2014 RDX with 460k miles.
I need to change Transmission & Transfer case fluid. I looked at the drain plug for transmission at the front of the car. It seems to have some fluid leakage. I had never seen any leaks on the ground. Is this something to be concerned about? There appear to be some cracks around the drain area. Am I seeing that wrong? I plan to drain and fill through the dipstik hole. I also understand there is a filter. Must this be changed too? I had never done this in the past. I got an alignment at Brakes Plus yesterday and asked them what they would charge for the transmission fluid change. The guy said they would not touch it as they don't want to deal with any complications afterwards. WTH. I had this service done multiple times in the past and never had any issues. I also don't know if there ever was a flush done or just drain & fill. Thanks.

 

Update - cleaned the area with engine degreaser. Looks like there are no cracks. phew...however the immediate area above the drain prior to cleaning was even more dirty. Don't know where that is coming from. It is close to the oil pan and filter.
So should I do the 3x3 fluid change? or just drain and fill once? Thanks.

Area above the drain.

After cleaning

 

The rear main seal is seeping—just weeping, that's all. You still have another 3 to 5 years before you start seeing actual drips on the garage floor. First, drain the old fluid and check its color: if it is red, darkred, a single fluid change is sufficient; if it is black, you will need to perform a "3x3" flush. Be sure to install an OE transmission filter (any filter costing less than $30 on Amazon is a counterfeit—and don't even bother looking on eBay).

 

This is accurate.

I bought three. All fake. The tip-off is that they are missing the bypass valve if the thing gets clogged.

I actually installed the best looking of what I had. Should have bucked up from the start and paid for an OE Acura/Honda part.

 

Your drain plug is wrong type, it should be a drain plug that uses a standard socket wrench to remove

 

Standard socket wrench? Where did you get that idea?

 

This is the drain plug. I am going to use a 3/8 torque wrench.