I have a brand new Acura MDX Platinum elite package (Advantage in the US) Today I have exactly 3 weeks since I picked it up from the dealer. I have less than 1500 km on board and last night::
Was driving on the highway and all of a sudden started hearing the engine revving while I pushed on the gas pedal but car was not responding. Limping got it on a ramp and in a parking place adjacent to the ramp. Smoke was belching from the engine compartment and the back of the car was covered in an oily film. Behind the car was a two-finger trail of some liquid.
Soon a hefty pool of what seemed to be transmission oil appeared under the car.
No sign on the dashboard. No warning lights whatsoever.
Left the car cool, because was afraid it will burst into flames.
Restarted the car after 1/2hour. The engine runs smoothly with no warning light. Put the car in reverse, didn't move one inch. In drive nothing. Called a tow truck. When attempting to put the car on the ramp it seems that wheels were blocked even in Neutral. Remains in the car to keep it in neutral but the car can not roll on its wheels. Wheels blocked entirely.
Waiting for another row car with some kind of dollies to tow to the dealer. The car is brand new, with less than 1000 miles on it. Was driving at approx. 55 mph when this happened. Now what? I'm stumped. Pushed the button for Acura link emergency service and the infotainment froze with the message I'm connected to Acura link. Can not turn off.

UPDATE: took it to the dealer. The foreman technician was as miffed as my ten-year-old cat, Told me the seal between coolant and transmission blew because of some sort of overpressure..(?????) . Told me he escalated the issue to Acura Canada for further instructions. (???).
I don't want this car anymore I think is jinxed. I want a new one. Does anyone know if there's a lemon law in Canada? This should not happen to a brand new MDX, really.

I'll attach




some pics

 

Well, that sucks. And I mean that in the most sympathetic way possible--no vehicle should crap out like that pretty much ever, let alone a premium brand basically brand new off the lot. I'd be upset, disappointed, sad, angry, perplexed... probably all the things you are as well.

But I wouldn't jump on the lemon bandwagon right away. Give Acura a chance to make it right. Your worst fears could be true and this MDX could be a lemon in lemon's clothing, giving you problem after problem. But more likely this was an isolated problem which they will fix, hopefully with a smile and an apology, and you'll enjoy many years of trouble-free driving to come.

 

Sorry to hear that. Please keep us posted on what happens.

 

Dang that sucks. I guess at least you get to deal with Acura Canada, which I understand to be much better to deal with that Acura America.

 

UPDATE: UPDATE 2: Acura dealer just called me 10 minutes ago. They allegedly found the reason: The cooler that comes with the 5000lb hitch assembly they installed on the purchase of the car,, was either defective or err..faulty installed and the threads were eaten and the gasket blew because of the transmission pressure. Apparently, they shipped the cooler to Acura Canada for further inspection. Now they said they are going to get the new cooler by tomorrow and reinstall and the car should be ready to roll by tomorrow evening. Question for you folks: Should I believe that? should I do something more? can I trust the car towing a small cargo trailer from Toronto to Texas in August???? I would hate this happening again and being stranded somewhere in the middle of nowhere with cats and dogs in the car and a trailer behind me. Really, what's your opinion folks?

 

I think it's probably OK as long as their no lingering damage from running low on fluids.

 

Do you have a spare tire or do you get the sealant like the rest of us?

 

IMHO, from what you described, the car did what it was supposed to do by not letting you engage gears when the leak was bad. That itself should be enough to save the transmission from any real damage. I don't understand why there was no warning light at all, though. Anyway, if the AT is moderately damaged, you should see metal dust in the drained oil, and should feel it during the test drive.

At this point, don't forget to ask for reimbursement of rental car if the dealership did not provide a courtesy car for you. I would also ask the dealership if they can provide free or heavily discounted extended warranty to cover the AT, since it is likely from a bad installation. If later on Acura decide the part is at fault, the dealership should be able to work with Acura to pay for the extended warranty.

 

Really sux! sorry to hear that. I agree they should switch your car.

 

I would find out how much of the 6/70,000 miles powertrain warranty would cover any future 10AT issues. You might be already covered if you are planning to trade in the MDX before that time.

 

I wouldn't worry too much about the transmission. It did what it is supposed to do when the fluid level gets low.

 

Sorry to hear this. I would ask Acura for a brand new MDX. At the very least they should give you a free 10 year transmission warranty.