About this problem
Automatic transmission complaints describe harsh or delayed shifts, jerking at low speed, hesitation when pulling away and flaring between gears. Newer transmissions with many gears rely heavily on software, and some problems are fixed by updates or by relearning shift patterns. Others come from worn valve bodies, torque converters or clutch packs and need a rebuild or replacement.
Across all owner complaints filed about the Acura MDX since 2012, 133 (7.1%) describe nine-speed transmission problems, the second most reported problem we track on the MDX. The reports cluster on the 2016, 2017 and 2020 model years, and the 2016 drew the most, with 42. It tends to show up in the middle years of ownership: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 12,000 and 60,000 miles. One report describes a crash or fire linked to it. No recall covers it, but Acura has sent dealers service bulletins about it, listed below.
What owners report
Complaints describe the MDX's automatic transmission shifting roughly, hesitating and jerking at low speed on the nine-speed automatic. Some owners say the problem shows up mostly when cold or in stop-and-go traffic, others at highway speeds. The 2016, 2017 and 2020 model years drew the most reports.
How it gets fixed
Dealers usually start with a transmission software update (a re-flash) and a fluid change. If that does not help, a valve body, torque converter or full transmission replacement may follow.
Typical cost: A software update is often free or under $200. A torque converter or valve body job runs $1,000 to $2,500, and a replacement transmission $3,500 to $6,000.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"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."
2017 Acura MDX, 5,000 miles
"Transmission - car lurches at low speeds and hesitates when you try to start off from a stop."
2016 Acura MDX, 4,000 miles
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Service bulletins
Acura has sent dealers 18 bulletins that mention this problem on the MDX. A bulletin tells technicians how to fix a known fault. It is not a recall, so the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty or covered by an extension.
The transmission has intermittent harsh or jerky upshifts with steady acceleration.
The transmission judders, shudders, or surges while driving.
Service news article - do you have a vehicle that has multiple indicators on or wont go into gear and the mil is on with a/t dtc p26c3 (internal control module transmission range sensor performance)?
Service bulletin - in a 9-speed a/t, the atf level is critical.
Acura: this tsb contains an owner's notification letter.
The lkas does not keep the vehicle in its detected designated lane and no dtc is stored.
Before you buy a MDX
- On the test drive, accelerate gently and firmly, and pay attention to the 1-2 and 2-3 shifts and to coasting down to a stop.
- Ask whether transmission software updates or a fluid flush have been done.
- Walk away from a car that clunks into gear or flares the engine speed between shifts.
Questions
Which Acura MDX years have nine-speed transmission problems?
Complaints are highest for the 2016, 2017, 2020 model years. The 2016 drew the most, with 42 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 34,000 miles, and half reported it between 12,000 and 60,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
A software update is often free or under $200. A torque converter or valve body job runs $1,000 to $2,500, and a replacement transmission $3,500 to $6,000.