2003 Acura MDX Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 104about this part
- Share
- 50%of 206 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 109,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 104 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 Acura MDX, 50% of the 206 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 109,000 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Vehicle went into neutral when approaching a stop. This repeated several times throughout my trip (approx. 25 miles). I have kept up with transmission services and maintenance schedules since ownership feb of 2012. I have read of several complaints regarding the same symptoms from other owners. Why is honda not willing to further investigate ?”
NHTSA complaint #10564704, filed 2014-02, 142,000 miles“I was putting my car into drive on a hill and it rolled backwards. Called a tow truck and had a mechanic look at it and told me I needed a new transmission and I was lucky I didn't hurt anyone. There are a lot of kids in our neighborhood.$3900 later. I have read all sorts of problems with this yr/make with their transmissions. Why isn't their a recall?”
NHTSA complaint #10554729, filed 2013-12, 137,000 miles“2003 mazda MDX transmission failed, and I was nearly killed when another car barely missed hitting (t boning, my car) my stopped car. My car went to shift into 2nd when the transmission failed, went into neutral, and came to a dead stop. The transmission fluid has been replaced twice in last year, dealer said it was dirty. This didn't make sense since its a closed system. Something must be braking down.”
NHTSA complaint #10380078, filed 2011-02, 133,000 miles“I just bought a 2003 Acura MDX with 110,000 miles. I drove the car less than 15 miles and noticed a scraping noise coming from the rear. A little further down the road the vehicle bucked and then the d5 light started flashing. There was hesitation in between the gears. The vehicle is now in the shop getting a new transmission - I had it less than 20 minutes before it started having problems.”
NHTSA complaint #10342965, filed 2010-07, 110,000 miles“While driving I lost power meaning I could no longer accelerate because there was no linkage from the engine to the transmission. The engine was running ok, but I had no power to move the vehicle. While Acura is a respected and quality vehicle, I feel that there may be a product defect in that my problem resulted in me having to replace the cooling system along with the transmission. …”
NHTSA complaint #10286212, filed 2009-10, 78,504 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10022468Jun 9, 2007Torque converter shudder or vibration between 35 and 40 mph.
- 10020141Feb 2, 2006Update pcm with transmission replacement. *tt updated 11/4/11.
- 10014766Jan 1, 2005P1706 a/t switch short or open.
- 10013911Oct 1, 2004A/t solenoid replacement criteria.
- 10013745Sep 16, 2004Automatic transmission solenoid replacement criteria. Acura tech line summary for dealer distribution.
- 10014347Dec 1, 2003S/m fix: a/t (automatic transmission) dtc (diagnostic trouble code) p0848 or p0873
- 10014344Dec 1, 2003Atf (automatic transmission fluid) leaks from cooler line banjo bolt.
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 2003 Acura MDX
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 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