2005 Acura MDX: complete transmission failure

Filed Aug 13, 2018 · Transmission · 145,000 miles · UT

Total transmission failure while under incline load driving, leaving vehicle unable to maneuver in traffic to reasonably get to safety.

Filed Mar 22, 2015 · Engine, Transmission · 135,000 miles · FL

The transmission cooler connection blew out of the radiator, unfortunately there is no oil pressure switch for transmissions so I had no idea that the trans fluid was pouring all over the road. Lucky for me I was just leaving the house and my friend saw it and stopped me. Upon looking at the part -it has only 3 threads and I have found out this is a common thing for mdx and pilot SUV's. I could have been in an accident due to the transmission failure that has resulted from this failure by others as I have seen on your site example:. ( pilot ex-l 244hp 3.5l sohc 24-valve automatic transmission failure).

Filed Jun 28, 2014 · Electrical · 111,000 miles · IL

After placing vehicle in park, I was unable to remove the key from the ignition. The ignition key failed to align with slot so key could be removed. When I attempted to restart the car, it failed to start. I believe the problem is somehow linked between the ignition and the transmission/gear shift. Recently, when shifting into park and drive the gear shift met with resistance. I'm out of town (approx 100 miles) and afraid to stop anywhere until I reach my dealer. Had new transmission installed within the last two years. Posting this notice from hotel's computer, heading to dealer (mcgraph acura, westmount,il.) to diagnose and hopefully correct problem.

Filed Sep 6, 2012 · Engine, Transmission · 82,197 miles · NY

Hello, I am a very unhappy frustrated 2005 acura mdx owner. My car 2005acura mdx at 82k miles, I noticed car shifting gear was not shifting smoothly. Having difficulty while shifting gear & which went worse & very stiff. Also, a grinding noise coming, while accelerating at low speeds ( 25-40mph). It started to happen almost every time I accelerate the car or holding this speed on a slight incline level. I have had my mechanic to look at it & was told this noise is a transmission/torque converter problem. It's common to acura mdxs. & also, advised to take it to acura dealer. On oct-2009 car was placed for service @ authorized acura dealer. Where dealer state that it's out of company warranty. The gear shift cable as well as transmission was replaced with 3-year warranty acura dealer at my (owner) expense 5k. Again, in june-2012 @ 89k mileages, same problem started. My car shift gear was not shifting smoothly. My car needed excessive force in order to shift gears. Again, car was taken to an authorized acura dealer and the gear shift cable was replaced. Dealer state that the gear shift cable was covered with rust. Which I believe the failure was a acura design flaw. The vehicle was repaired second time at my expense($400.00) for the same problem or cause. Recently, again (sept-2012) same strange vibration/grinding noise started. It sounds identical to the issue I was having previously. However, this types of failure recurring every few months later. Unfortunately, I found the same problem still exists. It is very frustrating and feel very nervous while driving with my family. I even get scared to drive this acura SUV in case it will stop on the middle of the way, while driving. I'm requesting you( the federal safety agency) to take this serious and possible life threatening matter with acura and make them accountable and responsible for it.

Filed Aug 22, 2012 · Engine, Transmission · 82,000 miles · IL

While driving the SUV in a busy street 30-45mph felt the vibration, grinding, the triangle distress sign came on and felt the vehicle is going to stall. Managed to get the SUV to the parking lot on the right side. The SUV completely stalled there and we got it towed to the acura dealer. They looked at it and the technician gave us the initial diagnosis as "radiator has blown coolant line , fluids have cross contaminated and will take a lot of time to bleed out, also possible transmission failure in the process would need to retest drive after radiator replacement to see if transmission works".

Filed Jan 6, 2012 · Transmission · 65,000 miles · MA

I have code p0740 which is tcc function. My trans is operating erratically and undriveable. After faithful service intervals the trans died in my car. Acura denies knowledge of the problem even though there are thousands of people their torque converter failed due to a design flaw. I was almost killed when the trans shuddered and stalled in the middle of the road. I am furious this car is expensive and no need for transmission failure at such low mileage. Please recall and help.

Filed Mar 7, 2011 · Transmission · 122,190 miles · NJ

My transmission failed . I drive an average of 80 miles to and from work. Most of it was highway driving. I would notice some hesitation at low speeds in about 50,000 miles but would go away. At approximately 100,000 miles the problems started getting more noticeable.the time leading to the eventual failure of my transmission was a shudder during low speeds between 20 to 40 miles per hour. Then hesitation during acceleration and then eventual slippage of the gears which almost cost me an accident because it happened when I was driving in the highway. Luckily I was able to exit right away and avert any difficulties getting help at the side of the road. I brought it to a dealership which recommended the replacement of the transmission.

Filed Nov 11, 2010 · Transmission · 69,500 miles · OH

At speeds between 30-50mph when the engine is under a slight load and the rpms are attempting to hold between 1100-1400, there is a loud vibration and shudder. The rpms jitter back and forth jumping by about 100 rpms or so as it tries to hold a steady speed. I had it checked at a local transmission shop and they recommend that I replace the transmission because the problem will just continue to get worse until the transmission completely fails. The problem I'm facing with my 2005 sounds exactly like the problem described in the acura service bulletin for 03-04 models: http://ww2.justanswer.com/uploads/thebesthonda/2010-02-04_181956_b06-003.pdf.

Filed Jul 12, 2010 · Transmission · 96,000 miles · FL

Transmission starting making a grinding noise around 40 MPH with ~70k miles. At 96k, the car broken down while driving at highway speeds. Dealer has indicated the transmission needs replacement at estimated $4k, but can't currently find a replacement or rebuilt one available.

Filed Jun 18, 2010 · Transmission · 30,000 miles · FL

2005 acura mdx makes grinding noise when accelerating between 35 and 40 MPH. This started occurring around 30,000 miles and continues to this day. There are many reports of this exact same problem on various automotive forums. This was reported to the dealer while the vehicle was under warranty, however, it was not addressed until I took the vehicle in approximately one year later with significant documentation regarding the problem. The dealership presented the case to honda and they are willing to replace the transmission torque converter however I must pay 25%. This does not see fair.

Filed Apr 13, 2010 · Transmission · 82,700 miles · VA

Around 40,000 miles my acura mdx 2005 began making a low groaning noise at 25mph and 35 MPH took it to the dealer and found it was the torque converter. I also suspect that the transmission needs to be replaced due to the medal shavings in the fluid. This is the 2nd acura mdx I have owned. The first was a 2003 but the dealer assured me that the problem was addressed in the 2005 version. Im thinking about a class action law suit.

Filed Dec 20, 2009 · Transmission · 58,000 miles · NY

Beginning in 2006 I started to experience a hesitation and a hissing sound in my 2005 acura mdx at hwy and local rd speed for the past three years I have taken the vehicle to the dealership only to get the same response of unable to duplicate. I recently took the vehicle to the dealership again on 11/09 and this time they were able to duplicate the problem which was a bad torque converter which required the replacement of the transmission. The dealer claimed the issue started at 58,000 mile and therefore out of warranty. The dealer wants $4000.00 to replace transmission. Still contemplating offer. I have discovered blogs that states an ongoing torque converter and transmission problem with the acura mdx from 2001--2005 including a recall for 2001-2002.