FaultScore

FaultScore report

2003 Acura MDX problems

Owners have filed 259 complaints about the 2003 Acura MDX with NHTSA between 2003 and 2025. The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain. Across this model's run it ranks 10 of 24 worst.

C

FaultScore 55/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Acura MDX.

How this is worked out

The numbers

259

Complaints

12

Crashes reported

6

Fires reported

10

Injuries reported

110,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

13%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 67 vs 50 Severity 56 vs 50 Early failure 23 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 67
Against the median year of the Acura MDX. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 56
10.8% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 23
13% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2003 compares with every other Acura MDX

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2003 Acura MDX

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

4 crashes, 0 fires · median 108,000 mi

Airbags 42 16.2%

3 crashes, 1 fires · median 108,500 mi

Engine & Cooling 28 10.8%

Median failure at 96,000 miles

1 crashes, 3 fires · median 120,097 mi

Seat Belts 12 4.6%

1 crashes, 1 fires · median 160,000 mi

Median failure at 141,500 miles

Brakes 10 3.9%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 12,933 mi

Acceleration & Cruise Control 7 2.7%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 95,663 mi

Fuel & Propulsion 5 1.9%

Median failure at 157,563 miles

Equipment & Accessories 4 1.5%

Median failure at 59,000 miles

Body & Structure 3 1.2%

Median failure at 114,000 miles

Steering 3 1.2%

Median failure at 172,500 miles

Lights 2 0.8%

Median failure at 82,500 miles

Suspension 2 0.8%

Median failure at 99,063 miles

Child Seats 1 0.4%
Doors, Latches & Locks 1 0.4%

Median failure at 145,000 miles

Stability & Traction Control 1 0.4%

Median failure at 61,000 miles

Seats 1 0.4%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 84,003 mi

Wheels 1 0.4%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 157,000 mi

Tires 1 0.4%

Median failure at 173,631 miles

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 1 0.4%

Median failure at 75,000 miles

Exactly what failed

NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.

Automatic Transmission 56 78.9%
Engine 4 5.6%
Catalytic Convertor 3 4.2%
Ignition 3 4.2%
Cooling System 2 2.8%
Navigational System(Global Positioning System) 1 1.4%
Antilock 1 1.4%
Front 1 1.4%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 11 5.4%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 3 1.5%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 10 5.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 5 2.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 16 7.9%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 38 18.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 67 33.2%
150,000+ miles 52 25.7%

NHTSA crash tests

The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own photographs and star ratings.

These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.

Frontal crash test of a 2003 Acura MDX 4-DR. w/SAB

Frontal crash test

Side barrier crash test of a 2003 Acura MDX 4-DR. w/SAB

Side barrier crash test

Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration Overall Front Side Rollover
2003 Acura MDX 4-DR. w/SAB

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Feb 2003 peak 7 Apr 2025

NHTSA investigations into the 2003 Acura MDX

An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.

2 investigations are still open.

EA21002 Opened 17 Sep 2021 Still open AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C...

EA15001 Opened 24 Feb 2015 Still open AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Air Bag Inflator Rupture

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field fai...

PE14016 Opened 11 Jun 2014 Closed 2 Mar 2015 AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Air Bag Inflator Rupture

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field fai...

PE13020 Opened 6 Jun 2013 Closed 6 Jan 2014 AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Inadvertent Air Bag Deployment

The investigation was opened based on reports of frontal air bag inadvertent deployments (ABIDs) on model year (MY) 2003-2004 Honda Odyssey vehicles.In its response dated September 20, 2013, Honda indicated that the MY 2003 Acura MDX vehicles use a SRS Electronic Control Unit (ECU) which contains the same electrical component (an ASIC chip) as the Odyssey, and has a similar vehicle electrical system architecture.Through inspection and analysis of field returned vehicles and components, Honda determined that the SRS ECUs used in the Odyssey and MDX can degrade over time and result in the deploy...

PE12026 Opened 2 Oct 2012 Closed 14 Jan 2013 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

Ignition Interlock Failure - Rollaway

On December 10, 2012, Honda Motor Company submitted a defect information report to NHTSA regarding ignition interlocks in approximately 576,117 model year MY) 2003 through 2004 Honda Pilot and Odyssey vehicles that are the subject of this investigation and 231,044 MY 2003 through 2006 Acura MDX vehicles (Recall No. 12V-573).Honda's report states that a design change to the ignition switch used in the recalled vehicles reduced the range of rotation for the ignition switch from 160 degrees in earlier designs to 125 degrees without a corresponding change to the ignition interlock blocking mechani...

Recalls on the 2003 Acura MDX

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

United States — NHTSA

19E068000

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

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."

Risk: 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.

19V499000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

19V501000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

19V182000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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.

Risk: 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.

16V344000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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 El

Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

15V370000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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.

Risk: 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.

15V320000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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.

Risk: 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.

15V045000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

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.

Risk: Inadvertent deployment of the air bags may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2019323 222,662 units in Canada

Airbag

Issue: On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. If the airbag inflator ruptures, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants or cause damage to the airbag assembly, preventing its proper function. Note: This is a new recall campaign that includes vehicles that had an airbag inflator replaced under a previous recall or had a replacement airbag installed. The previous recall provided an interim (short-term) repair. Interim repair parts must be replaced with the final repair parts provided in this recall. Safety Risk: If the vehicle is involved in a crash requiring an airbag deployment, the airbag inflator could rupture and create a risk of injury. Corrective Action: Owners will be notified by mail and instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to replace the driver and/or passenger-front airbag inflator. Note: The Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. This recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk. It is expected that all airbag inflators will be replaced before their function would be affected.

Recall 2019117 83,977 units in Canada

Airbag

Issue: On certain vehicles, there could be a problem with the driver-front airbag inflator. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. If the airbag inflator ruptures, pieces could be propelled toward the occupants. This could also cause damage to the airbag assembly and prevent it from inflating properly. Note: This recall only affects certain vehicles that had a Takata airbag inflator installed during a previous airbag recall or collision repair. Safety Risk: In a crash where the airbag deploys, there could be an increased risk of injury. Corrective Action: The company will notify owners by mail. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to have the driver-front airbag inflator replaced.

Recall 2016249 28,929 units in Canada

Airbag

On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, could eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger frontal airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. As a result, if the vehicle were involved in a collision that warrants airbag deployment, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants, and the airbag assembly could be damaged, preventing proper function. These issues could increase the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the airbag inflator. Note: Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. The recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk, and is expected to replace airbag inflators before their function would be affected.

Recall 2015225 704,770 units in Canada

Airbag

On certain vehicles, the driver frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment. Failure of the airbag to fully deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Note: This recall supersedes special service campaign 2014567. Correction: Dealers will inspect/replace the driver's frontal airbag inflator. All vehicles having received a replacement inflator as part of any previous driver's inflator campaign will have a replacement inflator installed. Note: Honda Canada has created a special Airbag Inflator Hotline for immediate assistance. For more information, please contact: For Honda Owners: 1-877-445-7754 For Acura Owners: 1-877-445-9844

Recall 2015036 28,150 units in Canada

Airbag

On certain vehicles, a defect in the supplemental restraint system (SRS) could result in an inadvertent deployment of the front airbag(s) and/or seatbelt pretensioner(s). Unintended seatbelt pretensioner and/or airbag deployment, in a non-warranted (non-impact) situation, could startle the driver, which could result in a vehicle crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. In some instances, inadvertent deployment could cause minor injuries to vehicle occupants. Correction: Dealers will replace the SRS control unit and may install an in-line jumper wiring harness to correct the issue. Note: This recall supersedes recall 2013315. Vehicles that were repaired under the previous campaign will also need to be repaired under this campaign.

Recall 2014567 704,770 units in Canada

Airbag

Honda Canada is conducting a voluntary Safety Improvement Campaign concerning the driver's airbag inflator on certain vehicles equipped with Takata airbags. Honda will replace the driver's inflator on affected vehicles. This action is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Note: This special service campaign was replaced by recall 2015225. Please see recall 2015225 for more information: <a href="http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/7/VRDB-BDRV/search-recherche/detail.aspx?lang=eng&&rn=2015225">Click here for more information</a>

Recall 2014242 168,968 units in Canada

Airbag

On certain vehicles, the passenger (frontal) airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment. Failure of the passenger airbag to fully deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the passenger airbag inflator. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 2013111. Honda Canada has created a special Airbag Inflator Hotline for immediate assistance. For more information, please contact: For Honda Owners: 1-877-445-7754 For Acura Owners: 1-877-445-9844

Recall 2013315 28,150 units in Canada

Airbag

On certain vehicles, a defect in the supplemental restraint system could result in an inadvertent deployment of the front airbags. Unintended airbag deployment, in a non-warranted (non-impact) situation, could startle the driver, which could result in a vehicle crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. In some instances, inadvertent deployment could cause minor injuries to vehicle occupants. Correction: Dealers will install an electrical noise suppressor unit.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

Knoxville, TN Crash

AIR BAGS

I WRECKED ON 8/24/2020. THE CAR SAYS THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AND MY SEATBELTS LOCKED UP. BUT MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY! I REAR ENDED SOMEBODY GOING ABOUT 20 MPH ON A CITY STREET.

NHTSA complaint #11359861 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Chicago, IL Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THE VEHICLE JUST CAUGHT ON FIRE ONE NIGHT RIGHT OF THE BM THE PASSENGERS THAT ARE IN THERE

NHTSA complaint #11075258 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 136,000 miles NEW Orleans, LA Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THE HEATED SEAT FUNCTION IN OUR ACURA MALFUNCTIONED AND CAUSED THE SEAT TO MELT AND BURN THROUGH THE ENTIRE UPHOLSTERY DOWN TO THE SEAT SUPPORTS. THE ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION ALSO TRAVELED TO THE ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM AND TOTALLY MELTED THE DVD SCREEN. THE FABRIC ON THE CEILING OF THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO SIGNIFICANTLY DAMAGED AND HAS BECOME UNDONE AND FRAYED AND BURNED. THE CAR IS ALSO COVERED IN A DARK FILM/SOOT THAT HAS A BURNED SMELL. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS IN THE VEHICLE WHEN THIS OCCURRED, AS IT HAPPENED OVERNIGHT. IT WAS PARKED IN OUR UNCOVERED DRIVEWAY WITH NO OTHER VEHICLES NEARBY.

NHTSA complaint #10818775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Santa Rosa Beach, FL Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 ACURA MDX. WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP, THE AIR BAGS INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT OF THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, THE CONTACTS VIEW OF THE ROAD WAS OBSTRUCTED, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO REAR END ANOTHER VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS AWAITING INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA complaint #10810870 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 120,000 miles Geneva, AL 1 injured

POWER TRAIN

I THINK IT IS ABOUT TIME THAT WE ALL PUSH NHTSA TO MAKE ACURA/HONDA RECALL ALL THESE MDX FROM 2001 TO 2012 TO HAVE THESE TORQUE CONVERTERS AND TRANSMISSIONS REPLACED AND FIXED ONCE AND FOR ALL!!! THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AS THERE IS NO SIGN WHEN THESE CARS ARE GOING TO LOCK UP AND GO FROM 75 MPH DOWN TO 40 MPH AND THEN STAYS AT 40MPH TILL YOU CAN GET OFF THE HIGHWAY TO AN EXIT. I SWEAR MAYBE SOMEBODY NEEDS TO GET SERIOUSLY HURT WHEN THEY GET REAR ENDED BY SOMEONE THAT HAS NO CLUE WHY YOU HAVE COME TO A SUDDEN CHANGE OF SPEED. THIS WEEK IT'S DIFFERENT THEN BEFORE, NOW IT ALMOST THREW ME THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD HAD I NOT HAD MY SEAT BELT ON. THOUGH WHEN YOUR NOT EXPECTING A CARS TRANSMISSION TO HALT SO FAST IT STILL SCARES THE LIFE OUT OF YOU AND THEN TRY AND GET OVER TO THE BREAKDOWN LANE. THIS IS MY 2ND REPAIR OR REBUILD OF ALL THESE ITEMS AND FOR THE COST OF THESE CARS WHEN NEW ACURA SHOULD BE SUED AND MADE TO PAY TO FIX THESE DRIVE TRAIN DEFAULTS!!! COME ON NHTSA YOU KNOW THEY ARE IN THE WRONG AND LETS GET THESE CARS FIXED TOO ONCE IN FOR ALL BEFORE MORE PEOPLE ARE KILLED OR SERIOUSLY HURT.

NHTSA complaint #10785759 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 120,000 miles Geneva, AL 1 injured

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

I THINK IT IS ABOUT TIME THAT WE ALL PUSH NHTSA TO MAKE ACURA/HONDA RECALL ALL THESE MDX FROM 2001 TO 2012 TO HAVE THESE TORQUE CONVERTERS AND TRANSMISSIONS REPLACED AND FIXED ONCE AND FOR ALL!!! THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AS THERE IS NO SIGN WHEN THESE CARS ARE GOING TO LOCK UP AND GO FROM 75 MPH DOWN TO 40 MPH AND THEN STAYS AT 40MPH TILL YOU CAN GET OFF THE HIGHWAY TO AN EXIT. I SWEAR MAYBE SOMEBODY NEEDS TO GET SERIOUSLY HURT WHEN THEY GET REAR ENDED BY SOMEONE THAT HAS NO CLUE WHY YOU HAVE COME TO A SUDDEN CHANGE OF SPEED. THIS WEEK IT'S DIFFERENT THEN BEFORE, NOW IT ALMOST THREW ME THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD HAD I NOT HAD MY SEAT BELT ON. THOUGH WHEN YOUR NOT EXPECTING A CARS TRANSMISSION TO HALT SO FAST IT STILL SCARES THE LIFE OUT OF YOU AND THEN TRY AND GET OVER TO THE BREAKDOWN LANE. THIS IS MY 2ND REPAIR OR REBUILD OF ALL THESE ITEMS AND FOR THE COST OF THESE CARS WHEN NEW ACURA SHOULD BE SUED AND MADE TO PAY TO FIX THESE DRIVE TRAIN DEFAULTS!!! COME ON NHTSA YOU KNOW THEY ARE IN THE WRONG AND LETS GET THESE CARS FIXED TOO ONCE IN FOR ALL BEFORE MORE PEOPLE ARE KILLED OR SERIOUSLY HURT.

NHTSA complaint #10785759 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Holladay, UT

POWER TRAIN

Driving up a hill in this 2003 Acura MDX and the TRANSMISSION failed. Came to a stop in the middle of the street. Several cars almost hit me. Checked online and this vehicle has a known problem of the transmission going out around 70,000 miles. A mechanic started changing it out in my driveway .then winter came. It's been sitting in my driveway ever since.

NHTSA complaint #11657788 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Elk Grove, CA

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

My vehicle has a check engine light. The code indicates the issue is the fuel neck filler (part number 17660-S3VA02) which has been confirmed by my mechanic. This is a safety item due to some type of fuel leak in the filler neck area for gasoline which causes the check engine light. The part is on backorder and from my conversations with multiple dealerships, there is no estimated date of delivery. Apparently, there is a high number of vehicles having this issue. As a result, I am unable to smog my vehicle due to some type of fuel leak. It appears there is a safety item that needs to be addressed immediately.

NHTSA complaint #11512864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Conover, NC

SEAT BELTS

Unknown, but since I bought the car I encountered a problem with the rear seatbelts, they do not work and I am about to be a grandmother and it is important and is a safety issue,

NHTSA complaint #11428639 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Chicago, IL

STRUCTURE:BODY

ON APRIL 7 2021 ARRIVED ABOUT 10:45 A.M. I DROVE TO MCGRATH ACURA DEALER AT 9105 WAUKEGAN ROAD, IN WAUKEGAN, ILLINOIS FOR A POWER STEERING FLUSH, THAT EMPLOYEE INSTRUCTED ME WALK WITH HIM TO OBSERVE A UNDERNEATH INSPECTION REAR AND FRONT I NOTICE THAT REAR FRAME IS COMPLETELY RUSTED INCLUDED SHOCKS SURROUNDING THE FRAME, THROUGH OUT THE VEHICLE IT WAS ONA HYDRALIC JACK. SEE IMAGES ME AND EMPLOYEE LOOKING UNDERNEATH.

NHTSA complaint #11407465 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Chicago, IL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

ON APRIL 7 2021 ARRIVED ABOUT 10:45 A.M. I DROVE TO MCGRATH ACURA DEALER AT 9105 WAUKEGAN ROAD, IN WAUKEGAN, ILLINOIS FOR A POWER STEERING FLUSH, THAT EMPLOYEE INSTRUCTED ME WALK WITH HIM TO OBSERVE A UNDERNEATH INSPECTION REAR AND FRONT I NOTICE THAT REAR FRAME IS COMPLETELY RUSTED INCLUDED SHOCKS SURROUNDING THE FRAME, THROUGH OUT THE VEHICLE IT WAS ONA HYDRALIC JACK. SEE IMAGES ME AND EMPLOYEE LOOKING UNDERNEATH.

NHTSA complaint #11407465 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Chicago, IL

SERVICE BRAKES

ON APRIL 7 2021 ARRIVED ABOUT 10:45 A.M. I DROVE TO MCGRATH ACURA DEALER AT 9105 WAUKEGAN ROAD, IN WAUKEGAN, ILLINOIS FOR A POWER STEERING FLUSH, THAT EMPLOYEE INSTRUCTED ME WALK WITH HIM TO OBSERVE A UNDERNEATH INSPECTION REAR AND FRONT I NOTICE THAT REAR FRAME IS COMPLETELY RUSTED INCLUDED SHOCKS SURROUNDING THE FRAME, THROUGH OUT THE VEHICLE IT WAS ONA HYDRALIC JACK. SEE IMAGES ME AND EMPLOYEE LOOKING UNDERNEATH.

NHTSA complaint #11407465 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 260,615 miles Romeo, MI

POWER TRAIN

THE VEHICLE KEEPS SHUDDERING AND LOSING POWER AND GEARS NOT CHARGING IN RIGHT

NHTSA complaint #11384382 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 260,615 miles Romeo, MI

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

THE VEHICLE KEEPS SHUDDERING AND LOSING POWER AND GEARS NOT CHARGING IN RIGHT

NHTSA complaint #11384382 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 260,615 miles Romeo, MI

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

THE VEHICLE KEEPS SHUDDERING AND LOSING POWER AND GEARS NOT CHARGING IN RIGHT

NHTSA complaint #11384382 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 265,000 miles Romeo, MI

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11377546 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 265,000 miles Romeo, MI

ENGINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #11377546 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 119,195 miles Cambria Heights, NY

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

THE MDX SRS MALFUNCTION-ELECTRICAL NOISE SURGES. THE CAR IS MAKING ELECTRICAL NOISE SURGES, I CANNOT START THE CAR. THE SHIFT INTERLOCK, WHEN I PUT THE CAR IN PARK IT CONTINUES TO ROLL.

NHTSA complaint #11373806 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 119,195 miles Cambria Heights, NY

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THE MDX SRS MALFUNCTION-ELECTRICAL NOISE SURGES. THE CAR IS MAKING ELECTRICAL NOISE SURGES, I CANNOT START THE CAR. THE SHIFT INTERLOCK, WHEN I PUT THE CAR IN PARK IT CONTINUES TO ROLL.

NHTSA complaint #11373806 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Knoxville, TN Crash

AIR BAGS

I WRECKED ON 8/24/2020. THE CAR SAYS THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AND MY SEATBELTS LOCKED UP. BUT MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY! I REAR ENDED SOMEBODY GOING ABOUT 20 MPH ON A CITY STREET.

NHTSA complaint #11359861 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 90 miles Tampa, FL

POWER TRAIN

MULTIPLE SAFETY AND RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE INCLUDING AIR BAG SYSTEM,ABS,TRANSMISSION SHIFT SENSOR, EMISSION BUILD UP CAUSING CLOGGING IN EXHAUST SYSTEM, MAP SENSOR TORQUE CONVERTERS, DIFFERENTIAL ISSUES,ROUGH IDLE AND SHIFT INTERLOCK SOLENOID ISSUES. FLUID LEAKS AND BRAKE STICKS ALSO AIR BAG LIGHT WONT GO OFF.

NHTSA complaint #11316491 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 90 miles Tampa, FL

SERVICE BRAKES

MULTIPLE SAFETY AND RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE INCLUDING AIR BAG SYSTEM,ABS,TRANSMISSION SHIFT SENSOR, EMISSION BUILD UP CAUSING CLOGGING IN EXHAUST SYSTEM, MAP SENSOR TORQUE CONVERTERS, DIFFERENTIAL ISSUES,ROUGH IDLE AND SHIFT INTERLOCK SOLENOID ISSUES. FLUID LEAKS AND BRAKE STICKS ALSO AIR BAG LIGHT WONT GO OFF.

NHTSA complaint #11316491 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 90 miles Tampa, FL

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

MULTIPLE SAFETY AND RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE INCLUDING AIR BAG SYSTEM,ABS,TRANSMISSION SHIFT SENSOR, EMISSION BUILD UP CAUSING CLOGGING IN EXHAUST SYSTEM, MAP SENSOR TORQUE CONVERTERS, DIFFERENTIAL ISSUES,ROUGH IDLE AND SHIFT INTERLOCK SOLENOID ISSUES. FLUID LEAKS AND BRAKE STICKS ALSO AIR BAG LIGHT WONT GO OFF.

NHTSA complaint #11316491 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Boston, MA

AIR BAGS

AIRBAG LIGHTS ARE ON. PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG LIGHT BLINKS EVEN IF NO BODY IS IN THE CAR. AND ON THE DASHBOARD THE RED AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON

NHTSA complaint #11306431 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 205,000 miles Charlotte, NC

STEERING

PROLONGED HIGH UNDER-HOOD TEMPERATURES CAUSING THE POWER STEERING HOSE TO DETERIORATE PREMATURELY CAUSING THE HOSE TO CRACK AND LEAK POWER STEERING FLUID. MECHANIC IS SAYING THIS IS COMMON ON ACURA.

NHTSA complaint #11253335 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 59,000 miles Torrance, CA

SEAT BELTS

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

NHTSA complaint #11151451 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 59,000 miles Torrance, CA

AIR BAGS

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

NHTSA complaint #11151451 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 59,000 miles Torrance, CA

ENGINE

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

NHTSA complaint #11151451 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 103,000 miles Arlington, TX

AIR BAGS

AFTER HAVING TAKEN THE ACURA TO DEALER 3 TIMES FOR THE TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL INITIALLY ALL WAS WELL. THEN EVERY 3RD TIME I STARTED THE ENGINE THE RED WARNING LIGHT FOR AIRBAG FAILURE WOULD COME ON. NOW OVER THE LAST 6 MONTHS EVERY TIME THE ENGINE IS STARTED THE WARNING LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON. WOULD EXPENSE TO REPAIR/REPLACEMENT BE COVERED?

NHTSA complaint #11123771 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 211,000 miles Newnan, GA

POWER TRAIN

TORQUE CONVERTER FAILURE CAUSED SHARDS OF METAL TO BE TRANSMITTED INTO THE TRANSMISSION CAUSING TOTAL FAILURE OF EVERY GEAR IN THE TRANSMISSION. I WAS DRIVING ON A DIVIDED HIGHWAY AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED WHEN I EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER IN HIGH VOLUME TRAFFIC. ALL LIGHTS LIT UP ON THE DASH SUCH AS VTM-4, MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP AND GEAR WAS FLASHING. I WAS ALMOST HIT WHILE TRYING TO GET TO A SAFE LOCATION TO PULL OVER. PRIOR TO THE CAR DYING I NEVER HAD ANY INDICATION OF MALFUNCTION NOR ANY DRIVING ISSUES OR PROBLEMS ACCELERATING.

NHTSA complaint #11093897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,000 miles Brady, TX

POWER TRAIN

TRANSMISSION AUTOMATICALLY SHIFTS FROM DRIVE TO NEUTRAL WHILE GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. IT'S DANGEROUS TO BE IN TRAFFIC AND LOSE THE ABILITY TO ACCELERATE. I HAVE REPLACED THE SHIFTER AND HAD IT ADJUSTED NUMEROUS TIMES. ACURA REFUSES TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS PROBLEM, EVEN THOUGH THERE ARE INNUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON THIS VERY ISSUE. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN.

NHTSA complaint #11091336 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.