Acura MDX steering noise problems

Filed Jul 21, 2026 · Body, Steering · TX

The vehicle developed repeated front‑end structural and steering problems shortly after purchase. During normal driving, it produced loud popping, creaking, and clunking noises when turning, entering driveways, or driving over small inclines. Steering felt inconsistent and the front suspension felt unstable. These symptoms created a serious risk of loss of control. A dealer confirmed the problem multiple times and replaced several major components, including the left front strut, the left front lower control arm, and the front shock absorber fork. The most serious finding was cracked welds in the front subframe, requiring the entire subframe to be replaced. A cracked subframe weld is a structural failure that can affect steering stability and crashworthiness. The issues were reproduced and documented by the dealer on multiple visits. The manufacturer’s engineering team was involved due to the severity and difficulty of diagnosis. Despite repeated repairs and extended time out of service, the same steering and suspension symptoms continued, and the vehicle was returned multiple times with ongoing issues. There were no warning lights or messages before the failures. The defects occurred during low‑speed maneuvering and normal driving conditions. The vehicle did not perform like a safe, structurally sound new vehicle, and the repeated structural and steering failures pose a safety risk to occupants and others on the road.

Filed May 1, 2026 · Steering · 15,027 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2025 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while having routine maintenance, the power steering was making an unknown abnormal noise. The steering was turning on and off. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 15,027.

Filed Dec 25, 2023 · Body, Electrical · WA

i bought new car in 2017 November and around over 2500k miles I heard engine chirping sound and if you're surrounded by wall you can hear it louder. took it to dealership several time but they said it's normal and show me another car to prove to me. Which it did had same sound. Then yrs go by I hear loud clunking sound underneath the car every time I reversed and when switching gear to reverse. also about 1-2 yr owning it I heard clunking sound on steering wheel so when mechanic looked at dealership they said it could have been air bag wires so they secured it and shouldn't have any more problem. on 3rd yr I went back to dealership because I know something is wrong with steering wheel clunking sound when turning low speed to right and felt much tighter to turn. they said one of suspension is problem so they replaced but 2wks later happen again. I was in rush for them to resolve before my 4yr warranty ends but they keep playing around saying initially by experience mechanic when we did test drive he heard the sound and thinks it's steering rack or pinion. so I was relived after yr of back n forth they figured out and tells me to wait for next step. but after 1hr waiting at lobby they told me after lifting car up can't manipulate the sound again so can't fix. I wanted to speak to that mechanic again and the way he looked at me and said sorry I don't know what's wrong with it seem like his been told by higher up to lie bc that day they had corporate person visit and that person refused my claim. I asked to fix steering rack or both and they said we can't bc its costing them money and what if that's not the case. I took it to local mechanic and whenever my vehicle is lifted its hard to find the sound but when on ground you can hear. Then recently I brought up that clunk sound to different mechanic during oil change they found out that my body frame was loose so he tighten the bolts. He said it's rare to have frame loose. after that no more clunking when reversing.

Filed Aug 7, 2022 · Suspension · CA

Suspension clicking noise when turning wheel to from one end to another. I found that the outer tie rod end ball joint wasn’t torque down. I double checked the lower ball joint and found it wasn’t torque down as well. The clicking went away after torquing down the outer tie rod joint.

Filed Jan 9, 2015 · Steering · 15,000 miles · FL

While making a left hand turn at slow speed, steering locked and the wheel had to be forced back the other direction, barely avoiding a tree. Car makes intermittent but considerable noise/rubbing while turning (noise lasts about 2 seconds). Took it to dealership today (proctor acura) and dealership could find no issues with steering. Also could not replicate the noise/problem. Nothing repaired and no explanation given.

Filed Dec 29, 2014 · Steering · 7,400 miles · NC

I have an 2014 sh-awd advance with entertainment package. After having vehicle a few months I made a call about noise coming from outside of car when backing and/or pulling forward like doing a 3 point turn. Was told it was normal for this vehicle. I asked when taking vehicle for first maintenance about grinding noise and told that these cars do that and was not a problem. I have been having issues that when pulling forward with wheels only slightly turned that there is a noise and alot of resistance in the steering. On one occasion at around 13,000 miles while parking, the steering made noise and jerked wheel back opposite of way I needed to go almost caused me to hit another car. Taking into service for 2nd maintenance and will once again point out this problem and see if anything can be done because this is happening more frequently and becoming more aggressive with car taking over my steering control.

Filed Nov 11, 2014 · Steering · IL

Approximately the middle of november, the hydraulic steering system started making loud screeching noises when it was started and the column self adjusted. Also when the vehicle column went back in after shutting off the vehicle. I have 3 separate videos if needed.

Filed Nov 8, 2014 · Steering · 12,000 miles · MD

Car put into reverse, wheel cranked all the way, and then noise hits when turning the wheel back other way. Brief grinding noise with steering wheel. Say I back out, and turn the wheel to full lock. Turning wheel to opposite direction causes a brief buzzing noise that's under a second. Doesn't always happen. Notice it most when I pull out in reverse to full lock, go to drive, and turn wheel in other direction. Doesn't matter if I'm in comfort/normal/sport mode. It's almost like something's rubbing/grinding or something. Loud clunk at low speed when turning. Mostly happens when turning into driveway, at about 3 MPH. Took it to dealership to have it checked and was told nothing was wrong or rubbing. Couldn't replicate issue.

Filed Aug 6, 2014 · Steering · 1,000 miles · CA

Happens more often when exiting a parking space (steering to the max, then going straight) but also when when taking a sharp turn. The steering locks and makes a grinding noise for couple seconds making it very hard to maneuver. The problem as been reproduced and acknowledge by dealer service, but no fix has been applied.

Filed Jul 10, 2014 · Steering · 33,000 miles · CO

On highway going downhill and curves, the steering wheel horribly shakes and vehicle feels very unsafe to drive (wobbly). Felt almost like if brakes were bad but it is not the brake (brakes have almost decent amount of pads). Tires are good too. *tr after the incident, equipped telescoping steering wheel makes loud squeaky noise when it is retracting