Wirtz Law Blog

Model years 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 Acura MDX and RDX SUVs have defects that can cause sudden and dangerous hesitation on acceleration, transmissions that shift without warning out of gear and into neutral, and engines that stall. These Acura MDXs and RDXs turn on “limp mode” without any warnings leaving drivers in unsafe situations.

If you purchased a new Acura MDX or RDS, or leased one, and have experienced any of these problems, you may have a lemon under California’s Lemon law.   If you have brought your vehicle to the dealer at least two times, and the dealer has not been able to repair the problem, duplicate the problem, or you have been told there is nothing wrong with your SUV, you may be entitled to a buyback or repurchase under the California Lemon Law.

Drivers have complained of repeated sudden deceleration from highway speeds. Drivers have also complained of deceleration to a complete stop without using the brakes.  The engine control modules (ECMs), power control modules (PCMs), and the transmission control modules (TCMs) are some of the components that may be some of the root causes of the problem.  These computer driven systems do not appear to be communicating correctly with each other, which leads to unpredictable acceleration and deceleration problems.  These miscommunication problems with the Acura MDX and RDX SUVs can cause throttle problems which in turn can cause shifting into Neutrual problems.  In July 2015, Honda (the parent company of Acura) sent dealerships a technical service bulletin — TSB 15-034 — about the 2016 Acura MDX entitled Product Update: Vehicle shifts into Neutral and MIL Comes On with DTC P0657.  According to Honda’s TSB, “While driving, the vehicle shifts into Neutral, the transmission indicator comes and DTC P0657 (actuator supply voltage circuit/open) is stored. The driver will not be able to select any other gear until the vehicle is turned off and restarted. This TSB did not appear to fix the root cause of the problem.  Drivers continue to experience similar driving problems after the service called for in the TSB was performed.

In September 2019 Honda published another technical service bulletin — TSB B18-045 —  about the vehicles’ communication problems, entitled “Update: F-CAN [Fast Controller Area Network] Bus Connected Unit Check.” This TSB applied to both the 2019 Acura RDX and 2019 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid.  Like before, drivers continue to report similar problems after the dealerships applied the service called for in this TSB.

Additionally, in January 2019, 2016-2018 Acura MDX SUVs were recalled to prevent the vehicles from stalling due to the fuel pumps. Honda claimed this recall would update the fuel injection engine control unit software and replace the fuel pumps under certain circumstances.  Drivers report this too was ineffective to remedy the deceleration, hesitation, stalling and shifting issues with their vehicles.

For more information call the experienced trial attorneys at (858) 259-5009 for a free case evaluation.

Disclaimer.  The information provided in this post is for informational and educational purposes only regarding aspects of the California Lemon Law.  It is intended for California Consumers only.  This post is considered an advertisement by attorney Richard M. Wirtz and Wirtz Law APC. You should not rely on any of the information provided in this advertisement and no legal advice is given by the advertisement. No attorney client relationship is established by viewing this advertisement. A written signed engagement agreement between you and Wirtz Law APC is required to create an attorney client relationship. You should immediately consult an attorney who is experienced in California Lemon Law. Attorney Richard M. Wirtz is responsible for the content of this post.