safado

I was about decided on a 2017 MDX but after additional research I’m finding a lot of complaints about shifting between 1st and 2nd gears being extremely rough. I’d like to hear from owners their thoughts on the issue. Overblown? Big deal? Minor annoyance? Thank you!

Bluepill

More info than you ever wanted:

https://www.piloteers.org/threads/zf...praise.114682/

https://www.mdxers.org/threads/2017-...-harsh.171528/

safado

Thanks for the links. Sounds like it’s a real problem for many and more of a risk than I want to take in a 30k vehicle. Back to the drawing board I guess...

jason60050

Overblown. Yes it’s an issue but it’s not an issue on every 2017. Is the vehicle you are looking at still under factory warranty? Software update and ecu reset seems to do the trick and is covered under warranty.

safado

Thanks for the feedback. I’m in a smaller town so not a lot of choices. I was planning on using CarMax or Vroom or something similar which makes testing impossible.

TLXinTX

I mentioned a rough shift from 4-5 (or maybe 3-4?) shift and received a software update. I could reproduce it every time by accelerating to 25 MPH, then letting off the accelerator. The vehicle would then buck into the next gear.

The software update fixed it completely. We have a 2017, BTW.

Donn0128

By and large the ZF9 speed issues have been resolved with software updates. The basic transmission had been used in a wide range of cars over the years, so there is bound to be some mechanicsl faiures. Could Honds have used a different/better transmission? Thats another debate for sure.

safado

This is great to hear—thank you.

safado

Wondering if an out of warranty ‘18 would be eligible for a software update? Can’t imagine the dealership would deny that but perhaps so.

technocrat

Stay away if you can, you can look for a 2015, its had older looks but 6 speed which has no issues. will be cheaper too.

All application of this GB have reported issues, none of them is without issues, the fixes only work temporarily and they come back. some issues are down right scary.

They do a hard ecu reset for free under extended warranty but that fixes one problem and brings another. My 2015 TLX had jerking problem, that got fixed after 2 visits. Then I had other situation where i took a right turn(on red) and had to accelerate to get out the oncoming cars path, and the car just refused to accelerate, it took a good 5-6 seconds for it to downshift and respond, luckily the car behind me changed lanes. Was extremely scary. Happened another time when I wanted to overtake a car and it just wont accelerate as it normally does.

Also the jerking came back after a while, as per tech the solution was to keep resetting it once the symptoms re-appear.

I sold of the TLX in one year, this wasn't the only reason but it played a big part in that decision.

Bluepill

Possible solution:

Honda Pilot from 2016 and up has the same engine as the MDX, except slightly de-tuned for regular gas. Except for the highest trim levels, the trusty 6 speed transmission is standard. Fewer gears = fewer problems.

The new Honda Passport only comes with the 9 speed, so it's off my list as a possible replacement fro my MDX when the time comes.

Also note that transmission fluid change on the 9 speed runs in the $300-400 range and requires the factory scan tool to do properly. The six speed is a $35 DIY job that takes 10 minutes with regular tools.

Donn0128

Really? If your that scared of the ZF9 speed move on to a Kia Teliruid of the Hyundai twin.

technocrat

Not sure if that was directed my way, If it was, I have already got rid of ZF9 sped car, the 6 speed on my MDX is fantastic.

The Kia/Hyunai twins actually offer much better value than the current MDX. The MDX only has its lineage and brand going in its favor at this time and value is only when compared to Germans but then again it doesn't offer as much features.

The 2018 would have been almost perfect with the older 6 speed