2004 Acura MDX: shudder or vibration when accelerating

Filed Jun 23, 2018 · Engine · 147,500 miles · AL

Vehicle slips out of gear intermittently after deceleration, usually while driving in town (under 45 MPH). Torque converter shudder or vibration between 35-40 MPH.

Filed Jan 27, 2016 · Transmission · 58,000 miles · NY

There is a shudder and vibration between gears 4 and 5 when driving 40-50 MPH. This is very commonly reported problem on several blogs and problems are ascribed to torque converter. The frequency of such occurence is high and the cost of repair close to 2000 usd is alos quite burdensome for such an expensive car. There is an acura tsb 05-024 for this problem that applies to earlier model years 2002, but acura tells me that for 2004 it does not apply. It seems very clear that this problem has persisted in 2004 my. I am requesting the acura be required to fix this problem as they have in earlier models

Filed Nov 25, 2014 · Engine, Transmission · 102,912 miles · VA

Over a period of time, beginning about the date and vehicle mileage stated above, I experienced a shudder and corresponding noise as the transmission tried to shift gears. Similar to the sensation of driving across closely-spaced rumble strips, the shudder and noise seemed to vary in length of time depending on speed. This occurred many times before I became concerned and started researching during which I found dozens of similar accounts in various on-line forums. Eventually I took my mdx to the dealership for a diagnosis. Disappointingly similar to many accounts I read on the internet, and despite my description of the problem, the acura dealership was unable to reproduce the problem, further noting all 19 items on their multi-point inspection report as "checked and ok", including the transmission. Soon thereafter, the drive train completely froze up as I discovered after starting the car in my driveway (thankfully, not while driving the car). Despite using the transmission shift lock release button (coincidentally -?- the subject of a recall for which I have received a notice from acura), the car remains immobile because I am unable to get the car out of park and put it into gear to return to the dealership for further diagnosis. My local acura dealership has been unresponsive to my numerous complaints and calls attempting to remedy the problem. The consumer stated the water pump, timing belt, air conditioner, motor mount, front axle seal, rear HVAC blower transistor all failed. Upadted 03/11/15

Filed Sep 18, 2014 · Transmission · TX

When driving at speeds about 30-50 MPH. The car shudders, rumbles, and makes a grinding noise when I accelerate. I need to take my foot off the accelerator to make it stop. It happen all the time and has been happening for a couple of years now and has gotten worse. Acura/honda are aware of the issue which is caused by torque converter, PCM and sometimes the whole transmission needs to be replaced. There are numerous complaints about this and it's odd that it has not been recalled yet, which can be fatal if the transmission fails on the road.

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 Jun 11, 2013 · Engine, Transmission · 147,000 miles · MD

I had noticed a shuddering at 1200-1400 RPM. Dealer said it was likely the torque converter. Recommended not doing anything at this time. In the past month, I've had two occasions while in drive from a stop, when I stepped on the gas the car did not move; the engine just revved. The first time I put the car into park, shut off the car. I restarted and all was well. This next time I was going around a curve at about 10-15 MPH, when the car revving response to my pressing the gas pedal, but did not accelerate. As if it had shifted into neutral. I switched into neutral and back into drive, and it re-engaged. Lots of similar concerns on my investigation on the internet. If this is a known problem to acura/honda, why has there not been a recall or a fix?

Filed Dec 27, 2011 · Engine, Transmission · 78,000 miles · GA

There is a shuddering noise / vibration coming from the engine compartment at speeds between 25-45 MPH.

Filed Oct 19, 2011 · Transmission · 166,900 miles · ME

Major issues with my transmission shuddering and vibrating on my 2004 acura mdx. Had honda review the vehicle was told I needed to replace transmission and torque converter and that this was a known issue . Called acura and now I'm here......

Filed Sep 10, 2011 · Transmission · 105,000 miles · GA

Shuddering in transmission between 35mph and 45mph and lack of power. Took it to the dealer and they said honda has a service bulletin on it.

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 Apr 1, 2011 · Transmission · 100,100 miles · AL

A rattling/shuddering/grinding is occuring when accelerating, and only when accelerating, between 30 and 42 MPH. It is a result of a failing torque converter. Problem only occurs while in d5.

Filed Sep 24, 2010 · Transmission · 70,000 miles · NJ

2004 acura mdx torque converter failed at 70k miles and replaced. At 80 k the vehicle shudders or vibrates between 35 and 40 MPH indicating torque converter failure again.....