BEGINNING IN 2006 I STARTED TO EXPERIENCE A HESITATION AND A HISSING SOUND IN MY 2005 ACURA MDX AT HWY AND LOCAL RD SPEED FOR THE PAST THREE YEARS I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP ONLY TO GET THE SAME RESPONSE OF UNABLE TO DUPLICATE. I RECENTLY TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN ON 11/09 AND THIS TIME THEY WERE ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM WHICH WAS A BAD TORQUE CONVERTER WHICH R…
2005 acura MDX powertrain problems
severe 82 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500
Complaints
82
Recalls
0
Crashes
2
Avg fix
$2,500
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
TRANSMISSION ISSUES. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING SHE HEARD AN ABNORMAL GRINDING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC THAT LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE TRANSMISSION TORQUE CONVERTER. THE CONTACT STATED SHE HAD PREVIOUSLY RECEIVED A LETTER FROM THE MANUFACTURER IN REGARDS TO THE FAILURE. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE LETTER WAS SENT TO C…
FOUND A STRAWBERRY MILKSHAKE IN THE RADIATOR OVERFLOW TANK. DIAGNOSIS: FAILURE OF TRANSMISSION COOLER INSIDE OF RADIATOR. *TR
CAR IS MAKING A GRINDING NOISE AT APPROXIMATELY 30 TO 40 M/H. I HAD THE TIMING BELT CHANGED AND WAS TOLD THIS NOISE IS A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM THAT IS COMMON TO ACURA MDXS BETWEEN 02S TO 06S. I HAVE JUSTIFIED THE COST OF ACURAS BECAUSE OF THEIR LONGEVITY AND AM VERY UPSET OVER THE REPAIR COST OF $4000. WHY HASN'T ACURA BEEN FORCED TO STAND BEHIND THIS DEFECT WHEN IT SEEMS TO BE SO COMMON WHEN…
TORQUE CONVERTER SLIPPED - FAILURE OF TRANSMISSION - ACURA MDX 2005 *TR
TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS ON ACURA MDX. *TR
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2005 acura MDX?
It's a meaningful issue. 82 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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