2004 Acura MDX: hesitation when accelerating

5 of the 171 complaints about the 2004 Acura MDX describe hesitation when accelerating.

owner complaints: 5
of this car's complaints: 3%
typical mileage: 58,000
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 11 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Hesitation when accelerating by model year

2025
3
2022
4
2020
8
2019
2
2018
18
2017
14
2016
23
2015
2
2014
7
2012
1
2008
2
2006
1
2005
3
2004
5
2003
3
2002
8
2001
10

What owners say

Filed Jul 10, 2014 · Engine, Transmission · 58,000 miles · PA

Reproducibly at automatic transmission shifting speeds between 20-25mph, 30-35mph and 40-45mph there is an audible and palpable shudder as the transmission hesitates prior to shifting. Have brought vehicle to acura dealer 3 times over the past 5 years, every time stating the same complaint, and every time referencing a convincing multitude of acura mdx owners noting a similar problem. Every time acura service states they could not reproduce the problem and nothing is wrong with the vehicle. The last time I even drove the car with their chief mechanic, who verified the problem and stated it must be the torque converter, but acura only performed an automatic transmission flush and reset the transmission computer settings that they charged me for, and neither solved the problem. This is a serious dangerous problem and eventually someone is going to get seriously hurt. Links with multiple owners experiencing the same problem and frustration: http://www.aboutautomobile.com/complaint/2005/acura/mdx/automatic+transmission http://repairpal.com/debris-in-transmission-due-to-failed-torque-converter-clutch-006 http://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/12576/acura/mdx/acura-mdx-torque-converter-scam/p3 I also have in my possession an internal acura memo detailing this problem. Many thanks in advance for what I am certain will be a thorough investigation!

Filed Dec 1, 2012 · Transmission · 80,000 miles · MA

Vehicle develops vibration and shutter in transmission/drivetrain at approximately 30mph along with fluctuations in rpms. Also, torque converter feels semi-locked at idle when in drive shortly after starting causing rough idle and stalls, and hesitation upon initial acceleration.

Filed Apr 15, 2011 · Transmission · 54,000 miles · CT

2004 acura mdx, started to shudder/vibrate/grinding noise noticed just after 50k miles. The problem occurs when driving between 25 to 45 miles, trying to coast or decelerate. Also observed the sudden hesitation of the vehicle when the shudder occurs. If I put it in d4 (instead of d5) then it doesn't seem to be making the grinding noise/vibration. I have reported the issue around 50k+ mileage to the dealer but dealer said they can't reproduce/identify it. I have complained about the same problem in 2 other visits to the acura dealership, every time they denied the problem. Now, at 90k miles I complained about the problem and this time they were able to hear and observe the sound, exactly the same as I have been reporting since it had 50k+ mileage. Acura dealer is saying the whole transmission (torque converter) has to be replaced. For a vehicle that costs $40k having transmission issues at 50k mileage is unacceptable. I don't drive it rough and don't neglect the maintenance. There are so many complaints in the online forums on this exact transmission problems. Acura/honda customer service is very poor or non-existing, they should be ashamed of such a problematic component in a luxury vehicle.

Filed Mar 17, 2010 · Brakes · 138,000 miles · IL · crash

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 acura mdx. The contact stated he was involved in a minor crash due to brake failure. There were no injuries. The brakes were depressed but there was hesitation in engagement of the brakes. The vehicle sustained minor damage to the front bumper. The contact confirmed that the brakes in the vehicle were unusually soft. The dealer could not duplicate the failure in the braking system. The failure mileage was 138,000.

Filed Nov 10, 2004 · Engine · 2,500 miles · CO

The check engine light frequently blinks and the car occasionally misfires while the car is accelerating or under heavy engine load (e.g., accelerating onto the freeway or driving on interstate through the mountains). These conditions appear to happen more frequently the whether is cool and damp. When the vehicle misfires, the engine hesitates and various dashboard warning indicators light. The engine hesitation and distraction from the warning lights makes it difficult to complete merger into traffic.