2003 Acura MDX Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 5%of 206 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 187,453miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the engine of the 2003 Acura MDX, 5% of the 206 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 187,453 miles.
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.
“I warmed vehicle up and when I went to drive out of the drive it wouldn't go forward or backwards,but slowly it kicked in. I started down the road and it would go away then just stop right where I was.I would shut it off,then restart and it would go then stop dead in the road. …”
NHTSA complaint #10558496, filed 2014-01, 210,000 miles“I can not go pass 25mph the truck will reeve up, then turn off after driving for one mile. The engine mount, shakes. I was told it is a transmission issue. Sometimes the gears don't switch from original position, ex. Park to drive.”
NHTSA complaint #10672977, filed 2015-01, 195,126 miles“I received a recall notice and made an appointment to have my vehicle repaired. Upon taking it to the dealership and them fixing it I drove home my car immediately began running hot. I called the dealership back and he told me to bring it back in. I was issued a loaner vehicle. I received a call stating that my radiator had somehow come loose and that my engine was blown. I was so upset so I called back and told him my mechanic was coming with me now all of a sudden the engine is not blown but instead warped and can be machined. …”
NHTSA complaint #10776501, filed 2015-09, 188,000 miles“Torque converter shudder or vibration between 35 and 40 MPH. ****also transmission slipped while driving on the highway. The SUV acted as if it was in neutral and wouldn't move even though I was pushing the gas and the rpms went up. I was almost rear-ended by the driver behind me but he was able to quickly switch into another lane, then miraculously my SUV started to go again. It also happened again in the middle of an intersection while I was driving. Luckily the oncoming traffic was far enough away and the transmission picked back up in time and I was able to get out of the way. …”
NHTSA complaint #10503158, filed 2013-03, 149,000 miles“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, filed 2018-11, 59,000 milesEngine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 22% |
| 2025 | 69 | 62% |
| 2024 | 6 | 15% |
| 2023 | 1 | 2% |
| 2022 | 9 | 6% |
| 2020 | 86 | 38% |
| 2019 | 48 | 25% |
| 2018 | 35 | 21% |
| 2017 | 79 | 30% |
| 2016 | 163 | 43% |
| 2015 | 7 | 10% |
| 2014 | 26 | 15% |
| 2013 | 9 | 30% |
| 2012 | 23 | 30% |
| 2011 | 28 | 40% |
| 2010 | 11 | 24% |
| 2009 | 8 | 15% |
| 2008 | 3 | 6% |
| 2007 | 11 | 11% |
| 2006 | 9 | 10% |
| 2005 | 7 | 4% |
| 2004 | 13 | 8% |
| 2003 | 10 | 5% |
| 2002 | 5 | 2% |
| 2001 | 3 | 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 complaintsBrakes
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 27, 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