Transmission/torque converter vibration at 35-45mph. Started at 70,000 miles. Forced to replace transmission, Acura should be responsible for this failure.

- Lrafb, AR, USA

Torque converter failed due to faulty equipment. This caused a total transmission replacement per Acura.

- Frisco, TX, USA

Our 2004 Acura appears to be very sluggish and slow to accelerate in 35-40 miles range and was pulling to the right. So, we took it to Acura dealership in los gatos, California on 1/27/2009 for further investigation. That's when the dealer recommended a new transmission without any mention of the existing recalls on the 2004 Acura MDX transmission problems.

- Campbell, CA, USA

Driving home after purchasing used 2004 Acura MDX the vehicle was making a noticeable shutter/grinding noise between 30-45 mph under light acceleration. Dealership diagnosed faulty torque converter and replaced at no cost. No approximately 11,000 miles later, the problem has came back with bad torque converter. Internet search reveals this problem is common with these vehicles. Would not have purchased if known issues before. These is an obvious design flaw in the power train.

- Midlothian, VA, USA

I have an Acura 2004 MDX. 111,000 miles. Serviced as directed. Just replaced the transmission and the torque converter. This is an issue that is clearly a problem. Acura had recalls but claimed to have "fixed" the issue. There is no way a properly maintained car should have to have a complete transmission overhaul done. The mainshaft had to be replaced as well. The mechanics that did the work are ex Acura mechanics. They confirmed that this was the exact kinds of problem they replaced for years on MDX's. I had to have an entire new transmission with main shaft and torque converter replaced. This cost me $3,558.02. This is wrong. A car, especially a high end car like Acura, should not have to have an entire transmission replaced at 111K miles. It was unethical of Acura to not advise me of this history before purchasing the vehicle.

- New Canaan, CT, USA

My 2004 Acura MDX has been diagnosed with a torque converter problem at 71,000 miles. When we are at low speeds, 35 - 45 mph the transmission starts to vibrate as if we are going over railroad tracks. Over the past few months the gas mileage has dropped significantly to the point that we are have to fill up twice a week to drive roughly 150 miles. I have read hundreds of complaints from other 2004-2006 MDX owners with this same complaint. Some 2004 models have been recalled but not mine. How can they only recall specific VIN's and not the entire model year. This is a financial and safety concern, one because the vehicles gas mileage has dropped significantly and the transmission could lock-up or overheat at anytime.

- Holly Springs, NC, USA

2004 Acura MDX, started to shudder/vibrate/grinding noise noticed just after 50K miles. The problem occurs when driving between 25 to 45 miles, trying to coast or decelerate. Also observed the sudden hesitation of the vehicle when the shudder occurs. If I put it in D4 (instead of D5) then it doesn't seem to be making the grinding noise/vibration. I have reported the issue around 50K+ mileage to the dealer but dealer said they can't reproduce/identify it. I have complained about the same problem in 2 other visits to the Acura dealership, every time they denied the problem. Now, at 90K miles I complained about the problem and this time they were able to hear and observe the sound, exactly the same as I have been reporting since it had 50K+ mileage. Acura dealer is saying the whole transmission (torque converter) has to be replaced. For a vehicle that costs $40K having transmission issues at 50K mileage is unacceptable. I don't drive it rough and don't neglect the maintenance. There are so many complaints in the online forums on this exact transmission problems. Acura/Honda customer service is very poor or non-existing, they should be ashamed of such a problematic component in a luxury vehicle.

- Norwalk, CT, USA

A rattling/shuddering/grinding is occuring when accelerating, and only when accelerating, between 30 and 42 mph. It is a result of a failing torque converter. Problem only occurs while in D5.

- Birmingham, AL, USA

The contact owns a 2004 Acura MDX. The contact took the vehicle in for inspection and was told that the transmission was slipping. The failure was within the rear differential torque converter. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was told that this was a known failure that Acura had been handling on a case by case basis. The contact spoke with the manufacturer and was told that the transmission was not under warranty and they would not receive any assistance because the contact was not the original owner. The failure mileage was 63,000 and the current mileage was 65,000.

- Brooklyn, NY, USA

The best way to describe the incident is that our vehicle just started to lose power as we were traveling on the highway. Then, it just froze. The car would not move. Then, it seemed to be alright but it would freeze up again. It was very frightening because there were cars on the highway going 60-65 mph. We were able to make it home and had the car towed to a local repair shop and then to Acura garage a day later. We were given no warning of a problem. There was no light to indicate a problem. We were told that the transmission and torque converter needed replaced. We learned that this is an ongoing problem with the Acura MDX. We filed a claim with Acura. We had a service bulletin. Apparently, Honda/Acura knows of this problem but refuses to do anything about it. We bought our 2004 MDX new. We had all necessary maintenance done on the vehicle. Acura wanted our documentation which we provided. They offered to pay half of the repairs. Our expense was $2000. I feel that a recall is in order. Again, Honda/Acura knows about this problem with not just the Acura but the Pilot and the Odyssey, as well. Our car had 79,000 miles on it when this occurred.

- New Castle, PA, USA

2004 Acura MDX transmission failure. 81000 miles with jerky action, smoke in the hood. Smell of burnt oil. Metal part under the part burnt as liquid. No coverage and 7000 dollar costly replacement. No warranty.

- Tappan, NY, USA

My 2004 Acura MDX has been making a grinding noise (as if going over rumble strips) when driving above 35 mph especially when driving on a curve. The pohanka Acura dealership states that the torque converter is faulty. This particular problem is listed numerous times online for the 2004 MDX. Acura has not placed a recall apparently because they do not see it as a safety issue. They will not admit to have used a faulty part in building this particular model. Highly disappointed with this type of business practice. Where is the customer service they rave about? they are asking for over $3K to replace the faulty part. I am going to research some other avenues before I make my final decision.

- Ashburn, VA, USA

When in D5 driving between 30-45 mph at 1500 rpms the transmission makes a vibration/dull-grinding noise intermittently. It seems to force itself into 5th gear at low-speeds, and then lugs the engine and returns to 3rd or 4th gear after a few seconds. Its affects the performance of the engine, and is wearing out the auto-transmission quickly. Why isn't there a recall for this issue if its as prevalent as it seems? I wouldn't have purchased the car if I noticed this problem before-hand.

- Pleasant Grove, UT, USA

I have a 2004 Acura MDX, recently, the torque converter failed (mileage 65000) and this will lead to the transmission failure. I found numerous MDX owners complain this problems. So Acura should have a recall for this and extend the warranty.

- Livingston, NJ, USA

2004 Acura MDX torque converter failed at 70K miles and replaced. At 80 K the vehicle shudders or vibrates between 35 and 40 mph indicating torque converter failure again.....

- Piscataway, NJ, USA

I bought an used Acura from a dealer almost two years ago but 3 month ago the vehicle shudders or vibrates between 35 and 40 mph, as per diagnose of Acura, they stated torque converter is faulty. However because car is not under warranty they don't want to cover problem no matter of the number of complaints of several people on several websites.

- San Antonio, TX, USA

My 2004 Acura MDX - has safety concerns around shuddering - grinding and vibrating within the vehicle when accelerating beyond 35 mph. There are several forums with hundreds of complaints listed from other various owners of the same model vehicle manufactured in model years 2003 - 2004. This safety issue appears to be an absolute defect that affects the driving performance of the vehicle. The stated repair cost range between $2,500 and $3,000. The dealer is not open to covering any O F the cost of the defect.

- Alburtis, PA, USA

2004 Acura MDX failed torque converter, grinding at low speed 10mph-20mph. Repairs ongoing car has been at dealer for two weeks. Purchased extended warranty from Acura and is supposed to be covered but warranty company dragging their feet. Current mileage 90K no warning or previous problem. Also rear main seal on engine being replaced which is immediately adjacent to converter. Estimated cost to repair $3,500.

- Lincolnwood, IL, USA

Torques converter problem 2004 Acura MDX service bulletin 06-003.

- Delafield, WI, USA

The contact owns a 2004 Acura MDX. While traveling at 15 mph, there was an abnormal grinding coming from the transmission. In addition, when accelerating at 15-40 mph, the grinding would stop. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where he was informed that the transmission would need to be replaced. There were no prior warnings of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 91,000 and the current mileage was 105,000.

- Olathe, KS, USA