What years did Acura have transmission problems?
There isn’t a single year range that covers all Acura models for transmission problems. Reports have appeared across multiple generations and models, with some periods showing higher incidence in certain vehicles such as MDX, TL/TLX, and RL/RLX, among others. The exact affected years are model- and transmission-specific.
In this article we examine how transmission issues have surfaced over the years, how recalls and service bulletins have addressed them, and how to check your specific vehicle’s history by model and year. We’ll also provide steps to verify recall status and service history for a given VIN.
Representative periods of transmission concerns
Below are representative periods of reported transmission concerns across Acura models. These notes are not exhaustive and depend on the specific model-year and VIN configuration.
- Early- to mid-2000s: MDX and TL families saw reports of transmission issues such as slipping or harsh shifting in certain VIN ranges; some of these cases prompted recalls and service bulletins.
- Late-2000s to early-2010s: Additional reports appeared in MDX, RL/RLX, and TL lines, with problems including transmission hesitation, vibration, and occasional failure signs; several campaigns and warranty coverage were issued.
- Mid- to late-2010s: Newer models introducing advanced transmissions (such as TLX and updated MDX/RDX) saw fewer widespread problems, though individual cases of shifting concerns have been reported by some owners.
These periods show that transmission problems have not been limited to one set of years, but rather have surfaced at different times across multiple models and generations. Owners should verify recalls and service history for their exact VIN.
How to check for your specific vehicle
To determine if a particular Acura is affected by a transmission recall or service bulletin, use these steps to verify by model and year with your VIN.
- Find your VIN: located on the driver's side dashboard, driver's door jamb, or your vehicle registration and insurance documents.
- Search the NHTSA recall database using your VIN and model year to see any open or completed recalls related to the transmission.
- Check Acura's official recall and service bulletin resources or contact an authorized dealer to review any TSBs or warranty extensions that may apply to your vehicle.
- Review your service history for transmission-related repairs (slipping, shuddering, hard shifts, or failure) and consider a diagnostic if you notice these symptoms.
- If you believe your vehicle is affected and there is no resolution, consider consulting consumer protection resources or a legal advisor about potential remedies.
Maintaining current software updates and ensuring proper transmission fluid levels and service intervals can help prevent some issues, but the most reliable determination comes from official recall and service-history checks tied to your exact VIN and year.
Summary
Across Acura’s history, transmission problems have appeared in multiple model years and generations rather than a single fixed period. The most widely discussed periods involved earlier MDX and TL/TLX models in the 2000s, with additional concerns reported in later years for other models. For precise year-by-year information, always verify recalls and service history for your exact VIN through official databases and your local Acura dealer.
What year to avoid Acura?
Acura years to avoid include the 1999-2004 models for widespread automatic transmission issues, 2003-2007 MDX for transmission problems, 2005 RL for electronic and transmission failures, 2010 TL for being the worst model year with transmission issues, and 2013-2015 RDX due to a sluggish transmission and fuel economy. The 2016 MDX should also be approached with caution due to safety and software recalls.
Acura models with common problems
- Acura TL (1999-2004, 2010): These years had significant automatic transmission problems, including overheating and gear slippage. The 2010 model was specifically called out as the worst TL year for transmission issues.
- Acura MDX (2003-2007): Common issues include transmission and torque converter failures, with 2001-2003 models also experiencing gear slippage.
- Acura RL (2005): This model was known for costly electronic failures in the navigation and audio systems, and had a non-durable transmission.
- Acura RDX (2013-2015): The second generation had a V6 engine paired with a lackluster six-speed automatic transmission, leading to sluggish acceleration and poor fuel economy.
- Acura MDX (2016): This model year had several recalls related to safety, such as braking system malfunctions, and software glitches in the infotainment system.
- Acura TLX (2018-2020): These models were part of an engine investigation for potential connecting rod bearing failures that could lead to engine failure.
What year does Acura have transmission problems?
When shopping for a used Acura MDX, avoid the 2001, 2003, 2007, 2014, and 2016 model years, as these have had some recurring issues with transmission, electrical systems, and suspension.
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.
