got our MDX on March 5th, 2001
almost 10,000 miles ... thankfully no tranny problems
However, we do hear that annoying linkage sound when shifting from Park to D5. After a few shifts, back and forth, the sound dies down. Dealer has no idea why, most likely because by the time we get the X to the dealership the car has warmed up and the fluids have be all over the tranny that the sound dies down.
Just my 2-cents, I could be wrong.