2019 Acura MDX Power Train
Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.
Complaint Timeline
Chronological view of owner reports
The transfer case is blown, with metal debris collected in it. This has caused the all wheel drive to not work because the transfer case is not sending any power to the rear wheels. The car dashboard doesn't register that that transfer case isn't working, so it it thinks the all wheel drive is working, when it isn't. A bad transfer case can cause the car to lose control or traction when it needs to use the all wheel drive system or completely stop while on a highway because it can lead to damage to other parts of the power train. This has been confirmed by an independent service center. There are no warning lights telling me the transfer case is blown or that there are any issues with the power train. The only sympton I noticed was a high pitched sound when driving. These symptoms first appeared about 3 weeks ago.
I was driving at about 65mph on the NJ Turnpike at 7:45pm on 8/28/25 when suddenly the accelerator pedal was non-responsive over a period of about 3-5 seconds. The RPMs dropped (engine did not stall) and the vehicle speed began to diminish. No warning lights showed and the dashboard remained lit as usual. The road was wet from a recent downpour. This was a very scary moment as my vehicle was surrounded by trucks. I further depressed the accelerator pedal and was able to regain control of the vehicle. This is the one and only time this happened with this vehicle as far as I am aware. I have scheduled to bring it to Acura service next week regarding this issue. A Google search has revealed several class action lawsuits regarding this issue.
At only 44,318 miles, my 2019 Acura MDX began showing clear transmission problems in the lower gears — including delayed acceleration, gear slipping, and jerky movement when starting or turning at low speed. These symptoms posed an immediate safety risk, especially when merging into traffic or making turns across oncoming vehicles. I first brought the car to Oakland Acura, which incorrectly diagnosed it as a transfer case issue. Their misdiagnosis delayed the repair process and added unnecessary cost and time. I then had the vehicle evaluated at Acura Concord, where it was correctly diagnosed as transmission failure in the lower gears. An independent, certified mechanic also confirmed the same diagnosis. Despite multiple confirmations of premature transmission failure — and a full maintenance history — American Honda offered only a $900 discount on a $9,600 repair, citing the vehicle being just outside the time warranty (but with low mileage well under 50K). I believe this is a manufacturer defect, not a wear-and-tear issue. Safety Concern: This transmission failure is not just inconvenient — it is dangerous. The vehicle hesitates when accelerating from stops or low speeds, which can lead to accidents at intersections, highway merges, or left turns. The misdiagnosis further delayed identifying and addressing this issue. I am filing this complaint to urge NHTSA to investigate whether this is part of a broader pattern with Acura MDX transmissions, and to help prevent similar risks for other drivers and families.
Rear differential SWD light came on was told it was my tires but in fact it is water corrosion in the rear differential oil pump and subframe wiring harness. Acura is aware of the issue but will not warranty the work. This should be a recall
In front of the red light on the way to work in a morning, I stopped my MDX, then when the red light changed to green, I pressed gas pedal to cross over the street, but unfortunately, my car was pulled backward, and meanwhile, I heard a loud sound of Bang from my mdx. I suspect that the loud sound must be from the gears conflicting in the transmission when automatic transmission shifts. Moreover, the car jerks at around 45 mph speed sometimes. Acura must recall fixing this issue.
Transmission has hard shifts, delay accelerations.
Driving down 45 at 70mph. Attempted to accelerate and change lanes. Car lost engine power and was almost rear ended before power was restored. Have been waiting almost a year for recall to be complete. Grubbs Acura called is the other day to have service performed. Made the aware of the symptoms. They tried to have us pay for a diagnostic. Informed them that the symptoms were that of the recall. We believe. The engine may have damage and should be further inspected and or replaced. The informed is that they replaced the connecting rod through the oil pain and did not touch the timing belts. However it’s time for timing belts and other maintenance to occur in the next 5k miles. Feel like the job was rushed and it is a safety hazard.
Transmission is very laggy when stepping on gas pedal causing late takeoffs. It may damage internals. Also very hard shifting at certain speeds
Acceleration has a very slow response after pressing gas pedel, transmission is very jerky only 12000 miles on car. It can lead into accidents at traffic or other
TRANSMISSION IS CONSTANTLY SLAMMING INTO 4TH GEAR AND HAS BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES. CORPORATE HAS EVEN EVALUATED IN AND HAS DEEMED IT TO BE "WITHIN SPECIFICATION". THE TRANSMISSION IS GOING TO BREAK DOWN WHILE DRIVING AND POSE A SAFETY HAZARD. IT FEELS AS IF THE MOUNTS ARE GOING TO BREAK OFF WHEN IT DOES IT.
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Quick Summary
The 2019 Acura MDX has 10 Power Train complaints on file. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.