Noises During Shifting Problems of Acura MDX

Acura MDX owners have reported 15 problems related to noises during shifting (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 Noises During Shifting problem of the 2015 Acura MDX

Failure Date: 05/01/2021

While car is shifting idle hangs and shutters around 1600-2000 rpm. Left front and rear shocks have loud noises when traveling over bumps.

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2 Noises During Shifting problem of the 2016 Acura MDX

Failure Date: 09/15/2020

Zf9 transmission went out at about 10,000 miles with metal particles found in atf fluid. Replaced by Acura with a new transmission apparatus. Apparently this is a rampant and dangerous problem with this model year transmission. Now at 38,000 miles (28,000 miles on the new transmission) this one is failing, slipping on shifts and making a squeaking/chirping noise between gears. Can result in failure to engage/accelerate in an emergency situation. Acura people won't take it seriously so NHTSA should get involved. A quick survey will demonstrate this is a common problem in this car. Acura has a TSB but this should be a recall item. They're trying to get beyond everyone's 6 year powertrain warranty without having to take action.

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3 Noises During Shifting problem of the 2016 Acura MDX

Failure Date: 03/01/2020

Uncontrollable acceleration, surging and bucking during braking or decreasing speed the vehicle hesitates to stop in all gears - uncontrollably dangerous acceleration also stresses additional vehicle functions - tires and brakes - suspension (inertia that causes imbalance) - steering - vehicle steering is now somewhat unbinding and veers right or left when attempts to control anomalous accelerations while braking or slowing the vehicle poor acceleration at lower city speeds and remains in erratic gears for unspecified times this is most dangerous when driving in rougher traffic and especially when there are additional demands to drive at elevating speeds transmission disengages briefly at higher speeds recently, as the vehicle increases velocity and consistency, the drive gear disengages to neutral for a few milliseconds and changes back to the drive gear and regains momentum transmission is noisy 1. Thuds and clicks while shift at various times 2. �cricket sounds� gurgling, creaks, grinds and mild knocking is present when idling and engaging after vehicle startup e. Manual transmission functions 1. Vehicle continues to move once parking gear is engaged and foot brake is released 2. Once vehicle starts, reverse and drive gear is "sticky� and makes noise (thud) when engaged.

4 Noises During Shifting problem of the 2016 Acura MDX

Failure Date: 02/27/2020

My 2016 Mdx has had its transmission replaced twice. The symptoms are usually "chirping" noises and/or rough/violent shifting behavior. On the very day that I picked the vehicle up from the Acura service shop after its 2nd transmission replacement, the vehicle still wildly exhibited "chirping" noises, all of which are documented in a youtube video that we took while driving the vehicle home that day. Even after 2 transmission replacements, the transmission is beginning to exhibit the same symptoms yet again. This is a lemon transmission. This week, I had an independent mechanic who specializes only in Acura/Honda vehicles inspect the transmission. He documented the "chirp" noise as well as "harsh" and "erratic" shifting. This is all documented in writing on his work order receipt, which I can provide upon request. This mechanic also suggested that if the transmission fails, it could cause a catastrophic crash and potential injury or death to occupants depending on the situation. Prior to the independent mechanic examining the vehicle, my local Acura service shop gave me the "run-around" song-and-dance by saying they can't fix anything because they were "unable to recreate the symptoms". They stated this despite the fact that I have extensive video/audio evidence of the symptoms on youtube of my specific vehicle.

5 Noises During Shifting problem of the 2016 Acura MDX

Failure Date: 01/01/2019

When driving the SUV after the second gear kicks in the transmission has a jolt and it feels like a lag in the shift but then pulls very hard. This shift pull happens when you are going 15-20 mph. Engine timing belt has a loud chirping noise.

6 Noises During Shifting problem of the 2017 Acura MDX

Failure Date: 08/01/2017

We have experienced many issues with our 2017 Mdx sh-awd. On a cold start when shifting from first to second gear there is a sudden lurch hard shift. Once warm this is still present but not as pronounced. The transmission seems to slip through gears and have sudden downshifts that decelerate the car or the vehicle will lurch forward without having your foot on the gas as it shifts itself into a different gear. When trying to 'punch it' and accelerate quickly it will often hesitate to go into the correct gear then suddenly rev high as it speeds up. Hunting up and down through gears while staying at a constant speed. The navigation system is extremely slow to come up and respond to inputs when the car is started. Acura has claimed this is due to cell phone bluetooth interference. Collision mitigation system has engaged twice. The first time by husband was in a parkinglot driving through a row looking for a spot to park. The car slammed on the breaks with no cars in his path and nearly caused the car behind him to rear end him. The second time I was approaching a stop light to turn right, there was a vehichle in front of me but the distance I was stoping from the rear of that vehichle was not an abnormal or alarming distance. The brakes locked up with lights flashing on the dash and an awful grinding noise coming from beneath the car. On one occasion from a parked position it would not allow us to engage it in drive. It flashed "shift to park" on the dash. It took three attempts to get it to go in to drive. The rear hatch hydrolics had to be replaced within the first 6 months as the power liftgate stopped working. One of the two key fobs also went out on us in the first 6 months, replacing the battery did nothing and the whole fob needed to be replaced.

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7 Noises During Shifting problem of the 2016 Acura MDX

Failure Date: 12/01/2016

Un intended non acceleration. Due to severe lag, delay, and sluggish transmission response. Acura has replaced my transmission under warranty at 11,000 miles and did not admit fault and say there was a problem. Here's more on my experience. . In my 1 year of ownership. . To whom it may concern: 2016� Acura Mdx 13,000 miles , purchase new from sierra Acura , alhambra, CA I am writing to request buy back of my vehicle this car is a lemon. Since taking ownership a year ago, my 2016 Mdx purchased new has experienced nothing but one problem after problem. Acura replaced transmission a month ago but the problem is still there. Is it engineered and designed to perform in a not safe manner ? many times I experience shifting and accelerating hesitation and jerky/jolting. My family and I do not feel safe operating and riding in this vehicle. Several times gas pedal depressed and vehicle lagged at 20 mph for more than 10 seconds before accelerating. A few of the latest new and ongoing problems are below. Driver door now appears off set and at different angle protruding out now. Appears that the door is not closing properly and therefore not sealed at closing. Furthermore every single window has experienced faulty mechanisms with motors, actuators, and seals. When closing the doors it feels like the windows are loose. There are also squeaks and rattles eminating throughout the cabin area. I secured and collected all loose items and the sound is still there. At engine start up each time, there is a high pitch whining noise for a few seconds before engine starts (perhaps something else faulty?) I have video / sound documentation of this with 2 seperate recording dates . With regard to the navigation, multimedia unit, it has been lagging, slow (er) to function, and severe delay in backup camera actuating, and audio functions delay in response sometimes.

8 Noises During Shifting problem of the 2016 Acura MDX

Failure Date: 07/12/2016

We purchased a 2016 Acura Mdx with sh-awd. Within the first few weeks we noticed the transmission shifts were jerky and erratic. Most of the problems occurred when driving blow 40 mph. The vehicle also lunges forward unexpectedly when decelerating while your foot is off the gas pedal. It feels as if the car downshifts and you get some unexpected accelerating. We had issues with the transmission since the first few weeks, the dealership kept saying that it is an ¿adaptive transmission¿ and will get better after time. After a few months, things only got worse. The transmission would make a loud metal on metal noise when starting the car up. The vehicle was in the dealership for almost 3 weeks before they could identify and fix the problem. They ended up replacing the entire transmission December 2015 and we had to go back to have the transmission adjusted as it was shifting so hard that you would hear a clunk. The vehicle has never been the same and it does not feel safe to drive, especially in the winter. We are very careful when coming to a stop because you never know if it will suddenly lunge forward. Now 8 months after having the transmission replaced, the same noise is coming back. The car is back in the dealership and they were able to replicate the sound again. However, now they are telling us that it¿s a characteristic of the transmission and that 40-50% of all Mdx¿s with the 9 speed auto will develop this noise! they say it is due to the fluid building up at the bottom of the transmission and when it starts up the fluid gets pushed through all the gears. It sounds more like metal on metal to me and why was the noise not there prior and always develops after 6-8 months? I have not seen anything online regarding this noise that supposedly occurs to 40-50% of Mdxs.

9 Noises During Shifting problem of the 2016 Acura MDX

Failure Date: 06/11/2016

Transmission failed. This 9 speed transmission has a fluid heater in it that has radiator water supplied to it. Car was not shifting correctly and making a beeping noise at 20 to 25 mph. Car was taken to dealer on 06/11/16 with 8,800 miles on it. They called to tell me that the 2 way valve between the coolant and transmission was faulty and coolant got into the transmission. Acura told them to replace the transmission entirely. Will take 2-3 weeks. Have been having issues the entire time we have had the car. When taking off the car does not accelerate quick, in fact, tends to stall then lurch. Have had issues with the sensors coming on, not sure if this is related to the transmission, but is a continuous issue.

10 Noises During Shifting problem of the 2005 Acura MDX

Failure Date: 09/26/2014

Transmission start making noise, jerking and problem in shifting. Sometimes it shakes alot. Lot of people had the same problem in the past. I dont understand why there is no recall.

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11 Noises During Shifting problem of the 2005 Acura MDX

Failure Date: 09/17/2014

I pulled car out of driveway and as I reacher speed of 25 miles it started jerking badly. It stopped after speed increased. Did not happened again for few days and from that day it is getting worse day by day. Lot of noise sometimes when its shifting gear. Also when I get on highway I can smell some fluid burning. Sometimes it jerk very badly on curves.

12 Noises During Shifting problem of the 2004 Acura MDX

Failure Date: 01/06/2012

Over a period of time, beginning about the date and vehicle mileage stated above, I experienced a shudder and corresponding noise as the transmission tried to shift gears. Similar to the sensation of driving across closely-spaced rumble strips, the shudder and noise seemed to vary in length of time depending on speed. This occurred many times before I became concerned and started researching during which I found dozens of similar accounts in various on-line forums. Eventually I took my Mdx to the dealership for a diagnosis. Disappointingly similar to many accounts I read on the internet, and despite my description of the problem, the Acura dealership was unable to reproduce the problem, further noting all 19 items on their multi-point inspection report as "checked and ok", including the transmission. Soon thereafter, the drive train completely froze up as I discovered after starting the car in my driveway (thankfully, not while driving the car). Despite using the transmission shift lock release button (coincidentally -?- the subject of a recall for which I have received a notice from Acura), the car remains immobile because I am unable to get the car out of park and put it into gear to return to the dealership for further diagnosis. My local Acura dealership has been unresponsive to my numerous complaints and calls attempting to remedy the problem.

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13 Noises During Shifting problem of the 2001 Acura MDX

Failure Date: 06/01/2010

Own a 2001 Acura Mdx (since 105k miles) and I noticed on driving an intermittent - what almost sounded like gear grinding. Is that possibly shuttering. The sound comes and goes unpredictably but seems to occur most in the 42-50mph range - without any dramatic rpm changes. Normally during shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear, sometimes sound like loud drum brake vibration or shaking, scary and at 150,000 mile when I took it for tradein at buerkley Acura mpls mn they admitted it has faulty tc but before that last 6-7 years I took it to white bear Acura & so more dealers they completely denied it has any issue with tranny or tc, according to them the tech could not reproduce the noise/vibration, now they are saying just avoid driving in d4 to avoid the issue, im really felt like being cheated by fraud company with poor ethics!.

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14 Noises During Shifting problem of the 2005 Acura MDX

Failure Date: 09/15/2007

The contact owns a 2005 Acura Mdx. While driving in reverse, the contact heard a clunking noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle jerked backwards and struck a concrete pole approximately 2 feet away. The vehicle automatically shifted into drive, surged forward, and struck another concrete pole. Both air bags deployed. The passenger in the front of the vehicle was trapped and unable to open the door. The police, ambulance, and fire departments arrived at the scene. A police report was filed. The contact had burns and cuts on her arms and face and a swollen right knee. She will have to undergo therapy on her neck and knee. The passenger was badly bruised. The contact spoke with Acura on September 17, 2007 and they stated that their legal department would be in touch with her, however, they have not responded as of yet. This was the second time this failure has occurred. In the first incident, the vehicle was placed in drive and accelerated on its own. The failure occurred while driving 25 mph. The VIN, engine size, and current mileage were unknown. The failure mileage was 32,000. Updated 12/12/07.

15 Noises During Shifting problem of the 2002 Acura MDX

Failure Date: 04/29/2005

After accelerating the car locked up and he skidded 3 or 4 feet. Has a clicking noise from the transmission. Now the car won't shift gears or go over 10 mph; had it looked at and was told by manufacturer that it was not covered in the recall. Did get other opinions on the transmission problem, and was told that the first person that looked at it was incorrect in their diagnosis.

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