2002 Acura MDX Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2002 Acura MDX, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Transmission8737.2%
- Powertrain (other)3715.8%
- Airbags239.8%
- Engine198.1%
- Driver assistance135.6%
- Electrical125.1%
- Body & structure73.0%
- Brakes62.6%
- Steering52.1%
- Suspension52.1%
- Interior & seats41.7%
- Visibility31.3%
- Fuel system31.3%
- Seat belts31.3%
- Tires & wheels31.3%
- Heating & air conditioning20.9%
- Exterior lighting10.4%
- Other / unspecified10.4%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND DECELERATED WITHOUT BEING PROMPTED. NONE OF THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,034. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 155,530.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE ENGINE MADE A FLUTTERING NOISE. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO RECUR INTERMITTENTLY OVER A SIX MONTH PERIOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
I HAVE A 2002 ACURA MDX. EVERY TIME IT RAINS, THE CARPET ON THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE GET SOAKED WITH WATER. I CANNOT VISUALLY SEE WHERE THE WATER IS COMING FROM. I CALLED THE DEALER AND I WAS TOLD THAT ITS NOT A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. I WENT ONLINE AND I FOUND OUT THAT ALOT OF PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME ISSUES WITH THEIR CAR. I BELIEVE THIS SHOULD BE MANUFACTURER DEFECTS IS SO MANY DRIVERS ARE HAVING ISSUES . NOT ONLY THAT THE WATER CAN REACH THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS WHICH CAN BE DEADLY. PLEASE ADVISE IF THE DEALER SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE IF SO MANY PEOPLE HAVING THIS PROBLEM. BASED ON MY RESEARCH ONLINE, NEWER MODELS EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEMS THAT I'M HAVING. I BELIEVE THE COMPANY SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE IF SO MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING ISSUES. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
CLIP ON THE FRONT BRAKE PAD KEEP LOOSENING EVEN AFTER NEW PADS WHERE REPLACED. *TR
ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, ON EITHER WET OR DRY PAVEMENT, THE CAR FAILED TO STOP AND CONTINUED ON DANGEROUSLY INTO INTERSECTIONS. ONCE THE BRAKES WERE EITHER APPLIED OR PUMPED THE CAR CONTINUED TO SLIDE FOR AT LEAST 30 FEET WHEN GOING SLOWLY TO COME TO A STOP AT A STOP LIGHT. THE DEALER ON EACH OCCASION TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE BRAKES. *NM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WAS EXTREMELY ROUGH AND THE SERVICE ENGINE SENSOR ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER AND CLUTCH SOLENOID WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,672.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING, A DRAGGING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR CONTROL ARM HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
CAR LOCKED ITSELF WITH DRIVER AND PASSENGERS INSIDE CAR. NO ONE COULD OPEN DOORS FROM INSIDE. THE MANUAL UNLOCK WOULD NOT UNLOCK DOORS. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO UNLOCK HIS DOOR BY OPENING WINDOW AND USING THE OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES. *TR THIS INCIDENT HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES. ON ANOTHER INCIDENT WHILE PARKING, THE VALET ASKED TO TURN CAR OFF LEAVE CAR KEYS INSIDE CAR. AS DRIVER LEFT THE CAR AND CLOSED THE DOOR, THE CAR LOCKED ITSELF (WITH THE KEYS INSIDE). THIS HAS OCCURRED TWICE IN THE PAST COUPLE OF MONTHS.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND OUT OF NO WHERE MY BACK PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW EXPLODED FOR NO REASON, NO OTHER VEHICLES WHERE NEAR US SO NO DEBRIS OR OBJECTS HIT MY WINDOW. I GOT GLASS IN MY HAND AND ARM. *TR
DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE WINDOWS STREAK AFTER EXPOSURE TO WATER OR SNOW REDUCING DRIVER VISIBILITY. THE STREAKING OCCURS WHEN THE MDX IS PARKED IN RAIN/SNOW OR DRIVEN IN RAIN/SNOW. WHEN WINDOWS ARE ROLLED DOWN THEN BACK UP BOTH THE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE WINDOW ARE STREAKED WITH WATER AND DEBRIS. THIS WILL LAST FOR DAYS. BECAUSE OF THE SALT OR DIRT THAT SITS WITH THE WATER, VISIBILITY IS JEOPARDIZED AND DRIVING IS UNSAFE. THE STREAKS COVER 75% OF THE WINDOW MOVING FROM FRONT TO BACK LEAVING THE BACK 25% OF THE WINDOW WITH SOME VISIBILITY. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
I PURCHASED A 2002 ACURA MDX IN JANUARY 2011 WITH 145,000 MILES AND LESS THAN A WEEK AFTER MY PURCHASE I HAD IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE CENTER WITH A "RUMBLE STRIP" NOISE IN THE FRONT END. I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS 2 BROKEN CHORDS IN MY TIRES. NEW TIRES ALL AROUND WERE PURCHASED. BACK IN TO SERVICE CENTER LESS THAT 2 WEEK LATER FOR SAME RUMBLE STRIP NOISE...TOLD THAT NEW TIRES NEEDED BALANCED. SERVICE CENTER SUPPOSEDLY BALANCED TIRES. BACK IN TO SERVICE CENTER IN LESS THAN A MONTH AGAIN WITH SAME RUMBLE STRIP NOISE...TOLD THAT THE NEW TIRES WERE ACTUALLY TOO HARD OF A COMPOUND. THEY WERE MADE FOR A HEAVY DUTY TRUCK, NOT A LIGHT DUTY SUV. SERVICE CENTER TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS NOTHING FURTHER THAT COULD BE DONE FOR MY USED MDX EXCEPT NEW TIRES. ISSUE WAS DROPPED FOR APPROX. 4 MONTHS UNTIL THE RUMBLE STRIP NOISE CONTINUED TO GET WORSE, SO ON MY 4TH TRIP TO THE SERVICE CENTER WITH THE SAME RUMBLE STRIP NOISE THAT I HAVE HAD SINCE JANUARY...TECH AND I WENT FOR A RIDE TOGETHER. AT THAT TIME, I WAS TOLD THE NOISE THAT I WAS HEARING WAS "WIND BLOWING ACROSS MY HOOD"! ON THAT VISIT, I STOOD MY GROUND AND TOLD THEM TO CHECK IT OVER CLOSER AND NOT CALL ME UNTIL THEY FOUND OUT THE REAL PROBLEM AS I WAS NOT TAKING IT HOME WITH ME! FINALLY AFTER 4 TRIPS TO THE ACURA SERVICE CENTER, MY TORQUE CONVERTER GOT CHANGED OUT. WHEN I ASKED THEM TO LOOK AT THE TRANSMISSION TO MAKE SURE THERE WERE NO ISSUES WITH IT, I WAS TOLD THERE HAD ALREADY BEEN WORK DONE MY TRANSMISSION SO WHEN I ASKED FOR THE PAPERWORK ON IT...THE SERVICE CENTER COUNDL NOT PROVIDE IT TO ME - EVEN THOUGH THEY SAID THEY WOULD! I PURCHASED THE EXTENDED ARRANTY FOR ISSUS JUST LIKE THIS AND NOW I CAN'T EVEN GET THE SERVICE CENTER TO DO THE WORK AND PROVE TO ME THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT GOING TO LOCK UP ON ME GOING DOWN THE ROAD! I AM A SINGLE MOTHER WITH A YOUNG SON AND WAS ASSURANCE HE IS SAFE. HELP! *TT
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA MDX. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT ALL FOUR MICHELIN CROSS-TERRAIN TIRES ROTTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE THREADS WERE CRACKED, AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE REASON FOR THE FAILURE. ALSO, THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE NORMAL THREAD COUNT WAS 1132 ,AND THE TIRES CURRENTLY HAD A THREAD COUNT OF 832. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 38500. *AK UPDATED 04/12/07. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
REAR FAN STOPPED WORKING FOR A/C & HEAT. MECHANIC ASSUMED IT WAS A BAD FAN MOTOR, BUT LATER DISCOVERED IT WAS A FAULTY R&R POWER TRANSISTOR. HE SAID THEY'VE SEEN A FEW OF THESE ON THE MDX'S. WE REPLACED THE OLD ONE WITH A NEW PART AND IT WORKS CORRECTLY NOW. *TR
THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS BLOWING HOT AIR. THE DEALER DISCOVERED THAT THE CONDENSER HAD A HOLE IN IT AND AS A RESULT IT HAD LEAKED OUT ALL OF THE REFRIGERANT. THEY THINK IT MAY HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY A ROCK. AS A RESULT OF THAT ASSESSMENT, THIS REPAIR IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY EVEN THOUGH THE CAR HAS 22,000 MILES/21 MONTHS AND IS WELL WITHIN THE 4 YR/50,000 MILE WARRANTY. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT BEGAN TO NOTICE REDUCED VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING WITH THE HEADLIGHTS ACTIVATED. THE CONTACT REALIZED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WERE ABNORMALLY CLOUDY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS WHERE THE HEADLIGHTS WERE REBUFFED. THE FAILURE PERSISTED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE CAR WILL MAKE A VIBRATION SOUND AT RANDOM INTERVALS. IT DOES NOT MATTER WHAT SPEED YOU ARE DRIVING AT OR THE TYPE OF ROAD. ADDITIONALLY, IT FEELS AS THOUGH YOU ARE BEING PUSHED BACK BY THE WIND WHEN THE VIBRATION SOUND OCCURS. AT THIS TIME NO WORK HAS BEEN COMPLETED ON THE CAR FOR THE NEW NOISE. ONE REPAIR SHOP CONCLUDED THAT IT WAS THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ANOTHER PLACE FEELS IT IS THE TORQUE CONVERTER. THE TORQUE CONVERTER WAS ALREADY REPLACED ONCE ON THIS CAR DUE TO A DIFFERENT NOISE. THE CAR HAD TO GO TO THE SHOP THREE TIMES TO FIX THE FIRST NOISE. THE CAR WAS FINALLY REPAIRED AFTER A WEEK AND AFTER A NEW TIMING BELT, TENSIONER AND PULLEY, WHICH HAD ALREADY BEEN REPLACED. THEY ALSO REPLACED THE DRIVE SHAFT, IDLER PULLEY AND COMPRESSOR BELT . *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .