All, I submitted the following letter to Acura Client Relations:

Hello,

I would like to respectfully submit a case for reimbursement or replacement with Acura. Please review the below information.

The 2014 Acura MDX currently in our possession is my 5th brand new Acura. I've also owned 4 brand new Hondas. All of these were financed with Acura/Honda Financial Services.

Our latest vehicle has been problematic to say the least. It has been in the shop for over 20 days in the last year of ownership. Some problems remain unresolved, while others have scheduled, future shop dates. Please see below.

- Driver and front passenger weather stripping loose with intermittent "flapping" wind noise. Inspected and found defective glue. Dealer could not duplicate because of weather (heat causes glue to stick adequately).
- Buzzing/grinding feeling in steering column when reversing and turning at low speeds. Other owners report the same issue, and report that Acura is aware and investigating. Still no resolution. My dealer had no answer.
- Firm brake pedal when vehicle has been parked for 24 hours in cool weather (sub 50 degrees). Owners have stated that their dealers have informed them that this is an issue that Acura has acknowledged and is investigating. My dealer had no answer.
- Propeller shaft bolts potentially loose; tightened under recall.
- Engine chirp at idle. Two shim kits and a grind later, and still unresolved. Now the same dealer is saying it's "normal" and that I am just complaining. The vehicle is an embarrassment to me as a owner and should be embarrassing for a "premium" brand. Please listen to the attached sound clip of my engine.
- Car would not shift into Park and stayed in Accessory mode. Could not turn off electronics and had to drive directly to the dealership. Discovered a "misadjusted shifter cable" and readjusted to correct the problem. This is very bad workmanship for a Honda/Acura.
- Windshield cracked for no reason. Dealer stated that this was due to a stress fracture and that Honda/Acura are currently investigating the cause. No root cause analysis, just a replacement windshield that I'm going to have to be without a vehicle again, to have installed. If the frame is flexing, than won't this problem just resurface when my car is out of warranty? The first time the dealer tried to shrug it off as a rock chip. Other automotive experts confirmed my initial thoughts, and finally the dealer admitted there is an "investigation" into the issue.

This long list of issues only scratch the surface on what seems like shoddy workmanship and general cost cutting on Acura's part, that has translated into a less than acceptable ownership experience. I have lost confidence in the brand. I had planned on purchasing a 2015 MDX Advance SH-AWD when the discounts hit later this year. I also planned to upgrade my other daily driver to the all new TLX. Based on my past purchasing habits, I wouldn't take this lightly.

Please advise before you lose a frequent, loyal customer. Thank you.

Respectfully,
Joseph S.
VIN #5FRYD4...

 

Very frustrating problems. However, not enough to lemon law it. Read the lemon law rules for your state and try to meet the conditions. Speaking to a lawyer specializing in this area will be of great help. Not sure if Acura will have to reimburse lawyer fees. Good luck and keep us posted.

 

It's beginning to be apparent that Acura wants to sell luxury cars but doesn't want to give its owners a luxury ownership. The biggest example on these forums is the reactive damper fiasco. Been going on ~2 years now and impacting 2 cars and Acura tries to claim it is normal, while other dealerships replace faulty dampers.. often more than once. Its really troubling. My TSX has been rock solid for 8 years. I think if you have an issue free car than you may feel like Acura is a luxury brand, but if your car has issues they treat you like a cheap domestic "No problem with that ignition switch.. its normal behavior... keep driving"

Not good Acura... not good at all. Man up.

 

OP - Did you read this forum before or after you bought this car?

 

I bought one of the first off the truck, in May of last year. Most people hadn't even taken delivery of theirs yet. What are you implying? I've owned numerous Acuras and had faith that they tested the MDX before releasing it.

 

No wonder Acura has discontinued this "advice damper" option from the latest generation MDX. I guess Acura still hasn't figure out how to make it work properly.

 

I think that your example is why I believe in science instead of faith.

Acura was the first Japanese luxury brand and since then they have been overtaken by everybody. Their direction, design, desire and implementation has moved Acura closer towards a Honda rather than in the other direction. The Gen 2 was excellent and the MMC moved it up a notch but since the era of the 2010 they have not indicated, at least to me, that they are serious contenders.

The Gen 3 utilizes some technology to make it appear modern but its implementation is the worst out there. OK - it gets better gas mileage but at what cost? An engine that is noisy and rough. The telematics are a joke, if your cell phone only worked when you sat in your living room then you wouldn't be very happy either. A system that does not allow you to use it is pointless.

There are many issues on this forum regarding the Gen 3 and to buy one of the first of a new design from a new assembly plant knowing that Acura is not trying to compete in the luxury market is a high risk purchase.

 

Compared to the Lexus 350 RX we purchased 18 months back, the MDX AWD Advance buying experience was very poor. Honda vehicles are far better than Acura's in finish, dealer experience etc. Unlike Lexus which adds to the Toyota brand, Acura actually lowers Honda brand standing. Our Acura MDX had a missing Entertainment unit cover and the unit itself was dead on arrival. A new one has been ordered and it could be a month before I get it functioning. Yesterday I noticed some white paint drops on my headlamp cover (my MDX is white color)! Who knows what else I will find. I am seriously regretting not having bought a second Lexus or even a 4th Honda. The only reason I bought the MDX was for the lane keeping assist. My last Honda CRV ran 180k miles with no breakdown at all. That was made in Japan. This one in Alabama, USA!

 

I have been following threads in the 3G MDX and i just better wait for the next model, it appears that there are many issues with this car. At the same I am amaze of owners complaining about the car, for example there was one that bought the car assuming he can adjust the back door from hitting his garage door. To me, if i am going to buy a car, i would do my research and before i take it home i make sure it works and last why would you compare to another brand, if you don't like it, then go buy the other brand, period.