2002 Acura MDX

Above average

Owners filed 205 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the transmission. It has been recalled 4 times.

Not among the Acura MDX years to avoid. Which Acura MDX years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
98,000 milesMedian miles at failure

161 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 75,000–90,000 miles.

Most common 2002 Acura MDX problems

116 of the 205 complaints (57%) are about the transmission.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission79
002
Power Train · transmission32
300
Air Bags · airbags20
201
Electrical System10
110
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine8
000
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration6
301
Structure › Frame and Members · body and frame4
110
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Torque Converter · transmission4
000
Engine4
000
Unknown or Other2
000

2002 Acura MDX transmission problems

57% of all complaints

116 of the 205 complaints are about the transmission. This is what owners describe:

  • slips or will not engage a gear15% · 17
  • sets off warning lights on the dash14% · 16
  • jerks, lurches or bucks12% · 14
  • turns on the check engine light11% · 13
  • shudders or judders9% · 11
  • vibrates or shakes9% · 10

Share of the 116 transmission complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
97,500 mi
median of 107 reports
Peak year of filing
2010
20 transmission complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
3 · 0 · 2
in these complaints
Recalls on the transmission
“The contact owns a 2002 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact stated that she depressed the accelerator pedal and the RPM’s revved; however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact pulled over, turned off and restarted the vehicle and started driving; however, after getting up to speed the vehicle started losing motive power.”
Owner complaint, filed Jan 24, 2023 at 170,000 miles
“Transmission recall was prev addressed but still has same problem hwy overheating of transmission causing failure extreme jerking scared us bad and could cause accident gears go out slip from overheating as well burns transm fluid recalled previously same exact issue of extreme overheating and at temp gauge not workingoccours while driving in motion”
Owner complaint, filed Jun 24, 2018 at 229,000 miles

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
2002: 3 complaints, 0 about the transmission'022003: 9 complaints, 1 about the transmission2004: 11 complaints, 5 about the transmission2005: 11 complaints, 5 about the transmission2006: 11 complaints, 10 about the transmission'062007: 13 complaints, 7 about the transmission2008: 16 complaints, 12 about the transmission2009: 13 complaints, 10 about the transmission2010: 24 complaints, 20 about the transmission'102011: 22 complaints, 18 about the transmission2012: 6 complaints, 4 about the transmission2013: 7 complaints, 3 about the transmission2014: 12 complaints, 6 about the transmission'142015: 6 complaints, 3 about the transmission2016: 13 complaints, 6 about the transmission2017: 5 complaints, 3 about the transmission2018: 4 complaints, 1 about the transmission'182019: 3 complaints, 0 about the transmission2020: 7 complaints, 0 about the transmission2021: 1 complaints, 0 about the transmission2022: 3 complaints, 0 about the transmission'222023: 2 complaints, 1 about the transmission2024: 1 complaints, 0 about the transmission2025: 1 complaints, 0 about the transmission2026: 1 complaints, 1 about the transmission'26Recall 02V226000 (engine)Recall 04V176000 (transmission)Recall 05V385000 (suspension)Recall 20V027000 (airbags)NHTSA investigation PE05040
All complaintsAbout the transmissionRecall (red: the transmission)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 2002 MDX peaked in 2010, with 24 filed that year. Owners had filed 2 complaints about the transmission before the first recall that covers it, 04V176000 in April 2004; 114 more have come in since. In 2026 owners filed 1 so far.

4 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module20V027000
Filed Jan 17, 2020875,966 vehiclesHonda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Defect. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2001-2002 Acura 3.2CL, 2000-2003 Acura 3.5RL, 2000-2001 Acura 3.2TL, Honda CR-V and Honda Odyssey, 2001-2002 Acura MDX and 2000 Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Coupe, and Civic Sedan vehicles. These vehicles may have received a replacement driver frontal air bag module as part of a vehicle repair. Due to a manufacturing issue, the replacement NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.

Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag cushion may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.

Remedy. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air bags in the vehicles, replacing the driver frontal air bag inflator with an inflator of a different design, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138.

Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs05V385000
Filed Sep 1, 200522,861 vehiclesHonda (american Honda Motor Co.)

Defect. ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. IN AREAS WHERE LARGE QUANTITIES OF ROAD SALT ARE USED, THE FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRINGS HAVE INSUFFICIENT CORROSION PROTECTION, AND MAY BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO CORROSION.

Risk. EXCESSIVE CORROSION CAN CAUSE SPRING FAILURE AND A BROKEN SPRING COULD PUNCTURE A FRONT TIRE, WHICH INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH FRONT SPRINGS WITH IMPROVED SPRINGS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 11, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ACURA AT 800-382-2238.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission04V176000
Filed Apr 15, 20041,099,796 vehiclesHonda (american Honda Motor Co.)

Defect. ON SOME MINI VANS, SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES, CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS CAN RESULT IN HEAT BUILD-UP BETWEEN THE COUNTERSHAFT AND SECONDARY SHAFT SECOND GEARS IN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, EVENTUALLY LEADING TO GEAR TOOTH CHIPPING OR GEAR BREAKAGE.

Risk. GEAR FAILURE COULD RESULT IN TRANSMISSION LOCKUP, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy. ON VEHICLES WITH 15,000 MILES OR LESS, THE DEALER WILL UPDATE THE TRANSMISSION WITH A SIMPLE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE TO INCREASE LUBRICATION TO THE SECOND GEAR. ON VEHICLES WITH MORE THAN 15,000 MILES, THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION TO IDENTIFY GEARS THAT HAVE ALREADY EXPERIENCED DISCOLORATION DUE TO OVERHEATING. IF DISCOLORATION EXISTS, THE TRANSMISSION WILL BE REPLACED IF DISCOLORATION IS NOT PRESENT, THE DEALER WILL PERFORM THE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 21, 2004, FOR PILOT, ODYSSEY, AND MDX OWNERS. OWNERS OF THE ACCORD VEHICLES WILL START RECEIVING LETTERS ON JUNE 28, 2004, AND ON JUNE 29, 2004, FOR OWNERS OF THE TL AND CL VEHICLES. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine02V226000
Filed Aug 28, 200217,551 vehiclesAmerican Honda Motor Co.

Defect. ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, SEDANS, COUPES, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH V6 ENGINES, A TIMING BELT TENSIONER PULLEY ON THE WATER PUMP IS MISALIGNED AND COULD CAUSE THE TIMING BELT TO CONTACT A BOLT ON THE CYLINDER HEAD. EVENTUALLY THE BELT COULD BE DAMAGED AND FAIL.

Risk. IF THE TIMING BELT BREAKS, THE ENGINE WILL STALL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WATER PUMP AND IF IT IS ONE OF THE DEFECTIVE PUMPS, THE WATER PUMP AND TIMING BELT WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 30, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.

All 4 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. One names the 2002 MDX.

FRONT COIL SPRING BREAKAGEPreliminary evaluation PE05040Closed
Opened Jul 14, 2005Closed Sep 14, 2005Led to recall 05V385000suspension

In an august 29, 2005 letter, honda notified NHTSA that it had identified a defect in the front coil springs of certain model year 2001 and early-2002 acura mdx sport utility vehicles.according to honda, some front suspension coil springs have insufficient corrosion protection and, in areas where road salts are used, may be susceptible to corrosion.rubber sleeves applied near the top and bottom of some springs to eliminate noise can trap salt water, increasing the potential for excessive corrosion.over time, excessive corrosion can cause spring failure.in some cases, a broken spring could …

Technical service bulletins

165 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2002 MDX. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

equipment 28transmission 26engine 26electrical system 22fuel system 8airbags 8body and frame 8seats 7
06050Warranty extensionMay 9, 2008unknown or other

WARRANTY EXTENSION: VEHICLE WARRANTY MILEAGE. *KB AFFECTS 2002 THROUGH 2006 ACURA MODELS. UPDATED 8/15/08. *PE

SB-06-050Warranty extensionMay 9, 2008equipment

ACURA: WARRANTY EXTENSION: VEHICLE WARRANTY MILEAGE. A FEDERAL COURT PROVIDED FINAL APPROVAL OF THE SETTLEMENT OF A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT ALLEGING THAT THE ODOMETERS ON CERTAIN MODELS WERE OVERSTATING MILEAGE. VEHICLES AFFECTED BY THIS SETTLEMENT INCLUDE CERTAIN 2002-2006. ON AFFECTED VEHICLES, THE SETTLEMENT REQUIRES YOU TO HONOR A 5 PERCENT INCREASE IN THE …

06-008Warranty extensionFeb 5, 2008electrical system

ACURA SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. WARRANTY EXTENSION: OPDS UNIT OR OPDS SENSOR TRIGGERS SRS DTC'S 15-1, 15-2, 15-3. CSC WAS RECEIVED. *NJ

05-019Warranty extensionFeb 5, 2008engine

ACURA SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. WARRANTY EXTENSION: EGR VALVE CONTAMINATION MAY CAUSE ENGINE HESITATION/SURGE OR DTC P1491. CSC WAS RECEIVED. *NJ

B21-022Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMay 28, 2021transmission

Service Bulletin - Case v. American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Case No. BC 424169 (Third Clutch Transmission Settlement - $25 Credit Vouchers).

05024Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsAug 4, 2005transmission

SHUDDER OR VIBRATION BETWEEN 35 AND 40 MPH. *TT

505Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMay 16, 2005transmission

CANON A75 DIGITAL CAMERA REPLACEMENT. *TT

01162005Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJan 1, 2005transmission

P1706 A/T SWITCH SHORT OR OPEN. *EH

04013Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsNov 12, 2004transmission

SAFETY RECALL: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SECOND GEAR INSPECTION. SUPERSEDES 04-013, DATED APRIL 30, 2004. *TT *EH

10012004Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsOct 1, 2004transmission

HOW TO REPLENISH ATF ON VEHICLES WITH A/T OIL JET KITS. *NM

Showing the newest 6 of 26 bulletins about the transmission, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA 5-star safety ratings
Version testedOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
2002 Acura MDX 4-DR. w/SAB———★★★★★—

New Car Assessment Program results for this model year. Ratings compare cars of similar size and weight only.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Power Train
Filed Oct 13, 2026CA

The vehicle's transmission is faulty. I took it to a second-hand repair shop because, while I was driving on the freeway, the speed had been dropping rapidly. I later found out they recalled the transmission for this Acura in 2005. It is 2026. I took it to a dealership and asked about the transmission recall; they said they could close federal safety recalls, so it wasn’t valid. I left the dealership and called Acura's client relations line, where they said that because I am the second owner, they would not accommodate the recall request, as it had closed in 05. I googled whether they can close federal recalls, and it said they couldn’t. Then they changed what they said and said that because it was over 150,000 miles, it wasn't eligible for a goodwill repair either. This (NHTSA Campaign ID 04V-176000) repair was never done on the car, but because it was issued in 05, they will not accommodate it today when the transmission showed a fault.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Aug 4, 2025213,722 milesCA

The contact owns a 2002 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH up an incline, the vehicle stalled. The service engine and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart, but made an abnormal grinding sound while shifting into gear. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the failure could be related to the water pump; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 213,722.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jan 23, 2024CA

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - Immobiliser System. Yes, available. May be repaired by local mechanic unless I learn from you to defer such repair. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - The inappropriate activation of the immobilizer system (at least I think that's what happened) caused the vehicle immediately to become unnamageable. All lights off, motor stopped, no power brakes pr power steering. No way to give warning to other drivers. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? - The identical behavior has occurred about 6 times, once on busy US 101 through downtown Oakland, CA during rush hour. The car will be towed to a mechanic's shop later today. I have no history with this mechanic's shop. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? - No. It is my inference that the immobilizer system activated while at speed due to description in the owner's manual of the appropriate behavior of the immobilizer. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? - No. The first appearance of the "green key" light preceded the entire shutdown by only a few seconds.

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 24, 2023WI

1. Rear subframe body mount rust-through, newly discovered. 2. Available for inspection. 3. Risk of frame failure and resulting instability at speed 4. There is a TSB for the virtually identical Honda Pilot regarding this issue; TSB 21-019 "2003-2008 Pilot Rear Subframe Body Mount Rust Repair (Customer-Pay Repair)". 5. Not inspected. A local body shop reviewed a photo and won't touch it. 6. No warnings

Power Train
Filed Jan 24, 2023170,000 milesMA

The contact owns a 2002 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact stated that she depressed the accelerator pedal and the RPM’s revved; however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact pulled over, turned off and restarted the vehicle and started driving; however, after getting up to speed the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact believed that the vehicle had slipped out of gear. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond while shifted into drive or reverse. The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated. The contact had driven the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact had researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V176000 (Power Train). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 9, 2022230,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2002 Acura MDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V027000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted several times and informed the contact that they did not have the equipment needed for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and followed up with the dealer. The contact stated an unknown service light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 14, 2022TX

The contact owns a 2002 Acura MDX. The contact stated that the air bag warning light would illuminate while leaning on the passenger’s side front door. The contact stated that the warning light would turn off once the passenger moved away from the door. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Suspension
Filed May 20, 2022200,000 milesMO

The contact owns a 2002 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving at speeds exceeding 50 MPH, the front end of the vehicle would shake and vibrate with an abnormal chain-like sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not determined. There was no further information available. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 200,000.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 3, 2021NJ

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V027000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CONTACTED CROWN ACURA (18911 US HWY 19 N, CLEARWATER, FL 33764) AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 4, 2020OH

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V027000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Engine
Filed Jul 17, 2020180,000 milesMD

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT FROM SECOND GEAR. ADDITIONALLY, THE ENGINE REVVED. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED HOWEVER, NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jul 14, 2020127,000 milesMN

THIS STARTED A LONG TIME AGO. MY ENGINE WOULD REV UP AND I WOULD HAVE TO PUSH MY BREAKS SO HARD TO SLOW OR STOP. A MECHANIC FINALLY FOUND IT WAS THE CRUISE CONTROL STICKING. THE PART WAS SOLD $800. I GOT IT FIXED BUT THOUGHT THIS WAS VERY DANGEROUS. IT ALSO WOULD NOT GO BACK INTO GEAR AFTER I WOULD STOP THE ENGINE WHEN THIS WOULD HAPPEN. I WOULD GO INTO THE MANUAL RELEASE TAB TO FINALLY GET GOING AGAIN.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 6, 2020FL

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V027000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 4, 2020AZ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN FOR EMISSIONS TESTING, HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V627000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.*DT*JB

Air Bags
Filed May 7, 2020AL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V027000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER NOR THE DEALER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. *BF*JB

Air Bags
Filed Mar 24, 2020149,000 milesAZ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V027000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE ACURA OF PEORIA DEALER LOCATED AT (9190 W. BELL RD, PEORIA, AZ, 85382) WHERE THE TECHNICIAN CONFIRMED THAT AIR BAG WARNING WAS ILLUMINATED HOWEVER, IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 149,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Dec 16, 2019206,428 milesOH

DRIVING AT 70 MPH VEHICLES VTM4 LIGHT STARTED TO FKASH 3 SECONDS LATER ALL WHEELS LOCJMKED UP AND UDER FEET WAS SO HOT HAD TO LIFT MY FEET SKIDDED ABOUT 290 FEET.

Air Bags
Filed May 2, 2019150,000 milesNY

SRS LIGHT IS ON. THEREFORE,HAVE THE AIRBAGS BEEN DISABLED? WHAT SHOULD I DO NOW?

Air Bags
Filed Feb 25, 2019150,300 milesNY

THE SRS LIGHT TURNS ON AND DOESN'T GO OUT AFTER STARTUP OF THE VEHICLE. THERE IS A RECALL OF THE SRS UNIT MALFUNCTION FOR THE 2003 YEAR MODEL. SECONDLY, MY VEHICLE IS MORE THAN FIFTEEN YEARS OLD. IS THERE A TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL INVOLVING MY 2002 ACURA MDX? I HAVE TAKEN OWNERSHIP VERY RECENT.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 26, 2018160,000 milesTX

THE CAR TURNS OFF WHILE DRIVING SIMILAR TO PROBLEM I HAD WITH MY 1999 HONDA CRV INGITION SWITCH BEEN DOING IT FOR SEVERAL DAYS TODAY SMOKE CAME OUT FROM THE STEERING COLUM

Air Bags
Filed Aug 9, 2018140,000 milesNC

SRS DEVICE FAILED, LEAVING AIR BAGS INOPERABLE. DEALER ASKED FACTORY REP TO AUTHORIZE SERVICE. DENIED BY ACURA. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD. RESEARCH INDICATES IDENTICAL PROBLEMS IN OTHER VEHICLES, A PRIOR CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT AND OTHER COMPLAINTS. SRS WARNING LIGHT STAYS ON. BOTH DEALER AND INDEPENDENT GARAGE TESTED AND CONFIRMED UNIT IS DEFECTIVE.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)Crash
Filed Jul 17, 2018205,000 milesGA

TAKATA RECALL MY MDX IS HAVING A HEAT BUILD UP BETWEEN THE COUNTERSHAFT AND SECOND SHAFT GEARS. ITS CASUING MY TRANSMISSION TO LOCK UP AND I AM VERY CONCERN

Power Train
Filed Jun 24, 2018229,000 milesCA

TRANSMISSION RECALL WAS PREV ADDRESSED BUT STILL HAS SAME PROBLEM HWY OVERHEATING OF TRANSMISSION CAUSING FAILURE EXTREME JERKING SCARED US BAD AND COULD CAUSE ACCIDENT GEARS GO OUT SLIP FROM OVERHEATING AS WELL BURNS TRANSM FLUID RECALLED PREVIOUSLY SAME EXACT ISSUE OF EXTREME OVERHEATING AND AT TEMP GAUGE NOT WORKINGOCCOURS WHILE DRIVING IN MOTION

Power Train
Filed Dec 15, 2017179,000 milesNV

GEAR FAILURE, TRANSMISSION LOCK UP, SMOKE COMING FROM TRANSMISSION INSIDE THE CAR. HEAT BUILD UP FROM TRANSMISSION WHEN WE DO LONG DRIVE.

Engine
Filed Apr 6, 2017VA

PRIORITY ACURA GAVE 2002 MDX BACK MONDAY 4/3/17 HAD PROBLEMS AGAIN WITH IT SLIPPIN INTO NEUTRAL AND WONT MOVE IN D5...THIS TIME CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND D5 STARTED BLINKING AND GEAR SHIFT WAS NOT MOVE PASS N UNTIL JAMES THE MECHANIC SHUT OFF VEHICLE AND STARTED IT BACK UP.

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 30, 201752 milesVA

MY NAME IS [XXX] I PURCHASED A USED 2002 ACURA MDX FROM DEALER [XXX] AT PRIORITY HONDA HAMPTON VA 2/13/2017 ( 757 8381252 ). WITHIN THE FIRST WEEK OF DRIVING THIS ACURA MDX IT STALLED AS I MADE A TURN ON LYNNHAVEN PKWY INTO MY JOB PARKING LOT. THERE WHERE CARS BEHIND ME BEEPING. MY FIRST REACTION WAS TRY REVERSE IT DID REVERSE SO I TRY TO PUT IT BACK IN D5 NO MOVEMENT RPMS WITH JUST RUN UP NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON SO THEN I TRIED D5, D4, D3,2 NO MOVEMENT THE VEHICLE MOVE WHEN I PUT IT IN GEAR AT 1 AND IT DROVE ME TO A PARKING SPACE AND THAT IS WHEN I CALLED ACURA PRIORITY AND HAD CAR TOWED TO THEM AND EXPLAINED THAT I HAD PURCHASED THE CAR FROM PRIORITY HONDA THIS WAS MY 6/7 DAY DRIVING IT THIS HAPPEN. SO THE TOW COMPANY CAME AND TOWED IT TO PRIORITY ACURA CHESAPEAKE ( 757 5231700) UNFORTUNATELY THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WASN'T ON AND CAR DRIVING BACK NORMAL AND NO CODES HELD IN THE COMPUTER FOR THEM TO CHECK WHAT IS GOING ON. THEREFORE I REQUESTED THEY DO A THOROUGHLY CHECK ON VEHICLE WHICH COST ME 150.00 DOLLARS TO MAKE SURE IT WASN'T NOTHING WRONG WITH VEHICLE. THEY DID A EXTRA CHECK AND CAME BACK WITH BUSHINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACE OTHER THAN THAT VEHICLE WAS GOOD PRIORITY ACURA STATED. IN MEANTIME I CALLED PRIORITY HONDA WHERE I JUST PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM NOT EVEN A WEEK AND EXPLAINED TO THEM WHAT WAS GOING ON TO TIMOTHY USE CAR SUPERVISOR AT PRIORITY HONDA HAMPTON ( 7578381252) HE GOT THE CAR TOWED OVER THERE NO COST TO ME AND G

Power Train
Filed Mar 28, 2017125,110 milesVA

HELLO MY NAME IS [XXX] I PURCHASED A USED 2002 ACURA MDX FROM PRIORITY HONDA HAMPTON VA ( 757 838 1252) THE FIRST WEEK I DROVE THE CAR THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED DOWNWARD WHILE I WAS TURNING A CORNER AT A BUSY INTERSECTION THE CAR DID NOT CUT OFF HOWEVER IT STOP AND WHEN I PRESSED ON THE GAS THE RPM WILL GO UP BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE I THEN TRY TO SHIFT TO D4 WOULD NOT MOVE D3 WOULD NOT MOVE 2 IT DROVE AGAIN. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO PRIORITY AND EXPLAIN WHAT HAPPEN THEY SOLD ME A LEMON THEY STATES MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT NOT ON OR KEEPING RECORDS OF WHAT HAPPEN WHEN CAR ACT UP THEREFORE THE CAR IS NOT DOING IT ALL THE TIME AND NOT DOING IT WHILE IN THERE POSSESSION. THEY SENT ME HOME AGAIN THE NEXT WEEK I WAS BACK WITH SAME PROBLEM THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE . SENT ME HOME AGAIN THE NEXT WEEK HAPPEN AGAIN I THEY STILL CANT FIGURE OUT PROBLEM THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION WHEN CARS ARE BEHIND ME AND CAN RESULT IN A CRASH CAN YOU PLEASE REACH OUT TO ME AT [XXX] OR PRIORITY HONDA HAMPTON VA ([XXX]) TO CORRECT THIS DANGEROUS PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLE I SEE OTHERS HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM . I HAVE ANY RECORDED THIS ON MY PHONE AND SHOW THEM CAR NOT MOVING RPMS GOING UP THE ADVISOR [XXX] STATES LOOKS LIKE TRANSMISSION SLIPPING BUT IT WONT DO FOR THEM. MY VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT PRIORITY HONDA HAMPTON AGAIN. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Power Train
Filed Jan 25, 2017220,000 milesOR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA MDX. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE FELT AS IF THE BRAKE PEDAL WERE DEPRESSED QUICKLY AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WERE SUDDENLY DEPRESSED INADVERTENTLY. WHEN DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO MOVE AND WOULD SUDDENLY ENGAGE AND OPERATE NORMALLY. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN). THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 220,000.

Power Train
Filed Dec 27, 2016131,000 milesMD

MY CAR WAS REPAIRED IN 2004 DUE TO A RECALL.THE ISSUE HAS ACCURED AGAIN AND THE ACURA DEALER WANTS TO CHARGE ME $7000 TO FIX THE TRANSMISSION AGAIN.

Power TrainCrash
Filed Oct 19, 2016171,000 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA MDX. WHEN THE CONTACT SHIFTED THE VEHICLE INTO PARK AND REMOVED THE KEYS FROM THE IGNITION, IT BEGAN TO ROLL INDEPENDENTLY. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION INTERLOCK FAILED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 171,000.

Power Train
Filed Oct 7, 2016PA

ALL THE RECALLS HAVE BEEN TAKEN CARE OF BUT IT STILL HAS THE TRANSMISSION ISSUE. I HAVE SEEN MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS AND ACURA DOES AGREE THAT THERE A KNOWN ISSUE AND WON'T ANYTHING TO RECTIFY THE ISSUE. ME AND A LOT OF OTHER OWNERS ARE CONSIDERING A CLASS ACTION SUIT TO FORCE ACURA TO RECTIFY THE ISSUE THAT IS WELL KNOWN IN THESE TRANSMISSIONS. WHEN YOU CALL THE DEALER THEY KNOW EXACTLY WHAT THE ISSUE IS BUT WANT TO PUT IN A REBUILT TRANSMISSION AND CHARGE BETWEEN $2500 TO $3800. THIS IS RIDICULOUS IF THE ISSUE IS KNOWN WHY NOT FIX IT AND THE LOYAL CUSTOMERS HAPPY.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 6, 201622,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA MDX. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE SRS WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS AN INTERNAL FAILURE OF THE SRS UNIT, BUT WAS UNSURE ABOUT WHAT PART NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000.

Power Train
Filed Aug 14, 2016153,000 milesGA

TRANSMISSION OCCASIONALLY BUMPS WHEN BACKING, TURNING, AND CHANGING FROM ONE DIRECTION TO ANOTHER. THERE HAVE BEEN TIMES, AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS, WHEN THERE WOULD BE A SOUND AS IS THE VEHICLE IS CROSSING STOP BUMPS. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON SMOOTH ROADS WHILE ACCELERATING, MAINTAINING A SPEED, AND DECELERATING. THE TRANSMISSION STARED SLIPPING IN 5TH GEAR, AND IS NOW BEGINNING TO SLIP IN 4TH GEAR.

Engine
Filed Jul 22, 2016OH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA MDX. FOR OVER TWO YEARS, THE VEHICLE RANDOMLY STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 02V226000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Engine
Filed Jun 30, 2016VA

I TOOK MY CAR AND ON FEBRUARY 25TH TO CHECK TO SEE WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE I WAS TOLD AND NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE THE VEHICLE SHAKES AND VIBRATES REALLY BAD AROUND 30 TO 40 MILES AN HOUR. I HAVE READ ON DIFFERENT FORUM THAT IT'S A TRANSMISSION, AND ALOT OF PEOPLE HAVE TO REPLACE THE TORQUE CONVERTER. BUT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE AND ACURA DOESN'T WANT TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM THAT'S OCCURRING WITH ALOT OF THESE MODELS.

Seat Belts
Filed Jun 29, 2016NV

2002 ACURA MDX SRS LIGHT CONSTANTLY ON WHICH MEANS THE AIR BAG MAY NOT FUNCTION NORMALLY. 1. ACURA REFUSES TO ADDRESS THIS SEAT BELT LIMITED WARRANTY ISSUE (WHICH CONTINUES FOR THE LIFE OF THE CAR AND INCLUDES REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT) WITHOUT A MINIMUM DIAGNOSTIC CHARGE OF $130 PRIOR TO EFFECTING REPAIR AS WARRANTY ITEM (WARRANTY PAGE ATTACHED). 2. HAVE ALREADY HAD CODE DIAGNOSED AS DEFECTIVE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT SENSOR BY INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHICH ACURA REFUSES TO BELIEVE OR ACT UPON. 3. WHEN IT COMES TO A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE IN A CAR COVERED AS A WARRANTY ITEM, THE COMPANY SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM AND PERFORM REPAIR PER THEIR WARRANTY AGREEMENT WITHOUT CHARGE. THEY ARE PUTTING LIVES IN DANGER BY INSISTING ON NOT PERFORMING THE WORK UNTIL COMPLETING THEIR OWN DIAGNOSTIC CHECK AT THE CAR OWNERS COST. 4, THIS LIGHT IS ON FROM CAR START UP TO ENGINE TURN OFF.

Power Train
Filed Jun 6, 2016161,810 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA MDX. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SEIZED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO CONFIRMED THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. HOWEVER, WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE JERKED BEFORE MOVING FORWARD. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 161,810. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed May 9, 2016WA

SRS LIGHT ILLUMINATED AT APPROXIMATELY 130000 MILES. MECHANIC STATES CODE 15-3 "FAULTY OPDS SENSOR". SENSOR IS FAULTY BY DESIGN, IS NOT AFFECTED BY AGE OR USE OF VEHICLE. PREVIOUS EXTENDED WARRANTY ADDRESSED THIS CODE, WITH LANGUAGE IN WARRANTY STATING VEHICLES PAST 10 YEAR MARK ARE ELIGIBLE FOR GOODWILL COVERAGE TO FIX THIS ISSUE. ACURA REFUSED TO COVER COST OF THIS FIX UNDER GOODWILL. MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR DESIGN FAILURES. SAFETY ISSUE AS AIR BAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY IF SRS LIGHT IS ON.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Apr 12, 2016CA

RECALL ON APRIL 1ST MY MOTHER DROVE HER RECENTLY PURCHASED 2002 ACCURA MDX TO WORK ABOUT A 5 MIN DRIVE TEN MIN AFTER SHE PARKED AND ARRIVED TO WORK HER CAR WAS INFLAMS AND FIRE FIGHTER INVESTIGATORS STATED IT WAS A ELECTRICAL FIRE THAT CAUSED HER CAR TO BLOW UP

Air Bags
Filed Jan 18, 2016220,113 milesNY

TAKAYA RECALL, I'M HAVING TRANSMISSION ISSUES WHILE I'M DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THE VEHICLE SEEMS TO SLOW DOWN AND THEN PICKS UP SPEED I HAVE TROUBLE SWITCHING GEARS WHEN I TRY TO REVERSE THERE'S NO MOVEMENT THE ALL OF THE SUDDEN THE VEHICLE WILL DO OUR HARD JERK REVERSE MOTION AND STARS GOING IN REVERSE. PASSAGES AIR BAG READ A CODE OF AIRBAG MALFUNCTION. TORQUE CONTROL, GEARS GETTING STUCK FLASHING D5 LIGHT AFTER GOING OVER 40.

Power Train
Filed Jan 6, 2016122,000 milesCO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA MDX. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY MALFUNCTIONED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT DRIVE FORWARD OR ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS PREVIOUSLY REPLACED FOR THE SAME FAILURE AT 59,000 MILES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,000. UPDATED 04/26/16*LJ *TR

Electrical System
Filed Nov 9, 2015215,000 milesOR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY RANDOMLY WOULD NOT TURN OVER. INTERMITTENTLY, THE ANTI-THEFT FEATURE ACTIVATED AND PREVENTED THE VEHICLE FROM STARTING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED MORE THAN FIVE TIMES IN WHICH THERE WAS A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT HAD TO MAKE NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS TO MANEUVER THE KEY TO GET THE VEHICLE TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED NO REMEDY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 215,000. UPDATED 04/14/16*LJ *TR

Power Train
Filed Aug 12, 2015156,000 milesIN

DROVE VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY AND NOTICED A VIBRATION IN THE FRONT END. ALSO NOTICED WHEN DRIVING VEHICLE IN THE MORNING A VIBRATION THAT FELT LIKE DRIVING OVER RUBBLE STRIPS. TALKED TO MY DAUGHTER (PRIMARY DRIVER) AND SHE SAID THE VIBRATION HAS BEEN OCCURRING FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS, BUT NOT CONSISTENTLY. DID SOME RESEARCH AND TOOK VEHICLE TO A TRANSMISSION MECHANIC. NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. BOUGHT THIS ACURA IN 2006 AS A CERTIFIED VEHICLE FROM DEALER WITH 43K MILES. TORQUE CONVERTER WAS REPLACED IN 2009 AT 90K MILES. NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION AT 156K. I EXPECTED MORE FROM A HONDA VEHICLE.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 16, 2015135,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SRS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.

Power TrainCrash
Filed Jul 8, 2015163,200 milesCA

THE KEYS CAN BE REMOVED WHILE CAR IS NOT IN PARK SO IT ROLLED AND BUMPED INTO ANOTHER CAR. I CHECKED THE RECALL AND IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THEIR RECALL. MY CAR IS 2002 ACURA MDX AND THE YEAR THEY HAVE RECALL IS 2003 VERSION.

Air Bags
Filed May 29, 2015CA

THE AIR BAG LIGHT IS RED...I TOOK IT TO ACURA IN STOCKTON....AND THEY SAID. THEY WON'T CHECK IT UNTIL I PAY THEM $120...I AM WORRIED IT IS FAULTY...I DON'T NEED TO PAY THEM TO CHECK AND FIX IT...THE AIR BAG SHOULD NOT BE FAULTY AT ALL.....IT IS NOT A WEAR AND TEAR ITEM...IT IS A INTERNAL PRODUCT THAT IS DAMAGED.

Power Train
Filed Mar 13, 2015142,875 milesWA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, BOTH FRONT WHEELS SEIZED AND THE STEERING WHEEL REQUIRED FORCE IN ORDER TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 142,875.

Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 21, 2014129,000 milesFL

PRIOR TO BUYING, I CALLED ACURA IN FORT WALTON AND ASKED IF THERE WERE ANY RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE. THEY SAID NO. I PURCHASED A 2002 MDX ONLY TO FIND OUT LATER THAT THESE VEHICLES HAVE HAD MAJOR HAZARDOUS TRANSMISSION ISSUES. I ALSO FOUND THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON MY VEHICLE FOR THE TRANSMISSION. THE RECALL STATED THAT ACURA WOULD EITHER INSTALL A JET PACK--IF THE VEHICLE HAD LESS THAN 15,000 MILES ON IT OR IF IT HAD MORE THAN 15,000 MILES ON IT, THEY WOULD REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. I SPOKE WITH [XXX] IN ACURA CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND HE LOOKED UP MY VIN AND SAID THAT HE DID SEE THE RECALL BUT THAT MY VEHICLE "WAS INSPECTED AND NO ISSUES WERE FOUND" IN 2005 AND DUE TO THAT INSPECTION THE RECALL WAS "COMPLETED". HOWEVER, I BROUGHT UP THE FACT THAT THE RECALL STATES THAT THEY WERE TO EITHER ADD A JET PACK (COOLER) IF THE VEHICLE WAS LESS THAN 15,000 MILES OR REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION IF THE VEHICLE HAD MORE THAN 15,000 MILES. HE THEN CHANGES HIS STORY AND SAID "WELL THEN OF COURSE THE JET PACK WAS INSTALLED". I GOT OFF THE PHONE WITH HIM AND POSTED TO ACURA'S FACEBOOK PAGE AS AT THIS POINT, I HAVE HEARD CONFLICTING STORIES. THEY HAD ANOTHER CUSTOMER RELATIONS PERSON CALL ME AND SHE GAVE ME THE NAME OF THE DEALERSHIP THAT DID THIS "INSPECTION" IN 2005. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THE SAME THING "IT SHOWS THE RECALL WAS COMPLETED IN 2005 BUT WE DON'T KNOW HOW IT WAS COMPLETED". BASED ON THE CARFAX, THE VEHICLE HAD 18,000 MILES ON IT IN 2004. ACCORDING TO THE RECALL, SINCE I

Seats
Filed Sep 8, 2014102,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LATCH FOR THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SEAT WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THE CONTACT WAS NOT ABLE TO ADJUST THE SEAT BACK UPON MANEUVERING THE LATCH. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE HOSE AND THE WIRES CONNECTED TO THE LATCH FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000. UPDATED 10/10/14*CN

Power Train
Filed Jul 10, 2014147,777 milesCA

UPON EXITING OFF THE FREEWAY AND ACCELERATING ONTO A BUSY 3 LANE STREET, MY VEHICLE ENGINE BEGAN REVVING AND HAD NO POWER. IT ACTED LIKE IT HAD BEEN SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL. I SHIFTED TO A LOWER GEAR AND IT CAUGHT AND ALLOWED ME TO GET ENOUGH POWER TO COAST TO A PARKING SPOT OFF THE BUSY STREET THAT HAD NO SHOULDER TO PULL A NON WORKING VEHICLE TO. I WAS NEARLY REAR ENDED BECAUSE OF THE LOSS OF POWER SO SUDDENLY. I WAS FORTUNATE THAT I HAD JUST GOT OFF THE FREEWAY OR IT COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE. I READ ON LINE THAT THE 2001 AND 2002 ACURA MDX HAS HAD A COMMON PROBLEM WITH TRANSMISSION FAILURE. AT A QUOTE FOR REPAIR OF $5,400 THIS IS A MAJOR ISSUE AS I AM A FULL TIME STUDENT. OF GREATER CONCERN IS THE SAFETY ISSUE THAT I COULD HAVE BEEN REAR ENDED AND CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT. THE DEALER OFFERED $500 OFF AS CONCESSION THAT THERE IS A "KNOWN" PROBLEM WITH THE 2001 AND 2002 TRANSMISSIONS. PRIOR TO THE TRANSMISSION FAILING, I WAS ONLY OFFERED $2,000 AS TRADE IN VALUE TOWARDS A NEW VEHICLE. *TR

Complaints 1-50 of 205, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2016
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20269100Routine
2025115300Routine
202441200Routine
202344200Routine
2022159220Routine
2020226800Above average
2019192930Routine
20181691040Routine
2017260840Above average
2016377750Above average
201571820Routine
2014172930Routine
201330130Routine
201276130Routine
201170010Routine
201045140Routine
200952010Routine
200849110Routine
200799120Routine
2006871100Routine
20051801310Routine
20041711040Routine
20032061350Above average
2002 — this page205420Above average
2001224410Above average

Compare every MDX year →

2002 Acura MDX: questions buyers ask

Is the 2002 Acura MDX a good car?

It is not among the MDX years to avoid. Owners filed 205 complaints, against about 159 for a typical MDX year. The most common complaint is about the transmission (57%).

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Acura MDX?

The transmission: 116 of the 205 complaints (57%) are about it. Owners most often say it slips or will not engage a gear (15%), sets off warning lights on the dash (14%) and jerks, lurches or bucks (12%). The typical report comes at 97,500 miles.

How many recalls does the 2002 Acura MDX have?

4 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Jan 17, 2020. The largest, 04V176000, covered 1,099,796 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 2002 Acura MDX problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 98,000 miles. For the transmission the midpoint is 97,500 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 2002 Acura MDX?

Yes, once. PE05040 ("FRONT COIL SPRING BREAKAGE") was opened Jul 14, 2005 and closed Sep 14, 2005.

Are there service bulletins for the 2002 Acura MDX?

The manufacturer filed 165 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the transmission (26), the engine (26) and the electrical system (22). They include a warranty extension, 06050, filed May 9, 2008. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jan 17, 2020. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.