Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 Acura MDX owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Hi I'm seeking guidance my mom purchased a used 2004 MDX and she only drives it to and from work about a five min drive and one morning after she arrived to work ten mins later her car caught in flames fire fighter investigators stated it was an electrical issue what can I do. About this VIN # [redacted] 2004 Acura MDX incident date of April 1,2016 around 630 am in the parking lot of lompoc hospital ca 93435 we received recall notice three weeks later Saturday April 23,2016
I pulled up my driveway which has uphill grade then a flat area and was in my garage when I noticed that I had the keys in my hand. I turned around and noticed my car was drifting back down the driveway. I tried to jump back in the car to hit the brakes but thought better of it as it was gaining more speed. I let go f the front door and watched as it veered off the driveway and hit a tree and landscaping rock and end of driveway. What it . So I was able to take the key out of the ignition while the car while still in the drive position. I did not receive a recall notice until February . Acura has not been judicious in their effort to fix the damage that occurred to my vehicle due to a defective part.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Acura MDX. The contact stated that when the vehicle was parked at the drive way, the vehicle suddenly began to reverse independently. The contact stopped the vehicle by putting rocks behind the tires. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted at [phone] and was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer informed the contact to call the dealer. The manufacturer stated that the contact would have to pay for the vehicle to be towed to the dealer and also a diagnostic fee. A case number 06320658 was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Acura MDX. After shifting into park, the gear failed to engage and allowed the vehicle to roll. The contact mentioned that the failure occurred several times in the past. The contact managed to engage the gear by rocking the lever back and forth. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician made the contact aware of NHTSA campaign number: 12V573000 (electrical system), which was directly related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and explained that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 100,000. The VIN was not available.
There is a shudder and vibration between gears 4 and 5 when driving 40-50 MPH. This is very commonly reported problem on several blogs and problems are ascribed to torque converter. The frequency of such occurence is high and the cost of repair close to 2000 usd is alos quite burdensome for such an expensive car. There is an Acura TSB 05-024 for this problem that applies to earlier model years 2002, but Acura tells me that for 2004 it does not apply. It seems very clear that this problem has persisted in 2004 my. I am requesting the Acura be required to fix this problem as they have in earlier models
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?
I went to drug a store and was in a hurry when I parked the vehicle. I left the car in "drive" as I was in a hurry and didn't notice. I was able to turn off the ignition and remove the key, which didn't register to me as a problem at the time. When I came out of the store, I found the vehicle had rolled backwards and struck another parked vehicle, causing approximately $2200 in damage to the other vehicle. Minimal to no damage to my vehicle. When I got home I was able to duplicate this situation.
Transmission failed today 123K. Called customer service what a joke. Emissions light on and air bags are faulty. What a lemon. Nevet buy Acura. On a city street car just down shifted and stopped. Needless to say it was 20 degree's outside. Acura doesnt see thus as a safety hazard? Confused and mad really mad. I cant believe they are still getting away with this. I've had my fill with foreign junk. I froze walking home think I have frost bite on my fingers.
2004 Acura MDX. Consumer writes in regards to electromagnetic coil and differential carrier assembly failure. The consumer stated he took the vehicle to the dealerm because the vtm-4 light illuminated. He was informed the differential needed to be repalaced because there was an open circuit between the left electromagnetci co and the differential carrier assembly. The problem prevented the vehicle from being able to drive in vtm-4 mode.
This car has 131,000 miles on it and the transmission went out. After reading 37 pages from other owners on edmonds they complained about the same thing. This transmission should not have gone bad. There should be a class action lawsuit because so many other people have had the same problem from the 2003 on. I expect some recourse on paying for this transmission. The cost is almost $5000
Transmission complaints in other MDX years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2004 Acura MDX?
NHTSA has 77 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2004 Acura MDX, 45% of the model year's 171 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (29 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Acura MDX transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2004 Acura MDX, though it has 8 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2004 Acura MDX transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 91,000 miles, and 4% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.