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Acura MDX Torque Converter Scam

89 messages,  Last post on Oct 26, 2012 at 11:00 AM

You are in the Acura MDX Forum.

What is this discussion about? Acura MDX, Transmission, SUV

Messages Page 5 of 10

#37 of 89 Re: My acura mdx 2003 [paulasall] by kpsmith999

Aug 05, 2010 (9:12 am)

Replying to: paulasall (Aug 04, 2010 8:06 am)
I would shop around and get quotes form reputable transmission shops. Also, a torque converter replacement seems to be half the price of a transmission replacement. I would want to know which one makes the most sense. In my case, I was also told by the district manager that they could not help financially with the cost to replace my torque converter. When I requested that we go to the next appeal step and/or arbitration, Honda/Acura came back and said they would cover the replacement at no cost to me.

#38 of 89 2005 MDX TORQUE CONVERTER 55,000 by udeman55

Aug 09, 2010 (7:50 am)

I need a torque converter, I have been quoted $2,800 for the repair. I have filed a complaint with Acura and am waiting for a response. I also just filed my complaint with the NHTSA. The individual I spoke with said there is 21 registered complaints at this moment.

#39 of 89 Re: 2005 MDX TORQUE CONVERTER 55,000 [udeman55] by vabbey

Aug 09, 2010 (7:58 am)

Replying to: udeman55 (Aug 09, 2010 7:50 am)
You should get a new converter if its still under warranty... I have already had mine replaced.... should be at no cost to you, and you shouldnt have to file any complaints...Warranty runs out at 60,000 miles... I had mine replaced at 59,000.
The problem is...they replace it with the same converter you already had...only this time, it will seem like the problem comes back much sooner...not sure if it really is...or if its because we know exactly what to listen for now? Im ready to get rid of mine before it gets too noticable.

#40 of 89 Re: 2005 MDX Torque Converter Issue [kpsmith999] by d2men

Aug 09, 2010 (2:50 pm)

Replying to: kpsmith999 (Jul 13, 2010 7:43 am)
Do you have to take it to the dealer in order to get reimbursement from Honda? What if someone elsae did the work? Thanks

#41 of 89 Re: 2005 MDX TORQUE CONVERTER 55,000 [udeman55] by yekiot4

Aug 09, 2010 (3:12 pm)

Replying to: udeman55 (Aug 09, 2010 7:50 am)
I'm not sure what your symptoms are but my 2001 MDX was making a growling noise at 35 or so from time to time. Acura said it was the torque converter. I replace the rear end oil and the transmission fluid and the noise has gone away. I think it has something to do with the clutches making noise when the fluid gets old. Just an FYI.

#42 of 89 Re: 2005 MDX TORQUE CONVERTER 55,000 [yekiot4] by bobbysand

Aug 12, 2010 (1:19 pm)

Replying to: yekiot4 (Aug 09, 2010 3:12 pm)
If your having the 'Shudder or Vibration' problems here are a couple of useful links:
 
PCM Update for Lock-Up Clutch Function
 
Torque Converter Shudder or Vibration Between 35 and 40 MPH

#43 of 89 Re: 2005 MDX Torque Converter Issue [d2men] by kpsmith999

Aug 14, 2010 (10:14 am)

Replying to: d2men (Aug 09, 2010 2:50 pm)
Sorry....but I have not heard of Honda/Acura reimbursing for third party repairs. I only think that would come into place if they were sued and you won.

#44 of 89 NHSTA Transmission Statistics by kpsmith999

Oct 07, 2010 (5:49 pm)

The NHSTA (National Highway Safety & Transportation Administration) tracks reported issues by category. It is recognized that only a very small fraction of vehicle owners take the time to file an online complaint. You can imagine that the "real" numbers are significantly higher. That being said, here are the statistics by year for complaints mentioning "shudder/vibration/torque converter for the years 2004, 2005 and 2006. There was only one transmission problem reported for 2007, 2008 and 2009 (looks like Acura fixed the problem):
  
Year.......Total Complaints.......All Tranny Complaints.........Shudder/Vibration
2004................42............................17 (41%)........................13 (77%)
2005................51............................30 (59%)........................27 (90%)
2006................23............................14 (61%)..........................8 (57%)
Totals............116.............................61 (53%)........................48 (77%)
  
Transmission complaints by far out numbered all other complaints for Acura MDX. The Shudder/Vibration/Torque Converter issue comprised 77% of all transmission complaints. It is obvious that there was a "defect" for several years that was ignored by Acura. To speculate a little, if 48 vehicle owners reported the shudder/vibration/torque converter problem to NHSTA, and only 2% of owners with with problem actually took the time to file a complaint, that would extrapolate out to over 2,000 (2,400) vehicles that could potentially have the problem. I am sure Acura has done these numbers and has decided to address this problem one on one as owners complain (and I am sure Acura is hopefully that their vehicles are out of warranty). Also, think of all the owners that had this problem and their vehicles "were" within warranty and we would not hear from those owners in a forum such as this!
  
PS - Honda Pilot owners (same transmission at Acura MDX) have similar statistics in the NHSTA database.

#45 of 89 Acura MDX Torque Converter Scam by jcagle24

Oct 08, 2010 (5:51 am)

I haven't posted a message on here since the end of July, just giving everyone an update on my experience. Noticed transmission shudder on my 2005 Acura MDX at 107,000 miles. Gradually got worse, I let everyone know on here that Acura wouldn't do a thing about the problem, and all of my local Acura dealerships wanted anywhere from $2,700 to $4,500 to replace the torque converter (the root of the problem). What a joke too, that the Acura dealerships are all over the place with their prices to do the exact same job as the other. Anyway I got a small transmission shop in Atlanta to order an aftermarket torque converter instead of replacing one faulty mdx t.c. with another, and so far after putting 5k miles on the aftermarket converter it seems to be working just fine. Good luck to all dealing with this problem; hopefully one day Acura will make everything right because they are obviously knowingly selling a faulty product!

#46 of 89 2006 MDX torque converter by mumbless89

Oct 27, 2010 (10:13 am)

i just had my TC replaced. it was $1500 from a private mechanic. Problem is, i got the car back and the VSA light is on and the VTM button won't engage( nor the VSA button). I brought it back to him and i'm waiting to see what happens. It's sad that such a nice car has such an expensive problem.

Messages Page 5 of 10

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