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 PER YEAR
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 | 29 |
| 2014 | 169 |
| 2015 | 70 |
| 2016 | 367 |
| 2017 | 252 |
| 2018 | 163 |
| 2019 | 183 |
| 2020 | 215 |
| 2021 | 0 |
| 2022 | 144 |
| 2023 | 38 |
| 2024 | 38 |
| 2025 | 92 |
| 2026 | 6 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
62% of complaints: power train — 126 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and torque converter.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow 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 CONCERN
NHTSA ODI report, 20180717
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, 20171215
11% of complaints: air bags — 23 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing sensor/control module and frontal.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20130820
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. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20050103
Also filed under VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
7% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 14 distinct reports on file, most 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, 20250804
6% of complaints: electrical system — 12 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE6% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing accelerator pedal.
CRASH INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
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 BO
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 VEHICL
Campaign 02V226000 — check if this car was fixed
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 TRANSMISSIO
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 T
Campaign 04V176000 — check if this car was fixed
FRONT COIL SPRING BREAKAGE
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, MINNES
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.
Campaign 05V385000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 20V027000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2002 Acura MDX — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (126 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (23 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 02V226000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V176000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 05V385000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V027000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.