2003 Acura MDX Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 1%of 206 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 172,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the steering of the 2003 Acura MDX, 1% of the 206 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 172,500 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.
“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, filed 2019-09, 205,000 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving over a puddle of water, the steering wheel seized. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer for a diagnostic test. The dealer stated the steering wheel occurrence was a normal characteristic of the vehicle. The dealer explained that when water entered the drive line, it would cause the steering to lock and once the water was dry, the steering wheel would correct itself. No repairs were made to the vehicle. The failure mileage was 140,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10536501, filed 2013-08, 140,000 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH the steering wheel seized without warning. The vehicle was turned off and it resumed normally upon restarting. The failure recurred; however, the failure had not been diagnosed nor was the vehicle repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10562855, filed 2014-02Related service bulletins
- 10014065Nov 16, 2002Power steering belt tension adjustment.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 3% |
| 2024 | 4 | 10% |
| 2023 | 4 | 9% |
| 2022 | 19 | 12% |
| 2020 | 4 | 2% |
| 2019 | 5 | 3% |
| 2018 | 3 | 2% |
| 2017 | 1 | 0% |
| 2016 | 12 | 3% |
| 2015 | 8 | 11% |
| 2014 | 38 | 22% |
| 2013 | 3 | 10% |
| 2012 | 2 | 3% |
| 2011 | 1 | 1% |
| 2010 | 6 | 13% |
| 2009 | 2 | 4% |
| 2008 | 4 | 8% |
| 2007 | 10 | 10% |
| 2006 | 2 | 2% |
| 2005 | 9 | 5% |
| 2004 | 3 | 2% |
| 2003 | 3 | 1% |
| 2002 | 5 | 2% |
| 2001 | 6 | 3% |
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 complaintsEngine
10 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsEquipment
4 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 28, 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