All, I submitted the following letter to Acura Client Relations:
Hello,
I would like to respectfully submit a case for reimbursement or replacement with Acura. Please review the below information.
The 2014 Acura MDX currently in our possession is my 5th brand new Acura. I've also owned 4 brand new Hondas. All of these were financed with Acura/Honda Financial Services.
Our latest vehicle has been problematic to say the least. It has been in the shop for over 20 days in the last year of ownership. Some problems remain unresolved, while others have scheduled, future shop dates. Please see below.
- Driver and front passenger weather stripping loose with intermittent "flapping" wind noise. Inspected and found defective glue. Dealer could not duplicate because of weather (heat causes glue to stick adequately).
- Buzzing/grinding feeling in steering column when reversing and turning at low speeds. Other owners report the same issue, and report that Acura is aware and investigating. Still no resolution. My dealer had no answer.
- Firm brake pedal when vehicle has been parked for 24 hours in cool weather (sub 50 degrees). Owners have stated that their dealers have informed them that this is an issue that Acura has acknowledged and is investigating. My dealer had no answer.
- Propeller shaft bolts potentially loose; tightened under recall.
- Engine chirp at idle. Two shim kits and a grind later, and still unresolved. Now the same dealer is saying it's "normal" and that I am just complaining. The vehicle is an embarrassment to me as a owner and should be embarrassing for a "premium" brand. Please listen to the attached sound clip of my engine.
- Car would not shift into Park and stayed in Accessory mode. Could not turn off electronics and had to drive directly to the dealership. Discovered a "misadjusted shifter cable" and readjusted to correct the problem. This is very bad workmanship for a Honda/Acura.
- Windshield cracked for no reason. Dealer stated that this was due to a stress fracture and that Honda/Acura are currently investigating the cause. No root cause analysis, just a replacement windshield that I'm going to have to be without a vehicle again, to have installed. If the frame is flexing, than won't this problem just resurface when my car is out of warranty? The first time the dealer tried to shrug it off as a rock chip. Other automotive experts confirmed my initial thoughts, and finally the dealer admitted there is an "investigation" into the issue.
This long list of issues only scratch the surface on what seems like shoddy workmanship and general cost cutting on Acura's part, that has translated into a less than acceptable ownership experience. I have lost confidence in the brand. I had planned on purchasing a 2015 MDX Advance SH-AWD when the discounts hit later this year. I also planned to upgrade my other daily driver to the all new TLX. Based on my past purchasing habits, I wouldn't take this lightly.
Please advise before you lose a frequent, loyal customer. Thank you.
Respectfully,
Joseph S.
VIN #5FRYD4...
Hello,
I would like to respectfully submit a case for reimbursement or replacement with Acura. Please review the below information.
The 2014 Acura MDX currently in our possession is my 5th brand new Acura. I've also owned 4 brand new Hondas. All of these were financed with Acura/Honda Financial Services.
Our latest vehicle has been problematic to say the least. It has been in the shop for over 20 days in the last year of ownership. Some problems remain unresolved, while others have scheduled, future shop dates. Please see below.
- Driver and front passenger weather stripping loose with intermittent "flapping" wind noise. Inspected and found defective glue. Dealer could not duplicate because of weather (heat causes glue to stick adequately).
- Buzzing/grinding feeling in steering column when reversing and turning at low speeds. Other owners report the same issue, and report that Acura is aware and investigating. Still no resolution. My dealer had no answer.
- Firm brake pedal when vehicle has been parked for 24 hours in cool weather (sub 50 degrees). Owners have stated that their dealers have informed them that this is an issue that Acura has acknowledged and is investigating. My dealer had no answer.
- Propeller shaft bolts potentially loose; tightened under recall.
- Engine chirp at idle. Two shim kits and a grind later, and still unresolved. Now the same dealer is saying it's "normal" and that I am just complaining. The vehicle is an embarrassment to me as a owner and should be embarrassing for a "premium" brand. Please listen to the attached sound clip of my engine.
- Car would not shift into Park and stayed in Accessory mode. Could not turn off electronics and had to drive directly to the dealership. Discovered a "misadjusted shifter cable" and readjusted to correct the problem. This is very bad workmanship for a Honda/Acura.
- Windshield cracked for no reason. Dealer stated that this was due to a stress fracture and that Honda/Acura are currently investigating the cause. No root cause analysis, just a replacement windshield that I'm going to have to be without a vehicle again, to have installed. If the frame is flexing, than won't this problem just resurface when my car is out of warranty? The first time the dealer tried to shrug it off as a rock chip. Other automotive experts confirmed my initial thoughts, and finally the dealer admitted there is an "investigation" into the issue.
This long list of issues only scratch the surface on what seems like shoddy workmanship and general cost cutting on Acura's part, that has translated into a less than acceptable ownership experience. I have lost confidence in the brand. I had planned on purchasing a 2015 MDX Advance SH-AWD when the discounts hit later this year. I also planned to upgrade my other daily driver to the all new TLX. Based on my past purchasing habits, I wouldn't take this lightly.
Please advise before you lose a frequent, loyal customer. Thank you.
Respectfully,
Joseph S.
VIN #5FRYD4...