2002 Acura MDX problems
Owners have filed 242 complaints about the 2002 Acura MDX with NHTSA. Power train accounts for 52.1% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of air bags at 9.5%.
Complaints242
Crashes16
Fires5
Injuries7
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Power train 52.1% · 126
Air bags 9.5% · 23
Engine and engine cooling 5.8% · 14
Electrical system 5.0% · 12
Vehicle speed control 5.0% · 12
Structure 2.9% · 7
Service brakes, hydraulic 2.5% · 6
Suspension 2.1% · 5
Severity
Of those complaints, 16 describe a crash, 5 describe a fire and 7 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 16 model years of the Acura MDX in this data, 2002 sits 11th by complaint volume. 2016 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 4 in the last three years against 12 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 98,232 miles.
In owners' own words
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. Power train · reported at 110,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Acura MDX. While driving 65 mph and changing lanes the transmission down shifted and almost shut the vehicle off. The check engine light illuminated and the d5 light started flashing on the instrument panel. The vehicle was not safe to drive and will be towed to the dealer. There was only routine maintenance performed on the vehicle prior to the failure. The failure mileage was 99,000. Power train · reported at 99,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Acura MDX. When the contact shifted the vehicle into park and removed the keys from the ignition, it began to roll independently. As a result, the contact's vehicle crashed into another vehicle. The air bags deployed. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed. The dealer diagnosed that the transmission interlock failed. The approximate failure mileage was 171,000. Power train · reported at 171,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…