Acura MDX whining noise problems

Filed Oct 29, 2026 · Transmission · VA

My 2022 Acura MDX lost motive power due to a transmission and transfer case failure at 64,306 miles. The transmission first became jumpy shifting from 1st to 2nd gear, then began whining and self-correcting. The jerking worsened in stop-and-go traffic until the vehicle became stuck in low gear and at times lost all gears completely. On the drive to the dealer, it nearly would not go into gear at all, and I did not think it was going to make it. The dealer (Crown Acura, [XXX], repair order #XXX) found the transmission fluid level low and the transfer case fluid dark, indicating the two fluids had been mixing. Diagnostic codes present were described by the dealer as transmission failure codes. After removing the transfer case, the dealer found brown sludge and worn connections between the transfer case and transmission, and noted the vehicle was not far from the relatively common failure of the transfer case. Both the transmission and the transfer case were replaced, and the transmission control module was reprogrammed with a new module. The vehicle was in the shop for approximately six weeks. The repair was covered under the certified pre-owned powertrain warranty at no cost to me. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jul 6, 2026 · Transmission · CA

Driving my Acura MDX on the highway, I hear a noticeable engine whine as I accelerate, and it rises in pitch when I take my foot off the accelerator.

Filed Jun 1, 2026 · Driver assistance · NC

Good morning, Out of nowhere my dashboard lit up after 5+ years of having no issues with the vehicle. I believe there are a total of 5 safety features that are linked to the ADAS camera in this MDX but i am not 100%, it may be 4 safety features. I am not here to whine about a repair on a 6 year old vehicle but this particular issue has become extremely common with this vehicle. I believe (along with all the other owners) that the ADAS issue with certain year Acura & Honda is happening way to often way too soon. my MDX does not even have 70k on it! after doing some research between Facebook, Reddit & many other Acura/Honda forums this appears to be all too common. when that camera shits the bed you lose many of the main safety features that may have brought you to purchase that vehicle. My local Acura dealer in Wilmington, NC told me he is replacing this part once a month and none of them are under warranty I'm not sure why he shared that with me but he did. that is an alarming number considering where i live and how few MDX's there probably are in my area. Where i live everyone drives either a full size pickup or suv and theyre all American brands. the dealer wants $1800 for the repair. I'm getting it done because i have the money to do it but I am not happy at all. normal wear and tear repairs i get, this one however i have a major issue with it. many people are not having the repair done because the car is driveable. any help with this would be greatly appreciated & thank you for your time. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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 Jan 13, 2022 · Transmission · IL

After 4 times of taking the vehicle to two dealerships for the same concerns, I am having the following problems with my vehicle at this time:: wind/whistling/whining noise heard while driving and has gone unresolved. The car consistently makes a whining/whistling noise when reaching speeds between 40-65mph and has been a known issue with this year make and model per documentation provided to me by the dealership.

Filed May 12, 2017 · Body, Electrical · 11,111 miles · CA

Un intended non acceleration. Due to severe lag, delay, and sluggish transmission response. Acura has replaced my transmission under warranty at 11,000 miles and did not admit fault and say there was a problem. Here's more on my experience..in my 1 year of ownership.. To whom it may concern: 2016 acura mdx 13,000 miles , purchase new from sierra acura , alhambra, ca I am writing to request buy back of my vehicle this car is a lemon. Since taking ownership a year ago, my 2016 mdx purchased new has experienced nothing but one problem after problem. Acura replaced transmission a month ago but the problem is still there. Is it engineered and designed to perform in a not safe manner ? Many times I experience shifting and accelerating hesitation and jerky/jolting. My family and I do not feel safe operating and riding in this vehicle. Several times gas pedal depressed and vehicle lagged at 20 MPH for more than 10 seconds before accelerating. A few of the latest new and ongoing problems are below. Driver door now appears off set and at different angle protruding out now. Appears that the door is not closing properly and therefore not sealed at closing. Furthermore every single window has experienced faulty mechanisms with motors, actuators, and seals. When closing the doors it feels like the windows are loose. There are also squeaks and rattles eminating throughout the cabin area. I secured and collected all loose items and the sound is still there. At engine start up each time, there is a high pitch whining noise for a few seconds before engine starts (perhaps something else faulty?) I have video / sound documentation of this with 2 seperate recording dates . With regard to the navigation, multimedia unit, it has been lagging, slow (er) to function, and severe delay in backup camera actuating, and audio functions delay in response sometimes.

Filed Aug 25, 2015 · Transmission · 50,148 miles · VA

While driving the front wheel bearing or transmission is making noises, like whining, droning, or humming. I had the front hubs and bearings replaced with new oem hubs and bearings. The noise has continued!!!

Filed Feb 11, 2014 · Engine, Transmission · 164,000 miles · AL

On january 14, 2014 my daughter took our 2006 mdx to the dealer for mechanical evaluation. The car has been hesitating while driving, trying to stop the car while driving. The diagnose came back with the following: transmission needs to be replaced and engine mounts have to be replaced as well for the total of around $7,200. In october 2008 (mileage 55k) the original transmission has been replaced with a re-manufactured part. December 2009 original symptoms (whining noise, shutter at 40-50 MPH) have recurred and have been reported to dealer's mechanics. They could not see any problems. December 2010 whining noise started coming back again. Dealer's mechanics could not find anything wrong. Now we are faced with a transmission that is malfunctioning plus engine mounts have to be replaced. In speaking with acura's customer care I was informed that the transmission replaced in 2008 was not an authentic acura part. I kept insisting on more in depth explanation but did not receive any. It is my understanding that improperly working transmission causes damage to engine mounts. It seems acura dealer's mechanics have somewhathow missed it. Acura is not willing to take responsibility for any of their omissions. Now the car is no longer under warranty. All of described instances are a huge safety hazard. Putting in non-authentic parts under the label of warranty is a fraudulent step. All services have been performed at jerry damson honda dealership in huntsville, alabama. I would like a formal investigation. In addition I feel that dealership's mechanics should go through additional training to avoid future misdiagnoses and a reduce danger to consumers.

Filed Oct 15, 2012 · Engine, Transmission · 34,095 miles · NY

I brought the car into the dealer because I was having transmission problems or power steering problems. I indicated that the car makes a whine at about 1500 RPM. The dealer chose to treat it as a power steering problem. The power steering pump was replaced. There was still a whine although less. The car RPM hangs up on deceleration to a stop. Some times when going down hill the car does not upshift until the car is accelerated even though the road slope is zero. The dealer never informed me when I brought the vehicle in for the original concern that there were some problems with the transmission or torque converter hanging up.

Filed Jan 26, 2012 · Steering · 40,000 miles · NY

A whining sound is being discovered from the power steering pump/rack area after 30 minutes of drive on highway then slowdowns to the streets. The whining noise gets louder when turning the steering wheel to either left or right (not necessarily all the way). The noise go away after stopping the engine for a couple of hours. Diagnosed at the dealer, found to be a defective part - power steering rack (53601-stx-a01).