P0741 on 2017-2018 Acura RDX: Torque Converter Failure Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2017-2018 Acura RDX

The 2017-2018 Acura RDX is highly susceptible to this specific code due to a documented manufacturing defect. Multiple Acura Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) confirm that the lock-up piston inside the original torque converter is prone to cracking. This crack prevents the hydraulic system from building enough pressure to hold the clutch engaged, leading directly to the P0741 code. While other causes are possible on other vehicles, on this specific RDX, the torque converter itself is the overwhelming culprit, 🎬 Watch: A technician explains the RDX torque converter failure. a fact acknowledged by Acura through a significant warranty extension program.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Lamp, MIL) is on.
• Flashing 'D' (Drive) indicator on the dashboard.
• "Transmission System Problem" message on the multi-information display.
• "Blind Spot Info System Problem" message may appear concurrently.
• "Transmission Overheat" message may appear.
• Vehicle shudders or vibrates at highway speeds.
• Engine RPM is higher than usual when cruising at a steady speed.
• Noticeable decrease in fuel economy.

Most Likely Causes

1. Failed Torque Converter 🔴 High Probability → Shop Automatic Transmission Torque Converter Acura has identified a manufacturing defect where the internal lock-up piston cracks, causing a loss of hydraulic pressure. This is the subject of multiple TSBs and a warranty extension program, making it the primary and expected cause.
   How to confirm: Diagnosis is confirmed by the presence of DTC P0741. Per Acura's TSB 23-029, if this code is present, the diagnostic procedure is simply to replace the torque converter. Other causes are highly unlikely and should only be investigated if the TSB does not apply.
   Typical fix: Replace the torque converter assembly with the updated part (Kit P/N 06260-R9R-000). This is often covered under Acura's extended warranty.
   Est. part cost: $1000-$1900
2. Low or Dirty Transmission Fluid ⚪ Low Probability → Shop Transmission Assembly
   How to confirm: Check the transmission fluid level and condition using the dipstick. The fluid should be at the correct level and red, not brown, black, or smelling burnt. Acura specifies checking the fluid when the transmission is hot (at or above 176°F / 80°C). If the fluid level is checked when cold, it will read low. An incorrect level can contribute to overheating and performance issues.
   Typical fix: Top off with Acura ATF DW-1. If the fluid is very dirty, a drain and fill may be attempted, but given the known defect, it is unlikely to solve P0741 on this vehicle.
   Est. part cost: $50-$200
3. Faulty Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Solenoid ⚪ Low Probability → Shop Automatic Transmission Torque Converter
   How to confirm: While a technician can test the solenoid's electrical circuit and mechanical function, this is not the standard procedure for this specific vehicle and code. Acura's TSBs direct technicians to replace the converter, bypassing solenoid diagnosis.
   Typical fix: Replace the faulty solenoid. This is rarely the correct fix for a 2017-2018 RDX with P0741.
   Est. part cost: $50-$150

Diagnosis Steps

1. Use an OBD-II scanner to confirm that P0741 is the active or stored code.
2. Contact an Acura dealer with your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Ask them to perform an iN VIN status inquiry to determine if your vehicle is covered under the torque converter warranty extension (TSB 23-029).
3. Per Acura's service bulletin, the only diagnostic step required is to confirm DTC P0741 is set. If it is, the corrective action is to replace the torque converter.
4. As a secondary check, inspect the transmission fluid level and condition. Ensure the fluid is at the correct level when the transmission is at operating temperature (176°F or 80°C). Overfilling the transmission when cold can cause foaming and overheating.
5. If the vehicle is not covered by the warranty extension, a technician might perform further diagnostics on the TCC solenoid and wiring, but this is highly unlikely to be the root cause on this platform.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Torque Converter Kit (OEM #06260-R9R-000) — This is the primary failure point for code P0741 on this vehicle, due to a manufacturing defect in the original part. The kit contains the updated converter.
  Trusted brands: Acura (Genuine OEM)
  OEM price range: $1071-$1844
  Aftermarket price range: $300-$600
• Acura ATF DW-1 Automatic Transmission Fluid (OEM #08200-9008) — The transmission must be drained to replace the torque converter. It will require a refill with the correct fluid. Capacity is approximately 4.8 US qt (4.5L) for 2WD or 5.5 US qt (5.2L) for AWD for a torque converter replacement.
  Trusted brands: Acura (Genuine OEM)
  OEM price range: $10-$15 per quart
• Associated Bolts and Nuts (OEM #See TSB for full list) — TSB 23-029 calls for replacing several one-time-use or critical bolts and nuts during the transmission removal and installation process, such as Flange Bolts (P/N 90163-SDB-A00) and 12-Point Bolts for AWD models (P/N 90113-S10-000).
  Trusted brands: Acura (Genuine OEM)
  OEM price range: $20-$50

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• B23-029 (and its revisions): Warranty Extension: 2017-18 RDX 6AT Torque Converter – DTC P0741 Stored. This is the primary document outlining the defect, repair procedure, and warranty extension.
• Honda TSB 23-078: A parallel bulletin for Honda platform mates (Pilot, Ridgeline) with the same 6AT and torque converter issue.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Acura issued multiple revisions of Technical Service Bulletin 23-029 regarding P0741 on 2017-18 RDX models. The bulletins state: 'The lock-up clutch cannot provide adequate holding force due to pressure bleeding down through a crack in the lock up piston.'
• Due to this known defect, Acura extended the warranty on the torque converter. The latest revision specifies a warranty of 10 years or 150,000 miles from the original purchase date, whichever comes first. Owners must check with an Acura dealer to see if their specific VIN is eligible.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Solenoid Resistance — expected: 10 - 30 Ohms. Failure: A reading outside this range indicates an electrical failure in the solenoid coil.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Transmission Ground Cable Assembly — A ground cable, P/N 32601-STK-A00 for the previous generation, connects the transmission case to the chassis. While the exact location for the 2017-2018 model may vary slightly, it serves the same purpose of ensuring a solid ground for transmission components.. A poor ground connection can cause erratic behavior in transmission solenoids and sensors, potentially contributing to or mimicking circuit-related fault codes. Checking that this ground is clean and tight is a fundamental electrical diagnostic step, although it is not the primary cause identified in the TSB for P0741.
• Under-dash Fuse Box — Located on the driver's side, under the dashboard near the steering column.. This fuse box contains fuses related to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and other control units which manage the transmission. A blown fuse here could interrupt power or signals necessary for TCC operation.
• Engine Compartment Fuse Box — Located in the engine bay, near the battery.. This box contains main power fuses and relays for the entire powertrain system, including the transmission controls. A failure here would likely cause more widespread issues than just a P0741 code.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• Reddit user /u/mrminak and an Acura Master Tech (2018 Acura RDX) — Owner received a warranty extension notice for P0741. The code appeared intermittently. An Acura Master Tech confirmed the code is set because the lock-up clutch inside the converter fails to engage.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) The technician noted that simply changing the transmission fluid will not fix the P0741 code, although it was a previous fix for a separate shuddering issue.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The definitive fix is replacing the torque converter. The technician emphasized that without the P0741 code actively stored and printed out, a warranty claim cannot be processed, so it's crucial to get the car to the dealer when the code is present.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 26000-R9R-305 (presumed) → 06260-R9R-000 (Kit) — The original torque converter design was prone to a cracked internal lock-up piston. The new kit contains a revised converter to correct this defect.
  Heads up: While a specific supersession from 26000-R9R-305 to the 06260-R9R-000 kit is not explicitly documented in the search results, this is the logical path given the known defect and the issuance of a repair kit. Other Acura models show similar part number evolutions, such as 26000-RDJ-305 being replaced by 26000-RDJ-325.