2003 Acura MDX
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 212 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 6th highest complaint count among 24 MDX model years with reports.
Of the 2003 reports, 13 involved a crash and 5 involved a fire. 13 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Vehicle speed control, accelerator pedalOct 10, 2019
Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain Accelerator Pedal Assemblies part numbers 699-114 and 825-5029-1, sold as replacement parts for 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2004-2008 Acura TL and TSX, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2007-2011 Honda Element, 2005-2008 Honda Pilot and 2006-2014 Honda Ridgeline vehicles. The rotating portion of the accelerator pedal assembly may bind. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 124, "Accelerator Control Systems."
If the accelerator pedal binds, the engine may not quickly return to idle after the pedal is no longer pressed, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dorman will notify owners, and qualified service facilities will replace the affected accelerator pedal assemblies, free of charge. The recall began December 9, 2019. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492, using option 5. Dorman's number for this recall is AS1019XXXX.
Campaign 19E068000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJun 27, 2019
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2012 RL, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are E5D and X5C.
Campaign 19V501000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleJun 27, 2019
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2003-2006 MDX, 2001-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot and 2006 Ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are Q5A and Y58.
Campaign 19V499000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleMar 6, 2019
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode.
An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is O41. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is U40.
Campaign 19V182000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleMay 23, 2016
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2011 Acura RL, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2006-2011 Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or that have ever been registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2008 Acura RL, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2003-2008 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2006-2008 Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or that have ever been registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling model year 2002-2004 Odyssey and model year 2003-2004 Acura MDX, Honda Element, and Honda Pilot vehicles originally sold, or registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began June 27, 2016. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KA0, KA1, KA2, and KA3.
Campaign 16V344000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJun 15, 2015
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2001-2005 Honda Civic vehicles manufactured March 21, 2000, to January 20, 2005, 2001-2004 Honda Civic GX vehicles manufactured June 14, 2000, to August 19, 2004, 2003-2005 Honda Civic Hybrid vehicles manufactured February 24, 2002, to January 18, 2005, 2003-2007 Honda Accord vehicles manufactured February 21, 2002, to August 28, 2007, 2002-2004 Honda CR-V vehicles, 2002-2003 Honda Odyssey vehicles manufactured June 19, 2001, to July 12, 2003, 2003 Acura MDX vehicles manufactured September 19, 2002, to June 19, 2003, 2003 Honda Element vehicles manufactured June 25, 2002, to July 31, 2003, and 2003 Honda Pilot vehicles manufactured November 26, 2001, to August 21, 2003. The affected vehicles have a passenger side frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture upon its deployment.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the passenger seat occupant or other occupants possibly causing serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are JU4, JU5, JU6, and JU7. Note: Vehicles that have already received a replacement passenger air bag inflator as part of the recall remedy for an earlier campaign such as 14V353 or 14V700 (Honda recall numbers S95, JH6, JH7, JH8, JH9, JJ0, JJ1, JJ2, JJ6, JM5 and JM6) are not included in this recall. However, this recall does supersede 13V132 and 14V349. Note: On December 18, 2015 Honda informed NHTSA of an expansion of this recall to include certain model year 2004 Honda CR-V vehicles in addition to additional model year 2003 CR-V vehicles.
Campaign 15V370000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleMay 28, 2015
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2001-2007 Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2001-2004 Honda Civic GX, 2003-2005 Honda Civic Hybrid, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2006 Ridgeline, 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2003-2006 Acura MDX, and 2002-2003 Acura 3.2TL vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion and other factors, including manufacturing variability that, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-800-382-2238, select option 4. Note: Vehicles that have had their driver frontal air bag replaced previously as part of a recall remedy prior to September 12, 2014 need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. Vehicles that, on or after September 12, 2014, received a remedy for a prior driver frontal air bag inflator recall already received an inflator of a different design, and therefore are not included in this recall and do not require additional servicing. Note: This recall fully supersedes recalls 08V-593, 09V-259, 10V-041, 11V-260, 14V-351 and 15V-153. Honda's numbers for this recall are JQ9, JR0, JR1, JR2, JR3, JR4, JR5, JR6, JR7, and JR8.
Campaign 15V320000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalJan 28, 2015
Honda is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Honda Odyssey vehicles manufactured February 13, 2002, to August 13, 2004, and 2003 Acura MDX vehicles manufactured February 21, 2002, to September 23, 2003. Due to electrical noise, a component in the air bag control module may fail, causing the front air bags, side air bags, and/or seatbelt pretensioners to deploy inadvertently while the vehicle is being operated.
Inadvertent deployment of the air bags may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.
Honda dealers will replace the supplemental restraint system electronic control unit (SRS ECU). The recall began on February 22, 2016. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009. Honda's number for this recall is JN6 (Odyssey), and JN7 (MDX). Note: This recall supersedes recall 13V-412. Vehicles that had a noise filter installed as the remedy for that campaign need to have the SRS ECU replaced under this campaign.
Campaign 15V045000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsNov 4, 2014
American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2001-2005 Honda Civic, 2003-2004 Civic CNG and Element, 2002-2005 CR-V, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2005 Accord, Pilot, Civic Hybrid, and Acura MDX, 2005 Acura RL and 2006 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Saipan, Guam, and American Samoa are addressed by this recall. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengers frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.
Campaign 14V700000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsJun 20, 2014
American Honda Motor Company, Inc.'s (Honda) is conducting a limited regional recall for certain model year 2003-2005 Accord, Civic, CR-V, Pilot and Acura MDX, model year 2003-2004 Odyssey and Element, and model year 2005 Acura RL, and 2006 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in California, and equipped with Takata-brand air bag inflators. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengers frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflators in all affected vehicles, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during August 2014. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.
Campaign 14V353000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsSep 19, 2013
Honda is recalling certain model year 2003 and 2004 Odyssey and model year 2003 Acura MDX vehicles. Due to electrical noise, a component in the air bag control module may fail causing the front air bags, side curtain air bags, and/or seatbelt pretensioners to deploy inadvertently while the vehicle is being operated.
Inadvertent deployment of the air bags may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will install a noise suppressor unit, free of charge. The recall began on November 1, 2013. A renotification letter went out on July 11, 2014 for the 2003 Acura and the 2003-2004 Odyssey. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009. Honda's recall numbers are JC2 (Honda Odyssey) and JC3 (Acura MDX).
Campaign 13V412000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, ignition, switchDec 11, 2012
Honda is recalling certain model year 2003 and 2004 Pilot and Odyssey and 2003 through 2006 Acura MDX passenger vehicles manufactured from November 26, 2001, through August 30, 2006. The interlock lever of the ignition switch may deform, which can allow the interlock function of a vehicle with an automatic transmission to be defeated.
Removal of the ignition key when the gear selector of a vehicle with an automatic transmission has not been shifted to the park position can allow the vehicle to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.
Honda will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicle to a Honda or Acura dealer. The dealer will install an updated shift interlock lever and, if necessary, replace any necessary part of the ignition switch, free of charge. The recall began on February 22, 2013. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
Campaign 12V573000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, mechanical, carrier/rackFeb 5, 2008
HONDA IS RECALLING 2,032 HITCH STYLE BIKE RACKS SOLD AS AFTERMARKET FOR USE ON MY 2003-2007 AND SOME MY 2008 HONDA PILOT, RIDGELINE, AND ACURA MDX VEHICLES. A PINCH BOLT EXISTS BETWEEN THE BIKE ARM BRACKET AND THE UPRIGHT ASSEMBLY OF THE "HITCH" STYLE BICYCLE RACK.
WHEN MOVING THE BIKE ARM BRACKET TO ITS DOWN POSITION, THIS PINCH BOLT HAS THE POTENTIAL OF CAUSING SEVERE LACERATION OR AMPUTATION TO THE USER'S FINGERTIPS OR HAND.
OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT THULE AT 800-THULE91 (800-848-5391) TO OBTAIN A FREE REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS OR OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.
Campaign 08E013000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
26 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Engine, Dec 2, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER AND STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SEEMED AS IF IT WAS SLIPPING WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 265,000.
Air bags, Seat belts, Engine, Nov 14, 2018
2003 ACURA MDX HAS SO MANY ISSUES AND IT'S AFFECTING A LOT OF OTHER OWNERS. SRS AIRBAG LIGHT ISSUE 61-10 THAT NEEDS THE SEAT BELT REPLACEMENT AND THE ENGINE MOUNTS NEED REPLACEMENT . SEEMS LIKE THE FRONT AND SIDE ENGINE FAILURE IS COMMON
Engine, Aug 18, 2016
TAKATA RECALL. VEHICLE STALLS WHILE DRIVING TRANSMISSION WILL NOT ALLOW IT TO MOVE.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 24, 2015
I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE AND MADE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE MY VEHICLE REPAIRED. UPON TAKING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEM FIXING IT I DROVE HOME MY CAR IMMEDIATELY BEGAN RUNNING HOT. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP BACK AND HE TOLD ME TO BRING IT BACK IN. I WAS ISSUED A LOANER VEHICLE. I RECEIVED A CALL STATING THAT MY RADIATOR HAD SOMEHOW COME LOOSE AND THAT MY ENGINE WAS BLOWN. I WAS SO UPSET SO I CALLED BACK AND TOLD HIM MY MECHANIC WAS COMING WITH ME NOW ALL OF A SUDDEN THE ENGINE IS NOT BLOWN BUT INSTEAD WARPED AND CAN BE MACHINED. I FEEL THEY DAMAGED MY VEHICLE BY DOING THE RECALL AND THEY DON'T WANT TO TAKE ACCOUNTABILITY FOR IT. PLEASE HELP ME.
Suspension, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 16, 2015
I CAN NOT GO PASS 25MPH THE TRUCK WILL REEVE UP, THEN TURN OFF AFTER DRIVING FOR ONE MILE. THE ENGINE MOUNT, SHAKES. I WAS TOLD IT IS A TRANSMISSION ISSUE. SOMETIMES THE GEARS DON'T SWITCH FROM ORIGINAL POSITION, EX. PARK TO DRIVE. *TR
Engine, Apr 29, 2014
FOUR TRANSMISSIONS ON 2003 MDX,1) ORIGINAL, 2) 28K MILES REMANUFACURED FROM DEALER; 3) 85KMILES REBUILD DUE TO SLIPPING ON HIGHWAY AND BURNT ODOR FROM TRANSMISSION; 4) 96K MILES IN REVERSE WOULD GO ONLY A FEW FEET THEN LOCKED UP. AT 85K CONTACTED ACURA WHO GAVE NO ASSISTANCE DUE TO BEING MY FIRST ACURA/HONDA AND NOT SERVICING AT THEIR DEALERS.NO RECALL. WOULD LIKE SOME COMPENSATION, SERVICE, WARRANTY... *JS
Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Mar 17, 2014
WHILE DRIVING MY 03 MDX AT 20 MPH AROUND A CORNER, IT JUST STOPPED ACCELERATING. THERE WERE NO WARNING SIGNS THAT MY CAR WOULD STOP, IT JUST STOPPED ACCELERATING. I WOULD NOT MOVE IN D5, D4 OR D3, SO I HAD TO DRIVE IT IN D1TO THE DEALERSHIP AND LEFT IT OVERNIGHT. THE NEXT DAY THEY TELL ME I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. TWO MONTHS BEFORE THAT, MY CAR WAS LEAKING OIL AND I TOOK IT IN TO GET THE LEAK FIXED. THEY TOLD ME THERE WAS A LEAK IN THE REAR MAIN AND IT WOULD COST $1000 TO FIX. IT WAS SUCH A HIGH COST DUE TO THEY HAD TO REMOVE THE TRANSMISSION AND THE ENGINE TO GET TO IT. TWO WEEKS AFTER IT WAS FIXED, I HEAR A KNOCKING NOISE UNDER MY HOOD AND FIND OUT I NEED NEW MOTOR MOUNTS (HMMM.. ACURA HAD TO MOVE THE MOUNTS TO GET THE ENGINE OUT).. $400 LATER, AFTER I REPLACED THE MOUNTS., I WAS GOOD TO GO. A MONTH LATER, NOW THE TRANSMISSION THAT ACURA HAD TO REMOVE IS NOW COMPLETELY SHOT AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED ($5200) ARE YOU KIDDING ME ACURA. I HAVE NO FAITH IN THEIR SERVICE DEPT OR MY 03 MDX WHICH IS ALWAYS SERVICED AT THE DEALERSHIP. EVERYTHING THAT HAS EVER BEEN DONE TO THAT CAR HAS BEEN DONE AT THE DEALERSHIP FROM OIL CHANGE TO TIMING BELT REPLACEMENT, AND IT FEELS LIKE I'M GETTING SCREWED. *TR
Engine, Jan 4, 2014
I WARMED VEHICLE UP AND WHEN I WENT TO DRIVE OUT OF THE DRIVE IT WOULDN'T GO FORWARD OR BACKWARDS,BUT SLOWLY IT KICKED IN. I STARTED DOWN THE ROAD AND IT WOULD GO AWAY THEN JUST STOP RIGHT WHERE I WAS.I WOULD SHUT IT OFF,THEN RESTART AND IT WOULD GO THEN STOP DEAD IN THE ROAD. THEN IT WOULDN'T GO AT ALL.I WAS ON A SHARP CURVE ON A SMALL HILL AND WAS ALMOST HIT TWICE BY AN 18 WHEELER.I HAD TO BACK DOWN THIS HILL ON THIS CURVE AND ALMOST WENT OVER THE EMBANKMENT.I CALLED MY MECHANIC WHO CAME,AND HE TRIED TO DRIVE IT DOING THE SAME AS IT DID TO ME.UNFORTUNATELY HE HAD TO BACK ,IT DOWN A BIGGER HILL INTO SOMEONE'S DRIVEWAY,AND THEN IT HAD TO BE TOWED.PRIOR TO THIS I HAD NOT HAD ONE PROBLEM,BUT NOT A GOOD DAY FOR THIS TO HAPPEN IT -9 DEGREES.I AM TRYING TO FIND OUT FROM HONDA IF OTHERS HAVE HAD ANY PROBLEMS LIKE THIS.I WAS OUT IN FRIGID TEMPS FOR OVER 2 HOURS,AND NOT ONLY AM I 65,BUT I AM A SEVERE DIABETIC.I LIVE WAY OUT IN THE COUNTRY AND NOW HAVE NO TRANSPORTATION FOR EMERGENCIES,AND I CERTAINLY CAN'T HAVE THE CAR FIXED,THEY ARE SAYING $3000-3500.CAN YOU PLEASE GIVE ME ANY INFO,THIS CAN'T BE A FIRST. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, May 18, 2013
I WAS DRIVING MY 2003 ACURA MDX AT 30-35MPH ALL OF A SUDDEN THERE WAS A FLICKING NOISE LIKE A BELT HITTING AGAINST THE CAR. I PULLED OVER RIGHT AWAY AND NOTICE THAT MY SERPENTINE BELT WAS NOT ON THE PULLEYS. I TURN OFF MY ENGINE RIGHT AWAY AND START INSPECTING MY PULLEY AND NOTICE THE CRANK PULLEY WAS STILL THERE BUT THE THREADED PART OF THE PULLEY HAS UNWELDED ITSELF OFF THE PULLEY AND IT WAS LAYING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. BECAUSE THIS IS A FAMILY CAR THIS INCIDENT IS DANGEROUS IF TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED. I FEEL THE NEED TO REPORT IT. THANK YOU *TR
Structure, Engine, Mar 21, 2013
WENT TO DEALER AND THEY SAID VEHICLE HAS BAD ENGINE MOUNTS, AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. NOTE THAT WE ALSO HAVE A 2004 HONDA PILOT, AND THE DEALER ALSO TOLD US THAT SOME ENGINE MOUNTS NEEDS REPLACEMENT. WE CHECKED SOME BLOGS FOR ACURA MDX AND HONDA PILOT OWNERS, AND FOUND A LOT OF OWNERS WITH SAME ISSUES. SOME ARE BEING REPLACED EVERY TWO YEARS. WE ONWED A V6 TOYOTA FOR 15 YEARS, NEVER HAD THIS ISSUE. WE HOPE NHTSA WILL CHECK THIS, BECAUSE IT IS A KNOWN ISSUE TO OWNERS AND ACURA/HONDA WILL NEVER ADMIT. I'M SURE IF NHTSA WILL GET REPAIR RECORDS FOR THIS "ENGINE MOUNT" ISSUES, IT WILL BE A LOT. FROM WHAT I READ, THIS AFFECTS DRIVE SHAFTS DUE TO EXCESSIVE MOVEMENT OF THE ENGINE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Mar 20, 2013
2003 ACURA MDX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TRANSMISSION FAILURE WHILE DRIVING. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY WENT INTO NEUTRAL. THE CONSUMER STATED HE/SHE TRIED EVERY GEAR, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHERE THE HE/SHE WAS INFORMED THE TRANSMISSION HAD INDEED FAILED. THE SECOND INCIDENT OCCURRED TWO YEARS LATER, WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN, THE CONSUMER HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE NEXT DAY WHILE ON THE WAY TO THE DEALER, THE VEHICLE WENT INTO NEUTRAL AGAIN AND THE CONSUMER HAD TO PULL OVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHERE THEY REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION, TORQUE CONVERTER, TIMING BELT, WATER PUMP AND ENGINE VALVES.
Power train, Engine, Mar 15, 2013
TORQUE CONVERTER SHUDDER OR VIBRATION BETWEEN 35 AND 40 MPH. ****ALSO TRANSMISSION SLIPPED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THE SUV ACTED AS IF IT WAS IN NEUTRAL AND WOULDN'T MOVE EVEN THOUGH I WAS PUSHING THE GAS AND THE RPMS WENT UP. I WAS ALMOST REAR-ENDED BY THE DRIVER BEHIND ME BUT HE WAS ABLE TO QUICKLY SWITCH INTO ANOTHER LANE, THEN MIRACULOUSLY MY SUV STARTED TO GO AGAIN. IT ALSO HAPPENED AGAIN IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION WHILE I WAS DRIVING. LUCKILY THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC WAS FAR ENOUGH AWAY AND THE TRANSMISSION PICKED BACK UP IN TIME AND I WAS ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE WAY. I HAD MY CHILDREN IN THE SUV, A 6 MONTH OLD BABY GIRL AND A 6 YR OLD BOY. ITS A SEVEN PASSENGER VEHICLE SO IT SHOULD BE EXPECTED THAT CHILDREN MAY BE IN THE SUV. I DON'T THINK HONDA/ACURA SHOULD WAIT UNTIL SOMEONE IS KILLED OR SERIOUSLY INJURED TO ISSUE A RECALL. ITS NOT EVEN JUST ABOUT THE COST OF REPAIRS, WHAT ABOUT THE VALUE OF PEOPLE'S LIVES? DOES IT NEED TO BE ON THE NEWS FIRST FOR A CHANGE TO OCCUR? OWNERS OF THE 2003 ACURA MDX NEED TO KNOW THAT THERE IS A POTENTIALLY DEADLY SAFETY DEFECT WITH THIS VEHICLE AND REPAIRS NEED TO BE MADE ASAP! *TR
Power train, Engine, Sep 27, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 ACURA MDX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED FLUID LEAKING CONTINUOUSLY ONTO THE ROAD. ONCE THE CONTACT REACHED THEIR DESTINATION, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT A LARGE QUANTITY OF TRANSMISSION FLUID HAD LEAKED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO A FAULTY PART WITHIN THE RADIATOR CAUSING COOLANT TO LEAK INTO THE TRANSMISSION. AS A RESULT, THE TRANSMISSION WAS DAMAGED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 163,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 3, 2011
MOTOR MOUNTS CRACKED ON 2003 ACURA MDX, OBVIOUSLY A DESIGN FLAW, SINCE THIS HAPPENS TO EVERY VEHICLE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 20, 2010
THE VEHICLE STARTS SHAKING, FEELING LIKE I AM RUNNING OVER METAL BUMPS IN THE ROAD. I BELIEVE THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER IS THE PROBLEM AND THAT ALL OF THE LARGER HONDA/ACURA VEHICLES HAVE A DEFECTIVE TORQUE CONVERTER. IT NEEDS TO BE RECALLED BEFORE ENGINE FAILURE OCCURS AND INJURIES/DEATH ARE IMMINENT.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Feb 18, 2010
I JUST BOUGHT AN USED 2003 ACURA MDX ON JAN 30TH WITH 87,000 MILE ON IT. JUST AFTER 11 DAYS ON FEB 11, 2010, I NOTICED THAT SOME BROWN COLORED FLUID IS LEAKING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. IT'S NOT JUST DIPPING, THERE WERE LOT OF FLUIDS COMING OUT. I OPENED THE HOOD AND NOTICE THAT THE FLUID WAS OVERFLOWING FROM THE RADIATOR RESERVOIR. NEXT MORNING WHEN I START THE CAR AND TRIED TO RUN IT JUST STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AND ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I HAD TO TOW THE CAR TO A DEALERSHIP. THEY SAID SOMEHOW INTERNALLY TRANSMISSION COOLER WAS BUSTED AND THE TRANSMISSION COOLANT WAS MIXED WITH THE ENGINE COOLANT. THEREFORE I HAD TO REPLACE THE WHOLE RADIATOR, NEED TO FLUSH TRANSMISSION FLUID, AND FLUSH THE RADIATOR. IT COST ME $1000. NOW, MY CAR IS NOT SMOOTH AS IT WAS BEFORE. TRANSMISSION IS NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY. I AM REALLY WORRIED DRIVING THIS CAR. I SAW THAT MDX HAS A LOT OF TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. I THINK THEY SHOULD CHANGE THE TRANSMISSION FOR FREE AND THEY SHOULD ALSO TAKE CARE OF THIS FLUID MIXING PROBLEM. I'D APPRECIATE IF YOU GUYS INVESTIGATE THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 21, 2009
ON APRIL 7, 2009 TOOK MY 2003 ACURA MDX INTO LOCAL DEALER FOR IT'S 60,000 MILE SERVICE (ODOMETER READ 63,438). NO PROBLEMS BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION. JUNE 16, 2009 (ODOMETER 67,608) A/C STOPS WORKING. PAY OVER $1300 TO HAVE A/C COMPRESSOR, CLUTCH, STATOR & HI PRESSURE HOSE REPLACED. GET CAR BACK ON JUNE 18, 2009. JULY 1, 2009 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON (ODOMETER 68,219). AM TOLD THAT CAR NEEDS A "VALVE REALIGNMENT" - ALL GASKETS AND SPARK PLUG SEALS REPLACED ($600). GET CAR BACK ON JULY 2, 2009. JULY 3, 2009 BURNING SMELL COMING THROUGH A/C VENTS. AM TOLD THAT IT'S RESIDUE FROM V/C GASKETS FROM THE VALVE REALIGNMENT JOB- SUPPOSEDLY RESIDUE REMOVED. GET CAR BACK JULY 6, 2009. JULY 17, 2009 NOTICE OIL IN FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL. POP HOOD, NOTICE RADIATOR OVERFLOW CONTAINER IS OVERFLOWING, RADIATOR IS VERY MOBILE AND OVERFLOW CONTAINER IS BLACK AT THE BOTTOM. HAVE CAR TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. AM TOLD THAT THE RADIATOR CRACKED INTERNALLY AND THAT THE COOLANT AND TRANSMISSION FLUID WERE MIXING TOGETHER - THEREFORE HAVE TO FLUSH THE TRANSMISSION AND REPLACE RADIATOR FOR ANOTHER $900. THIS JUST DIDN'T FEEL RIGHT TO ME. STARTED RESEARCHING AND AM BEING TOLD THAT THESE ARE NOT "NORMAL" REPAIRS ON THIS MODEL FOR SO FEW MILES ON IT AND THAT THE BURNING SMELL WAS MOST LIKELY THE MIXING OF THE COOLANT AND TRANSMISSION OIL NOT RESIDUE FROM THE VALVE REALIGNMENT. DEALERSHIP ISN'T ACCEPTING RESPONSIBILITY. ACURA CUSTOMER SERVICES IS SAYING THERE'S NOTHING THEY CAN DO EITHER BECAUSE THE DEALERSHIP HAS FOLLOWED ALL PROCEDURES. I REALLY FEEL LIKE THEY ARE TRYING TO COVERING UP A DEFECT OR MECHANIC ERROR . *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 8, 2008
DURING REGULAR SERVICE DEALER INSPECTION REPORTS FRONT MOTOR MOUNT IS LEAKING AND THE SIDE MOTOR MOUNT IS CRACKED. NEVER HEARD OF A 5-YEAR OLD CAR NEEDING MOTOR MOUNTS REPLACED. ESPECIALLY WHEN CAR IS DRIVEN 100% ON PAVED ROADS BY A CONSERVATIVE 40+ YEAR-OLD DRIVER. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 1, 2008
STATE INSPECTION FAILED DUE TO DEFECTIVE MOTOR MOUNTS 86,000 MILES ON VEHICLE THAT OTHERWISE RUNS LIKE NEW, WE'RE THE ORIGINAL OWNERS, FIND IT UNUSUAL TO NEED MOTOR MOUNTS REPLACED, NEVER NEEDED TO REPLACE IN OTHER VEHICLES, I THINK THIS IS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 26, 2008
I HAVE A VERY WELL KEPT 2003 ACURA MDX TOURING LUXURY SUV THAT RETAILS AT MORE THAN $45,000 WHEN NEW. THE ENGINE IS MOUNTED ON 3 ENGINE MOUNTS AND I JUST DISCOVERED THAT 2 OF THE 3 ENGINE MOUNTS ARE BROKEN. IF THE 3RD MOUNT HAD BROKEN, THE ENGINE COULD SHIFT POSITION RESULTING IN SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES. THIS VEHICLE WAS USED FOR NORMAL HIGHWAY AND CITY DRIVING (NO OFF HIGHWAY DRIVING). AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH, IT APPEARS ACURA UNDER-DESIGNED THIS PART MAKING THESE ENGINE MOUNTS VERY PRONE TO FAILURE. SOME PEOPLE REPORTED HAVING TO REPLACE ENGINE MOUNTS EVERY 30,000 MILES. TO MAKE THE PROBLEM WORSE, THE COST OF REPAIR IS ABOUT $1,000 WHICH MAKES IT LIKELY FOR PEOPLE TO POSTPONE REPAIRS UNTIL A CRASH HAPPENS. I FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT THIS PROBLEM SHOULD BE PART OF A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 20, 2007
ACURA MDX YEAR 2003. DEALER DISCOVERED DURING REGULAR MAINTENACE THAT TWO OF ENGINE MOUNTS BROKE. PARTS WERE RELACED AT TOTAL OF $650.00. I THINK THISWAS A DEFECTIVE DESIGN ,AND NOTICED MANY SIMILAR PROBLEMS ON THE WEBSITE. ACURA SHOULD REPLACE ALL ENGINE MOUNTS WITH UPDATED DESIGN AT NO COST TO CUSTOMERS. I OWNED MANY OTHER VEHICLES AND I NEVER HAD TO REPLACE ENGINE MOUNTS.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 20, 2004
NOXIOUS ODOR INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF VEHICLE. ACURA HAS REFUSED TO REPAIR VEHICLE, INSISTING ODOR IS NORMAL. CATALYTIC CONVERTER HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE, PROBLEM STILL PERSISTS. HYDROGEN SULFIDE IS PROVEN TO CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM. SMELL HAS NOT SUBSIDED. ACURA REFUSES TO REPAIR TO CUSTOMER SATISFACTION. DEALERSHIP HAS TRIED TO HELP BUT ACURA CORP. WILL NOT ALLOW THEM TO GO ANY FURTHER. CAR NOW HAS 15, 000 MILES AND STILL HAS PERSISTENT ODOR COMING FROM CATALYTIC CONVERTER. ACURA HAS ADVISED US TO PURSUE LITIGIOUS MEANS. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 15, 2004
NOXIOUS ODOR INSIDE AND OUTSIDE VEHICLE DUE TO CATALYTIC CONVERTER OVERWORKING. ACURA INSISTS THIS IS NORMAL AND HAS ADVISED US TO CONTINUE DRIVING CAR WHILE CAUSING MY FAMILY TO BECOME NAUSEOUS AND SICK FROM THE SMELL. THEY INSIST THAT HYDROGEN SULFIDE IS ENVIRONMENTALLY SAFE BUT RESEARCH INDICATES THAT THIS CHEMICAL CAUSES DAMAGE TO THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM. ACURA HAS REFUSED TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM AND HAS ADVISED US TO PURSUE LITIGOUS MEANS. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY MY CAR SMELL IS SO POTENT WHILE OTHER MDX'S DO NOT SMELL.
Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Nov 19, 2003
WHILE WAITING AT A STOP LIGHT AND WITHOUT WARNING VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD WHILE DRIVER'S FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. *AK FAILURE ALSO OCCURRED BY A STOP SIGN AT AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. THE PROBLEM WAS AN AIR INTAKE LEAK, WHICH BEGAN APPROX. THREE WEEKS AFTER CONSUMER PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AND STILL EXIST TODAY. THE ENGINE DIED AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONSUMER MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED, BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE CONSUMER WOULD LIKE HER MONIES REIMBURSED OR A BRAND NEW MDX WITH THE SAME OPTIONS AND COLOR OF HER CHOICE. *PH *NLM
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 16, 2003
NOXIOUS SULFUR ODOR INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE WHICH IS LIKELY RELATED TO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. I WAS FIRST ADVISED THAT ACURA KNEW OF THIS PROBLEM WHICH WAS RELATED TO A NEW PELLET INSIDE OF THE CONVERTER. ACURA NOW SAYS THAT THERE IS NO PROBLEM. I AM BEING ADVISED THAT THIS TERRIBLE ODOR IS NORMAL ON THIS VEHICLE.*AK