2002 Acura MDX
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 2002 Acura MDX. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 2002 Acura MDX. Newest first.
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. These vehicles may have received a replacement driver frontal air bag module as part of a vehicle repair.…
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag cushion may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
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. Owners may contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138.
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, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, virginia, west virginia, wisconsin and the district of columbia.…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Excessive corrosion can cause spring failure and a broken spring could puncture a front tire, which increases the risk of a crash.
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.
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 transmission, eventually leading to gear tooth chipping or gear breakage.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Gear failure could result in transmission lockup, which could result in a crash.
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 than 15,000 miles, the dealer will inspect the transmission to identify gears that have already experienced discoloration due to overheating. if discoloration exists, the transmission will be replaced if discoloration IS not present, the dealer will perform the revision to the oil cooler return line. the recall began on april 21, 2004, for pilot, odyssey, and MDX owners. owners of the accord vehicles will start receiving letters on june 28, 2004, and on june 29, 2004, for owners of the TL and cl vehicles. owners should contact honda at 1-800-999-1009 or acura at 1-800-382-2238.
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 bolt on the cylinder head. eventually the belt could be damaged and fail.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the timing belt breaks, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
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 vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact honda at 1-800-999-1009 or acura at 1-800-382-2238.
Owner complaints
205 complaints11 involved a crash2 involved a fire5 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Power train
The vehicle's transmission is faulty. I took it to a second-hand repair shop because, while I was driving on the freeway, the speed had been dropping rapidly. I later found out they recalled the transmission for this Acura in 2005. It is 2026. I took it to a dealership and asked about the…
The vehicle's transmission is faulty. I took it to a second-hand repair shop because, while I was driving on the freeway, the speed had been dropping rapidly. I later found out they recalled the transmission for this Acura in 2005. It is 2026. I took it to a dealership and asked about the transmission recall; they said they could close federal safety recalls, so it wasn’t valid. I left the dealership and called Acura's client relations line, where they said that because I am the second owner, they would not accommodate the recall request, as it had closed in 05. I googled whether they can close federal recalls, and it said they couldn’t. Then they changed what they said and said that because it was over 150,000 miles, it wasn't eligible for a goodwill repair either. This (NHTSA Campaign ID 04V-176000) repair was never done on the car, but because it was issued in 05, they will not accommodate it today when the transmission showed a fault.
- Engine and engine cooling
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. The vehicle was able to restart, but made an abnormal grinding sound while shifting into gear. The vehicle was…
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. The vehicle was able to restart, but made an abnormal grinding sound while shifting into gear. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the failure could be related to the water pump; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 213,722.
- Fuel/propulsion system
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - Immobiliser System. Yes, available. May be repaired by local mechanic unless I learn from you to defer such repair. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - The inappropriate…
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - Immobiliser System. Yes, available. May be repaired by local mechanic unless I learn from you to defer such repair. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - The inappropriate activation of the immobilizer system (at least I think that's what happened) caused the vehicle immediately to become unnamageable. All lights off, motor stopped, no power brakes pr power steering. No way to give warning to other drivers. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? - The identical behavior has occurred about 6 times, once on busy US 101 through downtown Oakland, CA during rush hour. The car will be towed to a mechanic's shop later today. I have no history with this mechanic's shop. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? - No. It is my inference that the immobilizer system activated while at speed due to description in the owner's manual of the appropriate behavior of the immobilizer. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? - No. The first appearance of the "green key" light preceded the entire shutdown by only a few seconds.
- Structure › Body
1. Rear subframe body mount rust-through, newly discovered. 2. Available for inspection. 3. Risk of frame failure and resulting instability at speed 4. There is a TSB for the virtually identical Honda Pilot regarding this issue; TSB 21-019 "2003-2008 Pilot Rear Subframe Body Mount Rust Repair (Customer-Pay Repair)". 5. Not inspected. A local body shop reviewed a photo and won't touch it. 6. No warnings
- Power train
The contact owns a 2002 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact stated that she depressed the accelerator pedal and the RPM’s revved; however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact pulled over, turned off and…
The contact owns a 2002 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact stated that she depressed the accelerator pedal and the RPM’s revved; however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact pulled over, turned off and restarted the vehicle and started driving; however, after getting up to speed the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact believed that the vehicle had slipped out of gear. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond while shifted into drive or reverse. The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated. The contact had driven the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact had researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V176000 (Power Train). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
- Air bags
The contact owns a 2002 Acura MDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V027000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted several times and informed the contact that they did not have the equipment needed for…
The contact owns a 2002 Acura MDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V027000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted several times and informed the contact that they did not have the equipment needed for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and followed up with the dealer. The contact stated an unknown service light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Air bags
The contact owns a 2002 Acura MDX. The contact stated that the air bag warning light would illuminate while leaning on the passenger’s side front door. The contact stated that the warning light would turn off once the passenger moved away from the door. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or…
The contact owns a 2002 Acura MDX. The contact stated that the air bag warning light would illuminate while leaning on the passenger’s side front door. The contact stated that the warning light would turn off once the passenger moved away from the door. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Suspension
The contact owns a 2002 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving at speeds exceeding 50 MPH, the front end of the vehicle would shake and vibrate with an abnormal chain-like sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not determined. There was no further information available. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 200,000.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2002 acura MDX. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 20v027000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2002 acura MDX. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 20v027000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact contacted crown acura (18911 us hwy 19 n, clearwater, fl 33764) and it was confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2002 acura MDX. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 20v027000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2002 acura MDX. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 20v027000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. An unknown dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
- Engine · Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2002 acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving 20 mph, the vehicle failed to shift from second gear. Additionally, the engine revved. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving 20 mph, the vehicle failed to shift from second gear. Additionally, the engine revved. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was contacted however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 180,000.
- Vehicle speed control
This started a long time ago. My engine would rev up and I would have to push my breaks so hard to slow or stop. A mechanic finally found it was the cruise control sticking. The part was sold $800. I got it fixed but thought this was very dangerous. It also would not go back into gear after I would stop the engine when this would happen. I would go into the manual release tab to finally get going again.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2002 acura MDX. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 20v027000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2002 acura MDX. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 20v027000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. An unknown dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2002 acura MDX. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in for emissions testing, he was informed that the vehicle was included in nhtsa campaign number: 19v627000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 acura MDX. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in for emissions testing, he was informed that the vehicle was included in nhtsa campaign number: 19v627000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. the manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.*dt*jb
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2002 acura MDX. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 20v027000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Neither the…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 acura MDX. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 20v027000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Neither the manufacturer nor the dealer were made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available. *bf*jb
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2002 acura MDX. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 20v027000 (air bags). The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the acura of peoria dealer located at (9190 w. Bell rd, peoria, az, 85382) where the…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 acura MDX. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 20v027000 (air bags). The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the acura of peoria dealer located at (9190 w. Bell rd, peoria, az, 85382) where the technician confirmed that air bag warning was illuminated however, it was confirmed that the parts were not available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. the vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 149,000. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Unknown or other · Vehicle speed control
Driving at 70 mph vehicles VTM4 light started to fkash 3 seconds later all wheels locjmked up and uder feet was so hot had to lift my feet skidded about 290 feet.
- Air bags
Srs light IS on. Therefore,have the airbags been disabled? What should I do now?
- Air bags · Seat belts
The srs light turns on and doesn't go out after startup of the vehicle. There IS a recall of the srs unit malfunction for the 2003 year model. Secondly, my vehicle IS more than fifteen years old. IS there a takata air bag recall involving my 2002 acura MDX? I have taken ownership very recent.
- Electrical system
The car turns off while driving similar to problem I had with my 1999 honda CRV ingition switch been doing it for several days today smoke came out from the steering colum
- Air bags · Electrical system
Srs device failed, leaving air bags inoperable. dealer asked factory rep to authorize service. denied by acura. this IS a safety hazard. research indicates identical problems in other vehicles, a prior class action settlement and other complaints. srs warning light stays on. both dealer and independent garage tested and confirmed unit IS defective.
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Power train
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
- Power train
Transmission recall was prev addressed but still has same problem hwy overheating of transmission causing failure extreme jerking scared us bad and could cause accident gears go out slip from overheating as well burns transm fluid recalled previously same exact issue of extreme overheating and at temp gauge not workingoccours while driving in motion
- Power train
Gear failure, transmission lock up, smoke coming from transmission inside the car. heat build up from transmission when we do long drive.
- Engine · Power train · Vehicle speed control
Priority acura gave 2002 MDX back monday 4/3/17 had problems again with it slippin into neutral and wont move in d5...this time check engine light came on and D5 started blinking and gear shift was not move pass n until james the mechanic shut off vehicle and started it back up.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Front coil spring breakage
In an august 29, 2005 letter, honda notified nhtsa that it had identified a defect in the front coil springs of certain model year 2001 and early-2002 acura MDX sport utility vehicles.according to honda, some front suspension coil springs have insufficient corrosion protection and, in areas where road salts are used…
In an august 29, 2005 letter, honda notified nhtsa that it had identified a defect in the front coil springs of certain model year 2001 and early-2002 acura MDX sport utility vehicles.according to honda, some front suspension coil springs have insufficient corrosion protection and, in areas where road salts are used, may be susceptible to corrosion.rubber sleeves applied near the top and bottom of some springs to eliminate noise can trap salt water, increasing the potential for excessive corrosion.over time, excessive corrosion can cause spring failure.in some cases, a broken spring could puncture a front tire, which increases the risk of a crash.evidence of tire damage was identified in at least 4 (29%) of the spring fracture reports and 13 (21%) of the warranty claims.one report also indicated that a fractured spring damaged a brake line failure, resulting in extended stopping distance. To correct the condition, honda IS recalling approximately 22,861 MDX vehicles sold or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, virginia, west virginia, wisconsin and the district of columbia where large quantities of road salt are used (honda recall P92, nhtsa recall 05v-385).there were no complaints or warranty claims involving vehicles from outside the recall region.dealers will replace both front suspension coil springs with improved springs.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10231831Dealer Message- American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for any & all 2022 MDX Type Ss & 2021-2022 TLXs that match the criteria listed below. AHM is interested ONLY if the vehicle meets the following requirements: 1. Manufactured date on the Drivers door jamb must be between 1/2019 & 9/2021. 2. No DTC stored. 3. Electric Servo Brake (ESB) system has not been replaced previously.
- 10211608Special Tool Loan Program: Under TOOLS AVAILABLE FOR LOAN, the list has been updated.
- 10195036Service Bulletin - Case v. American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Case No. BC 424169 (Third Clutch Transmission Settlement - $25 Credit Vouchers).
- 10193392Sending vehicle data to tech line.
- 10130044Servicenews article - Is the navigation screen clock reading 00:00? We?re aware of this issue and have it under investigation.
- 10128558Dealer message - On Monday, June 23, 2014, Acura announced three recalls for various 2002-06 Acura models. As of July 23, 2014, affected VINs have been identified, and service bulletins 14-023, Safety Recall: Front Passenger?s Airbag Inflator Can Be Over-Pressurized, 14-029, Recall: Front Driver?s Airbag Inflator May Produce Excessive Pressure After Long-Term Exposure to High Absolute Humidity Recall, and 14-030, Recall: Front Passenger?s Airbag Inflator May Produce Excessive Pressure After Long-Term Exposure to High Absolute Humidity have been posted to ISIS. However, due to the large number of affected units, Acura is still in the process of populating the VIN status inquiry function on iN, which is expected to take several days. When this process is complete, Acura will notify all dealers again via iN message. Until that time, the existing acknowledgement procedure must be used for all potentially affected vehicles.
- 10128529Dealer message - On Monday, June 23, 2014, Acura announced three recalls for various 2002-06 Acura models. As of August 4, 2014, affected VINs have been identified, and VIN status inquiry has been updated.
- 10127358Servicenews article - Is the navigation screen clock reading 00:00? We?re aware of this issue and have it under investigation.
- 10118544Tech line summary article - Is the navigation screen clock reading 00:00? We?re aware of this issue and have it under investigation.
- 10117869Tech line summary article - Is the navigation screen clock reading 00:00? We?re aware of this issue and are looking for a solution.
- 10100462Service bulletin - navigation system information.
- 10099960"Service bulletin - this bulletin updates the troubleshooting procedures for dtc p1456 (evap control system leakage [fuel tank system]) and dtc p1457 (evap control system leakage[evap canister system]). Depending on the model, there are two individual procedures in this bulletin."
- 10037486Acura: there are guidelines for various situations and procedures including: tire pressure valve stem installation, trailer stability malfunction light IS on, engine oil application guide, new software, new transmission fluid, notchy steering feeling.
- 10032775Acura: warranty extension: vehicle warranty mileage. A federal court provided final approval of the settlement of a class action lawsuit alleging that the odometers on certain models were overstating mileage. Vehicles affected by this settlement include certain 2002-2006. On affected vehicles, the settlement requires you to honor a 5 percent increase in the mileage coverage period for all warranties. No models were listed.
- 10025524Load carrying capacity reduced label for all acura vehicles.
- 10024562Acura service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. Warranty extension: egr valve contamination may cause engine hesitation/surge or dtc p1491. Csc was received.
- 10024561Acura service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. Warranty extension: opds unit or opds sensor triggers srs dtc's 15-1, 15-2, 15-3. Csc was received.
- 10021971Warranty extension: vehicle warranty mileage. Affects 2002 through 2006 acura models. Updated 8/15/08.
- 10021343Rough idle, stalls at stops, and dtc's p0172 or p0175 appear when inspected.
- 10018109Homelink won't program with aftermarket remotes.
- 10018038Speedometer shops can transfer odometer mileage. Acura. Servicenews.
- 10017635Shudder or vibration between 35 and 40 mph.
- 10017507Seat-back panel IS loose or detached.
- 10016278Input test can damage cruise control unit.
- 10016261Canon A75 digital camera replacement.
- 10016260Cranks won't start, immobilizer light flashes.
- 10014774Replacement or updated navigation dvd disks.
- 10014766P1706 a/t switch short or open.
- 10014344Atf (automatic transmission fluid) leaks from cooler line banjo bolt.
- 10014133Canon digital camera loan program.
- 10014095Engine coolant leak.
- 10014093Navigation error message-dvd disk read error.
- 10014075Srs warning light on after body shop repair.
- 10014071Odometer accuracy.
- 10014067The homelink system may have test information stored in memory that must be erased before it can be programmed.
- 10014065Power steering belt tension adjustment.
- 10014061Troubleshooting ABS or tcs diagnostic trouble code 51 and/or 53.
- 10014058Front camber adjustment.
- 10014049If navigation system intermittently displays the message, database old see your dealer, apply the navigational system operating system software patch.
- 10014042Asb 04-013 transmission r&r tips.
Every Acura MDX model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.