2023 Acura MDX Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 27%of 44 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 57,592miles
- Trend
- Too newThis model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2023 Acura MDX, 27% of the 44 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 57,592 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The automatic transmission on the vehicle failed without warning. Vehicle was driven on the highway without issues; exited highway to a city street, stopped at a stop light, and turned onto another street. Upon turn onto another street, transmission did not upshift as it should; it was noticed the engine was revving high, but transmission did not shift. Tried to manually shift, with no luck. There were no warning lights or messages present at any time. Vehicle was stopped in a safe area and turned off, restarted, and tried again. …”
NHTSA complaint #11633824, filed 2025-01, 65,183 miles“2023 ACURA MDX TYPE S. 28k miles. While merging onto highway, I sped up and at 25 mph, I heard a loud metal clunk from underneath the car. Car still drove and functioned as a two wheel drive instead of AWD. Went in for service and was told that the transmission and Power train Unit would need to be replaced and will be replaced under powertrain warranty by Acura.”
NHTSA complaint #11758889, filed 2026-08“My 2023 MDX Type S is currently at Mungenast St Louis Acura. Transfer Case and Transmission are both being replaced at roughly 56,000 miles. I made a turn and heard a loud noise. Because I was under acceleration my car was hard to control when it happened. Scared me and immediately let off the gas.”
NHTSA complaint #11754719, filed 2026-08“2023 Acura MDX Sport looses AWD randomly and vehicle becomes only FWD. This has happened many times now and I have taken it to the dealership but they claim they can’t recreate it and would not do anything further unless I change rear end fluid.. I paid for the service but still have the problem. This is getting dangerous as it is unexpected and alters the expected performance of the vehicle in critical turning situations which has led to two close calls of a broad side accident when turning and loosing AWD. …”
NHTSA complaint #11738489, filed 2026-05“I hear a high-pitched whistle when I the speed reaches around 57-63MPH. I've taken it to the dealer a couple of times, and they said it's normal. I am really disappointed that Acura didn't fix it...”
NHTSA complaint #11648447, filed 2025-03Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 11% |
| 2025 | 6 | 5% |
| 2024 | 2 | 5% |
| 2023 | 12 | 27% |
| 2022 | 71 | 45% |
| 2020 | 21 | 9% |
| 2019 | 32 | 17% |
| 2018 | 23 | 14% |
| 2017 | 64 | 25% |
| 2016 | 113 | 30% |
| 2015 | 12 | 17% |
| 2014 | 27 | 16% |
| 2013 | 4 | 13% |
| 2012 | 13 | 17% |
| 2011 | 8 | 11% |
| 2010 | 5 | 11% |
| 2009 | 8 | 15% |
| 2008 | 3 | 6% |
| 2007 | 8 | 8% |
| 2006 | 38 | 44% |
| 2005 | 87 | 48% |
| 2004 | 77 | 45% |
| 2003 | 104 | 50% |
| 2002 | 125 | 61% |
| 2001 | 131 | 58% |
Other parts of the 2023 Acura MDX
8 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsForward collision avoidance
7 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
1 complaintsEngine
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2023 Acura MDX
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology