My wife's MDX has started to have a shake/shudder at a certain RPM at low speeds. We were driving through our neighborhood and turning out of a cul-de-sac when I noticed it (you can also gauge speed), she said its been happening now for a few weeks.

Any suggestions on what could be causing this? I am weary of automatic transmission issues on this car. I just wonder if it could be something as simple as new plugs/wires to get better spark at low RPM.

 

Exactly what speed/RPM? sounds like torque converter shudder.

 

Or something as simple as changing the VTM fluid might help. You mention that it happened while turning, which is leading me to think it might be VTM related.

 

Our 2005 did the same thing and the dealer replaced the torque converter on the transmission. About a year later we got a notice that there was a software glitch in the operation of the transmission and we needed to bring it in for a software update. I think it is still an active recall and they'll do the upgrade for free. Call an Acura dealer and ask. I would think the 04 would be the same.

 

As mentioned above, it's likely going to be your torque converter. Se if you can the the software update and if that doesn't solve the issue you will likely be looking at TC replacement. We had two replaced as well as the software update on our 07 X.