2002 Acura MDX Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2002 Acura MDX. Part of Generation 1 — 2001–2006.

20012003
Complaints
242
Crashes
16
Fires
5
Injuries
7
Fatalities
Recalls
1

Worst 2002 Acura MDX Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#184 complaints

Automatic Transmission

Avg mileage:89,904 mi
Fires:1
#237 complaints

Transmission / Drivetrain

Avg mileage:136,132 mi
Crash-related:4
#321 complaints

Airbags

Avg mileage:134,801 mi
Crash-related:2
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2002 Acura MDX.

Automatic Transmission
84
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
89,904
Transmission / Drivetrain
37
complaints
Crashes
4
Fires
Avg Miles
136,132
Airbags
21
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
Avg Miles
134,801
Electrical Faults
12
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
1
Avg Miles
133,319
Unintended Acceleration
11
complaints
Crashes
4
Fires
Avg Miles
102,099
Engine & Cooling
10
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
89,398
Engine Problems
5
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
180,000
Structure:Frame And Members
5
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Avg Miles
50,000
Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Torque Converter
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Suspension Failures
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat-Related Issues
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Steering Defects
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electronic Stability Control
2
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline:Belts And Associated Pulleys
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Equipment:Appliance:Air Conditioner
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat Belt Issues
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Tire Defects
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Air Bags:Frontal
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Other Equipment
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Headlight/Taillight Failures
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Gasoline Fuel System
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly:Filler Pipe And Cap
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Fuel System
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Latches / Locks
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Gear Position Indication (Prndl)
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2002 Acura MDX. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2002 Acura MDX

1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting ~875,966 vehicles.

20V027000Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
~875,966 affected

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. Due to a manufacturing issue, the replacement NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.

Other Acura MDX Years

2002 Acura MDX — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2002 Acura MDX reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 2002 Acura MDX has 242 NHTSA complaints, 16 crash-related, and 1 recall campaign. The most common issue is Automatic Transmission with 84 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2002 Acura MDX?
Top reported problems: Automatic Transmission (84 complaints, avg 89,904 mi); Transmission / Drivetrain (37 complaints, avg 136,132 mi); Airbags (21 complaints, avg 134,801 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2002 Acura MDX?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 109,116 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2002 Acura MDX?
NHTSA complaints for the 2002 Acura MDX include 16 crash-related reports, 5 fire reports, 7 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2002 Acura MDX have any recalls?
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting an estimated 875,966 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2002 Acura MDX?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Acura MDX reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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