Five problems related to transmission failure have been reported for the 2005 Acura MDX. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2005 Acura MDX based on all problems reported for the 2005 MDX.
Total transmission failure while under incline load driving, leaving vehicle unable to maneuver in traffic to reasonably get to safety.
The transmission cooler connection blew out of the radiator, unfortunately there is no oil pressure switch for transmissions so I had no idea that the trans fluid was pouring all over the road. Lucky for me I was just leaving the house and my friend saw it and stopped me. Upon looking at the part -it has only 3 threads and I have found out this is a common thing for Mdx and pilot SUV's. I could have been in an accident due to the transmission failure that has resulted from this failure by others as I have seen on your site example:. ( pilot ex-l 244hp 3. 5l sohc 24-valve automatic transmission failure).
The Acura Mdx that we (myself and my wife) own began to show pronounced transmission problems during October, 2012. We purchased the vehicle only one month prior. Initially, after inspection by the dealer, we were told that the issues we were having with acceleration and downshifting related to clogged fuel injectors, but the problem did not diminish once they were cleaned. The vehicle would "rev" at high rpm's during acceleration and would "bang" and jolt when the vehicle downshifted. We had a thorough transmission inspection and learned that the vehicle's transmission was failing. It had a limited warranty which allowed for a used replacement transmission, which was installed by aamco in warwick, ri. Our out of pocket cost was still approximately $600. 00.
While driving the SUV in a busy street 30-45mph felt the vibration, grinding, the triangle distress sign came on and felt the vehicle is going to stall. Managed to get the SUV to the parking lot on the right side. The SUV completely stalled there and we got it towed to the Acura dealer. They looked at it and the technician gave us the initial diagnosis as "radiator has blown coolant line , fluids have cross contaminated and will take a lot of time to bleed out, also possible transmission failure in the process would need to retest drive after radiator replacement to see if transmission works".
At speeds between 30-50mph when the engine is under a slight load and the rpms are attempting to hold between 1100-1400, there is a loud vibration and shudder. The rpms jitter back and forth jumping by about 100 rpms or so as it tries to hold a steady speed. I had it checked at a local transmission shop and they recommend that I replace the transmission because the problem will just continue to get worse until the transmission completely fails. . Read more...