Owner-reported complaints naming the powertrain system, filed with NHTSA
Data refreshed
Powertrain (other) reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
43
Latest Jul 31, 2025
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
24%
of 180 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
1
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
1
What this page shows
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 2005 Acura MDX submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 43 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.
Owner reports naming powertrain
The 25 most recent of 43, in the owner's own words
The contact owns a 2005 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was able to restart after several attempts; however, the failure recurred after driving a short distance. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the OG sensor and the PMP sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure had progressively worsened, and the 4WD warning light was constantly illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and approaching a traffic light recently, the vehicle unintendedly downshifted and nearly stalled. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be repaired for the most recent failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA ID
11677517
Incident
Jul 17, 2025
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jul 14, 2021
Vehicle suddenly brakes at freeway speeds and sways to one side. VSA light and warning light comes on. After couple of seconds, vehicle resumes freeway speed. This has happened few times in last 2 weeks. It causes the SUV to sway and can easily lose control or drift into adjacent lane causing accident. After stopping and restarting the warning lights go away.
NHTSA ID
11424860
Incident
Jul 7, 2021
Powertrain (other)Visibility
Filed Feb 8, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT STATED THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WAS REPLACED BY SAFELITE GLASS AFTER A TREE LIMB HAD FALLEN ONTO THE WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIEW FROM THE REPLACEMENT WINDSHIELD WAS DISTORTED. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT STATED THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED TO OPERATE AS DESIGNED. THE WINDSHIELD WAS REPLACED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ACURA OF OCEAN (909 NJ-35, OCEAN TOWNSHIP, NJ 07712, (732) 776-5200) HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ID
11395146
Incident
Jan 1, 2016
Mileage
75,000 mi
ElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Apr 12, 2019
STARTING GRINDING AFTER I HAD ALL RECALLS DONE I NOTICED THE VSA LIGHT IS NOW ON AN. DIDNT HAVE ANY ISSUE BEFORE THE VECHICAL AT 25 TO 40 MPH STARTS TO SHUTTER AN MAKES ME FEEL VERY UNSAFE ... I BOUGHT THIS CAR WITH THE SPECIFIC ABILITY TO KEEP ME SAFE AN HAVE EVERYTHING I NEED.
NHTSA ID
11195786
Incident
Mar 30, 2019
Mileage
200,000 mi
AirbagsPowertrain (other)
Filed Sep 18, 2018
I HAVE ACURA MDX 2005 MODEL THE VSA LIGHTS AND AIRBAGSLIGHTS KEEP COMING UP INTERMITTENTLY AND THERE IS A TRANSMISSION SLIPS TOO. I WONDERED WHY IT WAS NOT RECALLED WHEN OTHERS WERE RECALLED .THE VEHICLE STILL MOVES BUT NOTICING A SLIP IN THE TRANSMISSION POWER
NHTSA ID
11130209
Incident
Sep 11, 2018
Powertrain (other)
Filed Aug 13, 2018
TOTAL TRANSMISSION FAILURE WHILE UNDER INCLINE LOAD DRIVING, LEAVING VEHICLE UNABLE TO MANEUVER IN TRAFFIC TO REASONABLY GET TO SAFETY.
NHTSA ID
11119701
Incident
Aug 13, 2018
Mileage
145,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed May 30, 2018
THE TRANSMISSION GEAR SHIFTS NOT SMOOTHLY, D4/D5 LIGHT BLINKING, WON'T EXCEL WHEN GAS IS APPLIED, HAD TO CUT THE CAR OFF, WAIT 5MIN, TO DRIVE FOR TWO BLOCKS BEFORE HAVING TO REPEAT THIS PROCESS TO GET IT HOME 12 BLOCKS AWAY, ONLY WOULD EXCEL 20MPH (BOUGHT IT ON WEDNESDAY, ON TUESDAY OF THE NEXT WEEK, THE PROBLEM BEGAN). THE CAR HAS 127,000 MILES AND HISTORY OF OIL CHANGE/TRANSMISSION SERVICES. AFTER SEEKING ANSWERS, PER REPAIR PAL, THERE'S AN ISSUE WITH TRANSMISSIONS WITH ALL YEARS OF THIS MODEL, SOME PEOPLE HAVE HAD TO GET THE TRANSMISSION REPAIRED/REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES. PLEASE RECALL BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT OR WORSE DIES. *TR
NHTSA ID
11098851
Incident
Mar 20, 2016
Mileage
127,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Feb 27, 2018
THE CAR JUMPS INTO NEUTRAL AT ANYTIME WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. IF YOU COME TO A STOP OR EVEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC IT WILL JUST STOP AND THE RPM WILL REV UP. YOU WILL HAVE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP AND THEN PLACE IN NEUTRAL AND THEN BACK IN DRIVE AND IT MAY GO OR MAY NOT GO... REALLY JUST DEPENDS ON HOW THE CAR WANTS TO ACT THAT DAY. IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME, CITY STREET, PARKING LOT, HIGHWAY, WHEN COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP, LOW SPEEDS DURING SCHOOL ZONE OR RESIDENTIAL AREA.
NHTSA ID
11075277
Incident
Feb 27, 2018
Mileage
140,000 mi
AirbagsPowertrain (other)
Filed Sep 8, 2016
Crash reported1 injury reported
AUTO PARKED, FOOT ON BRAKE, MOVED GEAR SHIFT TO PARK, FOOT OFF BRAKE,CAR LURCHED FORWARD WITH GREAT VELOCITY, HIT CONCRETE WALL, RICOCHEDE OFF WALL, STARTED RUNNING BACKWARD. PUT FOOT ON EMER. BRAKE CAR STOPPED. AIRBAG DEPLOYED BUT IMPROPERLY INFLATED. CUTS AND ABRASIONS AND BRUISING ON LEFT HAND AND RIGHT.AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY INTO CHEST OR FACE. CALLED AAA TO HAVE TOWED/CALLED 21ST CENTURY INS. FOR NAME OF COLLISION YARD THEY WORKED WITH. TOW TRUCK ARRIVED_TOO BIG TO GET INTO PARKING LOT. DRIVER ASKED FOR MY KEYS -TOLD HIM THE CAR WITH PHYSICALLY DISABLED AFTER AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND COULD NOT BE DRIVEN. HE TOOK MY KEYS,STARTED THE CAR AND DROVE OFF. NOT SUPPOSED TO HAPPPEN. WENT TO EMERGENT CARE AND MY PRIMARY PHYSICIAN AND HAD CAT SCANS RUN. NEW DRIVER SEAT AIRBAGS ARE DEFECTIVE.
NHTSA ID
10904804
Incident
Aug 24, 2016
Mileage
60,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Aug 8, 2016
MY CAR'S TRANSMISSION SYSTEM WAS DAMAGED. SEEMS LIKE IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH ACURA MDX. I WONDER WHY THERE IS NO RECALL. THE DEALER COVERED THE REMANUFACTURED PART BUT I STILL HAD TO PAY FOR LABOR THAT RAN TO ~$3000.
NHTSA ID
10894140
Incident
Sep 1, 2012
Mileage
105,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed May 11, 2016
THIS IS THE SECOND TRANSMISSION I PUT IN MY CAR , WARRANTY EXPIRED AND CAR IS STARTING TO JERK AND MAKE NOISE WHEN ACCELERATING. IT COST WAY TO MUCH MONEY TO KEEP REPLACING A TRANSMISSION IF ALL THE TRANSMISSIONS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM . WAY TO MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS ISSUE . WHY HASN'T THIS BEEN RECALLED YET?
NHTSA ID
10864339
Incident
Jan 1, 2016
Mileage
150,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Mar 7, 2016
TRANSMISSION STARTED ACTING UP WHILE DRIVING. THE TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER CONNECTION TO RADIATOR FAILED DUE TO CORROSION AND GALVANIC ACTION. LOST ALL TRANSMISSION FLUID, COOLANT AND TRANSMISSION FLUID GOT MIXED IN RADIATOR. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE IN ACURA / HONDA VEHICLE BUT MANUFACTURER IS NOT TAKING ANY ACTION.
NHTSA ID
10840256
Incident
Mar 4, 2016
Mileage
120,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Sep 11, 2015
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
NHTSA ID
10763144
Incident
Sep 26, 2014
Mileage
11,000 mi
EngineFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Sep 1, 2015
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.
NHTSA ID
10760878
Incident
Sep 17, 2014
Mileage
115,000 mi
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Mar 22, 2015
THE TRANSMISSION COOLER CONNECTION BLEW OUT OF THE RADIATOR, UNFORTUNATELY THERE IS NO OIL PRESSURE SWITCH FOR TRANSMISSIONS SO I HAD NO IDEA THAT THE TRANS FLUID WAS POURING ALL OVER THE ROAD. LUCKY FOR ME I WAS JUST LEAVING THE HOUSE AND MY FRIEND SAW IT AND STOPPED ME. UPON LOOKING AT THE PART -IT HAS ONLY 3 THREADS AND I HAVE FOUND OUT THIS IS A COMMON THING FOR MDX AND PILOT SUV'S. I COULD HAVE BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE THAT HAS RESULTED FROM THIS FAILURE BY OTHERS AS I HAVE SEEN ON YOUR SITE EXAMPLE:. ( PILOT EX-L 244HP 3.5L SOHC 24-VALVE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE). *TR
NHTSA ID
10700949
Incident
Mar 18, 2015
Mileage
135,000 mi
Driver assistancePowertrain (other)
Filed Dec 16, 2014
TRANSMISSION ISSUES. *TR
NHTSA ID
10664713
Incident
Nov 24, 2014
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Dec 8, 2014
FOUND A STRAWBERRY MILKSHAKE IN THE RADIATOR OVERFLOW TANK. DIAGNOSIS: FAILURE OF TRANSMISSION COOLER INSIDE OF RADIATOR. *TR
NHTSA ID
10662916
Incident
Dec 6, 2014
Mileage
128,320 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Aug 19, 2014
GEAR SHIFT LEVER BECAME HARDER AND HARDER TO SHIFT OVER THE TIME AND THEN SEIZED. NOTICED HEAVILY CORRODED SHIFT LEVER LINKAGE AT THE TRANSMISSION END. THE LINKAGE DESIGN SEEMS TO BE A POOR. EXPOSURE TO ELEMENTS MAKES IT TO CORRODE AND SEIZE. I HAD TO APPLY WD40 TO LOOSEN THE LINKAGE AND THEN COAT IT HEAVILY WITH ANTI-SEIZE COMPOUND. *TR
NHTSA ID
10626482
Incident
Aug 16, 2014
Mileage
105,000 mi
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Jun 17, 2014
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN MY CAR JERKED AND THEN WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF 1ST GEAR. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED IN AND WAS TOLD THAT MY TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *TR
NHTSA ID
10598922
Incident
Jun 13, 2014
Mileage
123,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Oct 1, 2013
TRANSMISSION HAS INTERMITTENT VIBRATION BETWEEN 30-40 MPH. LASTS APPROXIMATELY 10 SECONDS. ACURA IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT WILL NOT FIX THE TRANSMISSION. *TR
NHTSA ID
10546452
Incident
Sep 24, 2013
Mileage
89,955 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Sep 29, 2013
AS DRIVING TO WORK THE VEHICLE ALL OF A SUDDEN STOP SHIFTING GEARS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO BE ABLE TO STOP TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER LANE WITHOUT GETTING INTO AN ACCIDENT. PRIOR TO THE CAR NOT SHIFTING GEARS I HEARD A GRINDING METAL NOISE COMING FROM THE MIDDLE OF THE ENGINE, A NOISE THAT I'VE BEEN HEARING FOR THE PAST COUPLE OF WEEKS. COME TO FIND OUT IT WAS THE TORQUE CONVERTER APPARENTLY IT'S A KNOWN ISSUE THAT HAS BEEN FORWARDED TO ACURA BUT THEY HAVE DONE NOTHING IN REFERENCE TO IT. *TR
NHTSA ID
10546119
Incident
Sep 29, 2013
Mileage
162,000 mi
ElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Jun 13, 2013
I BROUGHT MY CAR IN FOR RECALL FOR THE SHIFT INTERLOCK 7250A2. A REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT WAS DONE BY POHANKA ACURA SERVICE. AFTER THE RECALL FIX, I COULD STILL PULL THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION WHILE THE CARE IS IN DRIVE. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY ARE TRYING TO FIX IT AGAIN TODAY. I AM COMPLAINING THAT THE INITIAL FIX PERFORMED BY THE DEALERSHIP WAS INSUFFICIENT. I CAN FORWARD A YOUTUBE LINK OF THE VIDEO IF NEEDED. *TR
NHTSA ID
10519608
Incident
Jun 12, 2013
Mileage
95,278 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed May 30, 2013
THERE'S A SHUTTER WHEN DRIVING BETWEEN 35-45MPH. I HAVE READ A FEW FORUMS ON THIS ISSUE AND IT SEEMS THERE IS AN UPDATE FROM ACURA BUT, I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANYTHING ON THIS MATTER. ACCORDING TO OTHER OWNERS THIS HAS NOT FIXED THE ISSUE. OTHER OWNERS HAVE TO REPLACE TORQUE CONVERTERS AND EVEN TRANSMISSIONS DUE TO A MANUFACTURE DEFECT WHICH IS NOT FAIR AT ALL TO US THE CONSUMER. PLEASE HELP US. *TR
NHTSA ID
10514188
Incident
Jan 3, 2011
Powertrain (other)
Filed May 17, 2013
WELL I DRIVE AROUND 35 MPH I HEAR THIS RUMBLING NOISE WHICH AS I LATER FOUND OUT THAT IT'S THE TORQUE CONVERTER. SO ACURA PUSHED OUT PRODUCT UPDATE (OTHERS ARE CALLING IT A RECALL) TO STOP THIS FROM HAPPENING BECAUSE ULTIMATELY IT COULD CAUSE THE TORQUE CONVERTER TO LOCK UP AND YOUR CAR MAY NOT SHIFT OR HAVE THE ABILITY TO MOVE BECAUSE THE TOTAL TRANSMISSION WILL GO. UNFORTUNATELY THIS PRODUCT UPDATE DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM AND I'M CONCERNED THAT THIS MAY CAUSE MY CAR TO STOP ON THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY AND I WON'T BE ABLE TO MANEUVER CORRECTLY. *TR
NHTSA ID
10512518
Incident
May 6, 2013
Mileage
124,000 mi
ElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Feb 23, 2013
AFTER YOU STOP THE CAR AND KEEP IN DRIVE GEAR AND PULL THE KEY OUT OF IGNITION, THE CAR ROLLS AWAY. *TR
NHTSA ID
10499773
Incident
Dec 16, 2009
Mileage
100,000 mi
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.
Other components reported on this vehicle
Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own