Transmission slow going to reverse
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 1,062
Likes: 333
From: Minnesota
Transmission slow going to reverse
does anyone else experience slowness when shifting to reverse, seems to be worst when the car is cold, it takes a good 3 seconds sometimes maybe even 4 before it full goes into reverse, I have about 1900 miles into the car, I have to back up on a hill and it’s bad enough that I roll forward when letting off the brake expecting reverse to have shifted already. The loaner 19 RDX tech package I got with 900 miles on it shifted into reverse today and BAM, the transmission slammed into reverse so hard It threw my girlfriend forward almost hitting the dash.
I’m having the dealer check it out my rdx right now, just seems slow, and not to mention 2->3rd maybe even 3rd-> 4th being a bit bumpy . Seems they need to change the programming a bit, when I drive in comfort mode after the engine has sat and cooled, the transmission is kind rough at shifting, bumps ya around a bit, if you give it some gas it’s nice and smooth but mainly when driving it slow and easy. Expected a little better from a 50k car, sometimes when giving it gas I get some shifts in sport mode that shift way to early, just seems off.
I’m having the dealer check it out my rdx right now, just seems slow, and not to mention 2->3rd maybe even 3rd-> 4th being a bit bumpy . Seems they need to change the programming a bit, when I drive in comfort mode after the engine has sat and cooled, the transmission is kind rough at shifting, bumps ya around a bit, if you give it some gas it’s nice and smooth but mainly when driving it slow and easy. Expected a little better from a 50k car, sometimes when giving it gas I get some shifts in sport mode that shift way to early, just seems off.
Suzuka Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5,564
Likes: 1,093
From: Sugar Land, TX
It is slow to respond to shifting from D/S to R on mine when it's warm. I's say it's roughly 1 to 2 second delay.
I almost always back into parking spots so I rarely experience a P to R shift.
I almost always back into parking spots so I rarely experience a P to R shift.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 1,062
Likes: 333
From: Minnesota
thinking about it, I do have to pull forward first, so it is a drive to reverse
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 48
Likes: 16
Yes, i have this problem. It's like i can feel a series of internal mechanisms shifting around, until it eventually starts moving a few seconds later.
It hasn't really been an issue yet, but it is annoying for a car at this price point.
It hasn't really been an issue yet, but it is annoying for a car at this price point.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 573
Likes: 227
Same issue here along with a very prominent vibration that I can hear and feel while stopped in reverse while the engine is cold. And, I better have my foot firmly on the brake pedal when shifting into gear else the car will unexpectedly lurch forward or backward. My 2018 Accord with the 2.0T and 10AT didn't do this.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 163
Likes: 27
My RDX Advance is a bit sluggish shifting from D to R or R to D. It is most annoying when parallel parking but I have adjusted to it. Definitely doesn't make any unexpected noises or vibrations, just about a 2 second delay.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 993
Likes: 257
From: Michigan
Pretty much normal for any new car these days. Cold idle is set high to get the engine/catalytic converter up to normal operating temperatures as fast as possible to reduce emissions.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 573
Likes: 227
1) The cold engine idle speed seems high.
2) The transmission has an unusually long delay before reverse actually engages.
3) It takes a high amount of pedal force to hold the vehicle.
I've owned 28 vehicles in the last 30 years including nine Hondas and this Acura in the last 12 years. One of the vehicles I traded in on this RDX was a 2018 Accord with the same 2.0T engine and 10-speed automatic transmission - it did NOT have the cold reverse vibration, high idle, tendency to take off unexpectedly or firm brake pedal and the 2-3 shift was much less jolting.
Suzuka Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5,564
Likes: 1,093
From: Sugar Land, TX
I wouldn't call it "normal", but mine does this, too. There are a few issues at play here...
1) The cold engine idle speed seems high.
2) The transmission has an unusually long delay before reverse actually engages.
3) It takes a high amount of pedal force to hold the vehicle.
I've owned 28 vehicles in the last 30 years including nine Hondas and this Acura in the last 12 years. One of the vehicles I traded in on this RDX was a 2018 Accord with the same 2.0T engine and 10-speed automatic transmission - it did NOT have the cold reverse vibration, high idle, tendency to take off unexpectedly or firm brake pedal and the 2-3 shift was much less jolting.
1) The cold engine idle speed seems high.
2) The transmission has an unusually long delay before reverse actually engages.
3) It takes a high amount of pedal force to hold the vehicle.
I've owned 28 vehicles in the last 30 years including nine Hondas and this Acura in the last 12 years. One of the vehicles I traded in on this RDX was a 2018 Accord with the same 2.0T engine and 10-speed automatic transmission - it did NOT have the cold reverse vibration, high idle, tendency to take off unexpectedly or firm brake pedal and the 2-3 shift was much less jolting.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 118
Likes: 25
@Dereileak Just curious what your dealer said about the slow to reverse issue you mentioned above. Thanks in advance!
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 1,062
Likes: 333
From: Minnesota
@Dereileak Just curious what your dealer said about the slow to reverse issue you mentioned above. Thanks in advance!
Cruisin'
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 17
Likes: 2
From: Bedford, Nova Scotia
My home driveway has about a 10 degree negative slope. When I press R the RDX immediately rolls forward about six inches before it goes into gear. Of course I have the brake depressed but as an OP mentioned, the RDX requires more brake travel than most other vehicles. I only drive in Comfort mode so not sure it would be any different in Sport.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 170
Likes: 21
Pulled up a little too far at a red light on a very slight incline, put the car into reverse and it rolled forward. Luckily there wasn't another car coming because it would have clipped my front end. It's been happening in parking lots too. Just another issue to be aware of because you have to press Reverse then wait 4-5 seconds before releasing the brake or you will roll.
1st Gear
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: South Carolina
Mine does the same when the engine is cold. Going from park to reverse, it seems to have three phases of shifting into reverse. It only takes a few seconds, but with the higher idle speed, you need to have high brake pressure applied to compensate for the final phase of going into reverse. Currently have just over 3K miles and accumulating this and other issues before scheduling it to the dealer. Overall, I’m not that impressed with the technology functionality. They have a long way to go to have a stable and fully reliable package that’s ready for prime time.
10th Gear
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: So. Cal.
Mine does the same when the engine is cold. Going from park to reverse, it seems to have three phases of shifting into reverse. It only takes a few seconds, but with the higher idle speed, you need to have high brake pressure applied to compensate for the final phase of going into reverse. Currently have just over 3K miles and accumulating this and other issues before scheduling it to the dealer. Overall, I’m not that impressed with the technology functionality. They have a long way to go to have a stable and fully reliable package that’s ready for prime time.
I'm thinking of trade-in my 7-mos old Advance trim for something else !
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 1,062
Likes: 333
From: Minnesota
I guess we're all part of the "bleeding technology" by owning the 1st year RDX 3rd Gen. model ! Just got home from a quick trip to the dealership for an A1-service and the Service Tech. pretty much answered me the same thing as this thread mentioned: "... it's normal behavior for the transmission jerkiness... Acura is coming out with new software update for the Infotainment issues ... Android Auto is coming SOON ... and so on, and so on...".
I'm thinking of trade-in my 7-mos old Advance trim for something else !
I'm thinking of trade-in my 7-mos old Advance trim for something else !
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 6
Likes: 2
Reverse delay - one of many issues with this car
I have had 3 RDX's and 4 MDX's over the years. Always loved these cars.
Just bought a 2020 RDX and it has been a very frustrating experience -
So when I shift into reverse when the car is cold in the morning, or at lunchtime when it has been off for a few hours or even when the engine is warm, there is a delay that is extremely annoying.- never had a car do this.
Other issues involve the infotainment screen, the Apple play USB single port. the temperature setting is very unreliable - either not enough heat or AC too warm
Sad to think that Acura has let a great brand go downhill like this.
Will think long and hard before I lease another Acura.....
Just bought a 2020 RDX and it has been a very frustrating experience -
So when I shift into reverse when the car is cold in the morning, or at lunchtime when it has been off for a few hours or even when the engine is warm, there is a delay that is extremely annoying.- never had a car do this.
Other issues involve the infotainment screen, the Apple play USB single port. the temperature setting is very unreliable - either not enough heat or AC too warm
Sad to think that Acura has let a great brand go downhill like this.
Will think long and hard before I lease another Acura.....
User Awaiting Email Confirmation
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 1,011
Likes: 382
I have this too, but not nearly as bad as people are saying, probably 1-2secs (people exaggerate). I don't think it has to do with the transmission itself, but the back-up camera. It takes time for the back-up camera screen to load, so I'm assuming Honda doesn't allow the transmission to go into reverse until the screen actually loads. It's a fairly high-def camera, so it likely takes a bit longer to load, which I don't mind. Otherwise, the typical mouth breather who buys Acuras would go barreling into things behind them since they're less than useless without the camera (they're pretty damn close even with it).
5th Gear
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 5
Likes: 2
From: Cincinnati, OH
Cruisin'
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 21
Likes: 11
From: NJ
I'm noticing some weird behavior too. When I go into reverse from a cold start, the revs bounce slightly a few times accompanied by vibration in the steering wheel. If my foot isn't firmly planted on the brakes, it wants to take off in reverse.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 165
Likes: 22
From: NYC
I have had 3 RDX's and 4 MDX's over the years. Always loved these cars.
Just bought a 2020 RDX and it has been a very frustrating experience -
So when I shift into reverse when the car is cold in the morning, or at lunchtime when it has been off for a few hours or even when the engine is warm, there is a delay that is extremely annoying.- never had a car do this.
Other issues involve the infotainment screen, the Apple play USB single port. the temperature setting is very unreliable - either not enough heat or AC too warm
Sad to think that Acura has let a great brand go downhill like this.
Will think long and hard before I lease another Acura.....
Just bought a 2020 RDX and it has been a very frustrating experience -
So when I shift into reverse when the car is cold in the morning, or at lunchtime when it has been off for a few hours or even when the engine is warm, there is a delay that is extremely annoying.- never had a car do this.
Other issues involve the infotainment screen, the Apple play USB single port. the temperature setting is very unreliable - either not enough heat or AC too warm
Sad to think that Acura has let a great brand go downhill like this.
Will think long and hard before I lease another Acura.....
I asked the dealer and they as always give the same BS they didn't see anything wrong. I know something is wrong since from this thread I am not alone.
Totally agree, I had a 90 Legend ( I know it's really old ) and the quality is just not there on this RDX in many ways.
To add insult to injury I just read they are going to let GM / Cadillac build there electric cars going forward, I guess it makes sence since Acura quality is almost on par with GM.
Pure crap.
I will not get another Acura sad to say for Acura . I will look at Lexus, Toyota or Mazda but any car that is built in Japan. The U.S. Factories just don't give a poop about quality nor does Acura anymore.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 165
Likes: 22
From: NYC
Yes it is so funny. Thanks for the Laugh except the car at 50 k is a F'ing mistake.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 573
Likes: 227
Most Toyota models are made in the US now. Mazda and Lexus are moving in that direction. The new CX-50 (which could eventually replace the CX-5 the way the CX-30 replaced the CX-3) is made in Alabama. If quality is your top priority, look no further than a Mazda MX-5 Miata which is also stylish and incredibly fun, but almost completely impractical.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 165
Likes: 22
From: NYC
Here's the reality: Quality is simply NOT the top priority for most buyers. If you look at rankings of quality and satisfaction by brand, you will find many examples where the two are inversely proportional. The two standout examples that I recall are Tesla and Lincoln - owners are these brands are among the most satisfied with their vehicles despite those two brands being at the bottom of the quality list. The F-150 is certainly not the most reliable vehicle, yet it continues to outsell every other vehicle year after year. Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep - all low in reliability, yet very popular.
Most Toyota models are made in the US now. Mazda and Lexus are moving in that direction. The new CX-50 (which could eventually replace the CX-5 the way the CX-30 replaced the CX-3) is made in Alabama. If quality is your top priority, look no further than a Mazda MX-5 Miata which is also stylish and incredibly fun, but almost completely impractical.
Most Toyota models are made in the US now. Mazda and Lexus are moving in that direction. The new CX-50 (which could eventually replace the CX-5 the way the CX-30 replaced the CX-3) is made in Alabama. If quality is your top priority, look no further than a Mazda MX-5 Miata which is also stylish and incredibly fun, but almost completely impractical.
I will defiantly get a Japaneses built Lexus next time. I care about quality that 90 Legend L spoiled me I am sorry but who can I blame for that, Acura!!!!
Pro
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 573
Likes: 227
https://insidemazda.mazdausa.com/press-release/mazda-reveals-all-new-cx-50/
Last edited by zroger73; Dec 28, 2021 at 10:40 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 165
Likes: 22
From: NYC
[QUOTE=zroger73;16783436]A completely new model, CX-50 is the first Mazda vehicle to be built at the new Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTM) plant in Huntsville, Alabama, with production beginning in January 2022.
https://insidemazda.mazdausa.com/press-release/mazda-reveals-all-new-cx-50/[/QUOTE
Thanks for the info.I was considering the CX-5 before the this RDX. To be honest I wish I had purchased it. It's fit and finish is far superior to this RDX.
I was relying on my old 90 Legend impression it had left on me. Boy was I wrong.
https://www.autonews.com/manufacturi...on-moves-japan
Now as far as going forward, Acura has clearly stated that GM / Cadillac will build there EV on the same platform as the Cadillac so you can tell from that statement that Acura is long gone as a
true great car company. I know Cadillac's are great for the first 3 to 4 year then they go down hill. But most don't buy and Acura for 3 to 4 years.
https://insidemazda.mazdausa.com/press-release/mazda-reveals-all-new-cx-50/[/QUOTE
Thanks for the info.I was considering the CX-5 before the this RDX. To be honest I wish I had purchased it. It's fit and finish is far superior to this RDX.
I was relying on my old 90 Legend impression it had left on me. Boy was I wrong.
https://www.autonews.com/manufacturi...on-moves-japan
Now as far as going forward, Acura has clearly stated that GM / Cadillac will build there EV on the same platform as the Cadillac so you can tell from that statement that Acura is long gone as a
true great car company. I know Cadillac's are great for the first 3 to 4 year then they go down hill. But most don't buy and Acura for 3 to 4 years.
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