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2014 Acura MDX transmission problems

27 complaints (16% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 35,000. 3 crashes reported.

owner complaints
27
of this car's complaints
16%
typical mileage
35,000
crashes
3
recalls
1

Which part fails

Owners did not name a specific part.

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Acura MDX transmission problems in other years

200120052010201520202026

Specific symptoms reported on the 2014 Acura MDX transmission

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Jerking 11Hesitation 7

Related recalls

Power train: automatic transmissionReported November 14, 2013 · 19,197 vehicles affected
What is wrong
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2014 Acura MDX AWD vehicles manufactured May 6, 2013, through October 14, 2013. The bolts that attach the drive shaft to the automatic transmission transfer assembly may not have been properly tightened. As a result, the bolts could loosen possibly allowing the shaft to detach.
Risk
If the drive shaft detaches while driving it could cause excessive noise and possibly damage the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the drive shaft attaching bolts as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on July 3, 2014. Owners may contact Honda at 1‑800‑999‑1009 or visit their website at www.recalls.honda.com. Honda's recall number is JC8.

Recall number 13V571000 · Recall details

What 2014 Acura MDX owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 1, 2026 · Transmission · MA

My 2014 Acura MDX had the same issue that it is currently being recalled (26V‑365) except this happened to the front control arms. In August of 2024 I had to replace both the front lower control arms because the bushings were splitting. Had they split while driving I would've lost control of the car and crashed which is the concern with the current recall for the rear control arms. It was fortunate that this potentially dangerous crack was found during an unrelated service. I strongly feel that this recall for the MDX should be expanded to cover the front control arms too. This issue of dangerous corrosion is not limited to the rear.

Filed Apr 26, 2025 · Transmission · CA

The power train experiences jutters. Known issue and many torque converters have been replaced while under warranty. Our vehicle had minimal miles when warranty expired and now this problem has occurred. Have followed all of the recommended technical bulletins from Honda and the issue is not resolved. They now say to replace the torque converter at own expense.

Filed Mar 6, 2025 · Engine, Steering · CA

The car is un safe to drive, the RPM fluctuations, gos up and down at low speed, doesn’t potential problems with the torque converter clutch, is juddering and unstable RPMs, noticeable during acceleration or deceleration

Filed Nov 13, 2024 · Transmission · NC

My vehicle has a hesitation and kick when it is at 35-40 mph about 1.8 to 2 on the tachometer. I took it in to the dealer and it needs transmission repair. I researched on the internet and it seems like thousands of others are having or have had the same problem. I purchased a lifetime powertrain warranty from Scott Clark Honda when i purchased the vehicle to cover these problems and the warranty company and Scott Clark Honda are trying to get out of repair. There are no lights or warning lamps on the vehicle. It just kicks and studders when you get to 35-40 mph which is the speed in the city limits. It is easy to get hit or run over when the vehicle does not go when you press the gas peddle. I would like to file a national case against Acura and Scott Clark Honda

Filed Oct 18, 2022 · Transmission · 175,000 miles · MS

The contact owns a 2014 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle was jerking upon acceleration and deceleration. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the transmission control module (TCM) software was updated, and the transmission fluid was flushed; however, the failure reoccurred while driving. The vehicle was taken to a local Pep Boys where it was diagnosed that the transmission control valve solenoid had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer who provided the same diagnostic information. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 175,000.

Filed Oct 10, 2022 · Engine, Transmission · TX

There is a known issue of Certain Acura MDX models having a "judder" (i.e. bouncing rev counter) at certain speeds. This causes the torque converter to not lockup and continue to find the right gear, per se. This is a known issue and Acura has a TSB (16-062) for this: https://www.tsbsearch.com/Acura/16-062 The issue is, even though, unaddressed in a timely manner and continual use of the vehicle may deteriorate the transmission, Acura doesn't fix this free of charge for vehicles not under warranty. Dealer quotes $800+ for a total 1.6 hours of work (based on the TSB bulletin). This is outrageous and monopolistic behavior in a free market. Moreover, typical mechanics doesn't have access to the special computers needed to perform the software update, required by this TSB. I am reaching out to request Acura (Car manufacturer) to cover this under recall and not charge the customer this ridiculous ~$400/hr labor rate just because I can't update the software from a local mechanic.

Filed Apr 27, 2022 · Transmission · MA

Transmission surges when shifting between 1st gear to 2nd, feels like rear ended, the whole car jumps. Acura of America seems to not have a fix for this issue that a lots of 3rd generation ACURA MDX owners suffer from . Acura dealership only suggestion is transmission fluid flush, which is not a real fix for the transmission jump that can cause a serious accident while operating the vehicle in traffic. Acura Of America is aware of this issue but !!! No safety recall been addressed.

Filed Apr 1, 2021 · Transmission · TX

I had this 2014 acura mdx for 4yr since 2016 as cpo at local acura dealer. Since 2yrs ago, my RPM do not climb steady and it is jumping up and down ,especially at the speed between 40 to 60. I thought it is just transmission fluid issue. Once I replaced transmission fluid replaced, level of fluctuation became less than previous. But after couple month later, it is still same. I am wondering this issue is known for any acura mdx owner manufactured in same period. I think this could be software issue rather than mechanical issue and should be recalled to be repaired or updated. Please let me know if you have any claim same as what I am experiencing. Thanks for your time and sincere support.

Filed Feb 4, 2020 · Transmission · 36,235 miles · MA

Transmisson feels like it slips,shimmys, tachometer jumps up and down 600 or more rps under light accelerating and steady throttle in2,3,and sometimes 4th gear. Dealer prime acura westwood massachusetts claims car requires extra maintenance to be considered under warranty and voided issue telling honda not to fix trouble as brake flush, rear axle gear lube changes not done and paid to dealer.this is s a non warranty service dealer claims is needed to maintain warranty service ,thus telling honda to void the warranty. I provided multiple tsb's to dealer but they refuse service as I repeatedly refused to pay for non warranty, not required services to dealer. Please note honda has published tsb's that I had provided to prime acura at the time service was requested, I was informed I must pay for services before this issue would be considered under the acura/honda 6 year drivetrain warranty request.

Filed Dec 5, 2019 · Transmission · 50,000 miles · GA

On numerous occasions my car shutters and will not accell or will lunge without pressure being applied to the far pedal. I've taken the car back to the dealership numerous times and they replace transmission fluid, etc. Nothing helps. A service person working at the dealership told me that they are trying to wait for my warranty to expire.

Questions about the 2014 Acura MDX transmission

Does the 2014 Acura MDX have transmission problems?

Owners have filed 27 complaints about the transmission of the 2014 Acura MDX, 16% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2014 Acura MDX transmission problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 35,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2014 Acura MDX transmission?

Yes, 1 recall: 13V571000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Acura MDX have bad transmission?

The Acura MDX model years with the most transmission complaints are 2001 (131 complaints), 2002 (126 complaints) and 2016 (113 complaints).

Other 2014 Acura MDX problems

Steering 38Electrical 27Brakes 26Engine 26Acceleration 19Body 14Lights 13Fuel system 11Driver assistance 7Suspension 6Visibility 5Airbags 3Wheels 3Seats 2Locks 1Seat belts 1

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