WANTS $4000.00 TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION. STILL CONTEMPLATING OFFER. I HAVE DISCOVERED BLOGS THAT STATES AN ONGOING TORQUE CONVERTER AND TRANSMISSION PROBLEM WITH THE ACURA MDX FROM 2001--2005 INCLUDING A RECALL FOR 2001-2002. *TR

  10. Electrical system, Dec 16, 2009

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 ACURA MDX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH SHE HEARD A LOUD NOISE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE "VSA" AND "EXCLAMATION MARK" WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, AND THEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO JERK VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN DETECTED A POWER SURGE IN THE BATTERY, BUT NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THERE WAS A SEPARATE OCCASION WHEN AN IDENTICAL FAILURE OCCURRED ACCOMPANIED BY A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. HOWEVER, THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO GAIN CONTROL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,900. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 49,950.

  11. Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Dec 14, 2009

    I HAVE A 2005 ACURA MDX AND FELT THE CAR NOISY WHILE DRIVING AFTER A WHILE THE VSA LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. THANK GOD I PURCHASED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY BECAUSE THIS HAPPENED 1 MONTH AFTER THE MANUFACTURERS WARRANTY EXPIRE. THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION AT A COST OF $3900. *TR

  12. Power train, Nov 29, 2009

    2005 ACURA MDX TRANSMISSION ROUGH AND NOISY BETWEEN 35 AND 45 MPH. IT NEEDS A TORQUE CONVERTER AND TRANSMISSION REPLACED. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL DUE TO MANY MANY OTHER OWNERS HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. *TR

  13. Power train, Oct 30, 2009

    I OWN A 2005 ACURA MDX. THIS SUMMER I BEGAN NOTICING A STRANGE VIBRATION AND NOISE WHEN ACCELERATING IN 4TH GEAR. ALSO, THE STARTER MOTOR PRODUCED A GRINDING NOISE WHEN STARTING THE ENGINE. AFTER ONLY 57,000 MILES, I HAD TO RETURN IT TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR A NEW STARTER MOTOR, TORQUE CONVERTER AND MOTOR MOUNTS. FORTUNATELY, IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY AND THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED ALL PARTS GRATIS. THIS WAS AN EXPENSIVE VEHICLE AND I EXPECTED QUALITY ENGINEERING. AFTER READING ABOUT THE ONGOING ISSUES ACURA MDX IS EXPERIENCING REGARDING TORQUE CONVERTERS AND TRANSMISSIONS, I DECIDED TO PUT THIS ON THE RECORD. *TR

  14. Power train, Oct 28, 2009

    2005 MDX TORQUE CONVERTER REPLACEMENT @ 55,000 MILES, OUT OF POCKET COST, $ 3000.00 GRINDING NOISES @ 35 MPH. *TR

  15. Power train, Oct 6, 2009

    I HAVE APPROXIMATELY 57,000 MILES ON MY 2005 ACURA MDX. I HAD BEEN EXPERIENCING A NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE AT SPEEDS AROUND 20 - 25 AND 40 - 45. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT I NEEDED MY TORQUE CONVERTER REPLACED. THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM ON THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE. I FEEL THAT IS UNACCEPTABLE ON A $40,000 CAR WITH SO FEW MILES/YEARS ON IT. *TR

  16. Power train, Oct 2, 2009

    I TOOK MY 2005 ACURA MDX IN TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE AN UNUSUAL SOUND CHECKED OUT. IT OCCURS WHILE ACCELERATING SLOWLY TO ABOUT 40MPH. I WAS TOLD THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I HAD A WARRANTY PURCHASE WHEN I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE SO I DID NOT INCUR ANY EXPENSE FOR THIS REPAIR. THE NEXT WEEK, THE D4 LIGHT WAS BLINKING INDICATING A POSSIBLE PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION. I TOOK IT IN AGAIN AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE 4TH GEAR PRESSURE SWITCH WAS PROBABLY DEFECTIVE, AS IT WAS JUST REPLACED ALONG WITH THE TORQUE CONVERTER. IRONICALLY, A FRIEND WAS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. SHE TOOK HER 2005 MDX IN FOR SERVICE, HAD THE TORQUE CONVERTER REPLACED (UNFORTUNATELY SHE DID INCUR AN EXPENSE), AND THE NEXT DAY HER D4 LIGHT WAS BLINKING. HER VEHICLE IS BEING REPAIRED AS I WRITE THIS COMPLAINT. MY CONCERN IS THAT THE TRANSMISSION IN THIS VEHICLE IS DEFECTIVE ALTOGETHER. AS I HAVE DONE A LITTLE RESEARCH, I HAVE DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS FAIRLY COMMON WITH THE ACURA MDX MODEL. *TR

  17. Power train, Oct 4, 2008

    2005 ACURA MDX. TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. SEEMS OTHERS ON THE FORUMS HAVE COMPLAINED OF AN INTERMITTENT VIBRATION IN THE CAR, THE DIAGNOSIS WAS THE TORQUE CONVERTER THE OTHER CARS. I AM HAVING THE SAME EXPERIENCES THESE OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD. ,HOWEVER SINCE I CANT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM AT THE DEALER NO ONE IS DOING ANYTHING. *TR

  18. Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 10, 2008, crash

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 ACURA MDX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN. SHE SIDESWIPED A PARKED VEHICLE ON THE STREET. ALSO, THE BRAKES JOLTED SPONTANEOUSLY. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND NO INJURIES. THE POLICE WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. BOTH VEHICLES WERE DAMAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE TIE ROD WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT IS WAITING FOR A RESPONSE FROM THE INSURANCE ADJUSTERS REGARDING THE DAMAGES FOR REPAIR. SHE WAS CONCERNED OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 25,000.

  19. Steering, Tires, Feb 25, 2008

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 ACURA MDX. WHILE DRIVING 55-60 MPH AND WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED, THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES AND VIBRATES. THE DEALER HAS HAD THE VEHICLE FIVE OUT OF THE EIGHT WEEKS THAT THE CONTACT HAS OWNED THE VEHICLE. AFTER BEING DIAGNOSED SEVERAL DIFFERENT TIMES, SHE WAS FINALLY INFORMED THAT THE BRAND NEW TIRES WERE CUPPING AND CAUSING THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 31,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,395.

  20. Vehicle speed control, Sep 27, 2007, crash

    MY ACCIDENT IS STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION, BUT I AM GOING TO TELL YOU ABOUT THIS SO ANYONE WHO HAS AN ACURA MDX WILL BE AWARE. ON THE DAY OF MY DAUGHTERS WEDDING, I WAS IN A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT IN A PARKING GARAGE. THERE WERE 4 PASSENGERS IN THE CAR. MY TRANSMISSION SURGED AS I WAS IN REVERSE HITTING A CEMENT POLE, WITHIN A SECOND, THE CAR SURGED FORWARD HITTING ANOTHER CEMENT POLE. THE AIRBAGS THANKFULLY DEPLOYED. I WAS BURNED, BADLY BRUISED AND HAVE NECK AND BACK INJURIES AS DOES THE PASSENGER IN THE FRONT SEAT. THIS CAR WAS TOTALLY OUT OF CONTROL. AFTER RESEARCHING ON THE INTERNET I HAVE FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS INVOLVING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS WITH THE ACURA'S. IF I HAD BEEN PARKED ON THE ROAD, THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN FATALITIES. I MISSED HOURS OF THE MOST SPECIAL DAY OF MY DAUGHTERS LIFE. THESE MEMORIES WERE STOLEN FROM ME. MY CAR WAS AT THE DEALER APPROXIMATELY 3-4 WEEKS PRIOR TO THIS ACCIDENT. $700.00 FOR THE CAR TO BE CHECKED AND READY TO GO! PLEASE DO YOUR HOMEWORK IF YOU ARE PLANNING TO PURCHASE THIS CAR. I LOVED IT TOO! *JB

  21. Power train, Vehicle speed control, Sep 27, 2007, crash

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 ACURA MDX. WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE, THE CONTACT HEARD A CLUNKING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE JERKED BACKWARDS AND STRUCK A CONCRETE POLE APPROXIMATELY 2 FEET AWAY. THE VEHICLE AUTOMATICALLY SHIFTED INTO DRIVE, SURGED FORWARD, AND STRUCK ANOTHER CONCRETE POLE. BOTH AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE PASSENGER IN THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WAS TRAPPED AND UNABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR. THE POLICE, AMBULANCE, AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS ARRIVED AT THE SCENE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT HAD BURNS AND CUTS ON HER ARMS AND FACE AND A SWOLLEN RIGHT KNEE. SHE WILL HAVE TO UNDERGO THERAPY ON HER NECK AND KNEE. THE PASSENGER WAS BADLY BRUISED. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH ACURA ON SEPTEMBER 17, 2007 AND THEY STATED THAT THEIR LEGAL DEPARTMENT WOULD BE IN TOUCH WITH HER, HOWEVER, THEY HAVE NOT RESPONDED AS OF YET. THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME THIS FAILURE HAS OCCURRED. IN THE FIRST INCIDENT, THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN DRIVE AND ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH. THE VIN, ENGINE SIZE, AND CURRENT MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000. UPDATED 12/12/07 *TR

  22. Seat belts, Feb 1, 2007

    TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING HIS 2005 HONDA ACURA MDX AT 40 MPH, THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER PUT THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR SEAT BELT AROUND HER NECK, THEN LET THE SEAT BELT GO; THE SEAT BELT RETRACTED ,WHICH IN TURN BEGAN TO STRANGLE HER. THE SEATBELT WOULD NOT RELEASE, IT JUST GOT TIGHTER AROUND HER NECK. ONSTAR HAD TO BE CALLED. THE SEATBELT HAD TO BE CUT TO RELEASE HER NECK. *AK

  23. Seat belts, Nov 27, 2006

    DT*: THE CONTACT STATED A CHILD WAS PLAYING WITH THE CENTER REAR SEAT BELT, WHICH LOCKED AND CUT THE CHILD'S NECK. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN THE INCIDENT OCCURRED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE SEAT BELT FREE OF CHARGE. UPDATED 03/07/07. *JB

  24. Electrical system, Aug 30, 2006

    DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WENT DOWN 5 TIMES AND IT HAS HAD 5 DIFFERENT REPAIRS RELATING TO THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM INCLUDING THE BATTERY, GEARS BEING SHIFTED WITHOUT CHANGING GEARS, THE TRANSMISSION AND STALLING.

  25. Seat belts, May 6, 2006, crash

    ACURA MDX FRONT RIGHT BUMPER ACCIDENT . NO PASSENGER ONLY DRIVER ACCIDENT CAUSED SEAT BELT DEPLOYMENT ON PASSENGER SIDE WITHOUT IT BEING OCCUPIED NOT OCCUPIED DRIVERS SIDE. NEEDED REPLACEMENT COMPLETE SYSTEM OF BOTH SEAT BELTS AND SENSORS. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN ERROR. ACCIDENT APPROXIMATELY 5 TO 7 MPH WITH BUMPER DAMAGE AND GRILL. ICE ON PRIVATE ROAD NEAR HOUSE. CAR HIT TREE ON TURN. *JB