orbatrin

Hi everyone,

I just purchased a certified used 2014 Acura MDX tech package and a day later noticed a crackling sound when driving highway speeds typically 60mph+. The sounds seems to be coming from the outside area somewhere around the driver side door area. The sound sounds like high speed wind hitting against something and flapping around, something like a flapping/crackle type of sounds that's very noticeable regardless if you sit in the driver or passenger side (almost as if heavy raindrops are hitting the door panel at highs peed). I already tightened up the mud guards but that doesn't seem to be the culprit and I didn't see anything loose on the body of the vehicle anywhere. This does not happen when turning, breaking or reverse driving - just seems to happen once the vehicle is accelerated to around 60+ speeds.

I just dropped off my vehicle at the Acura dealership since its still under warranty but the mechanic really didn't seem so sure what could cause it until they fully inspect it.

Has anybody ever experienced this or heard of the problem? or possible ideas what may cause this? According to Acura and the car fax, there was never any accident/damage/repairs done (at least that's whats being reported). My loaner MDX does not make this crackling sound.

Any help is appreciated!

mrag

I experienced a noise like leaves crunching or a playing card in a bicycle spoke. Turned out to be the HVAC blower motor behind the glove box. It was intermittent and not directly related to high speeds - but noises can be very tough to diagnosis and hard to find their origin. Likely different that what you are describing, but worth looking into.

orbatrin

Hi mrag, I was getting ready to post an update and noticed you just replied. Acura did find the problem of the noise which was coming from the under-body mud guard plate - one of the pins was missing which was causing a rattle when driving at high speeds to to wind force. It was quickly remedied after they took of all the panels to get to the B Pillar for initial inspection and found nothing wrong. They raised the car up and found a missing pin - replaced it and after a test drive the noise was gone.

mrag

Great - noises always seem to take away from the pleasure of driving...

eggeorge98

YES!!!! My 2014 MDX had this EXACT issue for months. It was bad running channels. The dealer replaced all four door running channels, and the problem was gone.