Hi guys I was wondering to get some advice as I'm interested in purchasing an Acura MDX, models '09-'12 typically.

The problem is that I hear the MDX has transmission problems, I came here to get some more information on this and how often this may occur and what I can do to prevent this?
However I do hear this is mostly a problem for '01-'04 models, but right now I'm looking at an '09 and '10 model and was wondering what kinds of problems I can expect.

Thank you for your input.

 

I just traded my MDX, but from what I am aware:
*3rd gear transmission sensor (may or may not be covered-about
$250)
*Recall to reprogram the transmission (covered under recall)

 

Oh...and...I had both issues

 

07-09 has 5 spd. And was known to bugs, most of which are covered by dealer.

10-13 has 6 spd. Less known issues. Much smoother shifting and transition over the 5 spd.

I have owned both and much prefer the 6 spd. Fwiw

 

I have an '07 Sport/Tech with 90k miles, and had the warranty work performed to clear both issues MILBO noted above fairly recently. Neither caused any real problems and I don't have any complaints. If the price matters and the difference is material with reasonable mileage, I would go with the certified sport/tech '09 version if you could find one.

 

I 2nd the certified deal. Certified gives you an extended Acura warranty.....Not having an "Acura" warranty is a very big part of why I traded mine.
-Got tired of going back & forth between where(Honda dealer) I purchased it and the Acura dealer.

 

no tranny issues on my 09. had the reflash done as part of the "soft" recall, technically a TSB.

i've had a few other minor annoyances, but mechanically speaking no issues.

as someone else has pointed out...there is a difference between the 09 and the 10+ MDXs. besides the tranny, the exterior styling and some of the bells and whistles have been refined/updated.

 

I not only share the same stories but I also can agree with these opinions.

Loved the 07 MDX. But the 10 is a much more powerful, aggressive machine in both heart and soul. The 6-speed auto really wakes up the 3.7s spirit and gives the much more predictable attitude to the vehicle.

This amazed me as they are both rated the same in power. I know there has been a few more changes made to later models and would love to see what differences they make. Now, only if we could get them to carry over the exhaust VTEC into the newer models from the RL and the TL.

 

I purchased an 07 MDX 3 mod ago with 92k … Took to Acura dealer to get recalls updated. Told them Check Transmission light was coming on and Check Engine also. They said transmission was fine and that the control switch for both of these warning lights needed replacing. Decided to take to local mech to get these fixed since it wouldn't cause any harm to wait. LAST night rough shifting started in rear end while driving. Now I'm worried that the trans is going out!!! I parked it in garage and haven't checked it this am. It did however get worse/happening more last night. Anybody know anything about this happening?? Could it be something else, not so major?? Also any idea what one cost?? Thanks

 

take it the dealer. it could be your torque convertor. the warranty on this was extended by Acura to 8 yrs or 110k mile (IIRC).

did the dealer even do anything to check your tranny or the CEL? if the car is running rough...and the dealer is a good drive away...get it flat bedded to them.

 

I've been really surprised on how reliable the 6AT has been since it has been introduced a few years ago across the Acura line-up. It seems to have way less problems compared to 5AT that has been around 3X-4X longer.

Acura/Honda seems to build a pretty solid vehicle by the 3rd model year of production. I don't know what model/year you are interested in; but, I would stick with something in the +09 MDX model. I like the +10 models the best because of the updated styling, additional tech, more safety features, 6AT, and slightly better mpgs.