10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
118,821 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2004 Acura MDX engine problems

engine problem

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2004 Acura MDX Owner Comments

problem #13

Apr 022022

MDX

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Was driving to the store and the vehicle lost all power it will crank and idle but. When u push the gas pedal it will not accelerate all the dash lights are flashing or staying on as of right now the vehicle is on the side of the road I had to walk 15 miles cause I left my phone at home so I couldn't call no one and. My 11 year old daughter was with me so she had to walk as well

- Athens, AL, USA

problem #12

Sep 222018

MDX

  • 167,000 miles
Hose connection failure between radiator and transmission cooler causing radiator fluid to mix with tranny fluid with no dash indicator of problem.. in motion lost power and would not move from 1st gear. Broke down completely in need of transmission work and new coolant system due to hose connect failure.

- Caledonia, OH, USA

problem #11

Apr 012016

MDX

  • 150,000 miles
Electrical short

- Santa Maria, CA, USA

problem #10

Jun 232018

MDX

  • 147,500 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Vehicle slips out of gear intermittently after deceleration, usually while driving in town (under 45 mph). Torque converter shudder or vibration between 35-40 mph.

- Troy, AL, USA

problem #9

Jul 122016

MDX

  • 41,179 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Acura MDX. While driving approximately 35 mph and making a right turn, there was a clunking noise coming from the engine. The vsa warning indicator illuminated, the brakes applied independently, and the vehicle stopped. The contact had to depress the accelerator pedal to continue driving the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the stability assist system failed and needed to be replaced. The independent mechanic replaced the brake pads, discs, calipers, and fluid; however, the failure recurred. The independent mechanic informed the contact of NHTSA campaign number: 13V092000 (service brakes, hydraulic, traction control system) and to contact the dealer. The dealer was not contacted. The contact called the manufacturer and was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 41,179.

- Rockville, MD, USA

problem #8

Jul 272016

MDX

  • 150,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Acura MDX. While driving approximately 3 mph attempting to park, the contact heard a noise emerging from the engine compartment. The contact also stated that pieces of the serpentine belt were shredded and hanging from the engine. The vehicle was parked at the contact's house. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

- Milwakee, WI, USA

problem #7

May 112016

MDX

  • 188,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2004 Acura MDX. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The battery was jumped and the vehicle was able to start. The failure recurred multiple times. The dealer stated that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact also stated that there was oil leaking from the engine and the smell of fumes emitted into the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 188,000.

- Louisville, KY, USA

problem #6

Apr 302013

MDX 6-cyl

  • 120,000 miles
There is a grind/ roaring sound when I am going about 40 mph. It definitely sounds like the transmission. I researched it on line and have determined that thousand of people like my self are experiencing the same issues, but Honda has not recalled these cars. My question is does someone's transmission have to cause an accident and possibly a fatality before this issue is handled. Most people have had to have the torque converter replaced at their own expense, some after threatening lawsuits have received some assistance. What can we do?

- Mount Olive, AL, USA

problem #5

Nov 232008

MDX 6-cyl

  • 58,000 miles
Reproducibly at automatic transmission shifting speeds between 20-25mph, 30-35mph and 40-45mph there is an audible and palpable shudder as the transmission hesitates prior to shifting. Have brought vehicle to Acura dealer 3 times over the past 5 years, every time stating the same complaint, and every time referencing a convincing multitude of Acura MDX owners noting a similar problem. Every time Acura service states they could not reproduce the problem and nothing is wrong with the vehicle. The last time I even drove the car with their chief mechanic, who verified the problem and stated it must be the torque converter, but Acura only performed an automatic transmission flush and reset the transmission computer settings that they charged me for, and neither solved the problem. This is a serious dangerous problem and eventually someone is going to get seriously hurt. Links with multiple owners experiencing the same problem and frustration: www.aboutautomobile.com/complaint/2005/Acura/MDX/automatic+transmission repairpal.com/debris-in-transmission-due-to-failed-torque-converter-clutch-006 forums.edmunds.com/discussion/12576/Acura/MDX/Acura-MDX-torque-converter-scam/P3 I also have in my possession an internal Acura memo detailing this problem. Many thanks in advance for what I am certain will be a thorough investigation!

- Clarks Summit, PA, USA

problem #4

Jun 122013

MDX 6-cyl

  • 139,000 miles
I was pulling into drive way when I shut off truck took keys out, shut door, as garage door was opening. Car started rolling back... I opened door tried to press on emerg. Brake with hand as im running with vehicle as it is rolling back, wouldn't stop. I realized the gear wasn't in park, it was in reverse, but with no keys I tried to put gear into park, wouldn't move without keys, I hopped in, put keys in ignition and turned car on, as I was putting the gear in park, the vehicle reared forward and I pressed on breaks but it wouldn't stop. The car was moving forward as I was pressing on the breaks, needless to say, it did not stop until I ran into the garage door as it was coming back down, and both myself were half way into my son's garage door, wall, and shelving, items, all damaged by my rolling backward Acura......because the car was in a fast speed, I tried to avoid going straight into the garage, to avoid going into the bedroom, so I swerved inward toward the wall... the garage door would not lift up off the truck, so I asked my grandson to push on the switch on wall while I lift on the garage door, as we worked together with no keys in ignition, motor off, on the count of 5,4,3,2,1.....I lift, he pushes, and guess what......there goes M car.....starts rolling back...right into my son's [parked...vehicle....damage...3 claims in one day.....3 deductibles in one day......when I called insur...I was asked if vehicle was drivable?... when I started it. It made a loud roaring sound and would not go into reverse.......then I found out a recall was out on my vehicle.... and I hate to think that all the times I drove in the vehicle with my grandson.....I just had 2 back surgeries and 2 knee replacements, ... as I was running with my vehicle, I injured my back and knee and I cannot work for a while.. all thanks to Acura...

- Maricopa, AZ, USA

problem #3

May 142013

MDX

  • 147,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I had noticed a shuddering at 1200-1400 RPM. Dealer said it was likely the torque converter. Recommended not doing anything at this time. In the past month, I've had two occasions while in drive from a stop, when I stepped on the gas the car did not move; the engine just revved. The first time I put the car into park, shut off the car. I restarted and all was well. This next time I was going around a curve at about 10-15 mph, when the car revving response to my pressing the gas pedal, but did not accelerate. As if it had shifted into neutral. I switched into neutral and back into drive, and it re-engaged. Lots of similar concerns on my investigation on the internet. If this is a known problem to Acura/Honda, why has there not been a recall or a fix?

- Owings Mills, MD, USA

problem #2

Nov 112011

MDX 6-cyl

  • 100,000 miles
On 11.11.11, our Acura lost power coinciding with the dashboard warning lights not functioning properly to warn of the sudden loss of control, heavy smoke emission, transmission failure, engine damage & inability to drive our vehicle, creating the possibility of a crash, injury or fatality. Despite Acura's knowledge of transmission failures based on an Acura service bulletin alert, we incurred $5500 in expenses/damage to our vehicle.we had not been notified of the faulty torque converter/transmission parts previously&Acura has avoided taking full responsibility for a known problem in which many consumers have been fully reimbursed for this damage. We are issuing this complaint&requesting reimbursement for our expenses due to Acura's full knowledge of this recurring situation, their negligence in alerting consumers&their neglect in resolving the repair in accordance with their responsibilities.we would request that Acura be held responsible in notifying all Acura owners of the service bulletin/recall pertaining to this faulty transmission. We also feel strongly about the electronic/computer dashboard warnings that gave no indication of damaged or faulty parts creating the dangerous&unsafe situation we had experienced while driving our vehicle in traffic when this incident occurred&are filing a complaint according to the seriousness of this portion of the incident as well. We have much documentation&would be more than willing to provide whatever would be necessary to ensure that this complaint is productive in enforcing Acura's responsibility of these two incidents, to further make aware&avoid such incidents&in hopes of being reimbursed for our unexpected expenses as well. In purchasing an Acura, we had done so with the peace of mind that we had purchased a well made, safe vehicle from a company that stands behind it's product.we are saddened that this has not been the case.

- Blandon, PA, USA

problem #1

Jun 022012

MDX 6-cyl

  • 137,000 miles
I was told my radiator bladder exploded causing all fluids to mix, thus I now need a new radiator and a new transmission, cost of repair is $4600. My 04 MDX has 137K this should not happen, there are numerous cases of this same issue all over the internet Acura forums, why has there not been a recall on this issue, there is clearly an issue with the radiators. I need to have the radiator replaced, all fluids drained and then flushed 5-8 times to ensure all the contamination is gone, then new fluids put back in along with a replacement transmission. There has to be numerous complaints about this, please help!

- Hudson, MA, USA

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