Diagsheet

2022 Acura MDX · symptom sheet

Driveshaft, axle or transfer case problems

  • 40owner reports
  • 80,000median miles
  • $14,000median quote
  • 1involved a crash

Newest report Sep 8, 2026 · checked Sep 19, 2026

62 of the 148 complaints on this car are about the transmission and drivetrain. 40 of those describe drivetrain problems, which makes it the most reported problem on the 2022 MDX.

Tick what matches of 40 reports

8
1
10
21
6
4

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the transfer case (36 reports), the driveshaft (5 reports) and the differential (5 reports).

Recalls and investigations

No recall on the transmission and drivetrain covers the 2022 model year as of Sep 19, 2026.

NHTSA investigations into the transmission and drivetrain on the MDX

DP26-001opened Mar 6, 2026
Transmission and drivetrain · model years 2022 to 2023

All wheel drive allegation. Closed aug 4, 2026.

NHTSA summary
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has completed its review of a Petition dated January 9, 2026, requesting an investigation into the loss of the optional all-wheel drive capability in model year (MY) 2021-2023 Acura TLX and MY 2022-2023 Acura MDX vehicles. The Petition alleges failures in the interfacing splines between the front wheel drive transaxle and the rear wheel drive power take off unit. Failure of these splines prevents the transfer of drive power to the rear axle, making the vehicle front wheel drive only. The Petition further alleges that this failure reduces vehicle directional control. Most traditional AWD systems utilize mechanical and passive measures. These systems have the tendency to distribute torque along the path of least resistance, such as a wheel that has lost contact with the ground or is on a low friction surface such as ice. To compensate for this, many manufacturers use the brake system to redirect torque to the wheels with more traction. However, in this style of AWD system, a failed drive shaft or similar disconnection prior to the brakes often results in drive power being lost to the disconnected component. The consequence of this loss is the inability to maintain speed with surrounding traffic which increases the risks of collisions and injuries to the vehicle occupants. The Subject Vehicles are built upon a platform that was designed primarily as Front Wheel Drive (FWD). The SH-AWD system functions more as a performance enhancemen

What owners paid

6 of the 40 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $11,400 to $14,442.

$11,400$14,000$14,442
$0k$2k$4k$6k$8k

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 66,000 and 85,000 miles, from the 18 reports that gave a mileage.

325
3726

What owners wrote

“Transfer case splines completely sheared off. No warning lights, nothing. Car is operating in in a 2 wheel drive configuration. Now need new Transmission, new transfer case, new differential. Can provide dealer videos detailing situation if requested.”

Filed Jul 7, 2026

“My transfer case and transmission splines stripped out as I was leaving a parking lot on a rainy day... i heard a bang... went to dealer, they confirmed drive shift to rear wheels not turning. Today July 3rd 2026, my MDX-2022 With 92k miles is at the Acura dealer... I fortunately have an Acura Precision warranty.... which will cover my repair...”

Filed Jul 3, 2026 · 92,000 miles

“Driveshaft spinning freely no power transfer , vehicle is currently all-wheel-drive condition indicate severe connections between transmission and transfer case . both components are damaged vehicle need replacement of transmission and transfer case . Serviced at McGrath Acura Morton mGrove, Illinois. 06/19/26”

Filed Jun 20, 2026

“Transfer case failure limiting all wheel drive system. Needs new transmission and transfer case at 83000 miles.”

Filed Apr 26, 2026 · 83,000 miles

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 1 of 40 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.

File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.