I’m posting these comments to better understand if and how prevalent the subject noise is with other owners of the 2014 MDX, and to seek advice that anyone can give. Some have described it as “a cell phone in vibrate mode going off on a hard surface.” My understanding is the noise is identified as being from the Variable Cylinder Management System (VCM) switching from 3 cylinders to 6 cylinders. This causes a waft of air to rush in (to feed the additional cylinders) and this air rush causes the plastic shield to vibrate. Unfortunately, the noise gets louder over time. Reading other posts, this noise is also found in other Honda models utilizing Honda’s VCM System, like the Pilot, Acura RDX and Odyssey. If you search the Piloteers forum, you’ll see there is a great dislike for VCM.
Some owners have apparently had success when the bulkhead cover latches and strikers are replaced, as specified in Acura’s Technical Service Bulletin #14-003 (didn’t work for me). This procedure may be the same as “replacing the clips on the plastic shield.” I’ve also read that technicians have just added additional foam on the intake cover area and the noise disappeared.
After 6 months of attempting to get this defect corrected, staff from Acura’s Technical Assistance Department, as late as May 27, 2014, stated the noise is characteristic of the vehicle and is the all wheel drive unit modulator activating. Unfortunately, Acura is not interested in fixing the problem.
I would very much appreciate hearing how others are dealing with this issue. Clearly, paying as much as we have, we should not have to experience this annoying sound. At the minimum, Acura’s dealers should be required to disclose this issue when offering this product.
Some owners have apparently had success when the bulkhead cover latches and strikers are replaced, as specified in Acura’s Technical Service Bulletin #14-003 (didn’t work for me). This procedure may be the same as “replacing the clips on the plastic shield.” I’ve also read that technicians have just added additional foam on the intake cover area and the noise disappeared.
After 6 months of attempting to get this defect corrected, staff from Acura’s Technical Assistance Department, as late as May 27, 2014, stated the noise is characteristic of the vehicle and is the all wheel drive unit modulator activating. Unfortunately, Acura is not interested in fixing the problem.
I would very much appreciate hearing how others are dealing with this issue. Clearly, paying as much as we have, we should not have to experience this annoying sound. At the minimum, Acura’s dealers should be required to disclose this issue when offering this product.
