2012 Acura MDX - Hesitation and Clunking After Transmission Update
 

At about 95k miles I started getting the shuddering issues some have complained about. I took the vehicle in and the TSB performed (software update and fluid replacement). The problem is resolved and I've driven about another 5k miles with no issues. However, I recently started noticing in the past 5k miles or so two new issues with the transmission:

1) From a stop on a hill, or going up a steep hill from a stop the transmission doesn't seem to want to downshift - it's as if it' stuck in 2nd or even 3rd and revs up (doesn't feel like it's slipping) then sharply clunks into the lower gear.
2) I've noticed a few hard shifts (same clunk) at higher speeds (45-60) - it's so random and has happened maybe three or four times. It's hard to tell at this point if it's a specific gear to gear shift - but seems to happen on flat ground getting up to speed.

Has anyone else experienced these issues? And more importantly - anyone experience them after a software upgrade?

On a side note - just got approved with 105k miles for a piston ring replacement under the oil consumption warranty extension.

Thanks!

Could be the Torque Convertor. Before Acura came out with the update to Software, they were replacing Torque Convertors with the old part # in the 2007-2009. My 2010 got worse gas mileage afterwards, I averaged 19mph before and 17 mpg after it was replaced. I believe the TSB mentions replacing the Torque Convertor if needed, and it will be with the new part # along with the software update. PLEASE NOTE: ask to have the rear engine seal replaced, if you get this done, it's maybe a $20 part, but they don't replace it when replacing the Torque Convertor and mine went bad soon afterwards and there was oil dripping down on to my exhaust and blowing all the way back to my rear differential. I had Acuracare Extended warranty and it was over $1100 to replace that stinking $20 part. Ask to pay for the part and have it replaced!

Good luck, hope they will replace your Torque Convertor under the TSB, and remember to get the rear engine seal replaced!