Colin

No I haven't heard anything on this other than what I read here. I also haven't had any sold customers comment to me on strange noises so maybe it's a production issue with certain VIN ranges? It's interesting that the other dealer that was working independently on the theory that it was a motor mount turned out to be correct. I really had strong reservations that it was a shock absorber.

Spirited Driver

Yes, Acura of Tempe Arizona was on to something based on the posters comments. Now that we know what the problem is and there is a temporary fix, how do we push this along to have a replacement part/recall issued ASAP. I have contacted Acura relations on my end. Anything you suggest to get the ball rolling quicker? Thanks.

Colin

Unfortunately, this will never happen any quicker than it's going to happen. I can't speak specifically to this issue but in the past they have always taken a very deliberate approach to this type of thing. They will need to identify exactly what the problem is, test the fix in the field, manufacture (if necessary) the replacement parts, get the replacement parts to all the dealers, get the legal team to write up the note to owners, identify owners affected (by Vin number) and then mail out all the notices.

Spirited Driver

Thanks Colin. That's unfortunate in my case that the chain of command appears to be lengthy, but it's totally understandable.

You recommend i get this temporary fix for now or just hold off till they issue a new part? What would you do?

Spirited Driver

Just received a call from an Acura case manager as a follow up. She advised that she followed up with the engineering department and that they are aware of the issue with the engine mount and are working to get more concrete information in order to resolve the noise some of us are experiencing.

Colin

It was good that they followed up with you. At least you know they haven't forgotten.

Spirited Driver

Yes. Cudos to Acura. The case manager was so nice that she actually offered me a free service as a courtesy, given that I've been a loyal customer and that I have a case# open and had brought this issue to their attention. I then mentioned to her that along with the engine mount noise, my case # also included a trunk floor mat noise/flapping I've been experiencing, which was a minor issue compared to the engine mount noise but still annoying. I then asked her if I can have a trunk tray instead, since I've had it with my other two Acuras in the past and new it would probably solve the noise with the added weight; rather than the free service she was offering. Without hesitation, she said not a problem. Free trunk tray being picked up on Monday at my local dealership, courtesy of Acura.

Spirited Driver

Just got back from the dealership. Went on a test ride with the service & parts director. My luck, I was not able to duplicate the noise, AGAIN.

Here is my take:

I am becoming more and more convinced that this s a suspension related issue. Whether it's the newly designed struts for 2013 ILX & RDX or some other component belonging to the suspension that the noise is coming from.

I went into he dealer without anything in the trunk. No spare, lid or tools. Driving ALONE it is very easy to duplicate the LOUD thump coming from the rear, while going over sharp edged uneven surfaces. Unfortunately, I am unable to duplicate that noise as easily with more weight in the car. Are you noticing the same?

With the spare, lid and tools in the car the thump is still there but not as loud or easily duplicated as it is without those three items in the trunk.

This has me believing this is a weight/suspension related issue, the new multi-stage struts/dampers that are in this car as being the culprit. I've mentioned this in the "suspension noise" thread. Some of us are experiencing this, some are not. Is it just a bad batch?

I have another thread I opened regarding the front passenger engine mount. Is it really the engine mount or is it ANOTHER bad strut in the front as well?

Left the Acura dealership hopeless. Director was willing to help but unfortunately couldn't duplicate the noise while he went along for a test drive. Again, added weight, wasn't able to duplicate the noise as easily as if I was alone.

In result, I can in fact rule out that the noise is NOT coming from the trunk/floor lid, as the title of this thread indicates.

Lastly, given that I am experiencing front passenger-end nocking along with the rear thumping while going over rough roads, has me believing this is a suspension issue and not something else as some others have suggested.

Please continue to document your experiences and findings. Not just on here but with the dealership as well so that we can get to the bottom of this rather sooner than later. Thank You.

ofplon

Sorry you had a hard time replicating the problems while at the dealer.

But I know I could replicate the rear end "thunk" easily for a dealer - just haven't had time yet. It happens pretty frequently for me.

I don't think it's a suspension issue as much as I once did; it's gotta be something loose - perhaps the rear under-side plastic cover. Wish I could hoist it up and take a look for anything loose.

If it's the shocks, it'll be an easy fix.

I should point out that the noise, in my case, is not exclusive to either side of the vehicle - I learned this from driving over manhole covers on each side.

I think this rules out shocks because it's hard to imagine 2 faulty shocks on a brand new car.

I'll post any additional findings.

-J

Trentimus

Since everyone keeps refering to the black plastic cover under the car I could take it off this weekend and drive around with it off to see if it helps. I am also gonna do a full write up on the door removal so be on the look out for that.

ofplon

That would be awesome, Trentimus - I don't have the courage to pull off the rear cover.

Please do let us know if it make a difference. I guess while you're under there see if anything else looks loose...-J

Spirited Driver

That would be great. It does sound like a hollow thump. The plastic piece may very well be the culprit. Hope so. Please keep us posted. Thanks.

hand-filer

The same thing is going on with the new RDX rear suspension.
I have had both dampers replaced with no improvement. What's interesting is that the ILX loner that I drove made the exact same sound!
My initial thoughts were it sounds like the spare tire cover bouncing around just like several ILX owners thought.
I have driven with the cover removed and the spare tire removed but the hollow loose lumber sound persists on sharp bumps.
I suspect it gets worse as the temperature drops and I live in a relatively cold climate zone.
I personally think that the new dampers are junk despite Acuras claims about this wonderful new technology.
I have taken it upon myself to source a pair of Munroe OESpectrum shocks that fit the 1998 Odyssey. They have the same mounting attachments and are quite close in length to the RDX damper.
If anyone is interested in the outcome, my progress can be followed here:
https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-rdx-2013-2018-404/clunking-rear-874856/

spdandpwr

Guess this give me an excuse to swap out for coils

Trentimus

I think they just hit my priority list..

QN52

Having the same issue as hand-filer in my rear RDX suspension - my dealer has not yet replaced anything as I took it in last week, and they told me nothing was wrong. I am in process of escalating the issue.

Cheers

Spirited Driver

Thank You. Please keep us posted. My guess it's the "new" mutl-stage dampers/struts.

JvB

Just to add my 2 cents, I have the same issue regarding noise coming from the back end. I've removed the accessory trunk mat and spare tire cover and I still hear the noise. It is most prominent on sharp edged bumps (ie manhole covers that are sunken by 1-2") and it goes away when you add weight to the back of the car. I haven't been to the dealer yet, but I will at some point in the next couple of weeks and report back.

spdandpwr

when over a speed hump at a moderate 10mph (saw it at the last moment) heard a loud noise from the front suspension...doesn't look like these shocks like sudden changes in road surface.

terdonal

My experience exactly. I haven't been into the dealer as yet as it is not that big a deal at this point and still have 40% on the mid. I was going to go into the dealer the other day when I saw a 2009 RDX/Navi with only 22,000 kms on it but damn, missed it by a day.

terdonal

I haven't heard anything in the front to this point but I always take speed bumps slowly as most of them are ridiculous in the height and drop. Why don't they standardize the size of speed bumps as some are just crazy imo.

Spirited Driver

The noise is getting LOUDER & LOUDER for me, especially in the back. Only wheel I don't hear much noise from is the front drivers side.

hand-filer

Take it in and get it looked at. The more people that complain, the more likely that Honda will deal with this in the form of a recall.

Spirited Driver

Have done so on numerous occasions. Unfortunately when I get to the dealer, all the roads in the area appear to be as smooth as tissue paper, resulting in not being able to "duplicate" the noise that I do in my area. Frustrating.

I am convinced that it's the multi-stage struts/dampers on the car.

hand-filer

Scout around the area of the dealership and find a road that is bad enough to cause the noise. Then go on a test ride with the tech. If the noise is as bad as you say it is, it shouldn't be all that difficult to prove it.

QN52

Hearditfrom the front today for the first time on my rdx...

Trentimus

I am trying to pretend it doesn't exist.. dealer basically implies that they wont fix anything minor on the car unless Acura themselves issues a TSB. So, say the weatherstripping is no bueno.. Dealer: "does it leak?" Customer: "No" Dealer: "Don't care"

Spirited Driver

Hey. Were you able to pull the plastic cover under the car to see if it was this making the noise?

Trentimus

I didn't even bother based on the RDX people saying they experience it as well.. sorry, with the wreck I have been super busy too.

ofplon

That's cool Trent. I too am in the midst of a messy insurance situation with my previous vehicle. If you ever get around to pulling off that undercover let us know. Otherwise I hope it's smooth sailing for you and your insurance claim.

I am now suspicious of the plastic panel the rear speakers are housed in as a possible culprit for rear end noise. It is very, very flimsy.

hand-filer

It's not the cover under the car, it's not the spare tire cover. Trust me - it's the shocks! I'll have the proof for you by this weekend......or I'll be eating crow.

Spirited Driver

Shocks or Struts?

hand-filer

Rear shocks. My struts are fine.

Spirited Driver

How did you come to that conclusion?

hand-filer

You'll just have to wait until my next post.

ofplon

Appreciate your thoughts, but the fact that you do not actually own an ILX causes me to be a bit skeptical that your diagnosis applies to us. Time will tell I suppose.

QN52

I think the ILX/RDX use the same type of shocks/same technology that is new; that's why it may apply.

hand-filer

And so you should be.
I spent a day driving around in one. The noise is identical to the RDX as is the shock technology.

Colin

From AcuraNews.com
I'm still a little skeptical of the dampeners if only because they're on all 4 corners and I'd imagine we'd hear it randomly from different positions if they were the root cause. However anything is possible.

I'm more interested in some comments earlier that it seems louder in colder climates. I'm in Hawaii and haven't heard this noise nor have any customers commented on it (to my knowledge).

I noticed that the car is using teflon roll bar bushings. Way back in my autox days, these were known to be very noisey vs. the OEM rubber bushings in the Integra. I wonder if these are not faring well in cold weather? Can anyone provide feedback on the effects of this temperature theory?

Spirited Driver

Colin- I can. I purchased the car in August, where it's warm in the Northeast. I have noticed a considerable difference since then. As it began becoming cooler, it has gotten progressively louder. I can't for sure make a claim if its due to the change in temperature or just increased wear and tear on a faulty part.

Like I've mentioned several times, my guess would be that it's these newly designed dampers or something associated with it.