Problems · by component

2014 Acura MDX power train problems

27 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2014 Acura MDX cite power train, 16% of all 172 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
27
16% of all complaints
Crashes
3
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the power train

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“My 2014 Acura MDX had the same issue that it is currently being recalled (26V-365) except this happened to the front control arms. In August of 2024 I had to replace both the front lower control arms because the bushings were splitting. Had they split while driving I would've lost control of the car and crashed which is the concern with the current recall for the rear control arms. It was fortunate that this potentially dangerous crack was found during an unrelated service. I strongly feel that this recall for the MDX should be expanded to cover the front control arms too. This issue of dangerous corrosion is not limited to the rear.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 1, 2026Power trainODI 11768354
“The power train experiences jutters. Known issue and many torque converters have been replaced while under warranty. Our vehicle had minimal miles when warranty expired and now this problem has occurred. Have followed all of the recommended technical bulletins from Honda and the issue is not resolved. They now say to replace the torque converter at own expense.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 26, 2025Power trainODI 11656957
“The car is un safe to drive, the RPM fluctuations, gos up and down at low speed, doesn’t potential problems with the torque converter clutch, is juddering and unstable RPMs, noticeable during acceleration or deceleration”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 6, 2025Steering, Power train, EngineODI 11646883
“My vehicle has a hesitation and kick when it is at 35-40 mph about 1.8 to 2 on the tachometer. I took it in to the dealer and it needs transmission repair. I researched on the internet and it seems like thousands of others are having or have had the same problem. I purchased a lifetime powertrain warranty from Scott Clark Honda when i purchased the vehicle to cover these problems and the warranty company and Scott Clark Honda are trying to get out of repair. There are no lights or warning lamps on the vehicle. It just kicks and studders when you get to 35-40 mph which is the speed in the city limits. It is easy to get hit or run over when the vehicle does not go when you press the gas peddle. I would like to file a national case against Acura and Scott Clark Honda”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 13, 2024Power trainODI 11625022
“The contact owns a 2014 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle was jerking upon acceleration and deceleration. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the transmission control module (TCM) software was updated, and the transmission fluid was flushed; however, the failure reoccurred while driving. The vehicle was taken to a local Pep Boys where it was diagnosed that the transmission control valve solenoid had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer who provided the same diagnostic information. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 175,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 18, 2022Power trainODI 11489811
“There is a known issue of Certain Acura MDX models having a "judder" (i.e. bouncing rev counter) at certain speeds. This causes the torque converter to not lockup and continue to find the right gear, per se. This is a known issue and Acura has a TSB (16-062) for this: https://www.tsbsearch.com/Acura/16-062 The issue is, even though, unaddressed in a timely manner and continual use of the vehicle may deteriorate the transmission, Acura doesn't fix this free of charge for vehicles not under warranty. Dealer quotes $800+ for a total 1.6 hours of work (based on the TSB bulletin). This is outrageous and monopolistic behavior in a free market. Moreover, typical mechanics doesn't have access to the special computers needed to perform the software update, required by this TSB. I am reaching out to request Acura (Car manufacturer) to cover this under recall and not charge the customer this ridiculous ~$400/hr labor rate just because I can't update the software from a local mechanic.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 10, 2022Power train, EngineODI 11488680

Showing 6 of 27 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 27, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

1 recall on this component

Power train: automatic transmission

Free remedy

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2014 Acura MDX AWD vehicles manufactured May 6, 2013, through October 14, 2013. The bolts that attach the drive shaft to the automatic transmission transfer assembly may not have been properly tightened. As a result, the bolts could loosen possibly allowing the shaft to detach.

Power trainReported Nov 14, 2013NHTSA 13V571000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 27, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.