2002 Acura MDX Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 125about this part
- Share
- 61%of 205 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 97,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 125 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2002 Acura MDX, 61% of the 205 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 97,500 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Takaya recall, I'm having transmission issues while I'm driving on the highway the vehicle seems to slow down and then picks up speed I have trouble switching gears when I try to reverse there's no movement the all of the sudden the vehicle will do our hard jerk reverse motion and stars going in reverse. Passages air bag read a code of airbag malfunction. Torque control, gears getting stuck flashing d5 light after going over 40.”
NHTSA complaint #10820793, filed 2016-01, 220,113 miles“I took the vehicle to the dealer b/c the vehicle was slowing down on the freeway and this noise that comes from the rear of the vehicle. After they inspected it they couldn't find the problem, so they had me take a service tech with me for a test ride. He told me that the torque converter needs to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10320172, filed 2010-03, 93,000 miles“The transmission to my 2002 Acura MDX started to malfunction about a week ago. It starts to slip from 1st to second gear. I called an Acura dealership and they told me that the transmission had been serviced and covered the recall. I believe that nothing was done and Acura is trying to pass the cost to me. I purchased this vehicle new in 2002.”
NHTSA complaint #10232220, filed 2008-06, 89,262 miles“The keys can be removed while car is not in park so it rolled and bumped into another car. I checked the recall and it is not included in their recall. My car is 2002 Acura MDX and the year they have recall is 2003 version.”
NHTSA complaint #10732815, filed 2015-07, 163,200 miles“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”
NHTSA complaint #11111829, filed 2018-07, 205,000 milesRelated recalls
- 04V176000Apr 15, 2004On some mini vans, sport utility and passenger vehicles, certain operating conditions can result in heat build-up between the countershaft and secondary shaft…Covers: Acura MDX 2001–2002, TL 2000–2004, CL 2001–2003 +3 more
Related service bulletins
- 10195036May 28, 2021Service Bulletin - Case v. American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Case No. BC 424169 (Third Clutch Transmission Settlement - $25 Credit Vouchers).
- 10017635Aug 4, 2005Shudder or vibration between 35 and 40 mph.
- 10016261May 16, 2005Canon a75 digital camera replacement.
- 10014766Jan 1, 2005P1706 a/t switch short or open.
- 10013911Oct 1, 2004A/t solenoid replacement criteria.
- 10013909Oct 1, 2004How to remove a stubborn atf filler bolt.
- 10013905Oct 1, 2004How to replenish atf on vehicles with a/t oil jet kits.
- 10013746Sep 16, 2004Automatic transmission fluid (atf) filler plug stuck in case. Acura tech summary line for dealer distribution.
- 10013745Sep 16, 2004Automatic transmission solenoid replacement criteria. Acura tech line summary for dealer distribution.
- 10014133Aug 16, 2004Canon digital camera loan program.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 11% |
| 2025 | 6 | 5% |
| 2024 | 2 | 5% |
| 2023 | 12 | 27% |
| 2022 | 71 | 45% |
| 2020 | 21 | 9% |
| 2019 | 32 | 17% |
| 2018 | 23 | 14% |
| 2017 | 64 | 25% |
| 2016 | 113 | 30% |
| 2015 | 12 | 17% |
| 2014 | 27 | 16% |
| 2013 | 4 | 13% |
| 2012 | 13 | 17% |
| 2011 | 8 | 11% |
| 2010 | 5 | 11% |
| 2009 | 8 | 15% |
| 2008 | 3 | 6% |
| 2007 | 8 | 8% |
| 2006 | 38 | 44% |
| 2005 | 87 | 48% |
| 2004 | 77 | 45% |
| 2003 | 104 | 50% |
| 2002 | 125 | 61% |
| 2001 | 131 | 58% |
Other parts of the 2002 Acura MDX
23 complaintsEngine cooling
14 complaintsElectrical system
12 complaintsVehicle speed control
12 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Acura MDX
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology