2001 Acura MDX: engine overheating

Filed Nov 30, 2015 · Transmission · 138,000 miles · NC

Two issues with drive-train: first is a grind/rumble (like driving over a highway rumble strip) felt at low speeds (20-30 MPH) with light acceleration. Shakes vehicle slightly. Can be reproduced. Vehicle can accelerate through the grinding/rumbling by further depressing accelerator and sometimes accelerates through the 20-30 MPH range without noticeable grinding/rumbling. If, however, the vehicle is accelerating slowly and it does begin to grind/rumble, maintaining a consistent speed/RPM level (without drastic change in road surface or grade that would cause computer to change gear due to increased/decreased friction) the driver can create a continued duration of the grinding/rumbling until releasing of further depressing the accelerator to change out of that gear/RPM/speed/load combination which results in the grinding/rumbling described above. The second issue is a whirring/lugging during highway speed cruising on level surface with d5 automatic transmission gear engaged. Once the vehicle accelerates above around 45 MPH, more consistently at speeds above 50 MPH, on level terrain at consistent speed via accelerator or cruise-controlled, the vehicle will frequently increase by approximately 200-300 RPM and begin to make a whirring sound which lasts a few seconds then the RPM return to previous speed and the whirring subsides. A few seconds later the same thing occurs and this cycle continues throughout the duration of the maintained speed. The phenomenon is more noticeable with cruise-control as the speed and rpms likely have more computer regulation but it is also noticeable without cruise-control engaged. My concern is that in either situation the transmission internals could be worn in a manner not intended by manufacturer resulting in overheating or breaking of internal components that could cause a sudden and violent reaction of the speeding vehicle.

Filed Jan 16, 2012 · Transmission · 150,000 miles · CA

Tranmission failure caused by plugged fluid cooler in radiator. Following occasional undiagnosed high transmission temperature fluid warnings when towing a trailer, car shifted unexpectedly into 2nd gear at highway speeds. Just prior, shifting had become slightly erratic, including sharp engagement above idle when pulling away. Erratic behavior was noticeable, but not disconcerting. Once the transmission started shifting into 2nd gear at highway speeds, the vehicle was slowed, and pulled off the highway briefly to cool. Upon restarting, erratic shifting continued. Trip completed by holding car in 2nd gear. Vehicle operated normally next morning driving to shop. Diagnosis was computer unable to determine what gear transmission was in. Shop performed complete transmission overhaul. Car then operated normally - until trailer towing again attempted. Trailer had been towed with indetical loading for some 6+ years without problems, including mountain passes in 3rd gear. Now when towing transmission overheated without warning in cold weather, including over-temperature light, & transmission fluid spraying out, wetting the underside of the car & exhaust system, creating smoke cloud. Repeated attempts to fix were unsuccessful until transmission shop finally found fluid cooler integral to the radiator plugged solid, allowing no fluid flow through that cooler or the factory-installed towing package cooler. Warning! If you have an older acura that experiences transmission fluid overheating, radiator replacement is likely needed. It is likely that the overheating hastened the failure of the transmission. The severe deceleration of the vehicle when downshifting on its own into 2nd gear at highway speed could easily have resulted in a serious accident. Transmission problems are common with this model of vehicle. I am surprised that honda has not done something about it.

Filed Jan 16, 2012 · Transmission · 150,000 miles · CA

Transmission failure caused by plugged fluid cooler in radiator.following occasional undiagnosed high transmission temperature fluid warnings when towing a trailer, car shifted unexpectedly into 2nd gear at highway speeds. Just prior, shifting had become slightly erratic, including sharp engagement above idle when pulling away. Erratic behavior was noticeable, but not disconcerting. Once the transmission started shifting into 2nd gear at highway speeds, the vehicle was slowed, and pulled off the highway briefly to cool. Upon restarting, erratic shifting continued. Trip completed by holding car in 2nd gear. Vehicle operated normally next morning driving to shop. Diagnosis was computer unable to determine what gear transmission was in. Shop performed complete transmission overhaul. Car then operated normally - until trailer towing again attempted. Trailer had been towed with indetical loading for some 6+ years without problems, including mountain passes in 3rd gear. Now when towing transmission overheated without warning in cold weather, including over-temperature light, & transmission fluid spraying out, wetting the underside of the car & exhaust system, creating smoke cloud. Repeated attempts to fix were unsuccessful until transmission shop finally found fluid cooler integral to the radiator plugged solid, allowing no fluid flow through that cooler or the factory-installed towing package cooler. Warning! If you have an older acura that experiences transmission fluid overheating, radiator replacement is likely needed. It is likely that the overheating hastened the failure of the transmission. The severe deceleration of the vehicle when downshifting on its own into 2nd gear at highway speed could easily have resulted in a serious accident. Transmission problems are common with this model of vehicle. I am surprised that honda has not done something about it.

Filed Mar 21, 2006 · Transmission · 77,528 miles · CT

I purchased a '01 acura mdx as a pre-owned vehicle on october 23, 2003. The car ran great except for the occasional recall. The first recall was done at 35,000 miles for the front springs and then at 39,000 miles for the transmission overheating issue. On march 17,2006 I was traveling down the highway when I completely lost all power to my vehicle and have to swerve off the road to avoid getting hit. I was quite scared. After pulling off to the side of the road I got out of my vehicle to see if there was anything wrong externally and there wasn't, but I noticed that the check engine light had come on. I immediately brought it into my dealer and had then check the car over. They stated that the check engine light indicated a total transmission failure. They told me that this type of thing was common in these cars and that the recall was supposed to fix the issue. Apparently it hasn't. At 77,000 miles my transmission failed and acura wants nothing to do with it. Their headquarters have stated that the two problems, the recall and my transmission issue are unrelated. After doing a consider amount of research on the internet I've noticed these cars are known for transmission issues and that a total transmission failure can result because the recall was not done properly or because the recall didn't catch the problem in early enough. My problem is that the car was driven 40,000 miles before the recall was done and during that time some damage had to have been done to the transmission to warrant this transmission. My question to you is, where do I go from here?? Acura wants nothing to do with the car because they know it is a major safety defect in there vehicles. In the least they could have provided me with a rebuilt transmission, but they denied even that request. They should be stopped!!

Filed Aug 27, 2004 · Transmission · 63,710 miles · NY

Problems with transmission on 2001 acura mdx.*mr the consumer received recall 04v176000 referenced heat build. The remedy was for the dealer to inspect the transmission to identify gears that may have already experienced discoloration due to overheating. If discoloration exists, the transmission will be replaced. The consumer feels human error may be a factor in the inspection. The consumer finds the remedy unacceptable and request a new transmission.