Engine Noise

2014 Acura MDX

This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Acura dealer.

8.3

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$10
Average Mileage:
12,050 miles
Total Complaints:
7 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (5 reports)
  2. fix: acura mdx service bulletin 14-003 (1 reports)
  3. replace water pump (1 reports)
2014 Acura MDX engine problems

engine problem

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2014 Acura MDX Owner Comments

problem #7

Nov 222016

MDX SH AWD Tech Advance Package 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 44,600 miles

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

  • Experiencing some vibrations in the Acura MDX (left front) sounds like under the driver and they only occur when engine is revving between 1000- 2000 RPM and at speeds of 10 - 30 MPH as well as right after I let off the throttle at around 1500 RPM. - Steering wheel noise

- Kreshnik S., Avon Lake, OH, US

problem #6

Mar 022015

MDX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 12,450 miles

Engine noise problem. Acura dealer will look at it. Steering wheel makes loud noise when adjusting to preset position. Rattling noise from under or front of dash board. Acura dealer will fix the above 2, but will decide on the engine noise. Already had noise from air mix motor corrected and propeller shaft replaced. I am wondering whats next? Bought it brand new. Wondering if I should get rid of it.

- Randy S., Albany, OR, US

problem #5

Oct 202014

MDX SH-AWD TECH Package 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 2,900 miles

When we give gas to accelerate, results in lot of noise and vibration into the cabin. It's so annoying.

- Meher Karthik C., Elkridge, MD, US

problem #4

Nov 152013

MDX Tech 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1,000 miles

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

As previously reported on this forum, my 2014 MDX Tech also makes a low frequency vibration whenever it passes through 1500 and 2000 RPM, at speeds between 25 to 50 MPH. It is usually a short "phizzet" sound of only a second or two, but has gone on for as much as five seconds. The is no apparent impact to performance but one wonders what is causing the sound, and what long term damage may be being done.

I have taken the automobile in twice to have the matter addressed but the dealers view is that it is an intermittent, difficult-to-replicate problem that they will fix when whatever it is breaks. The problem is difficult to reproduce in the crowded traffic around the Acura dealership, but it happens with regularity on longer, smooth roads. I also discussed reported problems regarding the Cylinder Management System (CMS) with the technical adviser and the mechanic and neither had even heard of the CMS, much less of a problem with it.

I have also reported the problem to Acura Customer Support but all they did was take a report and promise to contact me if a correction to the problem (aka recall) is released.

All-in-all, I sincerely wish I had not purchased this automobile simply because of its (1) poor rearward visibility and nerve-racking collision avoidance system, (2) attention diverting interfaces (just finding a radio station is a challenge) and (3) rough ride. The incessantly annoying vibration is simply the final straw.

At this writing I have owned the car for a year and have 10,000 miles on it. I will not keep it another year.

Update from Mar 25, 2015: Okay, the fix for this problem is contained in Acura Service Bulletin 14-003, dated Feb 4. 2014. The Symptom reads: There is a grinding, rattling, vibrating, fluttering or buzzing noise coming from the front of the vehicle under light acceleration with engine speed under 2,000 rpm.

The Problem is that: "The bulkhead cover fasteners (latches and strikers) have become detached".

The Corrective Action is to: "Replace the bulkhead cover latches and strikers."

Takes about 30 minutes to fix. Had mine replaced on 3/23/2015 AND IT WORKS.

It is such a relief not to hear that strange buzzing vibration. Why Acura has not notified all 2014 MDX owners of this fix is beyond me.

- Richard K., La Verne, CA, US

problem #3

Aug 052014

MDX Tech 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 16,466 miles

This very noticeable noise, which sounds like very short (1 second vibrations and as long as 5 second vibrations), occurs while driving at speeds from 20 mph to 50 mph but more often at the high end. It comes from under the hood directly in front of the driver's seat. An Acura dealership informed me I wasn't the only one with this complaint and that it has something to do with the 'cylinder management system' which is new to the 2014 MDX model year (re the new 3.5 engine). Apparently Honda cars with the available CMS have had this problem for the past few years. No fix was forthcoming from the dealership rep and he told me the regional Acura rep was keeping them apprised of the situation.

I have owned a new 2009 RDX, a new 2011 MDX and now this one and I will say that if Acura/Honda doesn't own up to this problem and fix it I will switch allegiance and likely move to Lexus next time.

Please see 'other' problems I'm having with this car.

- J J., Victoria Harbour, Ontario, canada

problem #2

May 022014

MDX SH-AWD V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 5,200 miles

Annoying engine noise like crickets chirping from the engine.

Acura has no resolution. Paid $55K for a clunking car..

For now, they say it doesn't cause any other problems other than the noise, but who knows after few days they can go back on the story.

- nelci, Santa Clara, CA, US

problem #1

Dec 272013

MDX Tech 3.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1,400 miles

Car has a chirping sound like crickets singing when idling and it is a faulty water pump. Acura being a pain and does not have a fix for it. They should just replace the water pump.

- Kris S., Orlando, FL, US

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