Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2014 Acura MDX owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
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. …
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
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.
Transmission surges when shifting between 1st gear to 2nd, feels like rear ended, the whole car jumps. Acura of America seems to not have a fix for this issue that a lots of 3rd generation ACURA MDX owners suffer from . Acura dealership only suggestion is transmission fluid flush, which is not a real fix for the transmission jump that can cause a serious accident while operating the vehicle in traffic. Acura Of America is aware of this issue but !!! No safety recall been addressed.
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.
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
Unintentional acceleration and failure of collision mitigation system 2014 Acura MDX advanced. Accident occurred at a strip mall parking lot located 1 mile from my residence where I was grocery shopping. Weather 65 f sunny. Heavy pedestrian and vehicular traffic. I was parked head in diagonally. I placed my right foot on the brake pedal,placed the SUV in reverse,lifted my right foot from the brake pedal, depressed the accelerator pedal and slowly backed out of the parking space,straightening the wheels in the process.I placed my right foot on the brake, shifted to drive, and placed my right foot on the accelerator pedal and without actually depressing the pedal the engin reved uncontrollably and the SUV surged forward 100 ft at increasing speed before colliding in a domino fashion with a row of 6 vehicles pushing one of the vehicles over one of the adjacent vehicles before veering off …
I recently purchased a 2014 Acura while it was still in its warranty period. After finalizing the purchase of a $40, 000.00, the vehicle began exhibiting mechanic issues with the transmission. So naturally, I contacted the my local Acura dealership in chapel hill, nc. I have taken my vehicle to the same dealership a total of four times for the same issue to only be told that there was not problem with vehicle, when it exhibits otherwise. With the same mechanic issue with transmission still exhibiting itself, I decided to take my car to the Acura dealership in fayetteville, nc, which is more than 78 miles from my home. The nice folks there diagnosed the vehicle and determined that it was the tort converter, which carries a price tag of over $2,600.00 to repair. …
After driving on highway for 20mins, when diving on city street or at low speed, transmission failed to shift gears, lost manual shift control also, vehicle kicked back and forth strongly with very loud sound when driving and shifting automatically. Engine light is on, says emissions system failed, lane departure warning system failed, transmission failed. After restarted(multiple times), transmission still not working properly, very rough shift, whole car kicked and shaked when gear up. If press gas harder, gear will not go up on time, RPM will go very high, speed remains slow. If press brake, gear shifts down too early and engine will slow the car in sudden. Cannot drive safely or on highway at all. Same issue happened in January 2019, dealer changed solenoid control assembly under warranty, but same thing happened again in June and July 2020 and got worse at this time. …
Related recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission
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.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the drive shaft attaching bolts as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on July 3, 2014.
Transmission complaints in other MDX years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2014 Acura MDX?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2014 Acura MDX, 16% of the model year's 172 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2014 Acura MDX transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 13V-571 (automatic transmission, Nov 14, 2013). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2014 Acura MDX transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 35,000 miles, and 50% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 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.