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2001 Acura MDX transmission complaints

Page 4 of 6: complaints 71 to 100 of 131, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2001 Acura MDX transmission problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Jul 30, 2009 · Transmission · 133,278 miles · CA

Driver is able to remove keys to car while car is in drive and engine is off.

Filed Jul 20, 2009 · Transmission · 106,000 miles · RI

I purchased the 2001 acura mdx on 3/29/05 for $24,000.00 w/aprox.57,000 miles.the 1st incident was in 11/23/07 with 90,000 miles I felt vibration and metal grinding sound and the vehicle hesitated for a second the dealer stated the torque converter needed to be replaced,it was changed and it was still under warrenty.the 2nd incident was the same as the first except I was entering the highway, it was on 5/12/08 and the vehicle had 93,000 miles and the dealer stated once again the torque converter needed to be replaced,it was replaced and still under warrenty.the 3rd incident is the same as the other two with much louder squealing.now 6/25/09 with 106,000 miles the dealer states again the torque converter needed to be replaced only this time I am not under warrenty.the dealer sales person and technician recommended that the transmission be replaced since this was the third time.I feel that this should have been fixed correctly the first time instead of putting band aids on it.spoke directly with acura and they swear that one part has nothing to do with the other.I beg to differ and told them that I knew alot about cars and the automatic transmission will fail if the torque converter fails.they want to put another torque converter at my expense,this is not right and is a huge hazard to me and my family that includes 2 small children. I did a quick search online and found many people with the same issues on there 2001 acura mdx. Please help me, no one else seems to think this is defective product and a huge safety risk.

Filed Apr 19, 2009 · Transmission · 84,849 miles · OR

My 2001 mdx transmission began hesitating when shifting (84.849 miles). I immediately parked the vehicle and then had it diagnosed by a local mechanic who followed the owners manual instructions and flushed the transmission. Modis scan for codes, none in memory. Transmission fluid was extremely black and full of small metal debris and fiber material. Flushed several times with same results. Called acura dealer to check warranties, etc. They advised that the ecu causes transmission failure and that it along with the transmission would need to be replaced, warranty expired. Ecu are known to short out and will cause new transmission to burn up if not replaced. Acura should have recalled the ecu long ago when they knew about the problem. The failure of this component could cause transmission failure resulting in a crash.

Filed Feb 3, 2009 · Transmission · 148,000 miles · CA

I am writing to the federal safety agency to report a transmission lockup incidence on the highway of my 2001 acura mdx SUV. On 1/23/2009, while I was driving at the highway at 60 MPH, the car has abruptly stopped to low 30 MPH and almost caused a catastrophic accident to my family. The car didn't have any warning light on the dashboard console prior to the failure. The car has 148,000 miles and it's in a good mechanical standing (with regular interval maintenance). Since then, I have done some research and found that this vehicle is known to produce such symptom. It's clear that the vehicle transmission has design issue at its beginning, and at high mileage, it might exacerbate more severely. Should the federal safety agency regulate acura to concern more for the safety of its customers? Action that acura can help could be as issues new errata bulletins or courteous accident preventive measurement to make its older(high mileage) car safe. I have tried to contact to acura but didn't think it has any use. For one thing that acura factory won't make its customer safe is to collect actual older high mileage failure transmission and investigate for preventive safety measurement. Acura showed no interest despite my effort in talking to them. I have driven cars with failure transmission, but have not experience one that locks up at high speed in highway. This type of failure symptom is totally not acceptable. Surprisingly, I was able to find report of many mdx transmission lockup cases on web. Should there be law to prevent high mileage unsafe mdx go ride on highway unless some safety inspection has been performed. And, this is for the safety of others. I am currently having the transmission replaced at my own expense.

Filed Jul 7, 2008 · Transmission · 135,000 miles · GA

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 acura mdx. While driving 20 to 30 MPH and attempting to shifts gears they failed to shift. There was a thrust and then the gear shifted very hard into the next gear. This failure occured intermittently. The dealer stated that the transmission needed to be replaced. There is also a recall for the transmission. The failure mileage was 135,000.

Filed Jun 14, 2008 · Transmission · 65,000 miles · PA

My 2001 acura mdx transmission and computer board needs to be replaced at 65,000 miles as well as two engine mounts. The vehicle has a recall report on the transmission and I thought they fixed it. The dealer will not explain to me what work was done for the repair. I wanted to know if they followed honda's procedure to see if it was damaged.

Filed May 29, 2008 · Transmission · 100,000 miles · VA

I purchased my 2001 acura mdx in aug 2004 and the transmission recall had already been serviced per records on the acura owners website. Approximately 18 months ago I noticed the car sporadically behaving as if going over rumble strips on a road. I took it in for service however could not get the vehicle to replicate the event. In the fall of 07 again I took it to the same acura dealer and told them to check out the bizarre behavior. Again, to no avail. In feb 08 I took it in for the 120k mile service which included cleaning brakes, checking belts etc. I reminded them of the noise once again. They said the car was fine. Last week I took it in again after determining the rumble-strip noise was occurring between 25 & 35 MPH. Initially I was told I needed a serpentine belt & when I rejected that notion, the diagnosis was that I needed a new transmission. I called corporate acura and spoke with 3 different people. The last representative read the report taken by the prior person and I had to correct my actual statements several times. When asked what action I wanted acura to take, I said that acura should absorb the cost since my car was involved in the transmission recall the "fix" was merely a "patch" as other cars had the same issue upon reaching the 100k mile + mark. My car has 125k. When corporate acura called me today, they said essentially they were not gong to bear the cost of any of the repairs that it was my responsibility. I have been a loyal acura owner to one dealer and was preparing to purchase yet another mdx. These cars cost a lot of money in the first place and there is no reason for them not to absorb the cost. In fact, their cost is way less than the consumer cost and they can write it off as customer good faith expense or something of the sort.

Filed May 8, 2008 · Transmission · 90,000 miles · FL

Transmission failure on 2001 acura mdx-leading up to determining the actual problem, car's performance deteriorated over a two-year period. Dealer performing services on the car misdiagnosed car problems on several occasions.

Filed May 6, 2008 · Transmission · 88,000 miles · TX

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 acura mdx. While driving 35 MPH, the transmission failed. The engine accelerated, but the vehicle moved slowly and jerked before shifting into the next gear. Through online research, the contact discovered the federal safety agency campaign id number 04v176000 (power train:automatic transmission); however, the dealer stated that the VIN was not included in the recall. The current and failure mileages were 88,000. *updated 10/20/08 *bf the consumer stated 5 months after paying for a transmission, the problem has returned. The consumer stated at times the transmission will not go into gear. Updated 10/21/08.

Filed Feb 25, 2008 · Transmission · 104,000 miles · NV

Hard shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear in transmission. At a later time the transmission slipped in these two gears causing no acceleration up shifting and sudden severe (lock up) down shifts.

Filed Feb 13, 2008 · Transmission · 87,000 miles · MD

Started having issues with my 2001 acura mdx about a year ago, I took it to my local acura dealer and explained to them the problems I was noticing with the transmission. They checked it out and said everything was fine, well apparently it wasn't because now I need a whole new transmission. This has been a recurring problem with these vehicles and alot of owners have been compensated in one fashion or another according to different threads I have read online. I called acura today and pleaded my case but they essentially told me to "suck it up" (easy for them to say, a $4,500 repair) they did tell me that the case manager would review the case and get back to me but I shouldn't expect any compensation from acura.

Filed Jan 31, 2008 · Transmission · WA

2001 acura mdx with recalls and service bulletins for transmission and torque converters. Consumers VIN was not included in the recall but has the defect. The dealer and manufacturer refuse to help with her problem.

Filed Oct 18, 2007 · Transmission · 61,000 miles · TX

I have a 2001 acura mdx I purchased new in 2001. Since my purchase I have just replaced the 5th transmission. My mdx use has been 90% highway driving with no trailer towing. Per blogs on the internet many other 2001 mdxs have had similar problems, but acura (honda) seems to ignore this issue. Also motor mounts failed at about 60k miles. Another issue acura seems to ignore. Obviously these are vehicle (engineering) design issues. Acura should have a recall on all the vehicles of the 2001-2002 vehicles to correct these problems. I have all the services done per the manual on this vehicle at david mcdavid acura. The vehicle has never been abused.

Filed Aug 14, 2007 · Transmission · 114,000 miles · FL

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 acura mdx. While driving 70 MPH, the transmission locked up. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the transmission suffered internal failure. The contact researched his vehicle's make and model and found recall number 04v176000 (power train:automatic transmission). The manufacturer stated that the previous owner of the vehicle had the recall repaired at 108,000 miles. The vehicle is currently at the dealer. The current and failure mileages were 114,000.

Filed Jul 30, 2007 · Transmission · 77,000 miles · MA

The transmission will not work properly. The car has 77k miles and had one transmission replaced approx. 30k miles ago. First the dealer said it was a loose wire and now says the transmission computer is broken.

Filed Jul 23, 2007 · Transmission · 97,000 miles · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 acura mdx. While driving 25 MPH, the contact was unable to drive at normal speeds when the rpms were above 3000. He is also unable to place the vehicle in reverse. The acura representative stated that they inspected the vehicle per recall number 04v176000 (power train:automatic transmission) and repairs were made with the previous owner. The dealer also stated that they installed an oil cooler to avoid build up while in second gear. The manufacturer stated that the owner would be responsible for the repairs. The current mileage is 105,000 and failure mileage was 97,000.

Filed Jul 23, 2007 · Engine, Suspension · 90,000 miles · PA

2001 acura mdx vibrations lead to dealer/ manufacturer to focus on other components then the true issue. Were different finds stated to divert attention of know problems, to minimize financial and reputation? (lemon laws or poor design run around?) I'm not the primary driver and then when I drove it (my wife is the primary driver), same problems were felt and it only had dealer service since purchasing it in 2001. I investigated the noise myself on 7/15 /2007 and noticed the motor mounts were broke. How long were they like this, who knows, but a noticeable engine vibration is gone after I pointed this out to the dealer/ manufacturer and had it repaired. I asked for reimbursement for the motor mounts from the manufacturer since it is a documented problem. The manufacture, acura/ honda, would not reimburse due to the age and mileage. I paid for the replacement of the motor mounts. A vibration was occurring around 30 - 40 MPH, dealers/ manufacturer state it was a egr valve not allowing transmission to shift smoothly, and it was due to running below grade gas. Premium has and was ran, yet the transmission was 1.5 quarts low of transmission fluid, where is it going? Is it heating up and pushing back through the egr valve in gaseous state and then cooling, clogging the intake, thence effecting the shifting? There is known issues with the transmissions and the dealer/ manufacturer should replace it and step up to the know issue. Lastly, the sway bar has been lose and I've been told it was the A/C compressor to a strut. I got under the vehicle and was able to identify it the first time. Is the manufacturer hiding know issues on these items stated above?

Filed Jun 18, 2007 · Transmission · 132,221 miles · NY

The 2001 acura mdx started to have major transmission problems. Seemed like when I first start driving the transmission only went to second gear and didn't go higher. If I pushed the gas pedal the rpms went over 5000 at speeds of only 40 to 50 MPH. Sometimes, it felt that the car was in neutral, and when there was a shift in gear the car jumped as when skip ping a gear while driving a vehicle with manual transmission. The whole experience felt like when I drove a manual transmission car for the first time and didn't know how to work the shifts.

Filed Jun 11, 2007 · Transmission · MA

Safety recall on 2001 acura mdx customer states that the transmission problem started in 07 and feels like acura should pay for it because it falls under the recall from 04**cc the consumer stated when the recall was first issued, he took the vehicle to the dealer who determined that the transmission was not in serious enough condition to warrant replacement, but instead an oil kit was installed. On may 25, 2007 the transmission developed a problem with shifting. The vehicle would rev more off a start and switch hard into second gear, making pulling in front of a vehicle hard. The dealer installed a transmission at an estimated cost of $3000.

Filed May 30, 2007 · Transmission · 98,125 miles · MA

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 acura mdx. While driving 40 MPH, the contact heard a loud banging noise and the vehicle failed to shift gears. The dealer stated that the transmission is defective and should be replaced. The dealer did not make the replacement because the contact wanted to consult with the federal safety agency. The current mileage is 98,225 and failure mileage was 98,125.

Filed Mar 30, 2007 · Engine, Transmission · 125,000 miles · CA

Tl*-the contact stated that while driving the 2001 acura mdx,on a clear dry day at 50 MPH the vehicle made a jerking motion and felt as if the vehicle went into park. The vehicle skidded on the road, it shifted into gear , and the rpms were high. The vehicle didn't lose power, but did lose acceleration. He was able to put the foot on the accelerator and proceed, but the vehicle would only go about 30-35 MPH. The contact took the vehicle to the dealership, and they informed him that the transmission was ruined and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that this vehicle had 125,000 miles, and the replacement of the transmission totaled $4,100, the dealership replaced the transmission. The contact took the vehicle back to the dealership due to a noise from the engine. The dealership informed him that the engine mount sheared. The contact stated that this was going to cost him another $500.00. There was recall o4v176000 concerning the powertrain: automatic transmission, but this vehicle was not includede in the recall. The current mileage was 126,000.

Filed Feb 23, 2007 · Transmission · 71,000 miles · NJ

Noticed transmission slippage in 4/06 on my '01 acura mdx. Dealer not able to duplicate problem. Yesterday, 2/22/07 with 71000 miles, the transmission, will without warning, appear to suddenly down shift and engine will spike in RPM's as if thrown into neutral. This occurs while driving at 40-40 mpg and causing sudden lost of control due to the forward thrust of the down shift and loss of throttle control. Engine light comes on along with a flashing and d5 indicator light. Very dangerous transmission problem that needs to be addressed.

Filed Jan 2, 2007 · Transmission · 69,000 miles · NV

Tl* - the contact noted that a noise was detected eminating from the vehicle while traveling at 30-40 MPH he , always heard a low vibration. There was recall for this 04v17600) which he had repaired. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer , and they would not look or repair the recall again without charge. The manufacture rstated that since he had the recall work done once they were no longer obglated to repair the recall free of charge.

Filed Dec 11, 2006 · Engine, Transmission · 9,000 miles · FL

Dt*: the contact stated while traveling 20 MPH, the engine stalled when turning a corner and the automatic transmission froze up in drive. The key in the ignition could not be turned and the steering was difficult to turn without the engine running. The problem was intermittent and occurred when the weather was cold. The service dealer had not inspected the vehicle but the manufacturer was notified. The consumer stated the vehicle would randomly stall when his foot was removed from the accelerator. Updated 01/1/07.

Filed Oct 13, 2006 · Transmission · 110,000 miles · WA

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 60 MPH down a hill, all four wheels locked up, and the vehicle skidded to a stop. It was unable to be maneuvered off the road and was towed to the dealer. A the federal safety agency recall, #04v176000 concerning, the automatic transmission was performed on the vehicle, however the recall did not remedy the problem. The dealership would not offer a second repair under the recall. Updated 11/2/2006 - the manufacturer decided to repair the vehicle. The vehicle is running fine now.

Filed Aug 17, 2006 · Transmission · 100,000 miles · NJ

Dt*: the contact stated the transmission was slipping. The dealership was unable to duplicate the problem. A the federal safety agency recall, # 04v176000 was performed on the vehicle concerning, the power train: automatic transmission however, the recall did not remedy the problem. The dealership did not offer a second repair under the recall.

Filed Jul 16, 2006 · Transmission · 105,000 miles · NH

Transmission failure: apr 15, 2004: my 2001 acura mdx recall on the transmission campaign #04v176000. July 20, 2004: my acura has 65,809 miles - lewis acura in shelburne vt inspected transmission - and instead of replacing it they installed a "jet kit" to lube the gears and keep the transmission from heating up too much. I believe the transmission should have been replaced. July 16, 2006: transmission is slipping and I have read many reports on line of other people who are having the same problem with their 2001 acura mdx transmissions. These people too only received the "jet kit" and their transmissions failed. I have had cars for a lot longer and the transmission has not failed like this. There needs to be a better look into how acura handled this problem and really fix the problem rather than putting a band-aid (jet kit) on it.

Filed Jul 7, 2006 · Transmission · 87,000 miles · GA

Transmission failure. The automatic transmission failed without warning at 87,000 miles.

Filed Jun 26, 2006 · Transmission · 80,800 miles · CA

Vehicle began surging under light acceleration in traffic. When the vehicle was taken to dealership they could not replicate. When they checked the dash code they discovered transmission was shot. Transmission is being replaced.

Filed Jun 6, 2006 · Transmission · 94,378 miles · MD

2001 mdx transmission failed and was replaced with rebuilt transmission by dealer. This was after 4 visits over 9 months complaining about a shudder between 40 - 45 MPH. Another repair shop (non-dealer) had diagnosed a faulty transmission on the first visit. Transmission fluid was burnt. Dealer refused to accept that diagnosis and replaced egr valve (had already been replaced once), 4th gear pressure switch, and one time claimed not to be able to reproduce the problem. Dealer denied knowledge of any history of transmission failures in this model, despite many documented cases which I discovered after the transmission failed. In retrospect, the car was obviously dangerous to drive the entire period from the first occurrence till the replacement. Acura cs has refused any sort of good will reimbursement, partial or otherwise, due to the fact that all service was not exclusively done at a dealer. Honda/acura is stone walling the public about these transmission problems, and a dangerous and defective product remains on the market for each consumer to discover for him/herself. It is only good luck that none of my family was killed or injured, and it is just a matter of time before some unsuspecting person is. Please investigate and force honda/acura to do the right thing and recall these transmissions and replace them at their cost.

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