What is the Acura MDX transmission class action lawsuit?

There isn’t a single nationwide MDX transmission class action. Instead, multiple lawsuits have been filed over the years by drivers alleging defective transmissions in various Acura MDX models. Some cases have resulted in settlements or warranty remedies, while others are still pending or have been dismissed. The specifics depend on the model year and the court jurisdiction.

Background and scope

Several civil filings contend that certain MDX models suffer from transmission problems that can occur during normal driving, including shifting irregularities and premature wear. Plaintiffs seek remedies such as repairs, reimbursements, extended warranties, or other compensation. Acura and its parent company Honda have generally denied wrongdoing, arguing that issues arise from maintenance, driving conditions, or isolated incidents rather than a systemic defect. The class action landscape is uneven: some cases have been certified in part, others have been pursued as individual claims, and settlements have varied by jurisdiction and year.

Common issues alleged in the lawsuits

Below are the transmission problems plaintiffs have frequently claimed in these MDX cases. Note that not every model year is implicated in every case, and outcomes depend on the specific suit.

• Sudden or hard shifting or jerking during acceleration


• Slipping out of gear or failure to stay properly engaged


• Transmission failure requiring expensive repairs or complete replacement


• Torque converter problems or transmission overheating


• Warning lights (such as the check engine or transmission light) activated without a clear mechanical cause

The issues described across filings and consumer complaints have led to varying legal strategies, including class actions in some jurisdictions and individual suits in others.

Models and model years involved

Cases have targeted a range of MDX generations in different jurisdictions. Because lawsuits are case-specific, the implicated model years vary by filing. In some filings, plaintiffs focus on models equipped with particular automatic transmissions, and early filings often reference issues emerging within warranty periods or after substantial mileage.

• Model-year ranges cited across cases differ by jurisdiction and docket


• Some suits concentrate on generations known for automatic transmissions used during those years


• Not every MDX year is affected in every case

For owners, the key takeaway is that the scope depends on the exact case and year; consult court records or a qualified attorney to confirm whether a specific vehicle is within a filed claim or settlement program.

Legal status and remedies

The status of these MDX transmission lawsuits varies widely. Some cases have progressed to settlements, resolutions, or court-approved remedies; others remain in litigation or have been dismissed without a nationwide class. Remedies you might encounter include extended warranty coverage, refunds or reimbursements for repairs, or recall-style service programs tied to specific settlements. Acura/Honda's position has generally been to deny liability and emphasize that transmission issues may result from typical wear, maintenance, or non-defect conditions. Because outcomes are jurisdiction-specific, the presence of a class action in one state does not guarantee the same result elsewhere.

• Some cases have achieved class certification or partial class treatment in certain courts


• Other actions have been resolved through settlements or warranty-extension programs


• Many matters remain ongoing or have been dismissed in particular jurisdictions

Always verify the current status by checking court dockets, official settlement notices, or communications from plaintiffs’ attorneys and Acura/Honda representatives.

What MDX owners should do now

If you own an MDX and are concerned about transmission issues, consider the following steps to stay informed and protected. These guidelines are informational and do not constitute legal advice.

• Check for recalls and open service campaigns related to the MDX transmission on the NHTSA database and Acura’s official recall page, using your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)


• Document symptoms (dates, mileage, driving conditions) and keep all service records related to transmission work


• Discuss transmission symptoms with an authorized Acura dealer to determine if a warranty or recall-related remedy may apply


• Consult with a consumer-rights or vehicle-defect attorney who has experience with class actions to understand remedies that may be available in your jurisdiction

Being proactive can help you pursue potential remedies if your model year is covered by a settlement, warranty extension, or ongoing litigation.

How to verify current status

Lawsuit status can change as new court filings are made or settlements are reached. To stay informed, consult these sources with your attorney’s guidance:

• Court records and docket searches for the relevant cases and jurisdictions


• Announcements from plaintiffs’ law firms handling Acura MDX transmission claims


• Official recall and warranty information from Honda/Acura

Always confirm the latest status through official court documents or legal counsel before making decisions based on filings or press releases.

Summary

The Acura MDX transmission class action landscape comprises multiple, separate lawsuits rather than a single nationwide action. Plaintiffs allege various transmission defects in certain MDX models, with remedies ranging from warranty extensions to settlements or ongoing litigation. The exact model years affected and the outcomes depend on jurisdiction and the specifics of each case. If you own an MDX and experience transmission problems, consulting a qualified attorney can help you understand whether you might qualify for a remedy under any current or future settlements or warranty programs.

What is the Acura transmission lawsuit?

The lawsuit alleges, among other things, that Honda: failed to disclose that these vehicles contain certain defects that cause unintended and unpredictable deceleration, engine stalls, hesitation upon depressing the gas pedal, abrupt shutdowns and shifts into neutral while driving, and enter "Limp Mode"; and.

What is the class action lawsuit for the Acura MDX?

There are several past and ongoing class-action lawsuits related to Acura MDX models, primarily concerning an alleged acceleration defect in 2016-2020 models that can cause hesitation, stalling, or unexpected deceleration. Other lawsuits have addressed issues with exploding sunroofs, faulty hands-free systems, and the auto-idle stop feature, which are mentioned in relation to Acura and Honda vehicles, including some MDX models. 
Acceleration and stalling defect

• Affected models: 2016-2020 Acura MDX and RDX vehicles. 
• Alleged issue: A software-related defect in the engine and transmission control modules that can cause unintended deceleration, hesitation, sudden stalling, and abrupt shifts into neutral, creating a safety risk. 
• Lawsuit status: This is an ongoing lawsuit, Clark, et al. v. American Honda Motor Co., Inc., et al., filed in the Central District of California. 
• Desired outcome: Compensation and a court order for Honda to notify owners and issue a recall for affected vehicles. 

Other potential class action lawsuits

• Exploding sunroofs: A lawsuit has been filed on behalf of owners of 2015-2021 Honda and Acura vehicles with sunroofs due to the alleged propensity of the glass to shatter. 
• Hands-free system defect: A class-action settlement has been reached for certain 2004-2008 Acura TL, 2005-2008 Acura MDX, and 2007-2009 Acura RDX models regarding a defective hands-free link system. 
• Auto-idle stop defect: A lawsuit alleges that the auto-idle stop feature in certain Honda and Acura vehicles can cause the engine to stall unexpectedly at hazardous locations. A related settlement has been reached for certain 2015-2020 Acura TLX and 2016-2020 MDX models, which includes a warranty extension for specific issues. 

What to do if you are affected

• Check the status of relevant lawsuits: Review the specific details of each lawsuit to see if your vehicle and situation qualify.
• Consult with a legal professional: If you believe your vehicle is affected, contact a lawyer specializing in class-action lawsuits or lemon law to discuss your options.
• Be cautious about time-sensitive claims: Some class-action settlements have strict deadlines for filing claims or opting out. 
• Check for recalls: Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website or the Acura website to check for any official recalls on your specific model. 
• Gather documentation: Keep all relevant records, such as repair orders, purchase documents, and maintenance records. 

What is the average payout per person for a class action lawsuit?

There is no reliable average payout per person for a class action lawsuit because it varies dramatically based on factors like the type of harm, the total settlement amount, the number of people involved, and attorney fees. While some cases result in very small payouts (cents to dollars), others can be hundreds or thousands of dollars, and some severe cases have resulted in individual payouts of $5,100 to $10,000 or more. 
Factors that influence the payout amount

• Size of the class: With more claimants, the total settlement money is divided among more people, resulting in a smaller individual share. 
• Total settlement amount: Cases involving more severe harm or larger-scale corporate misconduct can result in a higher total settlement fund. 
• Type of harm: The severity of the harm plays a significant role. Health-related harms, physical injuries, or large-scale corporate misconduct often lead to higher payouts compared to cases involving less direct financial loss. 
• Attorney fees: A portion of the total settlement is paid to the attorneys, which reduces the amount available for individual class members. 

Examples of varying payouts

• Low payouts: In large-scale consumer cases, individual payouts can be very small, sometimes just cents or a few dollars, especially when a very large number of people are involved. 
• Higher payouts:
  • Volkswagen emissions settlement: Eligible car owners received between $5,100 and $10,000 each. 
  • Juul settlement: Qualifying claimants received up to $9,000 per person. 
  • Severe injury cases: For severe injuries like permanent disability, payouts can reach millions of dollars. 

What years of Acura MDX have transmission problems?

Acura MDX models from the 2001-2004 range and the 2007-2013 range have had significant transmission problems, while the 2016-2020 models with the 9-speed transmission are also known for shift issues. The 2007-2009 models and the 2014-2015 models can also be prone to problems.
 
Early models (2001-2004)

• 2001, 2003, and 2004: Known for premature and costly transmission failures.
• 2002: Also noted for transmission failure and design flaws.
• 2004: Issues often appeared around 80,000 miles. 

Mid-range models (2007-2015)

• 2007-2009: Reported to have transmission failure, hard shifting, and other issues. 
• 2010-2013: Transmission problems were common in this generation, including shuddering and difficulty starting. 
• 2014-2015: May have transmission issues, although the 2015 models are often cited as more reliable than other years in this range. 

Later models (2016-2020)

• 2016-2020: Models with the 9-speed transmission have been associated with shifting problems and other issues. 
• 2018: Owners have reported hard shifting, particularly at lower speeds. 
• 2016: Technical service bulletins (TSBs) address issues like shifting into neutral and other related problems.