I was thinking of buying a 2nd generation MDX and was doing research on its long term quality. I noticed, especially on edmunds forums, that the 1st generation MDX had a slew of transmission problems that seemed like it was never resolved.

I wanted to see if any one out there has heard of transmission problems on the 2nd gen MDX and know how the new 6 speed will hold up as it gets milage on it? The MDX drives great but I'm a bit gun shy of having tranny problems for a ~$45k car.

 

The 2001 and 2002 mdx's did have problems but acura fixed it in the 2003 mdx with a new transmission. A quick check of consumer reports shows only bad tranny reliability for <2003 mdx's. Acura ironed out their transmissions as they don't want another repeat when they had to replace all the defective transmissions... thats why it took honda so long to put 6at's in the mdx.

btw this has been discussed before
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...x+transmission

 

Thats what I read about the new tranny for the 2003 but on the edmunds forums it seems like the problem still persisted through 2006. Thankfully I haven't heard much about the 2nd gen having problems but there are a couple people reporting transmission failures.

Is there any word on what other Acura/Honda using the new 6 speed transmission and how it'll hold up in the long run?

 

I doubt a 6AT will be in the works anytime soon. In regards to spotty 1.5G MDX's having transmission issues, it's just the delta.. all vehicles will have an occurrence of transmission failure for one reason or another but generally 03 & up should have good reliability overall.

 

I had a 2007 w/ 95000, no trans problems at all, I now have 2010 with over 11k, so far so good on the six speed, 2007 and up have a standard external transmission cooler, also the maintenace minder shows a trans fluid change every 35-40 k miles

 

Just thought I'd share.

 

Well, I'm now experiencing the 'rumble' in D5. Read that it's the torque converter. In D4, there's no rumble at all!

Bought the X a yeasr ago. Started experiencing said rumble right about when it started getting cold out(NYC).

Just thought I'd share.........

 

01-02 have trans problems overall, dosn't mean they all do, if you get a good one and change the fluid often they can last a long time. The 03-06 are much more durable but do have a converter shudder issue esp. if you don't change the fluid fairly often, other than some preasure switch issues, failure on the 03-06 is much more rare, there not bad if you change the fluid. The 07-09 have a completely different trans in them that is much more robust as the vehicle is larger and more powerfull, they have minimal if any issues esp. if you stick with a 30k change interval. 10+ is a new 6speed unit and has been trouble free except for a VERY isolated problem with some early model preassure switches, no big deal. The 6at hasn't really been out long enough to prove durable but the 07-09 has seen well over 100k on many mdx's with zero issues. Acura trannies 4-5speed autos don't have the best shift quality in my opinion even new, they tend to overanticipate or hunt a bit and can do little wierd stuff occasionally, but durability is as stated.

 

I have had a BG trans flush fix this problem, you just have to find a shop that does them. If it's not an Acura dealer, buy 12 qts. of Acura ATF at a dealer, and take it to them. Also, the forums about Amsoil and Redline synthetic ATF should be read, this may be the way to go. They were by TL owners.

 

My 01 mdx had 130k when I sold it. No transmission troubles and I even towed a 4500# boat with it. No trouble at all with anything on my wife's 07 with 55 k now.