I have a 2013 Acura MDX with an estimated 87k miles. Over the past 3 months, the engine will cut off while I'm driving and the steering wheel and brakes lock up. This has happened about 5 times in a three-month period. There are no warning lamps on my dashboard and no codes appeared during the diagnostic tests. My mechanic is unable to reproduce the issue. I have two young sons and am terrified of…
2013 acura MDX powertrain problems
moderate 4 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500
Complaints
4
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Avg fix
$2,500
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
TORQUE CONVERTER PROBLEM...... I BOUGHT A USED 2012 MDX WITH 4300 MILES 5 MONTHS LATER I HAD THIS ISSUE. I TOOK THE CAR TO A ACURA DEALER AND THEY FIXED IT BUT I DID FEEL SAFE SO I TRADED IT IN FOR A NEWER MODEL THINKING IT WOULD BE BETTER...LONG BEHOLD THE 2013 MDX I GOT DID THE SAME THING 5 MONTH LATER. THE DEALER NEVER TOLD ME AFTER BRING THE FIRST CAR BACK THAT THIS WAS AN ISSUE WITH THESE CAR…
The 2013 Acura MDX has a problem with the pistons in the engine which causes excessive oil consumption. This was the subject matter of a class action suit described in the website entitled Acura Oil Consumption Settlement. This defect should be subject to a recall and American Honda should be required to repair or replace the pistons.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2013 acura MDX?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 4 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
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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