What year does Acura have transmission problems?

There isn’t a single year that Acura broadly suffers from transmission problems; issues have appeared in specific models and production periods, particularly among older vehicles.

In this article, we examine how year-by-year risk varies, how to verify recalls, and practical steps for buyers and owners to assess and address transmission concerns.

Context: why the year matters varies by model

Transmission reliability depends on the model, generation, maintenance history, and driving conditions. Public recall and complaint records show that problems are typically associated with certain generations or age ranges rather than the entire brand all at once. When evaluating a used Acura, focus on the exact model-year and its service history rather than assuming a single problematic year exists for all Acuras.

Reported problem years and models

Note: The following points reflect patterns seen in recall notices and consumer reporting. They do not guarantee that every vehicle in these years experiences issues, and many owners in the same years report smooth operation with proper maintenance.

• Older model years (roughly pre-2015 for many lines) have more frequent reports of transmission-related concerns in various consumer and regulatory sources—these often involve symptoms such as shifting hesitation, slipping, or delayed engagement.


• Not every vehicle in those years is affected, and some owners report no transmission problems at all; reliability varies by model, maintenance, and driving habits.

Concluding note: If you own or are considering a used Acura from older generations, a careful inspection and VIN-specific history check are essential to gauge transmission risk.

Symptoms to watch for

Being aware of early warning signs can help you flag transmission issues before they escalate. The following symptoms have been commonly reported by owners and service providers.

• Slipping or hard shifting between gears


• Delayed engagement or hesitation when starting in Drive or Reverse


• Harsh or abrupt transmission changes at low speeds


• Check Engine or “Transmission” warning lights appearing on the dash


• Unusual noises (whining, clunking, or grinding) coming from the transmission area

Concluding note: If you notice any of these signs, have the vehicle inspected promptly to determine whether a transmission issue is present and whether it’s covered by recalls or extended warranties.

How to verify recalls and service history

Before relying on impressions, verify the exact status of your vehicle via official sources using the VIN.

• Check the NHTSA recall database for open or completed campaigns related to transmissions on your specific VIN.


• Use Acura’s official owner portal or contact customer service to review service history and any dealer-installed updates or fixes.


• Review any manufacturer technical service bulletins (TSBs) that pertain to your model and year to understand known issues and recommended solutions.

Concluding note: A VIN-based recall and service history check is the most reliable way to determine whether a particular Acura may be affected by transmission issues or has already received fixes.

What to do when buying a used Acura

Before purchase, take steps to protect yourself from potential transmission problems hidden in older vehicles.

• Arrange a thorough pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic who can test drive the car and assess the transmission’s operation, fluid condition, and computer diagnostics.


• Obtain a vehicle history report that includes prior transmission work, recalls, and warranty extensions.


• Ask the seller for documentation of any transmission-related recalls or service updates and confirm that all recommended maintenance has been completed.

Concluding note: Thorough pre-purchase checks can significantly reduce the risk of inheriting a car with costly transmission repairs.

Summary

There isn’t a single “problem year” for Acura transmissions; risk varies by model and generation, with older vehicles more commonly showing issues in public reports. If you own or buy a used Acura, rely on VIN-specific recall checks, review service histories, and obtain professional diagnostics to assess transmission health. Staying proactive with maintenance and timely fixes helps preserve transmission reliability across Acura’s model years.

What years did Acura have transmission problems?

1999-2004
Acura experienced transmission issues in 1999-2004 models, primarily due to design flaws in the automatic transmission.

What year of Acura RDX to stay away from?

The Acura RDX years to avoid are generally the 2015, 2019, and 2021 models due to significant issues. The 2019 is often cited as the worst, especially the first model year of the third generation, with problems like engine stalling and power loss. Other years with notable problems include the 2013, 2014, and 2018. 
This video discusses common problems with the Acura RDX, including potential engine, transmission, and electrical issues: 59sHey, ask your dadYouTube · May 24, 2025
Years to be cautious about

• 2013-2015: These years can have transmission issues like rough shifting and slipping, and some models may have engine oil leaks. 
• 2015: In addition to transmission problems, this model year had issues with airbags and the soy-based wiring insulation attracted animals. 
• 2018: Reported transmission problems and potential engine issues like head gasket or timing chain problems have been noted. 
• 2019: This is widely considered the least reliable model year, particularly because it was the first year of a new generation. Owners have reported engine stalling, power loss, and issues with the rear glass shattering. 
• 2021: This year experienced issues with the transmission, brakes, and engine stalling due to a potential intercooler design flaw that could let moisture into the engine. 

What to do if buying used

• Thoroughly inspect any used model for the specific issues mentioned above. 
• If considering one of these years, have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection. 
• Check for service records and recall history. 

This video demonstrates how to inspect an Acura RDX for potential issues, including engine oil leaks and suspension problems: 58sBCauto_YouTube · Aug 21, 2024

What car brand has the most transmission problems?

Nissan and the combination of Ford/GM are frequently cited for having the most transmission problems, due to their use of problematic Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs) in many Nissan models and the 10-speed automatic in Ford and GM trucks. Early to mid-2000s Nissan CVTs (especially in models like the Altima, Rogue, and Sentra) and Ford/GM's 10-speed automatics (found in F-150, Silverado, and Sierra trucks, among others) have a reputation for failure, shuddering, and harsh shifts. 
Nissan 

• CVT Issues: Nissan's long history with Jatco CVTs has earned it a reputation for poor transmission reliability. 
• Affected Models: Models like the Altima, Rogue, Sentra, and Pathfinder from roughly 2006-2015 are particularly notorious. 
• Symptoms: Common complaints include jerking, shuddering, overheating, delayed acceleration, and complete failure. 
• Risk: These issues can occur before 75,000 miles and often result in expensive replacement costs, as the transmissions are not typically rebuilt. 

Ford and GM 

• 10-Speed Automatic Problems: Ford and GM's co-developed 10-speed automatic (the 10R80 for Ford and 10L80 for GM) has been the source of numerous complaints.
• Affected Models: This transmission is found in their full-size trucks and SUVs, including the Ford F-150 and the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra, primarily from 2017 onward.
• Symptoms: Owners report harsh shifting, clunking noises, loss of power, and catastrophic failure.
• Risk: These problems have led to multiple recalls and costly repairs, with some vehicles requiring transmission replacement. 

What Acura to stay away from?

According to CarComplaints.com, the 2003 model is one of the most problematic Acura TL years, with over 400+ NHTSA user complaints. This car's top three most prominent problems are transmission failure, car shakes during acceleration, and the peeling clear coat.