2017 Acura MDX: complete transmission failure

Filed Jun 29, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · 97,000 miles · AZ

The contact owns a 2017 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle lost power and stalled in the middle of the roadway. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. Additionally, the transmission failed to shift out of park(P). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.

Filed Jul 6, 2025 · Transmission · 84,542 miles · FL

On [XXX], while driving from Orlando, FL to Atlanta, GA, I experienced one of the most terrifying moments of my life. I was traveling on the freeway at approximately 80 MPH, in lane 3 or 4, when my vehicle suddenly began to hesitate and lose power without any warning. In that moment, fear and panic took over. Cars were flying past me, and I could feel my truck rapidly decelerating. I immediately turned on my hazard lights and began honking to alert other drivers, praying they would give me space to move over. Thankfully, I was able to carefully navigate across lanes and reach the far-left shoulder. Once I got into the acceleration/deceleration lane, the vehicle suddenly lurched forward and began accelerating again—completely on its own. I knew I couldn't risk staying on the road, so I exited at the next ramp and pulled into a gas station, still shaken. After refueling, I attempted to restart the truck, but it would no longer shift into Drive or Neutral. The truck was stuck in Park and completely inoperable. A roadside mechanic responded to my call for help and made several attempts to restore mobility, but nothing worked. I spent the evening stranded and alone, unsure of what to do next. The following day, [XXX], I had the vehicle towed to Honda South near Atlanta, GA. After inspection, I was informed that the issue was a complete transmission failure. In addition to needing a new transmission, the vehicle also required replacement of critical sub-assembly components, including the transmission control module (TCM). This situation was not just a mechanical failure—it was a serious safety event that put my life and the lives of others at risk. I’m still shaken by what happened and deeply concerned about how such a failure could occur so suddenly and without warning. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jan 14, 2025 · Engine · WA

Transmission failure driving on the interstate . Engine shudder ; speed dropped to 25 mph. Warning lights flashed indication Transmission issue. Vehicle was towed to a AAA Approved Independent shop where the issue was verified.

Filed Dec 31, 2024 · Transmission · VA

The transmission failed. It is not able to be inspected unless retrieved by the dealer. While driving the vehicle the transmission would disengage. There were no warning lights or failures picked up by the CAN bus. This would happen during normal driving on the highway, potentially leaving the vehicle stranded in the middle of the highway. When issue occurred the transmission would make a whining noise. I was able to replicate the issue with the dealer. I am unaware if the part was inspected. I contacted Acura of America to report the problem. The issue mimicked the reported recall that Acura issue on a portion of MDX of the same year. They offered no assistance to the issue. There were no warning lights or indicators to let me know of a transmission issue.

Filed Sep 27, 2024 · Transmission · 115,000 miles · MO

The contact owns a 2017 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the contact stated that previously the vehicle was parked and when the vehicle was started, the gear shifter was inoperable. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not assist. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

Filed Jun 1, 2024 · Driver assistance, Electrical · CT

On highway and switching lanes. All of a sudden ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE AND ALL DRIVER ASSIST LIGHTS CAME ON. Pull over light came on as well. HIT ON LEFT REAR SYMBOL CAME ON. Was never hit just a close car on driver left rear side when switching lanes. Made it home and vehicle wouldn’t switch back into drive mode. Acura didn’t do its due process and assumed a new transmission was needed. Replaced and a month later ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE sign starts flashing again. Now dealership is saying I need a new catalytic converter. Refused as I believe Acura has been incorrect about the diagnostic. They also stated my vehicle was in a collision and it wasn’t. They refused to check electrical issues and update software as these things are not in my control. It is my belief the car had a faulty collision warning which is causing other issues as well as Acura refusing to probably assist and diagnose without me continuing to be falsely diagnosed

Filed May 13, 2023 · Engine, Transmission · IL

On Friday May 5th, 2023 myson was driving our 2017 Acura MDX in heavy rush hour traffic on Interstate 355 near Homer Glen when suddenly and without warning the transmission failed and caused sudden deacceleration. He drove the car which was going 7 mph and engine revving and starting to clatter to get off the freeway. The check engine light came on. He called and informed me while on the exit ramp. I instructed him to pull into the Gas N Wash filling station at 15930 W 159th and shut the engine off, I left home immediately and upon arrival I looked under the hood for oil leakage or low level and belts broken. When I started the motor a knocking sound caused me to turn it off. This could have caused an accident due to heavy traffic at 70 MPH posted speed limit. The car has been towed to local mechanic shop for diagnosis. My online research indicates a Class Action Suit and countless complaints of similar unsafe operation and transmission failure. We purchased this Vehicle new in 2017 from Rizza Acura, Orland Park, IL and have had regular maintenance performed since purchase date.

Filed Sep 29, 2022 · Brakes, Electrical · AL

My 2017 Acura MDX has many issues with both the transmission and electrical. It has an issue shifting between gears, makes a loud sound like metal on wash board, then loses power for 3-5 seconds. I went to put the car in drive and it would not go in drive recently. I've now had to replace the transmission at 79,006 miles. The electrical system lights up when driving telling me my electronic parking brake has been engaged and also that there is emission system issues. My daughter was terrified and crying since i had a loss of power at the same time my dash lit up and I had to get across 5 lanes of traffic to the shoulder of road. The towing company had to remove battery cable to get my electric parking break to release. This is a dangerous and scary automobile

Filed Aug 29, 2022 · Transmission · LA

Traveling on I-49 north at approximately 80 mph without any sign of a problem when suddenly the car began breaking, shifted into neutral, hazards flashing, and every light on my dash lit up (Emission system Failure, Braking Failure, and Transmission Failure). At first I thought it had something to do with the cruise control, so I tried turning that off, which did not help, so I pulled over to the shoulder safely. This really could have been dangerous had there been more traffic because the car could not accelerate. Once on the shoulder I engaged the parking break as the car would not shift into park or any other gear. I turned off the car while I called state police and roadside assistance. After a while I was able to turn the car on and move it to reverse because I was about 30 yards past an entrance ramp that I could go to off the interstate. All lights were still lit up on the dash. It sounded rough. This was a very dangerous situation and Acrua needs to address this. It is currently awaiting evaluation at Acura of Lafayette.

Filed Jul 18, 2022 · Transmission · OH

Complete Transmission failure at 77,000 miles. Vehicle lost power at highway speeds causing a dangerous situation and stranded our family 650 miles from home. Had vehicle towed to the nearest acura dealership where I was told the transmission was terminal and needed to be replaced. Three weeks later the dealership has failed to find a transmission and nothing has happened. Acura extended a good faith discount on the repairs 4k down from 9k because it failed just out of warranty.