I’m a new owner of a 2011 RDX, FWD, w/113k miles. Have had it 2 full days, and have been able to replicate this problem, at 25mph. I attached video, sound up. Possible transmission issue??? It’ll make a clunk sound and small vibration in the wheel… followed by this almost revving/grinding type noise. But it’s not the engine revving, nor do I feel the tranny searching for the next gear… and as you can see, no movement from the tachometer.. ? Hoping for some help.. thx!

perhaps a wheel bearing????

it needs to be diagnosed, by someone touching it rather than people viewing it from the internet

Check your front left strut and see if it's blown out.

Thanks all… I just purchased from CarMax this last weekend.. got an appt for them to check it out on Monday.

Let us know how it goes

CarMax diagnosed the shaking/vibration due to worn motor mounts, so they’ve ordered those. The “spinning” noise they’re fairly certain it’s the transmission slipping. I asked about faulty torque converter, they said it was possible… but if transmission is slipping, they’d order a new (rebuilt) one, and none of this will cost me a dime.

Here’s my question to everyone….

This a 2011 RDX, with 113k miles. No reported accidents, my trusted local garage can’t see this for another 5 weeks, as I was wanting them to do a good once over inspection, inside the 30 days CarMax gives me. But exterior of car is a 9/10, interior is a 8.5/10. Would the no brainer be to let CarMax put a rebuilt transmission into and keep it?! If research says this is the #1 issue with this vehicle, and I’m getting someone else to do the work and not cost me a dime.

or walk away….

I'm curious what research says transmissions are a major issue with this car. Outside of some people replacing the pressure switches, I'm not sure I've seen anything on these forums that point to an actual transmission failure, and you have numerous cars on this site that are well into the 200s. It almost sounds like CarMax is just throwing parts at this and hoping it will go away. I think you would benefit from having a trusted shop look at it if at all possible, just in case the issue is something else and you don't necessarily want to drop a good transmission for a rebuilt one. But if you're confident they have found the issue, obviously it's always good to get free work done.

I agree only the transmission pressure switches are a problem but it's a Honda unit and they're known for that issue. Biggest issue and most prevalent is turbo actuator bolt being worn, check out that thread. Also, it may look good on the outside and inside but the mechanical parts matter the most. I've never heard of needing a new transmission that worries me or motor mounts. Fingers crossed and knock on wood look at my signature, luck has it both of mine are original 154,000 miles with all those modifications stressing it. Also, it's covered but how long are the "new" rebuild parts covered for if they crap out?

Update: CarMax replaced the motor mounts, and referred the vehicle to a local transmission shop, for further diagnosis. I should know something tomorrow. Luckily, I paid for the MaxCare (extended warranty) program when I bought the car, 2 weeks ago. If I had opted not to, I’m 95% sure I would’ve given the RDX back, last weekend, once I started to discover this sound and vibration. They’ll cover drivetrain and other major malfunctions for next 3 years or 36k miles. So, if transmission shop fixes these issues, I’m really considering keeping it.

Alright, let us know how it goes...

After nearly 3 weeks, between CarMax and a transmission shop, nobody, including the owner of the transmission shop has been able to diagnose the shudder and noise. CarMax advised the last step was to take it to Acura dealership. They may or may not be able to diagnose and fix. It’s possible they’ll say, “this is the way it is”. With all that said, I gave up. That’s the biggest benefit to purchasing at CarMax. I “returned” the vehicle… got a refund.

The End.

Sucks you went through all that, but at least you were made whole again. I wonder if they looked at the suspension and/or half shafts? A number of people had issues with the front axles.