Acura RDX harsh shifting problems

Filed Oct 23, 2026 · Transmission · PA

This is a supplemental report to document a severe, recurring safety hazard involving an uncommanded loss of motive power and delayed acceleration from a complete stop. The vehicle is a 2018 Acura RDX with approximately 75,000 miles. The automatic transmission 4th clutch fluid pressure switch (diagnostic trouble code P0873) has failed twice in less than a six-month period. The switch was initially replaced in early July using a brand-new OEM dealership part. The vehicle had also previously undergone a full transmission fluid flush. Despite verified wiring and clean fluid, the replacement OEM component has prematurely degraded and failed yet again under identical driving conditions. The failure manifests intermittently while the vehicle is at a complete stop, such as at an intersection. Upon attempting to accelerate from the stop--specifically during critical driving maneuvers like executing a left turn across oncoming traffic--the vehicle experiences a sudden, severe lag in acceleration, harsh shifting, and drops into an uncommanded limp mode/protection state. This unpredictable, delayed acceleration leaves the vehicle lagging directly in the path of oncoming traffic, creating an imminent and severe risk of a broadside collision. Because an official OEM dealership replacement part failed in less than six months, this represents a severe component reliability defect that creates a sudden, unexpected safety hazard during normal driving conditions.

Filed Feb 4, 2026 · Transmission · NV

The vehicle has developed a serious transmission defect involving harsh shifting, delayed engagement, and repeated slipping into neutral while driving. Since picking the vehicle up from Key Acura after an inspection, the condition has worsened significantly. The “Check Engine” light, the flashing “D” indicator, and the transmission warning light are now consistently illuminated. Prior to the dealer visit, these warning lights were intermittent; they are now on at all times. The vehicle can unexpectedly lose propulsion or fail to accelerate, which creates a safety risk during normal driving, especially when merging, crossing intersections, or turning. The symptoms are consistent with the known torque converter and transmission issues documented in Acura Service Bulletin 23‑029, which applies to 2017–2018 RDX models. The dealer inspected the vehicle but did not perform repairs, and the drivability and safety concerns have become more severe since the visit. Acura/Honda Client Relations has been contacted and a case is open, but no resolution has been provided. This defect poses a significant safety concern due to the sudden loss of power while the vehicle is in motion.

Filed Dec 30, 2022 · Driver assistance, Electrical · KS

Since we have had the car we have had multiple issues with the car jerking and shifting hard after driving in S mode then going to standard mode. Dealership told us the transmission is "sensitive" in our model year and if we go 1 mile overdue for a transmission fluid flush we will have shudder/jerking/ hard shifting. (we have changed the transmission fluid 1-2x since have had the car, which is within range of recommended). Last episode- battery was dead, jumpstarted and car jerking at low speeds to the point I did not drive it and had it told. We were also told their was a short in the circuit board that controlled acuralink and what charged the battery. Jerking transmission related per dealership. lastly the sound for the blind spot monitoring is intermittently not working.

Filed Sep 29, 2022 · Transmission · TN

While driving, the car slips into manual gear shift and is slow to accelerate and it will have a hard shift of gears from 20 - 60 mph. The emissions check and transmission indicator lights are on. I can not drive the car safely because of the jerks of gear shifts or the slow acceleration when driving on roads and highways. The car is being inspected for transmission issues with concerns that there is severe damage requiring a replacement of the transmission.

Filed Jun 22, 2021 · Engine, Transmission · TX

Brand new 2021 RDX - bought 3 days ago, only 128 miles. Driving on highway and it suddenly loses power. Was able to get to shoulder, but unable to get enough power to exit the highway to find a safer place to park. Check engine light and several transmission warnings indicating I should see dealer immediately. As vehicle came close to a stop, it shuddered and clunked so badly it seemed like I ran something over, but nothing was there. Tried to shut vehicle down and restart, but constant error messages and would only lurch a little. Had to have vehicle towed to dealership, but of course they said they never heard of this happening before.

Filed Dec 16, 2020 · Brakes, Suspension · 200 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2021 acura rdx. The contact stated that while driving, she heard a clunking and rattling sound coming from the front passenger's side wheel well area. During acceleration and stopping, the contact heard a popping sound coming from the rear wheels. The vehicle was taken to jenkins acura (2025 sw college road, ocala, fl 34471, (352) 414-4588). The dealer stated that the rotors were making the sound and needed to be adjusted. The contact received a callback and was informed that the ball joints and rotors needed to be replaced, along with the axle and wheel bearings. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been contacted. The failure mileage was 200.*dt the consumer stated the dealer replaced rf rocker arm and rf ball joint eliminating the problem.

Filed Dec 14, 2020 · Suspension · 1,200 miles · FL

There is a horrible clunking noise coming from front when driving or turning (possible passenger side). It doesn't matter what your speed is. It sounds like it may be the suspension or struts and it's so bad that it sounds like my front end is falling apart. With only 2400 miles it has gotten worse and worse. Dropped it off at the dealers this morning and service tech drove it around building to come back and say how bad it sounded. He says he hasn't ever heard this noise. Also, the rear, when breaking and accelerating has a popping noise during take off and stopping. Both noises are getting much worse to the point my husband said that I could not drive it out of concern for safety until this issue is fixed. Seems crazy that you would already experience issues like this in a brand new $50k car.

Filed Oct 30, 2020 · Body, Suspension · 140,000 miles · NJ

Rear roof body paint is peeling near the tail gate. Rear suspension is clunking when driving over minor road imperfections.

Filed Jun 19, 2020 · Suspension · 1 miles · MD

While the vehicle is in motion the suspension / front dampers are making clunking and popping noises every time you go over a bumps, potholes or turn on unleveled road. The suspension parts were replaced by the dealership and the noise has gotten more prominent.

Filed Feb 6, 2019 · Suspension · 20,000 miles · FL

Acura has a rear suspension issue with many of their SUV's but is trying to avoid issuing a recall because they're too cheap to do the right thing. The rear shocks have a defect which results in a clunking noise in the rear of the car. Acura has acknowledged the problem but won't get off their rear ends and fix the issue. My car has been sitting at acura in denver colorado for over three months and their hands are tied because acura doesn't seem motivated to fix the problem promptly. There are thousands of these cars waiting for replacements all over the USA and others acura owners that don't even know this situation is going on because they are being misled and acura is intentionally trying to keep this under wraps.