Owner-reported complaints naming the powertrain system, filed with NHTSA
Data refreshed
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2022 Acura MDX Type S submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 20 reports on file name it.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Shown in the owner’s own words, exactly as filed
The vehicle's all wheel drive system has malfunctioned at 77,000 miles with a known all wheel drive system issue. Because we are 7k beyond the power train warranty, Acura is not wanting to cover the repair even though this is a known issue.
Reporting an additional case in support of ongoing defect petition investigation DP26001. 2022 Acura MDX Type S SH-AWD, currently at 63,700 miles. While driving and making a turn, I heard a grinding noise with no warning lights illuminated. I stopped immediately and shut off the engine but noticed no abnormality. I restarted the vehicle and drove with no further issues or noises. Later, during a scheduled oil change, I discovered that the area between the transmission and PTU was covered in oil. The Acura dealership diagnosed a bad PTU seal and replaced the PTU under powertrain warranty, but completely disregarded my concern regarding investigation DP26001 and the known issue with stripped splines. The leak was repaired, but several weeks later while driving in the rain, the vehicle felt very unstable during acceleration on wet pavement. I raised the vehicle on a lift and engaged drive to inspect AWD function. The rear wheels were not spinning while the front wheels were, and the driveshaft was also stationary. When I brought this to the dealership’s attention, they stated this is normal SH-AWD behavior — however, I have personally observed all four wheels spinning under identical conditions in another Acura of the same model and configuration. I am confident the transmission-to-PTU splines are stripped and am escalating this to Acura corporate for further investigation.
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.
When about to make a left turn since oncoming traffic on to highway I hit the gas quickly after stopping and heard a loud bang. Drove till I got off the highway at a red light I hit the gas and noticed the front wheels was spinning and realized it wasn't a awd. Took it the dealer and they realzied the driveshaft was spinning by hand.
The component that malfunctioned was the transfer case, the vehicle was already repaired so an inspection isn't possible anymore. The vehicle behaved as normal until the accelerator was pressed enough to make the front wheels lose traction, in which the vehicle couldn't send power to the rear, because the transfer case was shredded up. When needing to accelerate quickly in traffic, the vehicle would completely spin up the front tires, not being able to put the power down. The dealer reproduced the problem, but initially stated that it was most likely due to the salt on the road (it was winter). As spring arrived, the problem still persisted, in which the dealer checked the transfer case and found it was shredded. They replaced the transmission and transfer case under warranty. There were no warning lights, but accelerating quickly would cause the car to spin up the front tires uncontrollably. In corners, this meant severe understeer that could be dangerous in the wrong circumstances.
Catastrophic Power Take-Off Unit (PTU) and Transmission spline failure on a 2022 Acura MDX Type-S vehicle. Had dangerous loss of traction and unexpected handling characteristics with rough shifting, RPM Surges, Sensor problem LOSS OF Power, Delayed shifting with Jerky ride, and a smell of burning oil or rubber, also would move into reverse and the Drive Letter "D" was blinking. The problem was confirmed by Independent service center and it was inspected by the manufacturer. Messages indicating engine/transmission issues appeared on Jan 4, 2026; *Transmission system problem. Paddle shifters not available. See your dealer. *Emissions system problem. Power may be reduced. See your dealer. * Transmission system problem. Avoid heavy acceleration and High speed. See your dealer. * AWD All Wheel Drive system problem. Only the Front wheels may be powered. See your dealer. Notes: (A.) Transmission system errors and infotainment warnings appeared upon concluding a round-trip 3,000+ miles from Southern California to East Texas and back home to Yuma AZ. (B.) After Honda Motor Co gave a 75% Goodwill Offer to replace control box and valves, they indicated that the transmission also need to be replaced. Furthermore, they rescinded the 75% Goodwill coverage which appears to be based solely on the incorrect assumption that third-party transmission repairs were performed and that the transmission was overfilled.
I own a 2022 MDX Type-S. I recently read about complaints about TLX and MDX models losing their AWD system and only resulting to FWD. I was a victim of this in Montana and it was a long fight with Acura / Honda to look at the problem. It was also very dangerous as I worked up in Big Sky and would rely on the AWD system in snowy conditions. This system would always fail. After a long fight, they finally towed my vehicle back to Salt Lake City, where it was purchased from, and replaced a "sensor."
Starting hearing issues late 24 of MDX and TLX losing all-wheel-drive due to splines stripping between the transmission and transfer case. Had car thoroughly inspected and fluid samples taken in December of 24. In February on 25 with a frame rattling bang as I was pulling out onto a street, rear wheel drive went out at 64k. No warning lights and no indicators, dash showed all 4 tires pulling. Dealership verified system was stripped as rear tires were not turning. Also discovered connection between the two units failed allowing water to get in and wash all grease out around the spines. New transmission is two parts number newer than original and transfer case is one parts number newer than original. Also noted transmission and transfer case take less fluids than original. Car feels a lot tighter and smoother on shifting with new units.
The vehicle is experiencing a catastrophic mechanical failure of the transfer case/transmission splines, resulting in a 'Loss of Motive Power.' On two occasions while merging into high-speed highway traffic, the engine revved to high RPMs, but the vehicle failed to accelerate for approximately 5 seconds (Mechanical Neutral Drop). These incidents resulted in near-collisions. The vehicle also exhibits violent torque steer and unpredictable handling. The issue was initially reported to an authorized dealer at 70,320 miles but was misdiagnosed as 'no codes were present.' Subsequent inspection by a second dealer confirmed a mechanical failure of the drive splines. This is a purely mechanical failure that does not trigger dashboard warning lights or Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), leaving the driver unaware of the impending drivetrain failure until power is lost. First signs of a problem: Late August 2025 First loss of motive power incident: Early October 2025 Second loss of motive power incident: [XXX] Initial Dealer Report: October 28, 2025 (MetroWest Acura) Confirmation video from Acura of Boston: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Vehicle is 3 years old with 60K miles. Transfer case became defective under normal driving and with regular recommended maintenance. We did not know this occurred until a recent dealership visit for another issue. We do not know how long this has been an issue. When the transfer case malfunctioned, there were no warning lights and vehicle has been only functioning in front-wheel drive (designed to be AWD) which is extremely dangerous during the midwestern winters as the weight of the rear of the vehicle leads to sway. Issue was detected by the dealership who states the fix is to replace the entire transmission and transfer case.
The transmission and transaxle malfunctioned. Evidence was a leak from the transaxle. The dealer confirmed that the vehicle was operating in 2WD mode even though it did not detect any issues from its onboard sensors, and the car thought it was still sending power to all 4 wheels. There were no warning lights that the vehicle was no longer driving in 4wd mode, so the driving dynamics would've been unexpected in conditions that 4wd would normally help, like rain and snow. Unexpectedly experienced tire spin in the rain, for example. The dealer confirmed that both the transmission and transaxle need to be replaced, under the powertrain warranty. The spline between the transaxle and transmission were worn, causing the transaxle to not spin the rear wheels.
The transfer case spline stripped preventing power to be sent to the rear wheels
Upon normal highway driving a couple of months ago, began to notice shifting that was not smooth and rpm "surges" on hills despite constant throttle. Upon taking car to dealer, inspection revealed an internal spline failure between transmission and transfer case. Lead mechanic explained it was not the first he had seen of this model and that it was clearly internal and caused by a manufacturing and/or assembly defect. I caught the problem early enough to not have a complete car failure; however, left untreated, it would lead to a transmission failure. The remedy was a full transmission and transfer case replacement, with repair costs exceeding $13,000. Given car had 84,000 miles, it was not covered by 70,000 Power Train Warranty from Acura. Pictures of parts below.
Many attempts in the last 5k miles made to diagnose unsafe uncomfortable front vibrations. Vehicle erratically shaking above 50mph. Returned vehicle to CarMax (where vehicle purchased), and 3 separate individual Acura dealers made attempts. Rotated and rebalanced tires several times with a scan tool connected as a technician drove vehicle with no results Finally Acura dealer an hour away from my home diagnosed faulty front transfer case pending anything further. Conveyed the shaft splines into transfer case and other end to transmission may be faulty, rounded out, and will report findings. After inspected, transmission output splines for shaft going to front transfer case have been found rounded out as well. Dealer reported this again under warranty and ordering transmission. Coming up on 30 days front transfer case, transmission, and possibility of further repairs. Compiling written documentation. Vehicle repair attempts at Carmax Newport News, VA, Southern Acura Newport News, VA, Hall Acura Virginia Beach, VA, and Crown Acura Richmond, VA.
driving on highway car suddenly lost power check engine light came on. was able to coast off to an exit on the highway. car eventually unable to move. the car was towed to the dealer. the transmission and power take off unit was replaced.
My transfer case went out at an unknown mileage with no indication on my dash that there was a failure. It converted the vehicle to front wheel drive while indicating it was still having the back wheel spinning on the all-wheel drive indicator on the dash. During a recent snowstorm, there were multiple instances when I pulled out from an intersection thinking I had good traction I'm pulled out and then my wheels started spinning almost causing an accident. I thought that was weird so I brought it to my local Acura dealer and explained what happened and they tested it and found that the transfer case splines were bad along with the splines that attached to the transmission. They replaced both the transmission and transfer case under warranty. No police or insurance representatives were involved as there were no accidents.
Front driver wheel has started to spin when power applied from a stop or from a slow roll. Tires are in great condition, further research indicates that this is a typical issue between the transfer case and differential. Splines get stripped and the car essentially becomes 2 wheel drive. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The All Wheel Drive of my 2022 MDX has been going out in the rear, and only the front wheels are powered. This happens nearly every time I drive the vehicle for the last 2 months, at least. My safety is at risk because I live in Montana and the roads have been getting icy with current weather conditions. When the AWD drive gives out, I lose all power briefly as the front tried to regain power. Going up mountains with this issue is very dangerous. It also goes out in "snow" mode. I have sent the Acura warranty department numerous photos, via email, of the error message as well as videos of the message popping up. I also started a log of the error as of 11/09/23. I live over 400 miles from the closest Acura dealership. I asked if the local Honda dealership can look at it and after over a week of waiting to hear back, was told I needed to take it to Acura. I refuse to drive it over 400 miles in winter conditions. I asked for it to be towed to Acura last Monday, 11/20/23, and have yet to hear back. The warning message reads, "All Wheel Drive system problem. Only front wheels may be powered, see your dealer." Additional, snall rocks from snow protection keep getting stuck between the break rotors and the back plate. It causes a loud screeching sound until the rocks are dislodged. The rear brakes now sweak.
I am writing to report a significant issue concerning a leak in the transfer case of my 2022 Acura MDX Type S, VIN: [XXX] . This malfunction poses a potential safety risk to myself and other road users. 1.Component Malfunction: •The malfunction occurred in the transfer case of the vehicle. Yes, the transfer case is available for inspection upon request. 2.Safety Risks: •The leak could potentially lead to inadequate lubrication within the drivetrain, causing it to malfunction while driving, which might result in loss of control or an accident. 3.Problem Confirmation: •The problem has been confirmed by an authorized Acura dealer, who identified the leak and proposed either a seal replacement or a complete transfer case replacement as potential solutions. 4.Inspections: •The vehicle has been inspected by the dealer and is scheduled for a follow-up inspection to ascertain whether the seal replacement resolves the issue. As of now, no inspections have been conducted by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. 5.Warning Signs: •There were no warning lamps or messages indicating a problem. However, I was advised of the leak when the car was on the lift for a tire change, which prompted a further investigation. This issue raises concerns about the potential safety risks not only to myself but to other drivers on the road. I am worried that others with the same vehicle model might experience similar problems, which could lead to dangerous situations if not addressed promptly. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Vehicle experienced reduced power and many alarm messages came up. I pulled to the side of the road to get out of traffic. I turned off the engine and attempted to restart, the engine would run for 5 seconds and then shutdown. I learned later that the turbo outlet hose had become detached from the hose fitting. It was under the motor and only accessible when the vehicle was on a hoist. The real reason for my complaint is that with the engine unable to stay running, the transmission could not be shifted to neutral and there is no shift lock feature to manually put the transmission in neutral either. So, if I had been stuck in traffic when the engine lost power, there would have been no way to push or tow the vehicle to a safe place. This seems like a function that would be important to have on a vehicle.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Data on this page last refreshed .