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Acura MDX Transmission Problems

140 messages,  Last post on Nov 22, 2009 at 3:04 PM

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#131 of 140 more on the transmission by madmommy3 Nov 03, 2009 (7:32 am)
I wanted to add that when the tran shop (not the dealership who I left with a big, bad attitude) fixed my transmission. During the fix, they said that the radiator was clogged with all sorts of junk and they couldn't flush it out even with their super flusher. They said we needed to replace the radiator b/c when they hooked the new tranny up to the plumbing (however that works), only clogged junk would be passing through to the new tranny and it would go out quickly. They don't do radiators so it wasn't an upsell sort of thing and after discussing it, it made sense. So I guess the message is make sure you radiators are in good shape and clean as that may in fact kill your tranny sooner. Please forgive the non-car language, I was not pre-mechanic in school Car seems fine so far but we have only had it on a few minor jaunts around town and one mini trip about 100 miles round trip. We plan to trade it in in 2-3 years when I pay off my (Honda) mini-van. Maybe a Ford Explorer is in the wind. I despise Acura and all they stand for for not backing up their problem. And, I will share the news with the world about Acura, Goodson Acura (my experience), etc. etc.
#132 of 140 and while i am being grumpy by madmommy3 Nov 03, 2009 (7:35 am)
Also, my back window of my Acura is leaking water when it rains, my rear A/C motor is out and the CD player pooped out a long time ago, supposedly was replaced and went out again just after warranty. It is useless. Isn't that all happiness?!
#133 of 140 Re: My Last Honda Product [hairbag] by me_mdx Nov 03, 2009 (7:14 pm)
Replying to: hairbag (Nov 02, 2009 2:52 pm) I have a 2002 MDX that I purchased in new in 2001. The transmission was replaced once under warranty in 2005 (I think). At about 115,000 miles and less than two years ago I started to get a shuddering vibration and noise from the transmission at slower speeds and after the transmission was warm. I took the car to the dealer and they determined that the torque converter was bad and that the entire transmission would have to be replaced. Not wanting to spend $3K, I just kept driving the car and started exploring alternatives. I was able to get quotes from independent shops to replace just the torque converter, but the cost was still too high. About one month ago I took the car in to the local Honda service for new rear brakes and and oil change, and explained the transmission problem to the service guy. He suggested flushing the transmission fluid, because sometimes the small pumps and orifices can get clogged, which can cause problems for the torque converter. I paid $150 to have the transmission flushed and new fluid added, and guess what? It solved the problem! No more shuddering or vibrations and the car runs like a charm at 167K! Recommendation: keep the transmission fluid clean and change it regularly.
#134 of 140 Re: 2006 acura mdx tranny (t converter) problems [kobbe] by tamdagreat Nov 11, 2009 (3:45 pm)
Replying to: kobbe (Sep 29, 2009 9:22 am) Hi,   I have similar problems with my 2006 Acura MDX. I have 103,000 miles on my MDX and have been hearing that shuttering noise when accelerating to 30-40 mph. My check engine light came on and I was told it was the catalytic converter.   I took it to the shop and they performed a Induction Service and cleaned the throttle body. The engine light is off and I don't hear the noise at the moment so I am waiting to see if the light and noise return. It's funny how we're having similar problems and the dealership told me my problem is with the catalytic converter.
#135 of 140 2003 MDX Transmission Failure by rednsx Nov 15, 2009 (2:29 pm)
My wife's MDX (88,000 miles) transmission would not engage while in a drive-thru. After restarting the car, it became drivable. I drove the vehicle to the mechanic that normally work's on my work truck. He advised me of Acura/Honda transmission problems and suggested I contact the local dealer regarding a possible Acura factory extended warranty. Of course, the service writer I spoke with at the dealership said there was no transmission recall for this year MDX but would contact me with the repair cost. The following day I was notified the replacement cost of the trans. would be $3545.00. I was not amused. After reading several post on this forum, I contacted Acura Corp. Office. They indicated I would need to have the local dealership service manager request a decision from the Acura Area Service rep. Within an hour they offered to reduce the repair cost to $1733.00. Although not cheap, it was still $1812.00 less and was repaired in 3 days (with a free loaner car). I asked the manager what affects the decision in these matters. He said they consider regular maintenance ( at the dealership), condition of the vehicle (not abused) when offering repair assistance. I also believe Acura knows there are issues with their trans. and on a case by case situation will offer assistance. Although it's disappointing to have a major problem at this milage, Acura (in my case) made things a little more acceptable. Would I buy another MDX? Probably not.     PS Thanks to all of the people who post on Edmunds. I have learned much in the past regarding other vehicles and wanted to add my experience to the discussion. Replies to this message: gugy68 (Nov 15, 2009 3:34 pm)
#136 of 140 Re: 2003 MDX Transmission Failure [rednsx] by gugy68 Nov 15, 2009 (3:34 pm)
Replying to: rednsx (Nov 15, 2009 2:29 pm) I had a similar issue as you. The dealer contact me and offer to reduce it to $2500. I declined the service. I took my 2003 MDX and did a major flush and transmission oil clean up. For my surprise the noise and vibration that I was felling earlier is pretty much gone. But I already decided to sell/trade in the car before year's end. I was very disappointed by Acura and I feel even if I paid for the transmission job, hey would only offer 36k for the service and I think at this point there is no guarantees that at 37k the same issue will arise again reading most of posts here. I will only consider an Acura again if I have at least 100k miles warranty on it.
#137 of 140 2003 MDX Transmission Failure by jmdeur Nov 17, 2009 (7:23 pm)
My MDX lost its transmission today at around 94,000. No noises, etc. - just stopped applying power to the wheels while driving down the street. There's no Acura dealer in town, so had it towed to the local Honda dealer. After the perfunctionary "did you get the transmission fluid changed per schedule" (yes), he started looking up replacement prices for new transmissions. Looks like some folks have been successful in resurrecting their MDX transmissions by getting a flush - any consensus on that? Looks like others have gotten some assistance in the past from Acura in splitting replacement costs for what would appear to be a fatal design flaw (or flaws) - has anyone had success recently in this (and what approach worked - call their 800 number, etc.)? It's astounding to see that even on just one board that half a dozen or more MDX owners have lost transmissions in just the last couple of weeks. After dropping nearly $1000 on a new starter earlier this year, $3000+ for a transmission is likely to lead to quick disposal of this rapidly aging POS - especially with the timing belt replacement looming in the near future. First and last Honda/Acura product for me. Replies to this message: madmommy3 (Nov 18, 2009 6:15 am)
#138 of 140 Re: 2003 MDX Transmission Failure [jmdeur] by madmommy3 Nov 18, 2009 (6:15 am)
Replying to: jmdeur (Nov 17, 2009 7:23 pm) bummer. more and more failures keep cropping up. I did do a 3 year/36K mile warranty on my new transmission but reality is, it's the same transmission. So we too will have a limited life on this car. We could start a class action chain and see where it gets us. I too have the timing belt looming. We still figured though, why fix a $4000 problem with a $30,000 solution (new car minimum). So we licked our wounds and are keeping it until our van is paid off. What a waste of money. it's beautiful still but we know that trouble is looming. We found the radiator problem AFTER the tranny failed so not sure which came first (if we would have flushed or replaced radiator first, perhaps no tranny failture) but that does't seem to be the case in the overall design. Ours choked at 70K miles. I too will never buy another Acura. But I have been loyal to Honda for years so I am not sure if I will completely give up on Honda but will certainly entertain other options where before it would be a no brainer. Stay tuned and let's see where this all goes!
#139 of 140 2003 MDX Transmission Failure II by jmdeur Nov 19, 2009 (6:12 pm)
Just an update on post from a couple days back. The next morning after having the now transmission challenged MDX towed to the local Honda dealer, got a call from their service manager. He'd contacted the nearest Acura dealer (about 30 miles away) and learned from his counterpart there that Acura would likely cover most, if not all of the cost of replacing the transmission. Called the Acura dealer and spoke to this guy. Of course, his first question was whether this MDX had ever been in for service there - hell yes, just had a starter replaced there earlier this year. He said he'd have to call Acura to see what they would offer. A couple hours later he called back and said they'd cover 90% of the cost for the replacement, if we could get the MDX up to their shop. He'd also give us a loaner for the duration (unlike the Honda dealer). So, rode up in the tow truck with the MDX ($95 tow charge, but that's less than car rental would be down here, so no complaints). It may be early next week before they can get to it - yep, another MDX with a broken tranny is ahead of us (this poor soul was driving down from Chicago on his way to a funeral when his 2001 lost it while tooling down the interstate - geez, these things must be dropping like flies). Anyway, feeling better than a couple days ago, but still wondering what they were drinking when they designed this beast.
#140 of 140 My 2003 Current status by pvargyas Nov 22, 2009 (3:04 pm)
Bought my 2003 MDX new in June 03. Very reliable until about 95K. Then I am getting a slight vibration about 40-45mph. Have had flush at about 40K. Took it to dealer. Said needs a new torque converter. About $1750. Said I woul wait. However said I had 2 motor mounts cracked. Dealer replaced for $600.00! Talked to several mechanics about trans. Suggested a power flush and add a bottle of Lucas trans fix. Merlins did it for me and now no problems up to 101,000. Cost me $99.00. Coming up on timing belt at 105K. Dealer said $2150 including water pump. My Merlins shop has done these before, 6.6 hours labor, $660.00 plus parts. Looks like timing belt kit and water pump part kit are $325.00. Suggested new plugs and wires at same time. Its a shame on the trans issues, I really like this car!

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