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
212 reports, newest first.
Power train, Dec 18, 2009
DRIVING DOWN I78 ON THANKSGIVING AND ALL OF THE SUDDEN THE CAR STOPPED RESPONDING. ENGINE WAS REVVING BUT CAR WASN'T ACCELERATING COMMENSURATE WITH THE ENGINE. THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING. I NAVIGATED MY WAY TOWARDS THE RIGHT ACROSS A COUPLE OF LANES OF TRAFFIC AND MADE MY WAY TO THE EXIT. GOT OFF THE INTERSTATE AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR COMPLETELY STOPPED RESPONDING. I PULLED OVER AND COULD NOT MOVE AT ALL - THE TRANSMISSION WAS GONE. CALLED AAA AND HAD THE CAR TOWED. I STARTING RESEARCHING THIS AND DISCOVERED THAT THIS WAS A WELL KNOWN ISSUE FOR ACURA MDX'S OF THE 2003 VINTAGE. I EVENTUALLY HAD THE CAR TOWED TO CLINTON ACURA AND OF COURSE THEY TOLD ME I NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION FOR $4000. I COMPLAINED AND ASKED IF THERE WAS ANYTHING THEY COULD DO AND THEY SAID NO. I TOLD THEM TO WAIT AND THAT I WAS GOING TO CALL ACURA CUSTOMER CARE. I DID SO AND ASKED THEM TO HELP DEFRAY THE COST OF THE NEW TRANSMISSION SINCE IT WAS APPARENT THAT THEY HAD A DEFICIENCY. THEY TOOK THE COMPLAINT AND REQUEST BUT SUGGESTED I NEEDED TO MAKE THE SAME REQUEST OF THE DEALERSHIP. THEY SAID THE DEALER WOULD CONSULT WITH THEIR LOCAL ACURA FIELD REP TO MAKE A DECISION. I DID AS THEY SUGGESTED AND ABOUT 3 HOURS LATER THEY CALLED ME BACK AND SAID MY REQUEST WAS DENIED. ESSENTIALLY THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY SO IT WAS MY RESPONSIBILITY. I TOLD THEM I WAS VERY DISAPPOINTED BUT I HAD THEM DO THE WORK. I ALSO CALLED BACK ACURA CUSTOMER CARE AND TOLD THEM WHAT HAPPENED. FURTHER, I TOLD THEM I WOULD NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER ACURA PRODUCT. *TR
Power train, Dec 12, 2009
REGARDING A 2003 ACURA MDX WITH 108,000 MILES, THE TRANSMISSION AND TWO MOTOR MOUNTS FAILED. INFORMATION ON THE EDMUNDS WEBSITE CONFIRM THESE REPETITIVE FAILURES AND POTENTIAL TRANSMISSION LOCKUP AT HIGH SPEEDS. I HAVE ALL MAINTENANCE RECORDS TO SHOW THE CAR WAS TAKEN CARE OF. NEW MOTOR MOUNTS WERE $500. THE DEALER PAID FOR MOST OF THE TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT BUT IT STILL COSTS US $460 OUT OF POCKET. *TR
Power train, Nov 17, 2009
MY 2003 ACURA MDX SHOWED NO SIGNS OF A TRANSMISSION ISSUE UNTIL ONE DAY THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED INTO NEUTRAL WITHOUT WARNING. BY THAT I MEAN NO ENGINE LIGHTS CAME ON. I PULLED OVER SHUT THE CAR OFF AND RESTARTED THE ENGINE WHICH THAN WENT BACK INTO GEAR. THIS HAPPENED OCCASIONALLY FOR ABOUT A WEEK. I TOOK IT TO A DEALER WHO CHECKED IT OUT AND SAID THERE WERE NO ISSUES. UPON LEAVING THE DEALERSHIP IT HAPPENED AGAIN BUT THIS TIME THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD FAILED. *TR
Power train, Nov 16, 2009
2003 ACURA MDX APPROX 89,000 MILES. DRIVING AND CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE FROM STOP. CAR WAS IN GEAR D5 BUT WOULD NOT RUN. HAD TO STOP IN TRAFFIC AND RESTART. GOT TO SIDE OF ROAD AND WOULD NOT RE-ENGAGE IN GEAR. HAD TOWED REPLACED DRIVE TRAIN IN VEHICLE. DEALER DID 75-25 SPLIT THEY KNOW IT'S A PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Nov 9, 2009
2003 ACURA MDX TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *TR
Power train, Oct 15, 2009
FAMILY IN 2003 ACURA MDX WITH 92,000 MILES ON IT AT HIGHWAY SPEED WHEN VEHICLE COMES OUT OF GEAR, UNABLE TO DRIVE, TOWED TO REPAIR FACILITY. TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED AND MUST BE REPLACED. *TR
Power train, Oct 7, 2009
THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED INTO NEUTRAL WHILE DRIVING. GEAR INDICATOR SHOWED IN D5. VEHICLE BASICALLY STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF ROADWAY. IT HAPPENED A COUPLE TIMES AND NO REPAIR HAS BEEN PERFORMED. SHIFTED TO P AND BACK TO D5, NORMAL DRIVING RESUMED. *TR
Power train, Oct 5, 2009
I HAVE 2003 ACURA MDX WHICH SEEMS TO HAVE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE ITS AUTOMATICALLY SHIFT TO NEUTRAL STOPPING THE CAR IN MID TRAFFIC IT HAS HAPPEN ON NUMEROUS OCCASION, NO REPAIRS LIGHTS TO INDICATE THERE IS A PROBLEM. I HAD 2 TAKE THIS VEHICLE TO THE DEALER 3 TIMES BEFORE THEY FOUND THE PROBLEM AND THAT WAS ONLY AFTER MECHANIC TRIED 2 DRIVE IT HOME WHEN IT HAPPENED 2 HIM. THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED PERIODICALLY AT ANY GIVEN TIME. MY VEHICLE HAD JUST BEEN SERVICE FOR ITS 90,000 MAINTENANCE AT $560 I TOLD THEM THEN I NOTICED THIS PROBLEM ASSURED ME VEHICLE WAS FINE. NEXT WEEK TOOK IT BACK THEY TOLD ME THE MAT WAS CAUSING THE ACCELERATION TO STICK REMOVED MATS DROVE HOME NEXT DAY SAME PROBLEM WHILE DRIVING CAR JUST STOP IN MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. TOOK VEHICLE BACK THAT'S WHEN MECHANIC TRIED TO HOME WITH IT HAPPENED TO HIM HE BROUGHT BACK INTO SHOP SHE'S RIGHT IT IS DANGEROUS. NOW THEY WANT $4700 TO FIX IT.. THERE ARE STILL NO WARNING SIGNALS THAT THIS VEHICLE NEEDS SERVICE COMPUTERS STILL SAYS ITS FINE. I ALSO JUST REPLACED ALTERNATOR A FEW MONTHS AGO COULD NOT SIT IN PARK POSITIONS WITH LIGHTS ON OR KEY HANGING IN IGNITION CAR WOULD JUST STOP AND WOULD NEED A HOT SHOT. *TR
Power train, Oct 4, 2009
WHILE DRIVING I LOST POWER MEANING I COULD NO LONGER ACCELERATE BECAUSE THERE WAS NO LINKAGE FROM THE ENGINE TO THE TRANSMISSION. THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING OK, BUT I HAD NO POWER TO MOVE THE VEHICLE. WHILE ACURA IS A RESPECTED AND QUALITY VEHICLE, I FEEL THAT THERE MAY BE A PRODUCT DEFECT IN THAT MY PROBLEM RESULTED IN ME HAVING TO REPLACE THE COOLING SYSTEM ALONG WITH THE TRANSMISSION. WHILE IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT OF THE ACURA DEALER, I OVERHEARD SOME OF THE SERVICE MECHANICS SAYING THAT THEY'VE SEEN THIS HAPPEN TO THIS MODEL VEHICLE BEFORE AND THAT ACURA OF TORRENCE CALIFORNIA SHOULD BE MADE AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM. ACURA WOULD HAVE PAID FOR THE REPAIR BUT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. I HAVE A COPY OF THE SERVICE MANAGERS REPORT TO THE TD BANK AS TO WHAT,'THEY, THE DEALERSHIPS SERVICE DEPARTMENT" THINKS CAUSED THIS PROBLEM. THIS LETTER CAN BE MADE AVAILABLE TO YOU UPON REQUEST. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 19, 2009
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH I CAN REMOVE THE KEY FROM MY ACURA MDX WHEN THE CAR IS TURNED OFF AND STILL IN GEAR. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM FOR EARLIER MODELS HTTP://WWW-ODI.NHTSA.DOT.GOV/CARS/PROBLEMS/RECALLS/RESULTS.CFM?SEARCHTYPE=QUICKSEARCH&RCL_ID=05V025000&SUMMARY=TRUE BUT IT DOES NOT COVER MY VEHICLE. *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
Electronic stability control (ESC), Jun 26, 2009
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE VSA LIGHT CAME ON AND VEHICLE STARTED TO MAKE WEIRD NOISE (BY THE GAS AND BRAKE PEDAL) AND THEN THE VEHICLE WOULD STOP BY ITSELF. CALL THE DEALER AND THEY SAY IT WAS DUE TO THE TIRE BEING IN A PUDDLE OF WATER FOR A LONG PERIOD. IT RAINED TODAY AND MY VEHICLE WAS PARKED OUTSIDE BUT THE PUDDLE OF WATER WAS NO DEEPER THAN 1 IN. I WAS VERY FORTUNATE THAT THEY WERE NOT ANY VEHICLES FOLLOWING BEHIND ME WHEN THE CAR STOPPED ALL OF A SUDDEN. PLEASE ADVISE AND CHECK THE ISSUE WITH THE VSA SYSTEM SINCE THERE ARE A LOT OF THREADS ON GOOGLE AND YAHOO SEARCH ENGINE IN REGARDS TO PROBLEMS WITH ACURA'S VSA SYSTEM. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THIS INCIDENT HAD OCCURRED. *TR
Seats, Apr 11, 2009, fire
1. ON MARCH 21, 2009, I HAD BEEN DRIVING THE CAR FOR 10 MINUTES WITH THE SEAT HEATER ON. I HAVE USED THE SEAT HEATER FREQUENTLY ON COLD DAYS FOR THE PAST FIVE YEARS. 2. I SMELLED BURNING FABRIC, PULLED OFF THE ROAD TO CHECK ORIGINS OF THE ODOR AND DISCOVERED A HOLE THE SIZE OF A DIME BURNT IN THE CENTER OF THE DRIVER'S SET BACKREST, WHICH IS WHERE THE SEAT HEATER IS LOCATED. I ALSO DISCOVERED A SIMILAR HOLE IN MY JACKET. I TURNED OFF THE SEAT HEATER. 3. ON MARCH 23 I REPORTED THE INCIDENT TO THE LOCAL DEALER WHERE THE CAR WAS PURCHASED AND TO ACURA CORPORATE CUSTOMER SERVICE. THE DEALER TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING HE COULD DO BECAUSE I WAS OFF WARRANTY, BUT HE WOULD REPLACE THE HEATER AND REPAIR LEATHER FOR $1050. I ASKED HIM IF HE HAD INVESTIGATED THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE: DID THE FUSE FAIL? WAS THE HEATING ELEMENT FAULTY? THE DEALER WAS NOT INTERESTED IN THE CAUSE. 4. I WROTE A DETAILED LETTER TO THE DEALER AND ACURA CORPORATE CUSTOMER SERVICE, DESCRIBING WHAT HAPPENED AND MY CONCERN FOR THE SAFETY OF OTHER UNAWARE ACURA DRIVERS. THE PHONE RESPONSE I RECEIVED FROM ACURA CORPORATE WOULD NOT RESPOND TO ME REGARDING THE SAFETY ISSUE. THEY SAID THEY HAD NO LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR WHAT HAPPENED BECAUSE MY WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. *TR
Power train, Apr 4, 2009
ACURA HAS KNOWN FOR SOME TIME NOW THAT MDX MODEL, YEARS 2001-2003, HAVE DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSIONS. THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME ISSUE WITH A LOT OF ACURA OWNERS. *TR
Power train, Mar 9, 2009
2003 ACURA MDX 68,000 MILES TRANSMISSION WON'T GO INTO DRIVE NORMALLY, HAVE TO DRIVE IT LIKE A STANDARD TRANSMISSION, START IN 1-2 THEN PROCEED INTO REGULAR DRIVE MANY PAST PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR, A/C PROBLEMS, ELECTRICAL, TRIM ETC. DEALER STATES OOPS YOU NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION --40,000. DOLLAR CAR AND YOU ONLY GET 68,000 MILES. DEALER STATES WELL YOU CAN DRIVE IT LIKE THAT FOR MAYBE A DAY OR TWO MAYBE A WEEK BUT IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED IT WILL LOCK UP ON YOU SOON. WE CAN FIX IT FOR 3600.00 IN THEIR DREAMS I WILL PROBABLY PAINT IT YELLOW AND PUT IT UP ON BLOCKS :) NO WARNING WHEN THIS HAPPENED JUST PULLED UP TO A RED LIGHT AND IT WOULDN'T MOVE AFTER THAT. *TR
Power train, Dec 12, 2008
2003 ACURA MDX, PURCHASED FOR USED CAR LOT, SHUTTERS DURING 30-40MPH DRIVING. TOOK VEHICLE IN TO DEALERSHIP FOR THE SECOND TIME AND THE RESULTS WERE THE TRANSMISSION WAS FAILING. *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
Visibility, Equipment, Nov 19, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM ALONG WITH THE DEFROSTER WAS INOPERATIVE. IN COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS, ICE BUILDS UP ON THE WINDSHIELD, WHICH CAUSES REDUCED VISIBILITY. THE DEALER STATED THAT IT WOULD COST APPROXIMATELY $3,000 TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE NAVIGATION UNIT. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. HE FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 84,000. UPDATED 12-08-08 *BF UPDATED 12/10/08. *JB
Power train, Oct 7, 2008
WE HAVE RECENTLY BOUGHT ACURA MDX FROM HERB CHAMBERS DEALERSHIP IN BURLINGTON. WE TOOK AN EXTENDED BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY FOR THE CAR AND PAID A GOOD AMOUNT FOR THAT. FEW DAYS BACK, THE TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKED. AS SOON AS IT WAS DETECTED, CAR WAS STOPPED TO AVOID ANY DAMAGE TO ENGINE. WHEN THE BUMPER WAS OPENED, SMOKE WAS COMING OUT OF CAR BUMPER, IT COULD HAVE CAUGHT FILE AND KILLED PEOPLE TRAVELING IN IT. IT IS NOTIFIED TO US AS TRANSMISSION SEAL BROKE. THE DEALERS WAS INFORMED AND CAR WAS TOWED TO THEM SAME DAY. I WANT TO REPORT THIS DAMAGE, WHICH COULD NOT BE EXPLAINED, AS THE CAR WAS SAFELY PARKED IN VERY SAFE AREA. CAR WAS DRIVEN BY EXPERIENCE DRIVER AND FAMILY MEMBERS, AND WE ARE CERTAIN THAT THE CAR WAS NOT DAMAGED WHILE DRIVING. DEALER IS NOT READY TO TAKE THE TAG BY SAYING IT IS VANDALISM. PLEASE TAKE A NOTE OF THIS AND HELP US OUT TO GET THE JUSTICE HERE. SUNITA *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
Power train, Aug 6, 2008
TRANSMISSION FAILURE ON ACURA MDX - WHICH IS WELL KNOWN FOR ACURAS - AND THEIR UNWILLINGNESS TO LIVE UP TO THEIR LIABILITY. THIS IS AN EXTREME SAFETY ISSUE!!!!! *TR
Power train, Jul 14, 2008
TRANSMISSION WAS NOT SHIFTING CORRECTLY FOR ABOUT A DAY BEFORE. I ATTEMPTED TO ENTER TRAFFIC AND THE TRANSMISSION STOPPED WORKING. I WAS LUCKY NOT TO BE ABLE TO GET IN TRAFFIC, OTHERWISE THERE PROBABLY BEEN AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Electrical system, Jun 16, 2008
THE KEY CAN BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION WHILE THE VEHICLE IS STILL IN GEAR EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE IS STOPPED ALLOWING THE VEHICLE TO STILL ROLL IF ON AN INCLINE OR BUMPED. *TR
Power train, Apr 14, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 ACURA MDX. WHEN THE CONTACT PLACES THE VEHICLE INTO DRIVE, THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT WORK AND THE VEHICLE WILL NOT MOVE UNLESS IT IS SHIFTED INTO RESERVE. OCCASIONALLY, THE VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE WARMED UP IN ORDER FOR THE TRANSMISSION TO WORK. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER DUE TO THE DISTANCE FROM HIS HOME AND THE CONDITION OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 126,000.