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 2006 Acura MDX owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Acura MDX. While the vehicle was parked in a school parking lot with the key out of the ignition, the vehicle began to roll away independently without warning, a school coach jumped into the vehicle and was able to stop it from rolling. The failure recurred twice. The vehicle was taken to Apple tree Acura dealer in asheville nc where it was diagnosed, but the technician could not find the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, while the vehicle was parked in a shopping center parking lot, it rolled away independently without warning and crashed into a parked vehicle. The front passenger side fender of the contact's vehicle and the rear tailgate of the other vehicle were damaged. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic (myers), but was not diagnosed or repaired. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Acura MDX. The contact parked the vehicle, removed the key from the ignition, and exited the vehicle. Moments later, it was noticed that the vehicle had rolled backwards approximately 50 feet. The contact stated that the vehicle came to a stop when it crashed into a barrier pole. No injuries were sustained and a police report was not filed. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 200,000.
When cruising 20-30 miles, the transmission would shutter or make loud grinding noises and vehicle would shake. Dealer couldn't duplicate noise and nothing was done until 2014. Transmission oil was changed and if problems comes back, they would change it. Problem came back and now makes trembling noise and feel it when reaching speed of 49 exactly and 1500rpm, during shifting gears and could get stuck. Dealer stated is normal sound. Now I have check engine light with code p0706, which is open in transmission range switch circuit probable cause. Searched and it seems that this year model, Acura MDX 2006, has had problems with transmissions and no recalls. Car makes noise while this is happening while on the highway. Sometimes the truck gets stuck doing this until I accelerate or bring down the speed on the highway. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Acura MDX. The contact stated after getting out of his vehicle, it began to roll backwards crashing into another vehicle. The police were not notified nor was anyone injured. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who advised him that the ignition key converter failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle has not been repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 100,200. Updated 10/4/11 the consumer stated the vehicle would roll in any gear position. The consumer was able to remove the key from the ignition with the hear still in drive. The dealer performed a PCM updated and reprogram. Updated 01/19/12
Recently purchased 06 MDX. Didn't notice the transmission issue right away. About month after purchase, I noticed shutter/grinding/judder/whistling coming from the transmission. Took it into Acura dealer. Acura replaced torque converter and updated PCM software under warranty. About week later, started noticing the same shuttering noise coming from transmission again but its not as noticeable but definitely noticeable and the problem is still there. Acura did not "fix" the problem. It seems Acura had fixed the "severity" of it to the point where you can only slightly hear it. After being thoroughly frustrated with this issue, I started researching the internet and found out there are many many many many others with this same problem. It seems that there is no permanent fix. Numerous owners have same repeat problems even after replacing the entire transmission. …
I had the recall for the interlock defect done on my Acura 2006 MDX on March 15, 2015. Parked in my garage, I got out of the car taking the keys out of the ignition not realizing it was in neutral. I walked briefly into the house and back out only to find my car was starting to roll out of my garage. I ran to jump in and try to stop the car, only to have the open door catch my other vehicle in the drive and damage it along with the Acura. Neighbors came to my rescue after hearing me call out for help. One man pushed the door further forward as it was in a forward, hyper-extension position wedged against the other car. The other man maneuvered my other car away from the Acura. A third neighbor went into my house for the keys to the Acura so I could get it into park. …
I own a 2006 Acura MDX with funny sounds coming from drivetrain area. If u decelerate to 30-40 MPH, then slightly accelerate, there is a vibrating/shuttering sound followed by a clunking sound as attempts to shift gears. I had a service manager ride with me and he said he has never heard about this. I did some research and found out on edmunds.com that there are numerous consumers having the same issue and they had to have the torque converter and in most cases a new transmission at their expense, because the car is out of warranty when this occurs. I am about to be in the same position, since I am having noise issues, I imagine it is only a matter of time before I have to have it replaced at my expense. I was told there isn't a recall as of yet on the 2006 Acura MDX, but read many people having this same issue. …
2006 Acura MDX shudders and vibrates when accelerating, approximately between 30 - 40 MPH. The shuddering is predictable, occurs nearly everytime the car is driven. Acura service advised us the torque converter is slipping internally and needs replacement (in writing). Now Acura service states they will conduct the transmission software update which should fix the issue. The car is still under warranty, however, only 1100 miles are remaining on the warranty. From researching the issue, it is clear other Acura MDX owners are experiencing similar issues. The dealer told me they had never heard of this issue when I originally reported my concern in November 2010, however, they would look into it. The issues being experienced with this car appear to be on par with other MDX transmission issues, this appears to be nothing new.
I recently purchased a 2006 certified used Acura MDX base model. I was exiting the vehicle and accidentally left the gear in park (automatic transmission). I removed the key without noticing it was in drive and when I got out of the vehicle it started rolling backwards. I noticed and jumped in and hit the brake, but was surprised to realize it was in gear and allowed me to remove the key. So I tried again and same thing happened whether I was in drive or reverse, I am able to remove the key and the car will roll like it is in neutral. I cannot reinsert the key without moving the shifter back to park. I believe this is an issue with the vehicles interlock after doing some research on similar incidents with Jeep and Pontiac. This is very dangerous and I would really like to see a recall be done to fix this problem.
I have a 06 MDX torque converter was replaced in dec 09, June 2010 back in for the same thing. Honda doesn't have a for sure fix, so it is possible I will have to drive it until they come up with something else that will fix the problem. Who knows how long that will take? This problem is unfair to those of us who own these cars, Honda needs to make this right and not be allowed to get away with this. I've owned this car for 8months, the dealerships are all aware of the problem with these cars, but failed to disclose this information. I've enjoyed this car maybe one month before the problems arose. Need help!
Transmission complaints in other MDX years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2006 Acura MDX?
NHTSA has 38 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2006 Acura MDX, 44% of the model year's 87 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (17 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Acura MDX transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2006 Acura MDX, though it has 9 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 2006 Acura MDX transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries 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.