2003 Acura MDX problems
Owners have filed 259 complaints about the 2003 Acura MDX with NHTSA. Power train accounts for 40.9% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of air bags at 16.2%.
Complaints259
Crashes12
Fires6
Injuries12
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Power train 40.9% · 106
Air bags 16.2% · 42
Engine and engine cooling 6.9% · 18
Electrical system 6.9% · 18
Seat belts 4.6% · 12
Unknown or other 3.9% · 10
Engine 3.9% · 10
Vehicle speed control 2.7% · 7
Severity
Of those complaints, 12 describe a crash, 6 describe a fire and 12 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 16 model years of the Acura MDX in this data, 2003 sits 7th by complaint volume. 2016 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 6 in the last three years against 23 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 110,000 miles.
In owners' own words
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. Power train · reported at 108,000 miles
2003 Mazda MDX transmission failed, and I was nearly killed when another car barely missed hitting (t boning, my car) my stopped car. My car went to shift into 2nd when the transmission failed, went into neutral, and came to a dead stop. The transmission fluid has been replaced twice in last year, dealer said it was dirty. This didn't make sense since its a closed system. Something must be braking down. Power train · reported at 133,000 miles
Acura MDX 2003 with over 110,000 miles, began slipping out of drive while running, usually soon after starting. Dealership service had it several times, most recently for an entire week in december 2009. No trouble found. No indicators lit. Dealer-maintained car regularly for last 75,000 miles. Finally slipped out of gear while driving on a busy freeway at 60+ mph, but was able to coast to safe exit. Power train · reported at 114,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…