2020 Acura MDX transmission problems

Filed Aug 14, 2026 · Engine, Steering · NY

Engine turns off while in drive or stopped at a red light/stop sign. It has happened 7-10 times withing the last couple of months, but 3-4 times within the last week. Out of the four times it happened, my family's safety was at risk, because the car was in drive, and could've caused us to get into an accident. During the other occasions, we were moving in reverse and stopped at a stop sign. Complaint was made with Acura of Bay Shore in Long Island, NY, at which time an update of computer engine was performed but issue wasn't fixed due to back-order part that needs to be replaced. Unfortunately, just yesterday (August 13, 2026) car turned off at light causing a road hazard to vehicles and my family stuck in a large intersection. Multiple engine lights turned on, but I was unable to turn the car on or move it. approximately 10 min later, I was able to turn the car on and move it to safe location. I spoke to Acura of Bay Shore, and it is a known issue but till this date, isn't fixed. Vehicle is a hazard and can cause serious bodily harm/or death. thank you

Filed Mar 18, 2026 · Transmission · OH

connecting rods came apart, needed a new engine. but outside of the recall

Filed Mar 16, 2026 · Transmission · 69,400 miles · CT

The contact owns a 2020 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while attempting to leave a parking lot, the contact was unable to shift the vehicle to drive (D). The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and retrieved information associated with transmission failure for the year and model vehicle. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,400.

Filed Jan 22, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · NJ

The following issues occur on a 2020 Acura MDX with low 50k miles, maintenance was done regular whenever a maintenance schedule appear. For the past few years after purchasing the vehicle we started getting a non-start engine with the key fobs and automatic side mirrors did not open or close when parked. Brand new batteries were replace for the key fob and later the Car Battery and the issue occurs intermittently, this was brought to the attention of the dealership and each time (documented) that they were not able to reproduce when they turned off the vehicle, this was mid 2024 06-13-2024 and sporadically continues till this year 2026. The dealership did not test or trace the electrical system as they were told to reproduce the issue first as it will happen at that moment. A new recent event 2025 has also occur and was brought to the dealerships attention, a warning message indicating - Electric Parking Brake Problem follow by a Emissions System Problem will appear. This was also "reset" by the dealership and indicated it was safe to drive but event reoccurs every few months. A 2nd opinion to another mechanic indicated it can be the emergency brake system to be faulty and driving the vehicle when the message appears may cause an immediate stop, advised us to have the dealership reach out to the manufacture. No word from either for the past year. Any open recall for my VIN was done once we were notified and a New Car Battery replaced and new batteries in key fobs - issue continues. Please assist Thank you

Filed Sep 18, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · IL

When the vehicle stops and the idle auto-start/ stop engages, the vehicle will automatically go into neutral and cannot be restarted until the vehicle is turned off then back on. This has happened at both stop lights and on the highway and almost caused a very serious rear end accident.

Filed Apr 9, 2025 · Electrical, Transmission · 48,193 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2020 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving in Comfort Mode at approximately 40 MPH and attempting to accelerate to change lanes, the vehicle stalled for several minutes before accelerating. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle hesitated to start intermittently, and the failure was more frequent over time. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the battery had failed. The battery was replaced, and the vehicle was remedied under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V031000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Electrical System). The failure reoccurred. The vehicle was returned to the dealer, and the contact stated that the vehicle was shaking abnormally while accelerating; however, the dealer had not diagnosed the vehicle a second time. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 48,193.

Filed Apr 1, 2025 · Electrical, Transmission · MO

Start n stop button not working right shuts off and hard to start

Filed Mar 26, 2025 · Transmission · 72,062 miles · MA

Engine noise on Monday sounded like thumping - didn't drive car on Tuesday and stated up today sounded like chewing metal in engine bay. 2020 MDX Advanced. Drove to dealership and they confirmed needs small block and is only 2K miles outside of powertrain warranty. Honda claims this isn't under their recall, but dealership is saying all signs point to the same bearing failure. 10K costs for the small block, but could lead to entire engine required.

Filed Nov 13, 2024 · Transmission · 26,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2020 Acura MDX. The contact stated while coming to a stop, the contact noticed that the vehicle inadvertently slipped into neutral. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact restarted the vehicle several times to shift back into drive. The contact also noticed that the steering wheel had seized, making the steering wheel difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not mad aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 26,000.

Filed Oct 10, 2024 · Transmission · MN

I was in a stop and go traffic on the highway. When at a complete stop car shifted into neutral, I know that I didn’t push neutral because both of my hands were on the steering wheel. Step on gas pedal and car will not go. Tried putting into Drive but will not shift into Drive. Lots of vehicle behind me. It was very scary and dangerous, I could have been rear ended. I had to turn the engine off and restarted again then I was able to put it Drive and go. This issue happened twice, once at a stop sign about a month earlier.