[eurojap]

I have the grunt as well. It started around 4K miles. I'm at ~6.7K now. It hasn't gotten appreciably worse after reaching an audible level. I let the wheel and seat move out of the way and then return to driving positions upon start up. Some suggested turning this feature off to preserve the steering column mechanism but, in principal, I couldn't do that. It's a feature. If it doesn't work, Acura will need to fix it.

My plan is to wait a while longer since replacing with the same design/manufactured column seems senseless. I'm hoping they resolve the root cause at some point so when I have the column replaced, it will be fixed permanently. I'll probably start by notifying the dealer soon and then press for a permanent solution around the 1 yr ownership mark which is August.

It's not terrible. Literally just a quick grunt of poor gear mesh or motor shudder caused by poor gear mesh. Anyway, this is definitely not rocket science so, Acura will likely have a root cause fix in the not too distant future. I can live with it until then but, I have every intention of having it fixed. Depending on what is going on, if not repaired, one day it may just bind up fully and stop moving.

 

[mellowrider]

sigh. i had this on my 2014 mdx then my early gen 22 mdx. there was a tsb out for it superceded by this one:

18-033 Acura Steering Column Technical Service Bulletin

18-033 Acura Steering Column Technical Service Bulletin

www.tsbsearch.com

for me and my two cars it sounded the same. crazy if it's the same problem because that means they never found a permanent fix.

edit: i had the gearbox replaced on my 2014 mdx which fixed it. never came back after 4+ years.

 

[eurojap]

Update:

The steering wheel grunt has turned into a groan. The duration is considerably longer now at ~8K miles. I sent a video to the service manager at the dealership and didn't hear back for a bit. About a week later, I followed up with another email asking them to confirm they received the first email. Yesterday, I got a call from a service tech informing me they were ordering a new steering column and would contact me when it arrived to schedule replacement. He said the techs hate this repair as it is very labor intensive. I'm a little concerned about scuffs, scrapes, squeaks and rattles after they tear things that far apart since at the moment, I have none of that. Hopefully, I'll get a highly skilled repair tech.

I'll update this post again once the new steering column is installed. It seems like it would be much easier for Acura to fully diagnose the root cause and 1) modify the design going forward then 2) maybe identify a less invasive and costly fix. Clearly this is some sort of frictional or vibrational noise caused by moving parts. It could be as simple as different lubrication or some other vibration dampening mods. Oh, well. I guess I'll be trying an entirely new steering column.

 

[TheBeast369]

Let me know if this fix is permanent please. My warranty clock is quickly ticking away and I don't want to a replacement OEM part for it to just fail again, waiting for that redesigned part.

 

[eurojap]

Let me know if this fix is permanent please. My warranty clock is quickly ticking away and I don't want to a replacement OEM part for it to just fail again, waiting for that redesigned part.

Will do. The tech sent a text saying the column was in and that he would call today to schedule the install. Like you, I'm concerned the same condition could repeat but hopefully, it's just a low percentage of the columns that have defect and I'll get a "good" one this time.

 

[TheBeast369]

Will do. The tech sent a text saying the column was in and that he would call today to schedule the install. Like you, I'm concerned the same condition could repeat but hopefully, it's just a low percentage of the columns that have defect and I'll get a "good" one this time.

Mine is an earlier production model, built in 2021. Hopefully just early batch issues.

 

[eurojap]

Update: A driver just picked up the MDX and dropped off an Integra loaner. The dealership is 95 miles away and they offer this service. With the '06 MDX, they would drop off a new MDX to try and entice me to buy a new one. It almost worked a couple of times.

They are replacing the steering column which seems incredibly invasive to me. I am actually very concerned this could be the start of a really bad experience. I'm trying to keep my hopes up but, I have much low confidence in workmanship these days. Even if the column groaning issue gets fixed, will they scuff/scratch something? Will they cause a squeak or rattle?

Crossing everything I have two of. And, that can hurt.

 

[TexasBlueAspec]

I think the full steering column might be the better option as most of them unbolt and connectors unclip. If they don’t have to take your steering wheel and airbag off and add it to the new one, then even better.
Hopefully all goes well. I heard a grunt once and just turned off the auto adjust.

 

[eurojap]

I think the full steering column might be the better option as most of them unbolt and connectors unclip. If they don’t have to take your steering wheel and airbag off and add it to the new one, then even better.
Hopefully all goes well. I heard a grunt once and just turned off the auto adjust.

Ya, not sure about the wheel/airbag but, yes, hopefully a complete unit. The steering column started grunting briefly and if it had stayed that way, I would have just lived with it. It turned into a groan of like 3 seconds long and loud. Kinda ridiculous. I turned the feature off recently just to shut it up. I don't need the clearance to enter/exit the vehicle. It's actually more of a principal issue. Don't advertise and sell a feature that can't be used.

If all goes well and the issue is corrected, I may not risk reoccurrence and leave the feature off but, I just can't ignore that it's F'd up at this point. The vehicle is essentially immaculate otherwise.

 

[Chazzy J]

Yeah, it’s the whole reason I didn’t get it replaced on my 22 A-Spec. A large procedure for a less than experienced master tech to screw up. So far so good on my Type S at 4k miles, but if it starts making noise, I’ll just turn the feature off

 

[TheBeast369]

Yeah, it’s the whole reason I didn’t get it replaced on my 22 A-Spec. A large procedure for a less than experienced master tech to screw up. So far so good on my Type S at 4k miles, but if it starts making noise, I’ll just turn the feature off

I think the issue is more common with the first batch of 2022s and Acura isn't probably as aware of how common it is because of people like you and me who don't want to deal with hassle. I guess it won't become a real issue until it completely locks up.

Definitely multiple TSB reports of the issue for 2022s: "Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2022 MDXs with a client complaint of noise from the steering gearbox. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect specific information from the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind. "

2022 Acura MDX TSBs | CarComplaints.com

334 Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) have been issued for the 2022 Acura MDX.

www.carcomplaints.com

I didn't see the same complaint for 2023 model years.

 

[Chazzy J]

I think the issue is more common with the first batch of 2022s and Acura isn't probably as aware of how common it is because of people like you and me who don't want to deal with hassle. I guess it won't become a real issue until it completely locks up.

Definitely multiple TSB reports of the issue for 2022s: "Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2022 MDXs with a client complaint of noise from the steering gearbox. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect specific information from the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind. "

2022 Acura MDX TSBs | CarComplaints.com

334 Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) have been issued for the 2022 Acura MDX.

www.carcomplaints.com

I didn't see the same complaint for 2023 model years.

Interesting. Good find there. I seem to recall seeing the same thing. With any luck my 2023 will never develop the noise, but I remain prepared to hear it each time I push the ignition Lol

 

[eurojap]

I have a 2023 built in July of '22 and delivered in August '22. So, maybe some leftover 2022 steering columns. Model years are a designation more than an absolute transition.

Dealership called last night and said it's done and they will deliver it back to me this morning. Hopefully, no issues. I'll update once it shows up and I check it out.

 

[eurojap]

Well, they delivered it back to my office and as anticipated, there's good news and bad.

Good: The steering mechanism no longer groans when it moves into or away from the driving position. The core issue is corrected, at least for now. It doesn't make any other noises, creeks or rattles based on a short test drive.

Bad:

1. The lower left trim panel has broken clips and does not appear to be in the correct position. Although, I have some question about the position. I know the clips are broken since one fell on the floor.
2. The alignment is off. It now pulls to the right at a moderate level. So much that driving in the wrong (oncoming) lane near my house makes it drive straight. It even pulled itself up and over the centerline on a pretty severely crowned road. Driving in the correct lane, if you let go of the wheel, you'll be off the road within a couple hundred feet.

So, first, I can only just say F^@#!! I probably should have just turned the feature off. Now that I'm here, I need to find the shortest and least painful way back. I called the service tech while the driver was still here but, he couldn't call back for about 15 minutes. By that time, the driver had left with the loaner. The service tech called the driver and was able to turn him around but, I told him we should wait. I already knew the panel was broken so, they would have had the vehicle over the weekend and then called on Monday to tell me then needed to order the part. I'm now wondering how much the panel costs and if I should just order it and replace it myself.

For the alignment, I guess I will have to let them try again but, I have zero confidence in their ability to get it right. It seems like after a factory alignment get's messed with, you never get that straight wheel and true tracking again. I'm so bummed about this. I didn't even think about them screwing up the alignment. I thought there may be some zero point where the column gets installed and the alignment woudn't need to be touched. I was wrong.

So, @Chazzy J, can I ask your help in removing that trim panel? I pulled it away enough to see the panel itself is broken on the very upper left. The post that holds the clip is just snapped off. The post and clip are in the slot. It pulled away with virtually no force since the panel is broken. The clip that fell on the floor must be from a different spot. Again, I pulled the upper corner away but, stopped once I saw the broken panel. I wanted to make sure I do it right as not to cause any further damage.

I would really appreciate any advice on how I should proceed from here. I don't know if I trust them to install a new panel and the issue of them finding it requires another ~200 mile trip and invites additional issues. Uhhhggg!!!

Here are a couple pics.

Is the gap just left of the column normal? I can't see how it could be raised any further given the area to the left is tight.

 

[TheBeast369]

Sorry the results were sub-par. I guess as suspected, the replacement procedure is very involved and probably more trouble than it is worth. There isn't a headquarters defined procedure yet either for the TSB so the fix it dependent on the tech's skill and their own procedure or in your case, lack of attention/care.

 

[Chazzy J]

@eurojap Ok, yikes.

So here’s the directions for the panel - follow the direction on post 65 and 69.

Having some issues with my Type-S

So I wanted to get some input from you all before I get really frustrated with my dealer. I started having some pretty bad steering wheel creaking suddenly appear at around 3k miles. I took it to the dealer - they said they are used to that problem and will take care of it. They tightened the...

www.mdxers.org

It may not be broken, the blue clip may have just slid off from the notch it sits on. It may have just been lack of attention to detail. Otherwise, if it is broken, I believe the part is like $140 and since you have to go back for an alignment, I’d make them replace it - won’t cost you a dime. Call the parts dept by yourself and say I need this part number and let them know it’s going to be replaced under warranty. They’ll order it and have it sitting there for when your MDX goes back to them (I did this with my ambient light in my Type S that wasn’t working). Saved an extra trip.

As for the alignment. My blue A-Spec was curbed on two wheels when I bought it brand new (had 140 miles on it as a loaner at the time and inventory was non-existent). As a result, after a couple hundred miles of driving it, I noticed it pulled hard right. They fixed it under warranty and got it perfectly straight - quite impressive actually because I am CRAZY when it comes to alignments. Don’t lose faith yet. It can be done.

 

[eurojap]

Thank you so much Chazzy. I really appreciate the help. I was home at lunch and couldn't wait so, I removed the panel. It is surprisingly easy. As you well know, you can reach behind and push many of the clips out from the back side.

Here's a pic showing all of the carnage from the repair tech. After removing and reinstalling the panel, I can't believe someone could do this. Again, it's a really easy to reinstall. You just start at the bottom, set the clips in their respective slots as you rotate the panel upward. Once all the clips are ALL seated in their slots, just press gently inward and Viola'! It just snaps into place with very little force. Certainly not enough to bust the crap out of it. The tech must have been in a big hurry.

So, now, I will do as you suggest and make a service appt to get the panel replaced and alignment redone. Like you, I can't stand driving it out of alignment. How could someone have test driven it and decided it was good? What is this world coming to? Rhetorical question.

 

[eurojap]

When I first drove it after it was returned, the seat auto adjust didn't do anything. It turns out, the setting for the seat position was gone. No green LED on the #1 position button. So, I adjusted the seat and saved the setting to the #1 button again. The auto adjust started working again. After removing the dash panel and reinstalling, the setting was gone again. I find this interesting as that panel doesn't seem to have anything to do with the seat position. Just an observation in case others experience this. Apparently, it's normal.

 

[Chazzy J]

@eurojap

Wow, holy cow. That’s a really easy piece to remove…There should be no broken clips on that and certainly not 4. It’s like they grabbed the top right corner and just ripped it off down and outward. That is very sloppy. Definitely request whoever was the tech that worked on it, not work on it again. They normally have the same tech fix their mistakes because they “own the RO” since it’s how he got paid and other techs won’t get paid to fix other tech’s mistakes. I’d also give them grief that if someone could be this sloppy on removing an easy-to-remove trim panel, how sloppy of a job did they do on the install for the column (e.g. terrible alignment). Much less how could the advisor drive that thing all the way back to you and not make a phone call and be like, “Hey Service Manager, I can’t give this guy’s car back to him. The alignment is terrible on this thing”

But you know, like you said, what is this world coming to - rhetorical question.

As for the seating 1 position, I’ve noticed this when the battery is disconnected for an extended period of time. So that is normal, but I’m not sure why you had to resave it after removing the panel. Before you take it back, check your battery in the truck and make sure they put everything back together neatly…

 

[eurojap]

Ya, your thoughts about the quality of meaningful work is well taken. I had the same thought. If the tech can't remove and install this simple panel, what harness clips/routing is wrong, bolts/nuts not tightened properly or missing, etc., etc. It's really scary to think the tech broke the panel removing it because that would mean he knew it and put it (partially) back on anyway. I didn't mention that one of the lower clips below the wheel was not even in its slot. There is enough flex to just leave it bulged out. Crazy.

I did call the parts dept and asked them to order the part. The parts guy apologized and said he would get it on order. He's going to let me know when it's coming in and I'll schedule a follow-up appt then.

I really don't want the same tech replacing this panel so, will make the request. I may offer to exchange it myself just to make a point. I literally removed the panel and disconnected things without further damage in less than 2 min. I also reconnected and reinstalled it less than another 2 min. This was my first time removing anything from the dash of a car in quite a few years. I guess 35+ years developing products has taught me something. Monkeys can learn.

Thanks much again for your interest and support. I sincerely appreciate it.