Honda and Acura vehicles have faced transmission complaints ranging from harsh shifting in ZF 9‑speed automatics to hesitation and shudder in traditional Honda-built automatics. While CVTs are also widely used in Honda’s lineup, the issues below focus on conventional automatics and the ZF 9‑speed unit.
Legal context: The ZF 9‑speed has been subject to complaints and lawsuits across multiple brands, including Acura. Broader Honda/Acura automatic transmission complaints have typically been addressed through TSBs and software updates rather than headline class actions.
| Year(s) | Make | Model | Should Purchase? | Reason | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 2016 2017 2018 | Acura | TLX (2.4L trims) | Caution | Harsh shifting, hesitation, gear hunting |
Transmission: ZF 9‑Speed – 9HP Known for limp mode and erratic behavior Documented in Acura forums and owner complaints |
|
| 2016 2017 2018 | Acura | MDX (base trims) | Caution | Shift hesitation and harsh engagement |
Transmission: ZF 9‑Speed – 9HP Reports of gear hunting and delayed response Mixed outcomes in class action activity |
|
| 2016 2017 2018 | Honda | Pilot (Touring/Elite trims) | Caution | Harsh shifts and limp mode activation |
Transmission: ZF 9‑Speed – 9HP Known for hesitation and gear hunting Addressed via TSBs and software updates |
|
| 2011 2012 2013 2014 | Honda | Odyssey | Caution | Shift shudder and hesitation |
Transmission: Honda 6‑Speed Automatic – BAYA Early calibration prone to rough shifts Addressed via TSBs and software updates |
|
| 2015 2016 2017 | Honda | Odyssey | Caution | Shift hesitation and delayed engagement |
Transmission: Honda 6‑Speed Automatic – BAZA Later revision but still reports of shudder Typically resolved with software updates |
|
| 2018 2019 2020 | Honda | Accord (2.0T trims) | Caution | Shift flare and hesitation |
Transmission: Honda 10‑Speed Automatic – MPWA Early calibration prone to rough low‑speed shifts Addressed via TSBs and software updates |
|
| 2021 2022 | Honda | Accord (2.0T trims) | Caution | Occasional shudder and delayed engagement |
Transmission: Honda 10‑Speed Automatic – MPXA Later revision but still reports of hesitation Complaints documented in owner forums and service bulletins |
|
| 2019 2020 | Acura | RDX | Caution | Hesitation and rough low‑speed shifts |
Transmission: Honda 10‑Speed Automatic – MPWA Early adoption with calibration complaints Addressed via software updates and TSBs |
|
| 2021 2022 | Acura | RDX | Caution | Shudder and occasional flare |
Transmission: Honda 10‑Speed Automatic – MPXA Later revision but still prone to complaints Included in miscellaneous shift quality TSBs |
Honda and Acura transmission complaints center on the ZF 9‑speed (9HP) used in TLX, MDX, and Pilot models, which is known for harsh shifting, hesitation, and limp mode. Honda’s own 6‑speed and 10‑speed automatics have also generated complaints of shudder and hesitation, typically resolved through TSBs and software updates rather than headline class actions. Buyers should proceed with caution and verify update history.