Power Train Problems of Acura MDX - part 1

Factory seal allows water to seep into the internal coupling cavity. The water mixes with the factory grease, creating a rusty, muddy brown fluid that eventually washed out and leaks from the casing. Over time, this moisture causes the interfacing splines between the transmission and the transfer case to strip and shear off completely.

See all problems of the 2022 Acura MDX 🔎.

Car transfer case goes out and takes the transmission out as well and makes the car fwd from shawd.

At 75,000 miles I noticed that the vehicle was losing fluids on the bottom. The fluid color was a reddish color. I took it into Acura for a diagnosis and I was told that the seal between the drivetrain and transmission has worn and is causing all of the fluids to be leaked out of the car. They told me it would be $10,000 to replace the drivetrain and transmission because the a repair cannot be made.

The auto shutoff and restart system has failed multiple times causing the car to shutoff in the middle of traffic. This has happened in traffic on the interstate, on surface streets and in the drive thru line. Safety was put at risk as had to restart car in middle of traffic multiple times; once car would not restart at stop light. This could have caused an accident as vehicle was at a full stop with cars coming up from behind in the road. Dealer has replaced starter and relay twice. In less than 2 years, I'm on my third starter. Dealer has inspected vehicle multiple times. No warning messages or other symptoms before occurring. When the engine would not restart at intersection, warning message of "transmission system problem, apply parking brake when parked. See your dealer" could not restart engine.

See all problems of the 2025 Acura MDX 🔎.

2023 Acura Mdx type s. 28k miles. While merging onto highway, I sped up and at 25 mph, I heard a loud metal clunk from underneath the car. Car still drove and functioned as a two wheel drive instead of awd. Went in for service and was told that the transmission and power train unit would need to be replaced and will be replaced under powertrain warranty by Acura.

See all problems of the 2023 Acura MDX 🔎.

Engine turns off while in drive or stopped at a red light/stop sign. It has happened 7-10 times withing the last couple of months, but 3-4 times within the last week. Out of the four times it happened, my family's safety was at risk, because the car was in drive, and could've caused us to get into an accident. During the other occasions, we were moving in reverse and stopped at a stop sign. Complaint was made with Acura of bay shore in long island, NY, at which time an update of computer engine was performed but issue wasn't fixed due to back-order part that needs to be replaced. Unfortunately, just yesterday (August 13, 2026) car turned off at light causing a road hazard to vehicles and my family stuck in a large intersection. Multiple engine lights turned on, but I was unable to turn the car on or move it. Approximately 10 min later, I was able to turn the car on and move it to safe location. I spoke to Acura of bay shore, and it is a known issue but till this date, isn't fixed. Vehicle is a hazard and can cause serious bodily harm/or death. Thank you.

See all problems of the 2020 Acura MDX 🔎.

My 2023 Mdx type s is currently at mungenast st louis Acura. Transfer case and transmission are both being replaced at roughly 56,000 miles. I made a turn and heard a loud noise. Because I was under acceleration my car was hard to control when it happened. Scared me and immediately let off the gas.

Vehicle lost rear traction and leaking fluid from the transmission or front differential. Brought vehicle to dealer. They replaced transmission and transfer case.

The splines to the transmission and front transfer case are worn and stripped and that is causing a bad transmission fluid leak. The fix for this unfortunately is to replace the transmission and the transfer case assy. I am not getting any support from Acura, as this is a known problem according to the dealer. Acura is not cooperating and the cost to repair is $14,000. I noticed a transmission fluid leak, so I took the vehicle into the Acura dealership. No check engine light came on, no notification that there was a catastrophic failure occurring to my car. I've been reading that this is happening to several other Acura vehicles as well.

Took car in for oil change and service tech saw that there was transmission fluid leaking. They then found that the splines were sheared off going into the transfer case and transmission. We received new transmission and transfer case. So far everything is working. We did not get any warning that there was an issue until we took it to the dealership. Putting in the case as this seems to be a common issue on type s models.

Humming noise from drivetrain. Took vehicle to Acura dealer and was diagnosed loss of all wheel drive due to interfacing spline failure between transmission and transfer case resulting in only front wheel drive. Found open investigation NHTSA with other vehicles experiencing the same failure. Dp26001.

On my 2017 Acura Mdx sh-awd with approximately 112,000 miles, the engine experienced a sudden catastrophic failure while I was traveling at highway speed. The vehicle abruptly lost power, the accelerator became unresponsive, smoke came from the vehicle hood and exhaust area, and multiple warning lights illuminated. The failure occurred with no advance warning and created a serious safety risk because I suddenly lost propulsion while traveling approximately 75 mph in highway traffic. An independent repair facility inspected the vehicle and reported that connecting rod/bearing failure resulted in catastrophic engine damage. I was advised that two connecting rods/bearings failed and caused holes in the engine block, with a rod/component also damaging the a/c compressor. Oil subsequently leaked from the damaged engine. Prior to the sudden failure, I did not have warning lights or other indications suggesting an imminent engine failure. The warning lights appeared during or immediately after the loss of power. The vehicle has been inspected by a repair facility and the engine requires replacement. The vehicle/failed components can be made available for inspection upon request. I am particularly concerned because Acura has previously recalled certain vehicles for connecting rod bearing failures that can result in engine damage, stalling, or loss of motive power. My vehicle is the same model year and has experienced an apparently similar catastrophic connecting rod/bearing failure, but my VIN is not currently included in the recall 23v-751. I am submitting this complaint so NHTSA can evaluate whether the affected population may extend beyond the vins currently covered in that recall. This is also linked to NHTSA’s new investigation pe25008.

See all problems of the 2017 Acura MDX 🔎.

Transmission failed and light appeared. Speed reduced from 30 to 15. Acura stated they had to reset computer system and claimed when they started the car no lights shown and was able to reverse car. I was unable to reverse car, struggled and tugged feeling in the car. This is the 2nd time and they always repeat same solution no lights appeared and to reset system.

See all problems of the 2018 Acura MDX 🔎.

The contact owns a 2022 Acura Mdx. The contact stated that while the vehicle was receiving a routine oil change, the rear wheels failed to rotate. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission and transfer case needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the drive shaft was moving freely while in park. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 134,984.

The contact owns a 2022 Acura Mdx. The contact stated that drops of fluid were discovered on the floor of the garage. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for diagnosis, and the contact was informed that transmission fluid was leaking due to a failure of the power take off (pto) unit and transmission spline, causing the transmission to overheat and leak fluid. The contact was informed that the transmission and pto unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 97,000.

The car made a clunk sound while driving and wouldn't accelerate. After coming to a stop and trying to take off, the car still had difficulty accelerating. After turning the car off and back on everything appeared fine. The loss of acceleration was unexpected and there were no warning lights or indication of an issue. The lack of ability to accelerate along with the clunk sound caused unnecessary safety risks by not allowing the car to maneuver out of danger and disrupting the flow of traffic unexpectedly. The car then began leaking oil. The Acura dealership noted that the oil was transmission and power transfer unit oil and the car no longer has all wheel drive but only front wheel drive. The loss of all wheel drive without any indication or warning is a serious safety issue because it affects all aspects of drivability (handling, acceleration, traction). They said over time the splines of the power transfer unit input shaft rust and then sheer off which causes metal to damage the transmission seal and power transfer unit seal. The service manager said this was a known issue due to bad engineering and there is no way to prevent it. The vehicle is unchanged since the incident and can be inspected.

Began to notice a knocking noise from lower engine compartment in late may 2026. No warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms. Dealer (zimbrick Acura, middleton WI) confirmed on 06/30/26 that noise was coming from transmission assembly. Dealer identified that the transmission was leaking fluid from the output shaft seal, and upon disassembly identified that the interfacing splines between the transmission and the rear wheel drive power take off unit (ptu) were failing. Dealer ultimately replaced transmission and ptu. This is the same issue as described in a previous petition (no. 11712885) but was identified prior to complete loss of all-wheel drive.

Driving my Acura Mdx on the highway, I hear a noticeable engine whine as I accelerate, and it rises in pitch when I take my foot off the accelerator.

No restart after auto idle stop - car fails to restart automatically after stop and releasing the brake pedal. This has happened on a number of occasions in the last few months. This can cause a dangerous condition that can can cause an accident if stopped in an intersection or a rear end collision as the driver behind assumes the vehicle will move but does not. Car has to be shut off to restart.

Component or system failure: awd - all wheel drive failure, dealership stated the transcase is leaking causing the failure. Safety: this has impacted the vehicles traction, especially on wet roads reproduced: the dealer found the issue and reproduced it inspected: yes, by the dealer warning lamps or messages: none 2022 Mdx advance.

Was driving arround corner and felt a shudder like I had run over something, the felt front tires loosing traction and car jerked into next lane. Took to dealer and they diagnosed a failure of output shaft from transmission to awd transfer case, currently at dealer getting transmission awd assembly replaced.

My transfer case and transmission splines stripped out as I was leaving a parking lot on a rainy day. . . I heard a bang. . . Went to dealer, they confirmed drive shift to rear wheels not turning. Today July 3rd 2026, my Mdx-2022 with 92k miles is at the Acura dealer. . . I fortunately have an Acura precision warranty. . . . Which will cover my repair. . .

I accelerated from a complete stop and heard a loud bang from the transmission at 10 mph. No warning lights came on, but car now only operating in front wheel drive mode instead of awd. Front wheels will spin under hard accelerating confirming loss of power to rear wheels. Local mechanic confirmed issue by putting vehicle on lift and showing rear drive shaft spins freely. This is a know issues for this vehicle and NHTSA has open investigation into splines connecting transmission to transfer case sheering off under load. Investigation number 11712885. . This should result in a recall for Acura at no cost to customer.

The contact owns a 2017 Acura Mdx. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 mph, the vehicle lost power and stalled in the middle of the roadway. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. Additionally, the transmission failed to shift out of park(p). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.

Driveshaft spinning freely no power transfer , vehicle is currently all-wheel-drive condition indicate severe connections between transmission and transfer case . Both components are damaged vehicle need replacement of transmission and transfer case . Serviced at mcgrath Acura morton mgrove, illinois. 06/19/26.

The transfer case on my 2024 Acura Mdx type s failed with under 30,000 miles. I believe there's a public investigation from the NHTSA, I wanted to ensure my case was reported.

See all problems of the 2024 Acura MDX 🔎.

Transfer case splines completely sheared off. No warning lights, nothing. Car is operating in in a 2 wheel drive configuration. Now need new transmission, new transfer case, new differential. Can provide dealer videos detailing situation if requested.

While driving, the vehicle experienced a sudden internal mechanical and electronic transmission failure. Without warning, the vehicle shifted itself directly into park while navigating the busy intersection of [xxx] and [xxx]. This caused a complete loss of propulsion and left the vehicle entirely immobilized in the middle of a high-speed junction. The vehicle could not be moved, creating an immediate, severe highway safety hazard that required an emergency 911 police response to manage traffic and protect the vehicle from being rear-ended. The dealership scan tool later pulled diagnostic code p0730 (incorrect gear ratio) along with multiple clutch performance failures (p07a4, p07a2, p07a8). Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2019 Acura MDX 🔎.

Noticed fluid was leaking from bottom of car. Took to dealership and they found the transmission output shaft was twisted leading to destruction of transmission seals leading to fluid leak. They recommend full replacement of the transmission and transfer case. It appears NHTSA is already investing this known problem for the 2022 Mdx where the transfer case fails and the vehicle loses its awd function and becomes a fwd car.

Vehicle exhibited a fluid leak at the rear of the engine near the transmission/transfer case junction. An independent shop is currently evaluating; suspected power take-off unit failure. This matches the failure pattern described in NHTSA defect petition dp26001 covering 2022-2023 Acura Mdx and 2021-2023 Acura tlx for interfacing spline failure between the transmission and the rear-wheel-drive power take-off unit. Separately, while pulling out into traffic, the vehicle hesitated and failed to accelerate as commanded, chugging briefly before delivering power. This nearly resulted in a collision. No warning lamps or messages appeared at any time. Whether this drivability event and the fluid leak share a cause is unknown, but I am reporting both given the open defect petition on this component. Vehicle at approximately 75,000 miles, outside powertrain warranty by roughly 5,000 miles. Manufacturer declined assistance when contacted. Component is available for inspection upon request. Sudden loss of all-wheel drive without warning is a safety concern in michigan winter driving conditions repair has been quoted at approximately $3,600 for the transfer unit alone, plus labor, with no manufacturer assistance offered.

I was driving down the highway and a passerby notified me that my car was smoking. There were no indicators on the car notifying me of any issue. We pulled over and saw the car was leaking oil heavily. When taken to the dealership, they notified us that there was a leak in the transfer/transmission case and the whole transfer case would need to be replaced. The car is well maintained and had been recently serviced and no issues came up. It's very scary that there were no indicators of issues on the dashboard and my family and I could have been endangered while driving on our family vacation. Acura knows of this transfer case issue and has had to replace many of them in recent Mdxs. This is a safety issue that needs to be investigated immediately.

Under medium acceleration vehicle shuddered a lot. Currently it’s only driven by the front wheels and it will torque steer a lot. I’m assuming my splines are stripped to transfer case. Thankfully, I am under warranty and I’m going to get this repaired.

2023 Acura Mdx sport looses awd randomly and vehicle becomes only fwd. This has happened many times now and I have taken it to the dealership but they claim they can’t recreate it and would not do anything further unless I change rear end fluid. . I paid for the service but still have the problem. This is getting dangerous as it is unexpected and alters the expected performance of the vehicle in critical turning situations which has led to two close calls of a broad side accident when turning and loosing awd. There appears to be many more reports of this exact issue, I’m officially adding my name to the list.

I am submitting this complaint regarding my 2022 Acura Mdx advance, currently with 71,007 miles. After completing the standard transmission fluid service around the 60,000-mile maintenance interval, I began noticing abnormal drivetrain/transmission behavior that was not present before. At times, the vehicle feels as if the transmission is slipping, hesitating, or failing to transfer power smoothly. Acceleration can feel delayed, uneven, or weaker than normal, and on some occasions the vehicle seems to surge or accelerate slightly in a way that does not feel consistent with normal pedal input. This is a safety concern because the vehicle may not respond predictably when accelerating from a stop, merging, passing, or driving at highway speeds. A delay, slip, surge, or loss of expected acceleration could increase the risk of a crash, especially in traffic. The symptoms appear to involve the transmission, drivetrain, torque converter, transfer case, software calibration, or related components, but I am requesting a proper investigation to determine the actual cause. My concern is that this issue could worsen or affect other 2022 Acura Mdx vehicles if it reflects a broader defect. I am requesting that NHTSA document this complaint and review whether 2022 Acura Mdx models may have a safety-related issue that can cause slipping, hesitation, surging, delayed acceleration, or loss of expected power after normal maintenance. Acura should evaluate whether owners need inspection, repair, software updates, or other corrective action.

The contact owns a 2022 Acura Mdx. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the all-wheel drive (awd) system became inoperable. The contact stated that when attempting to engage the awd function, the system failed to operate and the vehicle would transition into four-wheel drive operation. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for further assistance and advised the contact not to contact the manufacturer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.