Automatic Transmission Control Module Problems of Acura MDX

Acura MDX owners have reported 11 problems related to automatic transmission control module (under the power train category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Acura MDX based on all problems reported for the MDX.

1 Automatic Transmission Control Module problem of the 2017 Acura MDX

Failure Date: 04/24/2025

On [xxx], while driving from orlando, FL to atlanta, GA, I experienced one of the most terrifying moments of my life. I was traveling on the freeway at approximately 80 mph, in lane 3 or 4, when my vehicle suddenly began to hesitate and lose power without any warning. In that moment, fear and panic took over. Cars were flying past me, and I could feel my truck rapidly decelerating. I immediately turned on my hazard lights and began honking to alert other drivers, praying they would give me space to move over. Thankfully, I was able to carefully navigate across lanes and reach the far-left shoulder. Once I got into the acceleration/deceleration lane, the vehicle suddenly lurched forward and began accelerating again—completely on its own. I knew I couldn't risk staying on the road, so I exited at the next ramp and pulled into a gas station, still shaken. After refueling, I attempted to restart the truck, but it would no longer shift into drive or neutral. The truck was stuck in park and completely inoperable. A roadside mechanic responded to my call for help and made several attempts to restore mobility, but nothing worked. I spent the evening stranded and alone, unsure of what to do next. The following day, [xxx], I had the vehicle towed to Honda south near atlanta, GA. After inspection, I was informed that the issue was a complete transmission failure. In addition to needing a new transmission, the vehicle also required replacement of critical sub-assembly components, including the transmission control module (tcm). This situation was not just a mechanical failure—it was a serious safety event that put my life and the lives of others at risk. I’m still shaken by what happened and deeply concerned about how such a failure could occur so suddenly and without warning. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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2 Automatic Transmission Control Module problem of the 2018 Acura MDX

Failure Date: 05/01/2024

While driving car turned cel/epb/emission, car lost power while engine still running suddenly so I pulled to the side of the street. I put in park and turn engine off and on, it would not let me put in any gears . I hold down parking brakes and finally it let me engage the gears. The Acura technician found clutch positions controlled error which caused engine stall conditions, this dtc is typically caused by outdated tcm, pcm software. This situation is a safety issues, the manufacturer should fix for free, the engine stall may cause a major accident if I am on the highway.

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3 Automatic Transmission Control Module problem of the 2014 Acura MDX

Failure Date: 07/15/2022

The contact owns a 2014 Acura Mdx. The contact stated while driving 45 mph, the vehicle was jerking upon acceleration and deceleration. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the transmission control module (tcm) software was updated, and the transmission fluid was flushed; however, the failure reoccurred while driving. The vehicle was taken to a local pep boys where it was diagnosed that the transmission control valve solenoid had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer who provided the same diagnostic information. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 175,000.

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4 Automatic Transmission Control Module problem of the 2018 Acura MDX

Failure Date: 03/13/2022

When trying to accelerate after braking the vehicle has a massive hesitation where it just sits there doing nothing literally for a solid second. Not only being very frustrating it's imo very dangerous. If I'm at a yield and then need to merge quickly, if I'm getting on a highway from a parking lot, if I'm trying to switch lanes in traffic, etc etc the vehicle just bogs down and does nothing for that 1-2 seconds. Drive the vehicle normally, apply the brakes and then right away take your foot off the brake and accelerate. You don't have to mash the accelerator, even with light to moderate pressure you will notice that lag where the vehicle is just sitting there with zero power. If you do accelerate moderately or hard after a second or 2 of doing nothing it will just completely jerk into motion. Does the same thing in all modes, it's actually worse in sport and sport+ mode because you get more power after the hesitation after braking moderately hard from 40mph to 15mph because someone cut in front. Then I changed lanes and had to accelerate because that other lane was going quite a bit faster. Hit the gas and nothing for what seemed like the longest 1. 5 seconds until the thrust came back online pattern: from stop --> accelerate for about approx 20 mph -->release the gas pedal and immediately apply the gas pedal. Another pattern: travel in about 40 mph, apply the brakes to a speed below 20 mph and apply gas pedal. Consulted with the dealer multiple times and they think this is normal for 2018 Mdxes. But it is indeed a safety concern. The dealer said they applied TSB 20-015 tcm update and it still has not resolved the problem. This is a huge securty issue and danger hazzard. The issue happens every day. Below reported date is the latest occurrence.

5 Automatic Transmission Control Module problem of the 2017 Acura MDX

Failure Date: 11/17/2021

Driving east on interstate 20/59 10 miles east of meridian, ms November 17, 2021 around 2:00 pm. A lot of trucks on the road. Had speed control set at 69 mph. Came up behind a semi doing about 65, pulled over to the left lane to go around him. When I got about half way all of a sudden all hell breaks loose. Vehicle goes in into emergency stop with lights flashing all over the dash. Vehicle brakes to around 30 mph within a couple of hundred feet with semi's and cars beside and behind me. Finally got the vehicle over to the side of the rode without and accident. (a miracle inself). Code dtc p0716. After about an hour of shutdown, started engine and all messages were gone. Took it to the Acura dealer and they, evidently, updated the tcm software. I had not been notified that it needed and update which is negligence on Acura. This incidence could have been a catastrophe with possible deaths. Now my wife is really afraid to drive this vehicle.

6 Automatic Transmission Control Module problem of the 2019 Acura MDX

Failure Date: 10/25/2021

I think this recall needs to be expanded: Honda and Acura have recalled 2019 and 2020 vehicles including the cr-v and accord for fuel pumps which can malfunction and cause the engine to lose power. My wife recently had her 2019 Mdx stall on her in an intersection and she had to turn off the car and turn it back on so it would work. It sounds exactly like the below: “while driving, the vehicle shifts into neutral, the transmission indicator comes and dtc p0657 (actuator supply voltage circuit/open) is stored. The driver will not be able to select any other gear until the vehicle is turned off and restarted. Update the pgm-fi [programmed fuel injection] software and the tcm software, clear any dtcs [diagnostic trouble codes], and do the pcm [powertrain control module] idle learn procedure. ” - TSB 15-034 additionally, may 23, 2021 we had an experience where the same Mdx decelerated as we merged into traffic at I-30 and I-820 in ft. Worth. I let off the accelerator going 60-70 mph and then stepped on the accelerator to complete my merge and there was no power. Speed dropped to around 20 almost instantly. I had to completely let off the accelerator and depress it again to get going. Very scary situation considering how fast people drive on texas freeways. These are two big issues Honda/Acura needs to address ASAP as both put consumers at risk of injury and possibly death.

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7 Automatic Transmission Control Module problem of the 2016 Acura MDX

Failure Date: 10/09/2021

I believe my transmission or the electrical component(s) to my transmission failed. I was driving down the road and all of a sudden my car shifted into neutral and would not allow me to accelerate so we had make our way to the shoulder to put the car in park. Having my vehicle thrown into neutral while driving and not being able to accelerate put not only us, but other drivers at serious risk! there were several warning messages popping up on our screen (see attached photos). In researching this issue, I found that there had been several tsbs and a class action lawsuit claiming the same issue faced by many drivers. It is currently at the Acura dealership getting serviced and they will be replacing the entire transmission and tcm harness under the cpo warranty. I cannot believe there has not been a recall on this potentially life-threatening issue.

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8 Automatic Transmission Control Module problem of the 2016 Acura MDX

Failure Date: 07/23/2018

When driving around 75 mph on the interstate I went to switch lanes and when pressing the accelerator nothing happened and acceleration was not possible. All warning lights came on, including all wheel drive system problem, emission system problem, all wheel drive system problem, transmission system problem. Check engine and sh-awd. The power steering and brakes still worked and was extremely lucky to get the car to the shoulder without getting injured or killed. Had car towed to chattanooga Acura dealer. Car was operating normally when they received it. Acura tech support advised dealer to replace transmission and transmission control module (tcm). Also was told Acura is working on a software update for the tcm but it is not available yet but I have little confidence in the fix and little confidence that this won't reoccur. Strongly considering replacing the car.

9 Automatic Transmission Control Module problem of the 2016 Acura MDX

Failure Date: 07/15/2018

9 speed transmission lurches forward when trying to stop - sending the car forward while trying to brake. Happens when the car should shift between gears 3-2 and 1-2/2-1. Acura dealership said it's the fuel saver once, normal the second time, and updated the tcm/pcm another. There is no one addressing this when it could send my car into another car when trying to stop. The last time I drove it on Sunday 7/15 I was slowing down to turn into a shopping center, going around 20mph when the car jerked forward, snapping my neck forward 12"-14" then back again. The car is at the dealership now with the service adviser saying the lurching is the fuel saver and that Acura won't pay for a warrantied item unless the service light/codes are there.

10 Automatic Transmission Control Module problem of the 2005 Acura MDX

Failure Date: 04/20/2010

My 2005 Acura Mdx drive train will make a "judder" sound and can be felt in the vehicle all while loosing acceleration at around 30 to 40 mph. The resulting loss of acceleration leads to serious safety concerns while trying to merge into traffic on ramps. There was a recall regarding this problem from Acura. I took the Mdx into the dealer and they did a pcm program update. This seemed to fix the problem for about two months but now the problem is back again.

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11 Automatic Transmission Control Module problem of the 2005 Acura MDX

Failure Date: 01/02/2009

Hello, I am a very frustrated Acura Mdx owner. I hd prchsed 2005 cura Mdx brand new. I usd the SUV for 3 years when I started hearing a "viration" or "judder"noice while cruising between 20-45 miles per hour. In December 2010, I received a recall and was very happy that the issue will be resolved. I took the recall notice sent by Honda motors and went to the alhambra, CA Acura dealership. The dealership updated the pcm a/t software . The cause in the work order was mentioned as producr update - pm update for lock-up clutch function. Software update s/b# 09-037. I got it update within 3 hours and finally felt happy that my SUV will be running fine. To my utter dismay, I found the same problem still exists. It is ver frustrating and feel very nervous while driving with my family. I even get scared to drive thesuv in case it will stop on freeway. Nhtsa is a governing bdy to help such situation. I am pretty sure, this issue has been reported before in nhta web site. I earnestly reqest nhts to tae this erious and pssible life threating matter with Acura and make them accountable and responsible thanks sudheer maharana ower of Acura Mdx 2005.



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