2019 Acura MDX

The 2019 Acura MDX is a mid-size luxury SUV known for its reliability, comfortable ride, and spacious interior. It offers a balance of practicality and premium features, making it a popular choice for families. The 2019 MDX primarily came with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. It was paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Some owners appreciate the MDX’s smooth handling and fuel efficiency, while others dislike the somewhat dated infotainment system and occasional transmission quirks.

Engine

3.5L V6

• Variable Timing Control (VTC) Actuator Noise at Startup
  • Description/Symptoms: A rattling or grinding noise heard for a few seconds upon starting the engine, especially after the vehicle has been sitting for an extended period. This noise comes from the Variable Timing Control (VTC) actuator not holding oil pressure, resulting in temporary loss of timing control.
  • Solution: Replacement of the VTC actuator. Updated part designs address this issue.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

9-Speed Automatic

• Harsh Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Abrupt or jerky shifts between gears, particularly at low speeds. Hesitation or delayed response when accelerating from a stop. This is often related to the programming of the transmission control module (TCM).
  • Solution: Software update/reprogramming of the TCM. In some cases, a transmission replacement may be required if the issue is severe.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300 (software update), $3,000 - $6,000 (transmission replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration at highway speeds, particularly when the transmission is under load (e.g., going uphill). Can also present as rough shifting. The torque converter may be failing to lock up properly.
  • Solution: Replacement of the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment screen freezes, becomes unresponsive, or crashes intermittently. This can affect navigation, audio, and climate control functions.
  • Solution: Software update to the infotainment system. In some cases, replacement of the infotainment unit may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 - $200 (software update), $800 - $2,000+ (infotainment unit replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The vehicle’s battery drains quickly, especially when parked for extended periods. This may be due to a parasitic draw from a faulty module or accessory.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the parasitic draw. This may involve replacing a faulty module or accessory.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (diagnosis and repair)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Rattling from the Dashboard
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling or squeaking noises originating from within the dashboard, especially when driving on rough roads. This is often due to loose trim pieces or wiring harnesses.
  • Solution: Locate and secure the loose trim pieces or wiring harnesses.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof will not open or close, or makes a grinding noise while opening and closing.
  • Solution: Replacing Sunroof Motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rear Tailgate Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power tailgate won’t open or close automatically.
  • Solution: Tailgate actuator motor replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 2019 Acura MDX has some common issues, particularly regarding the 9-speed transmission, VTC actuator and infotainment system. While some problems can be resolved with software updates, others may require more costly repairs such as component replacement. The severity of these issues varies, but potential buyers should be aware of them and consider having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic.