2003 Acura MDX Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 5%of 206 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 12,934miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the brakes of the 2003 Acura MDX, 5% of the 206 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 12,934 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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, filed 2020-03, 90 miles“There is a clunking noise coming from the brakes when starting out going either forward or reverse and applying the brakes. On occasion, when the vehicle is put into gear, there is a grinding noise coming from the transmission, torque converter, clutch or some part(s) that is being pressed together with another.”
NHTSA complaint #10063706, filed 2004-03, 8 miles“The brake pedal would move approximately 1 inch from side to side when applying the brakes. This almost caused a crash when consumer's foot slipped off the brake pedal. Dealer was notified, and informed consumer that was the normal characteristic of that vehicle, and it met NHTSA specifications.”
NHTSA complaint #10106906, filed 2005-01, 25,000 miles“On two different occasion the ABS made a clunking noise. The dealer inspected the vehicle but could not duplicate or correct the problem. The brake problems had come back again. The dealer found a brake switch failure code. The dealer attempted to repair the problem but it remained the same.”
NHTSA complaint #10017469, filed 2003-08, 21,000 miles“Excessive brake clunk / thud noises under normal braking conditions. Severe brake noise and control issues under emergency braking conditions. Told by Acura all is normal . With such travel in calipers (cause of noise) potential for brake failure must exist. Worried...”
NHTSA complaint #10041158, filed 2003-10, 4,867 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10014938Jan 11, 2005Front brake judder.
- 10014061Nov 16, 2002Troubleshooting abs or tcs diagnostic trouble code 51 and/or 53.
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 5 | 4% |
| 2024 | 11 | 27% |
| 2023 | 8 | 18% |
| 2022 | 18 | 11% |
| 2020 | 15 | 7% |
| 2019 | 9 | 5% |
| 2018 | 9 | 5% |
| 2017 | 23 | 9% |
| 2016 | 13 | 3% |
| 2015 | 6 | 8% |
| 2014 | 26 | 15% |
| 2012 | 2 | 3% |
| 2011 | 2 | 3% |
| 2010 | 3 | 7% |
| 2008 | 6 | 12% |
| 2006 | 9 | 10% |
| 2005 | 14 | 8% |
| 2004 | 11 | 6% |
| 2003 | 10 | 5% |
| 2002 | 6 | 3% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2003 Acura MDX
104 complaintsAir bags
42 complaintsElectrical system
18 complaintsEngine cooling
16 complaintsSeat belts
12 complaintsOther or unknown
11 complaintsEngine
10 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsEquipment
4 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 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