2003 Acura MDX: shudder or vibration when accelerating

Filed Dec 21, 2020 · Fuel system, Transmission · 260,615 miles · MI

The vehicle keeps shuddering and losing power and gears not charging in right

Filed Aug 4, 2014 · Transmission · 150,000 miles · CA

At approximately 35 MPH the car made a vibration or shudder noise for about 10-15 seconds and began to done this from then on at about that speed. I the car to acura to have a recall performed and asked them to check this. I told them that you have to drive the car to feel when is happen. They said that they could not repeat the effect. After picking the car up I felt the same vibration on my way home. I did some web research and found this to be a fairly common issue in models with the engine transmission setup. I would like to know the depth of testing required to trouble shoot this issue and if the car is safe to use? What will the failure mode be?

Filed Sep 10, 2013 · Transmission · 124,000 miles · NJ

When I first purchased my mdx (used 32k miles) I had an issue with shuddering between 35-45 and it would feel like it wouldn't go. It took until my car was at 55k miles for a service tech to finally here the problem and diagnose it correctly. I had to replace the torque converter and transmission. Then again at 124k miles I heard the exact same noise!! I took the car back to acura and was told they could not duplicate the noise ...of course they couldn't. I said I had this problem before, you replaced my transmission, you know this is a defect of acura/honda. They insisted it wasn't the problem but in fact I needed a catalytic converter. So, I replaced the catalytic converter at $1,100.00 and drove off the lot with same shudder ( it represented itself within the month)!! They said I have to bring back and drive with a tech. I have yet to get it back there because of my work schedule their lack of accommodations for saturdays. Now I am at 160k and am trying to get the car back in and they are acting like they have no idea what could possibly be wrong. This is extremely frustrating! Out of warranty. Working on possibly a 3rd transmission...it is crazy and unsafe! I bought an acura because of the quality reputation they have. I am very disappointed. I have even called honda and they are useless. If you are not constantly buying a new honda product and servicing them at the ridiculous prices they do not find you a loyal customer therefore do not want to help you!!! Please make them own their defaults!!

Filed Mar 15, 2013 · Engine, Transmission · 149,000 miles · MD

Torque converter shudder or vibration between 35 and 40 MPH. ****also transmission slipped while driving on the highway. The SUV acted as if it was in neutral and wouldn't move even though I was pushing the gas and the rpms went up. I was almost rear-ended by the driver behind me but he was able to quickly switch into another lane, then miraculously my SUV started to go again. It also happened again in the middle of an intersection while I was driving. Luckily the oncoming traffic was far enough away and the transmission picked back up in time and I was able to get out of the way. I had my children in the SUV, a 6 month old baby girl and a 6 yr old boy. Its a seven passenger vehicle so it should be expected that children may be in the SUV. I don't think honda/acura should wait until someone is killed or seriously injured to issue a recall. Its not even just about the cost of repairs, what about the value of people's lives? Does it need to be on the news first for a change to occur? Owners of the 2003 acura mdx need to know that there is a potentially deadly safety defect with this vehicle and repairs need to be made asap!

Filed Dec 19, 2012 · Transmission · 151,000 miles · CT

On this date I could not hear an approaching emergency vehicle due to a shudder vibration noise from my power train auto transmission. The emergency vehicle almost crashed into my vehicle and in so doing causing a potentially very serious traffic accident. The shutter noise was the result of a long standing mdx mechanical problem with the transmission ( perhaps torque converter). I have attempted to survive the cause of a recurring mechanical problem by very frequent tran fluid changes over the years but the problem has kept occurring since 40000 miles in year 2007. I remain very afraid that the transmission will fail or hinder me again causing a more critical problem the next time. Law enforcement officials considered the noise and shutter as a acura product defect. I respectfully seek goodwill consideration and repair of my transmission malfunction.

Filed Dec 17, 2012 · Transmission · 145,000 miles · CA

Car began to shudder at 40 MPH, then goes away. Recurring more frequently now. Took to dealer. Car would not shudder when he did test drive. Said nothing seems to be wrong. Began researching on my own and there are numerous complaints about this problem. Torque converter.

Filed Apr 28, 2012 · Transmission · 45,000 miles · IL

Automatic transmission shudder or vibration between 35 and 40 MPH.

Filed Oct 13, 2011 · Transmission · 99,600 miles · DE

Torque converter and transmission failed at 99600 miles, not to mention two motor mounts. These repairs are between $6-7k. This is unacceptable for a higher end car. Car would vibrate and shudder around 40 MPH a few years ago with only 35k miles on the car, and of course acura could not replicate. Now that it's out of warranty, they hear it. This car is a total lemon- please help protect consumers- honda/acura greed has stopped them from stepping forward and owning a problem they have known about all along. Consumers should not be paying for acura's flawed design, that should be coming straight out of their profits.

Filed Aug 9, 2011 · Transmission · 80,000 miles · MD

My 2003 acura mdx had the transmission replaced at 44,000 miles. Around 80,000 miles I noticed the transmission failing again. Specifically the torque converter making the shudder and vibration again. I let me dealer know, but they did not detect an issue. Now at 102,000 miles and after my extended warranty has expired acura is expecting me to pay for 60% of the repair of a clear defect in the transmission of this year of the car. So far it has not caused an accident, but I am afraid to keep driving without performing the replacement.

Filed Jul 21, 2011 · Transmission · 35,000 miles · DE

My car along with many other acuras between 2001-2005 have a problem with a very significant shudder vibration that lasts a few secs, usually at speeds between 35-40. If you read the blogs you will see hundreds of other consumers say the same thing: acura says they can't replicate the noise. When the car is out of warranty, then suddenly they can replicate it and they say they have to replace either the torque converter or the entire transmission, charging $2000 +. This is a major problem and should have been a recall, please help us hold acura accountable for this known problem! These cars are too expensive for such a big problem so early on.

Filed Jan 26, 2011 · Transmission · 119,000 miles · MD

Bought used acura mdx 2003 in 2004 from carmax still under manufacturer warranty of 50,0000 miles. Have recurrent torque converter/ transmission problems. Car periodically grinds, shudders, and hesitates while driving around 25-40 MPH.... Causing near accidents several times. Replaced transmission with refurbished transmissions at approximately 53,000 miles in 2006, and again at approximately 61,900 miles in 2007. Now in jan. 2011@ approximately 119,000miles, acura dealer diagnosed the same torque converter problem requiring a third transmission replacement.... Basically, this 2003 acura mdx will have four transmissions in it's life time. This vehicle has been serviced per acura service schedule at primarily acura dealers.this is a major safety nightmare waiting to happen and as a concerned consumer and parent, request the government to investigate this safety issue and if warranted, warn the public of potential dangers.

Filed Oct 5, 2010 · Transmission · 99,000 miles · FL

My 2003 acura mdx was vibrating/shuddering between 30-45mph. Dealer advised faulty torque converter @ $2,200. The 2001 & 2002 models were recalled for same issue. When torque converter fails, metal shavings can make their way into transmission, causing transmission failure. Acura is having ongoing repeated issues. Will they deny transmission issue at the expense of my families safety. Many with same vehicle have had some dangerous situations.