2002 Acura MDX
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 204
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Power train
Campaigns on file for 2002
Opened by NHTSA
62% of complaints
Complaints per year
2002: 204 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 224 |
| 2002 | 204 |
| 2003 | 206 |
| 2004 | 171 |
| 2005 | 180 |
| 2006 | 87 |
| 2007 | 99 |
| 2008 | 49 |
| 2009 | 52 |
| 2010 | 45 |
| 2011 | 70 |
| 2012 | 76 |
| 2013 | 30 |
| 2014 | 170 |
| 2015 | 71 |
| 2016 | 372 |
| 2017 | 257 |
| 2018 | 168 |
| 2019 | 187 |
| 2020 | 220 |
| 2021 | 0 |
| 2022 | 154 |
| 2023 | 41 |
| 2024 | 39 |
| 2025 | 107 |
| 2026 | 8 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Power train
62% · 126 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and torque converter.
Show complaint excerpts
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…
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-07-17
Also filed under Electronic stability control (esc)
Gear failure, transmission lock up, smoke coming from transmission inside the car. Heat build up from transmission when we do long drive.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-15
Air bags
11% · 23 reportsMost commonly citing sensor/control module and frontal.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Acura MDX. While driving 40 MPH, the driver attempted to decelerate but lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle maintained speed despite the brake pedal being depressed and caused the driver to crash into a cement wall.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-08-20
Also filed under Vehicle speed control
While driving and upon hitting the brakes vehicle continuously accelerated. Consumer's vehicle then hit the back of another vehicle. However, the vehicle could not stop. Hitting the back of a third vehicle. Upon impact, air bags did not deploy.
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-01-03
Also filed under Vehicle speed control
Engine and engine cooling
7% · 14 reportsMost commonly citing belts and associated pulleys and exhaust system.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-08-04
Electrical system
6% · 12 reportsVehicle speed control
6% · 12 reportsMost commonly citing accelerator pedal.
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2002Complaint volume 204 complaints filed for this model year.
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2002-08-30Engine and engine cooling02V226000 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…
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…
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2004-04-27Power train04V176000 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…
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…
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2005-07-14Preliminary evaluationClosed 2005-09-14 Front coil spring breakage
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2005-10-11Suspension05V385000 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…
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.
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2020-10-01Air bags20V027000 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.
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.
Buy-smart checklist
2002 Acura MDX — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 126 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 23 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 14 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 02V226000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 04V176000 · Power train
- Recall 05V385000 · Suspension
- Recall 20V027000 · Air bags
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2002 Acura MDX reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Acura MDX is rated "worse than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2002 Acura MDX?
- The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 62% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2002 Acura MDX have?
- 4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.