2010-2013 Acura ZDX Window Regulator: Symptoms, Costs, and Replacement
A complete guide to diagnosing a failing window regulator in your 2010-2013 Acura ZDX, understanding replacement costs, and what to look for in a used part.
- The rear passenger window regulator for the 2010-2013 ZDX is OEM part number 72710-SZN-A01, which includes the motor.
- After replacement, you MUST perform a simple window reset procedure to restore the auto-up/down function.
- There are no specific recalls for this part, but all 2010-2013 ZDXs are under an urgent recall for Takata airbags that must be addressed.
- A used OEM regulator is a cost-effective alternative to a new part, provided you inspect the cables and plastic clips for wear before buying.
Symptoms of a Failing Window Regulator
A window regulator failure on the 2010-2013 Acura ZDX typically isn't sudden. You'll often notice one or more of these warning signs before it fails completely. The most common cause of failure is the internal steel cable fraying and snapping, or the plastic guide clips breaking from age and stress.
- Grinding or Clicking Noises: A grinding, scraping, or clicking sound from inside the door when you operate the window is a classic sign of a problem. This is often caused by a frayed cable bunching up or broken gear teeth skipping. If you hear the motor whirring or clicking but the window doesn't move, the regulator mechanism has likely failed, not the motor itself.
- Slow or Erratic Window Movement: If the window moves much slower than it used to, stutters on its way up or down, or seems to struggle, the regulator is failing. This can be due to increased friction in the tracks or a weak motor.
- Crooked Window: The window may tilt forward or backward as it moves. This indicates a broken guide clip or that the glass has come loose from its mounting points on the regulator, causing it to be unstable in the track.
- Window Drops Into the Door: In a complete failure, you may hear a loud pop or snap, and the window glass will fall completely into the door cavity. This happens when the main lift cable snaps, leaving nothing to hold the glass up.
- Window Won't Stay Up: The window may slide down on its own, either slowly over time or immediately after you raise it. This means the mechanism can no longer support the weight of the glass.
Known Issues, TSBs, and Recalls
As of mid-2026, there are no specific recalls or widespread Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) from Acura related to window regulator failures on the 2010-2013 ZDX. Problems with this part are generally considered normal wear and tear. However, there is a critical safety recall that all owners must be aware of.
URGENT SAFETY RECALL: Takata Airbags
All 2010-2013 Acura ZDX vehicles are part of the massive Takata airbag recall. The driver and passenger frontal airbag inflators can rupture during deployment, sending sharp metal fragments into the cabin, which can cause serious injury or death. This repair is performed for free by any Acura dealer. Before purchasing a vehicle or if you are a current owner, verify this recall has been completed by checking the VIN on Acura's official recall website or with the NHTSA.
Buying a Used 2010-2013 ZDX Window Regulator
Since a new OEM regulator can be costly, a quality used OEM part is an excellent value. Unlike cheap aftermarket alternatives which may use lower-quality materials, a used OEM regulator was built to Acura's original standards for fit and durability. Here’s what to inspect before buying.
Physical Inspection Checklist:
- Check the Cables: This is the most critical step. Look closely at the steel cables where they enter and exit the motor housing and at the points where they attach to the glass carrier. Look for any signs of fraying, rust, or kinks. A single frayed strand is a sign of impending failure.
- Inspect Plastic Guides: Examine all plastic components, especially the clips that hold the window glass. Ensure they are not cracked, brittle, or broken. These are common failure points.
- Examine the Track: Ensure the main metal rail is straight and free of any bends, cracks, or significant rust. A bent track will cause the window to bind.
- Test the Motor (If Possible): If you have access to a 12V power source, you can briefly touch the leads to the two pins on the motor's electrical connector. Reversing the polarity should make the motor run in the opposite direction. Listen for smooth operation, not a strained or grinding noise.
- Verify the Part Number: Confirm the part is 72710-SZN-A01 for the rear passenger (right) side. The driver's side regulator will not fit.
Cost Comparison (2010-2013 Acura ZDX Rear Passenger Window Regulator)
Repair costs can vary significantly based on the type of part used. The OEM assembly is the only direct-fit option readily available, as aftermarket support for this specific part on the low-production ZDX is limited.
| Part Type | Estimated Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New OEM (Dealer) | $350 - $400 | Highest cost, but brand new with a warranty. MSRP is around $389. |
| New OEM (Online) | $240 - $270 | Genuine Acura part sold by online dealers at a discount. |
| Used OEM | $50 - $100 | Excellent value. Sourced from a recycled vehicle. Inspection is key. |
| New Aftermarket | Not Widely Available | Aftermarket options for the rear of the ZDX are scarce. If found, prices would likely be $100-$200. |
| Shop Labor | $125 - $180 | Typically 1.0-1.5 hours of labor at an independent shop. |
Note: Some online estimators show a total replacement cost over $1,000, which appears to be based on an inflated and inaccurate part price. The costs listed above reflect actual market pricing for the part and typical labor rates.
Replacement Overview & Window Reset
Replacing the regulator is a manageable DIY project for someone with basic mechanical skills. The difficulty is rated 3 out of 5. The basic steps involve:
🎬 Watch: How to replace window regulators on any vehicle- Removing the interior door panel by locating and removing screws and clips.
- Carefully peeling back the plastic vapor barrier to access the inside of the door.
- Temporarily securing the window glass in the 'up' position with strong tape or a suction cup holder.
- Disconnecting the glass from the regulator's guide clips.
- Unplugging the window motor's electrical connector.
- Unbolting the old regulator assembly and removing it from the door.
- Installing the new assembly, re-bolting it, and reconnecting the motor and glass.
Pro Tip: Window Reset Procedure is Required!
After replacing the regulator or disconnecting the car's battery, the window's 'auto-up/auto-down' feature will not work correctly. You must reset it. From the driver's master switch, perform this procedure for the affected window:
- Roll the window all the way down and hold the switch down for 2-3 seconds after it stops.
- Roll the window all the way up and hold the switch up for 2-3 seconds after it closes.
The auto function should now be restored.
🎬 See: How to reset windows on an AcuraFrequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I replace just the motor or just the cable?
No, the Acura ZDX window regulator is sold as a complete, integrated assembly that includes the motor, cables, and track. This simplifies installation, as you do not need to transfer the motor or wind new cables. You must replace the entire unit.
Is the front regulator the same as the rear?
No, the front and rear regulators are completely different parts and are not interchangeable. Furthermore, the rear driver-side and rear passenger-side regulators are also unique and cannot be swapped.
My window works from its own switch but not the driver's master switch. Is it the regulator?
This is unlikely to be a regulator problem. If the window operates from its local switch, the regulator and motor are working. The issue is almost always a faulty master switch on the driver's door or a problem with the child lock-out button.
The window goes up and then immediately comes back down. What's wrong?
This is usually an issue with the anti-pinch safety feature and means the system needs to be reset. This can happen after a battery disconnect or part replacement. Follow the window reset procedure described above to relearn the top and bottom limits.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 72710-SZN-A01
Fits Rear Passenger (Right) side only. Complete assembly with integrated power window motor.
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Acura ZDX:
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- Symptoms of a Failing Window Regulator
- Known Issues, TSBs, and Recalls
- Buying a Used 2010-2013 ZDX Window Regulator
- Physical Inspection Checklist:
- Cost Comparison (2010-2013 Acura ZDX Rear Passenger Window Regulator)
- Replacement Overview & Window Reset
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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