2018 Acura MDX transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Jul 10, 2026HIElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11749662 · source
2. Filed Jul 6, 2026CATransmission & Drivetrain

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11748532 · source
3. Filed Nov 18, 2025TXEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   I want to say that the engine or transmission is faulty. Sometimes while at a complete stop, the car will not advance and tries to stall or lose power. It takes about 2 or 3 seconds to finally go after I push the accelerator pedal almost 3/4 throttle. No it has not been reproduced at the dealer. I took it May of 2024 for the engine recall repair. They said that the repairs should fix the problem but it has maybe even worsened. No warning lamps appear when the problems happen.

   NHTSA complaint #11700212 · source
4. Filed Aug 20, 202540,000 miTXTowedDriver Assistance & Safety TechFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2018 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled, with several unknown warning lights and the traction control warning light illuminated. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the oil pressure switch. The oil pressure switch was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70…

   NHTSA complaint #11681780 · source
5. Filed Jul 11, 2025FLTransmission & Drivetrain

   My vehicle started a couple of months ago making a noise like the transmission was having trouble shifting smoothly. I do not drive this vehicle that often so I thought it was maybe my ears. When researching I found out there to TSB's on Acura MDX's B20-015 & B19-004 to from 2016 to 2019. My wife does not feel safe driving this vehicle. Can you help ASAP. Thank you so much.

   NHTSA complaint #11672918 · source
6. Filed Mar 24, 2025WITransmission & Drivetrain

   Vehicle stalls when accelerating from A stop. Has done this since first purchased. Acura charged me for transmission software but did not resolve issue. Vehicle hesitates and stalls when accelerating from a stop. My wife refuses to ever drive vehicle as we have had many close calls with accidents.

   NHTSA complaint #11650358 · source
7. Filed Feb 14, 202592,365 miLATransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2018 Acura MDX. While the contact's wife was driving and stopped at a stop light, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the transmission hesitated, and the vehicle jerked forward. The contact stated that the failure was persistent. In addition, the contact stated that the transmission was shifting abnormally hard. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent…

   NHTSA complaint #11642724 · source
8. Filed Jan 8, 2025MNEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   From a stop, the vehicle will lurch forward after 1 second of acceleration without a change in the amount of pressure on the gas pedal, as if there is a delayed input to the throttle position. This only happens from a complete stop, such as at red lights, stop signs, or in heavy stop and go traffic. On multiple occasions I have almost rear ended the vehicle in front of me as a result of this. There are no warning lamps or error messages displayed in the gauge cluster. I have…

   NHTSA complaint #11634984 · source
9. Filed Dec 4, 2024GAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   While accelerating, the vehicle to decelerated rapidly, the gas pedal became unresponsive when pushed down. Numerous warning lights started Additionally, the vehicle shifted into neutral while the vehicle was being driven and would not shift out even after stopped. I was on a very busy 6 lane highway going 80 mph in thanksgiving traffic, my wife, 1 year old and 3 year old were in the vehicle. This appears to be a known issue from Honda, please see [XXX], et al. v. American…

   NHTSA complaint #11628823 · source
10. Filed Nov 12, 2024TXTransmission & Drivetrain

    While driving car turned cel/epb/emission, car lost power while engine still running suddenly so I pulled to the side of the street. I put in park and turn engine off and on, it would not let me put in any gears . I hold down parking brakes and finally it let me engage the gears. The Acura technician found clutch positions controlled error which caused engine stall conditions, this DTC is typically caused by outdated TCM, PCM software. This situation is a safety issues, the…

    NHTSA complaint #11624868 · source
11. Filed Feb 9, 2024NVTransmission & Drivetrain

    The transmission of my 2018 has a slip or hesitation where it stalls when going in gear. This has put me and my family in danger. Acura is aware of the issue but claims there is no remedy. I have taken the car to service multiple times and nothing has been done. Last time it stalled while going up hill and I had my children in the car which is extremely dangerous. I had the same issues with my 2016 MDX which had the same issue. The transmission was replaced 3 times on the…

    NHTSA complaint #11570970 · source
12. Filed Jan 9, 2024IDElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

    First it was start knocking under the hood and the car suddenly stop on the freeway at 80 miles an hour. The car lost all the power. We were lucky we didn't get hit by other cars on the freeway.

    NHTSA complaint #11564390 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology