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 2017 Acura RDX owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2017 Acura RDX. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact's wife enabled the parking brake. The contact stated that at a later while, the vehicle independently accelerated. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the vehicle was repaired an unknown recall was associated with the turbocharger repair. The contact researched and discovered that the failure was a known failure with similar vehicles. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 143,500.
The contact owns a 2017 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly sputtered, and the transmission warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and DTC: P0741 was retrieved. The mechanic determined that the torque converter clutch had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer, where the same diagnostic results were provided. The contact was informed that the torque converter clutch had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,477.
The contact owns a 2017 Acura RDX. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle loss automotive power while the accelerator pedal was depressed. No warning lights were illuminated. The failure occurred on several different occasions. A dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure and stated that the failure was possibly caused by the torque converter however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
The car accelerated rapidly when I came to a stop. When I brought it to, the dealership they found 3 problems with the transmission. First, the transmission had overheated, there were problems in the clutch assembly, and I don't know the third.
I was at a stop light, car was stopped, the electronics on the vehicle looked like it went through a reboot, A/C blower fluctuated (turned off then back on), all displays went out and restarted like it does when you start the car. When the traffic light turned green, and I stepped on the gas, the car shuddered and hesitated, like the transmission, ABS and traction control were all going haywire. Then the car drove fine. As long as I do not slow down too much or stop. Once I got home and had to back up into the garage, it went through that haywire cycle again. This was the 3rd time this has happened on this car. But after I shut off the engine, wait a little while and start it again, symptom seems to go away, until it decides to happen again. I have had this car since July of 2024, and since that time, I have had this happen to me 3 times and 2 times to my wife. …
I was at a stop light, car was stopped, the electronics on the vehicle looked like it went through a reboot, a/c blower fluctuated (turned off then back on), all displays went out and restarted like it does when you start the car. When the traffic light turned green, and I stepped on the gas, the car shuddered and hesitated, like the transmission, abs and traction control were all going haywire. Then the car drove fine. As long as I do not slow down too much or stop. Once I got home and had to back up into the garage, it went through that haywire cycle again. This was the 3rd time this has happened on this car. But after I shut off the engine, wait a little while and start it again, symptom seems to go away, until it decides to happen again. I have had this car since July of 2024, and since that time, I have had this happen to me 3 times and 2 times to my wife. …
DTC23-029 and SB P0741 "torque converter and transmission system problem" illuminated on dash. My vehicle is eligible based on 10 year or 150k miles per warranty extension however the dealership where I purchased the vehicle, A bra. Ananda, and A bra America are denying coverage for the needed replacement of the torque converter. The vin decoder verifies the vehicle was manufactured in Ohio, USA. Carfax states it was then exported to Canada for the Canadian market. The vehicle eventually came into the US. I purchased from an authorized A bra dealership in WA state. At the time of purchase I was never informed the vehicle was a grey market vehicle. I am now learning the severe ramifications of this material information as I am being denied cost to replace torque converter. …
DTC Code is registering Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance stuck or off (P0741) This can lead to ruining my transmission. It was an extended warranty to 150,000 miles or 10 years for known issue. Service Bulletin 23-029. Honda corporate refuses to pay or let a more local Honda dealership repair and reimburse. They want me to go to an actual Acura dealership which is over 250-300 miles away. My car won't make it. I've asked regional Honda dealers if they will do it and they said yes, but every time my case manager reaches out she blocks me and says they can't submit payment with no explanation. Same tools, same fluids and same 6 speed transmission as a Honda Pilot or Accord. All I get is excuses because they don't want to pay and offer no resolution. Worst customer experience I've ever had and can't leave town with my vehicle!
Since we have had the car we have had multiple issues with the car jerking and shifting hard after driving in S mode then going to standard mode. Dealership told us the transmission is "sensitive" in our model year and if we go 1 mile overdue for a transmission fluid flush we will have shudder/jerking/ hard shifting. (we have changed the transmission fluid 1-2x since have had the car, which is within range of recommended). Last episode- battery was dead, jumpstarted and car jerking at low speeds to the point I did not drive it and had it told. We were also told their was a short in the circuit board that controlled acuralink and what charged the battery. Jerking transmission related per dealership. lastly the sound for the blind spot monitoring is intermittently not working.
The RDX has been experiencing stalls when trying to accelerate, shaking/vibrations when accelerating uphill or around curves in roads. I received a letter about the Torque Converter having its warrantee extended. The letter stated if you are experiences issues related to the torque converter to contact the dealership. I took my RDX to the Acura dealership in which they stated the car did not show the code to have the Torque Converter replaced but instead I needed a transmission flush. I have stated that I am experiencing problems related to the Torque Converter and after replacing it a transmission flush is part of the process. The dealership is refusing to replace the torque converter but charging me $500 for a transmission flush.
Transmission complaints in other RDX years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2017 Acura RDX?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2017 Acura RDX, 30% of the model year's 79 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission › torque converter (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2017 Acura RDX transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2017 Acura RDX, though it has 1 recall 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 2017 Acura RDX transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles, and 43% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 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.