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2002 Acura Mdx

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Mdx years

Owner complaints for the 2002 Acura Mdx are substantially higher than the model-year median of 101.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

161 reports with mileage · 43 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Power Train. Review the 124 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 23 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 14 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

11 crash reports2 fire reports4 injury reports

Power Train complaints

124 reports
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109,000 miles · Sep 6, 2012
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. THE CONTACT MANEUVERED THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER AND LEFT IT PARKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. THE CONTACT MANEUVERED THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER AND LEFT IT PARKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO REFERRED HIM TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000.

NHTSA ODI #10474125

112,300 miles · Apr 21, 2012
Power Train

ON MY WAY TO HOME FROM WORK, I NOTICED THAT MY ACURA MDX MAKES GRINDING AND SHUDDERING SOUND WHEN INCREASING SPEED AFTER A STOP OR FROM SLOW SPEED. WHILE GOING ON STATE HIGHWAY AT 50/MHP SPEED, THE FRONT WHEELS LOCKED UP. THE CAR DRAGGED ON THE ROAD FOR ABOUT 25 FEET AND CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP IN THE DRIVING LANE AS I COULD NOT…

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ON MY WAY TO HOME FROM WORK, I NOTICED THAT MY ACURA MDX MAKES GRINDING AND SHUDDERING SOUND WHEN INCREASING SPEED AFTER A STOP OR FROM SLOW SPEED. WHILE GOING ON STATE HIGHWAY AT 50/MHP SPEED, THE FRONT WHEELS LOCKED UP. THE CAR DRAGGED ON THE ROAD FOR ABOUT 25 FEET AND CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP IN THE DRIVING LANE AS I COULD NOT STEER THE VEHICLE ON TO THE SHOULDER DUE TO LOCKED FRONT WHEELS. THE LADY BEHIND ME DRIVING AT THE SAME SPEED WAS ABLE TO JUST STOP HER SUV WITHIN SIX INCHES OF THE BACK OF MY VEHICLE. IT SCARY AND FRIGHTENING EXPERIENCE FOR BOTH OF AS MY VEHICLE COMPLETELY STOPPED IN DRIVING LANE IN ABOUT 5 TO 7 SECOND FROM 50/MPH TO A COMPLETE STOP. MY VEHICLE COULD NOT BE PUSHED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD DUE TO LOCKED FRONT WHEELS. THIS WAS A NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE I HAD FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MY LIFE. I WAS SEARCHING ON INTERNET TO SEE IF OTHERS HAD SIMILAR PROBLEM. I WAS AMAZED TO FIND HUNDREDS OF COMMENTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM FROM THE OWNERS OF MDX FOR MODEL YEARS THAT RANGE FROM 2002 TO 2010. THEY APPEAR TO HAVE THE SAME TRANSMISSION PROBLEM WHERE THE SECOND GEAR JUST FREEZES. I AM WONDERING WHY THE SHA HAS NOT INVESTIGATED THIS PROBLEM AND FOUND FAULTS WITH HONDA'S LACK OF WILLINGNESS TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. SOME OF THE COMMENTS ON INTERNET SAYS THAT THIS HAPPENED TO THEM ON HIGHWAYS.. *JS

NHTSA ODI #10455964

34,264 miles · Jan 3, 2012
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainSuspension

I PURCHASED THE 2002 MDX ON 12, JANUARY 2004. AT THAT TIME I QUESTIONED THE HARD SHIFTING FROM FIRST INTO SECOND. IT WOULD LURCH, SHUDDER, AND JUMP FROM STANDING STILL TO FIRST GEAR, ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE GEARS. I WAS WORRIED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD BE DAMAGED AS WELL AS OTHER PARTS. ON 27 JULY, 2004 THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN…

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I PURCHASED THE 2002 MDX ON 12, JANUARY 2004. AT THAT TIME I QUESTIONED THE HARD SHIFTING FROM FIRST INTO SECOND. IT WOULD LURCH, SHUDDER, AND JUMP FROM STANDING STILL TO FIRST GEAR, ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE GEARS. I WAS WORRIED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD BE DAMAGED AS WELL AS OTHER PARTS. ON 27 JULY, 2004 THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO ROCK FRONT AND BACK, WITH LOUD GRINDING AND METAL TO METAL SOUND. THE DEALER EXPLAINED THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE AT AND AN OIL JET COOLER WAS NEEDED. OVER THE NEXT 7 YEARS I HAD MY MDX SERVICED AT THE DEALERSHIP. EACH TIME I WOULD COMPLAIN ABOUT THE NOISE AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 20-30 AND 35-45. AGAIN I WAS TOLD NOTHING COULD BE DONE. THE ENGINE BROKE THE SIDE MOTOR MOUNT, AGAIN I WAS TOLD THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE. FINALLY ON 6 JULY 2011 WHILE DRIVING 75 ON INTERSTATE 71, MY TRANSMISSION REVVED INTO THE RED AREA ON THE GAUGE, ATF WAS BLOWING OUT THE BACK AND COVERED THE BACK WINDOW. I PULLED OVER AND THE TRANSMISSION SEIZED ON THE SPOT. THE MDX WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WERE I WAS TOLD THE OIL JET COOLER HAD A DRAIN NUT, THAT CAME OUT, THUS RELEASING THE ATF. THE DRAIN PLUG AND ATF WAS REPLACED, BUT AGAIN I WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING COULD BE DONE AS THE DEFECT WAS A PART AND NOT COVERED. THE SHOP MANAGER TOLD ME THAT THE SHOCK AND SPRING WAS RUSTED AND LEAKING FLUID. I WAS TOLD THAT BOTH MOTOR, THE TIMING BELT, THE SHIFTER CABLE AND CONNECTION, OUTER TIRE ROD, BOOTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I SEARCHED THE INTERNET FOR 5 MINUTES AND DISCOVERED THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS RELATED TO THE TRANSMISSION. I CONFIRMED THE RECALLS ON THE SHOCKS COILS TRANSMISSION, AND MULTITUDE OF OTHER COMPONENTS. I HAD THE TIMING BELT, EVERY BELT, WATER PUMP, AND MOTOR MOUNTS REPLACE AT ANOTHER DEALERSHIP IN TOWN. THIS IS A DANGEROUS PROBLEM. AS LONG AS THERE ARE 2002 MDX'S ON THE ROAD AND HONDA ACURA IGNORE OR DENY THE PROBLEM. THE RISK OF DEATH IS GREAT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10442144

80,000 miles · Dec 8, 2011
Power Train

I HAVE A 2001 ACURA MDX WITH 80K MILES. I AM IN THE PROCESS OF REPLACING MY TRANSMISSION AS IT IS SHOWING SIGNS OF TRANSMISSION LOCKAGE. WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, I NOTICED THE TRUCK JUST SEEMED TO MAKE A REALLY HARD BRAKE, LIKE SOMEONE WAS PUMPING THE BRAKES WITH A LOT OF PRESSURE. I TOOK IT TO ACURA AND THEY DENIED A…

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I HAVE A 2001 ACURA MDX WITH 80K MILES. I AM IN THE PROCESS OF REPLACING MY TRANSMISSION AS IT IS SHOWING SIGNS OF TRANSMISSION LOCKAGE. WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, I NOTICED THE TRUCK JUST SEEMED TO MAKE A REALLY HARD BRAKE, LIKE SOMEONE WAS PUMPING THE BRAKES WITH A LOT OF PRESSURE. I TOOK IT TO ACURA AND THEY DENIED ANY GOODWILL REPAIR! THIS WILL MOST LIKELY BE MY LAST HONDA/ACURA AS I HAVE LOST FAITH IN THEM AND THEIR REPUTATION. WOULD THIS HAVE HAPPENED DURING RUSH HOUR, I AM SURE I WOULD HAVE GOTTEN IN AN ACCIDENT OR WORSE KILLED. I BELIEVE IF I DROVE IT ANY LONGER THE TRANSMISSION WOULD HAVE COMPLETELY LOCKED UP AND OTHER COMPONENTS LIKE THE AXLES, MOUNTS, ETC...WOULD HAVE BEEN DISABLED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10439035

87,000 miles · Dec 2, 2011
Power Train

PURCHASED NEW, A 2002 ACURA MDX. FIRST TRANSMISSION REPLACED 2 MONTHS SHY OF 7 YEAR EXTENDED WARRANTY AT APPROX. 47,000 MILES. TRANSMISSION WARRANTY ENDED WITH THE EXPIRATION OF THE 7 YEAR WARRANTY (2 MONTHS). THE CAR WOULD SHUDDER, SEIZE, RENDERING IT A SAFETY ISSUE. NEXT TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT 87,000 MILES. SAME SYMPTO…

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PURCHASED NEW, A 2002 ACURA MDX. FIRST TRANSMISSION REPLACED 2 MONTHS SHY OF 7 YEAR EXTENDED WARRANTY AT APPROX. 47,000 MILES. TRANSMISSION WARRANTY ENDED WITH THE EXPIRATION OF THE 7 YEAR WARRANTY (2 MONTHS). THE CAR WOULD SHUDDER, SEIZE, RENDERING IT A SAFETY ISSUE. NEXT TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT 87,000 MILES. SAME SYMPTOMS, SHUDDERS, GEAR SLIPPAGE, SEIZING, AGAIN RENDERING THE CAR UNDRIVABLE. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY BACK IN WITH SO. BAY ACURA IN TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, RECEIVING THE THIRD TRANSMISSION. THESE SAME SYMPTOMS HAVE BEEN REPORTED BY SEVERAL HUNDRED CUSTOMERS AND I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHAT WOULD CONSTITUTE A RECALL. I ONLY SEARCHED FOR LIKE COMPLAINTS FOR AN HOUR SO I AM QUITE CONFIDENT I COULD LOCATE SEVERAL THOUSAND. THIS SAME TRANSMISSION FAILURE HAS BEEN REPORTED IN THE NY TIMES. SIX THOUSAND DOLLARS IS AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT SO I AM WORKING ON A CLASS ACTION SUIT WITH OTHER OWNERS AS THE CAR IS UNSAFE AS A FAMILY VEHICLE. ALSO HAD THE CAR TESTED EXTENSIVELY AT OTHER TRANSMISSION FACILITIES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10438086

134,000 miles · Nov 4, 2011
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY THE PREVIOUS OWNER UNDER NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION) FOR THE SAME FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE FAILUR…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY THE PREVIOUS OWNER UNDER NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION) FOR THE SAME FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER FAILED IN THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 134,000.

NHTSA ODI #10434229

130,127 miles · Oct 20, 2011
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING IN SECOND OR THIRD GEARS, THE VEHICLE WOULD EXHIBIT AN ABNORMAL GRINDING NOISE WITH A VIBRATING SENSATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION BUT THE MANAGER ADVISED THAT DUE TO THE MILEAGE AND THE YEAR OF THE VEHICLE, THEY WOULD NOT BE A…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING IN SECOND OR THIRD GEARS, THE VEHICLE WOULD EXHIBIT AN ABNORMAL GRINDING NOISE WITH A VIBRATING SENSATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION BUT THE MANAGER ADVISED THAT DUE TO THE MILEAGE AND THE YEAR OF THE VEHICLE, THEY WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE UNDER THE WARRANTY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOUR TIMES FOR THE SAME EXACT TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE WHO ADVISED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO HONOR THE WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,127.

NHTSA ODI #10430914

76,000 miles · Aug 17, 2011
Power Train

TORQUE CONVERTER ISSUE (VIBRATION/SHUDDER/GRINDING BETWEEN 20-50 MPH WHILE ACCELERATING). ACURA RECOMMENDS REPLACEMENT OF TRANSMISSION AND TORQUE CONVERTER. ACURA HAS NOT ACKNOWLEDGED THIS AS A PROBLEM, DESPITE THE REPEATED INCIDENTS OF FAILURE. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND NEEDS TO ADDRESSED BY ACURA!!!! IT WOULD BE SAFE TO …

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TORQUE CONVERTER ISSUE (VIBRATION/SHUDDER/GRINDING BETWEEN 20-50 MPH WHILE ACCELERATING). ACURA RECOMMENDS REPLACEMENT OF TRANSMISSION AND TORQUE CONVERTER. ACURA HAS NOT ACKNOWLEDGED THIS AS A PROBLEM, DESPITE THE REPEATED INCIDENTS OF FAILURE. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND NEEDS TO ADDRESSED BY ACURA!!!! IT WOULD BE SAFE TO SAY FROM SIMILAR COMPLAINTS THAT I'VE READ ON THE INTERNET THAT THERE ARE PROBABLY THOUSANDS OF MDXS THAT HAVE THIS PROBLEM. *KB

NHTSA ODI #10419853

76,000 miles · Aug 17, 2011
Power Train

TORQUE CONVERTER ISSUE (VIBRATION/SHUDDER/GRINDING BETWEEN 20-50 MPH WHILE ACCELERATING). ACURA RECOMMENDS REPLACEMENT OF TRANSMISSION AND TORQUE CONVERTER. *KB

NHTSA ODI #10419850

119,834 miles · Aug 16, 2011
Power Train

MY VEHICLE IS SHUDDERING ON THE 2ND TO 3RD GEAR UPSHIFT. LOSS OF POWER. THIS IS OCCURRING WITH GREATER AND GREATER FREQUENCY, AFTER JUST A SHORT TIME OF DRIVING. I BROUGHT THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT I WOULD NEED A RE-MAN TRANSMISSION. WHEN I ASKED ABOUT THIS BEING RELATED TO THE KNOWN RECALL FOR THIS …

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MY VEHICLE IS SHUDDERING ON THE 2ND TO 3RD GEAR UPSHIFT. LOSS OF POWER. THIS IS OCCURRING WITH GREATER AND GREATER FREQUENCY, AFTER JUST A SHORT TIME OF DRIVING. I BROUGHT THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT I WOULD NEED A RE-MAN TRANSMISSION. WHEN I ASKED ABOUT THIS BEING RELATED TO THE KNOWN RECALL FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM, THEY STATED THEY WOULD BRING THIS UP TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER'S REPLY WAS THAT THEY DON'T KNOW ME WELL ENOUGH, SO THEY WOULD NOT LOOK INTO THIS ANY FURTHER, AND WOULD FIX THIS DEFECT. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE RECALL WAS CLOSED FOR THIS VEHICLE, AND THAT ONLY AN INSPECTION WAS DONE; THERE WAS NO JET KIT INSTALLED, NO TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT DONE. THEY INSPECTED, AND SENT IT ON ITS WAY, AND NOW IT IS FAILING. I FEAR THAT THE CONSEQUENCE OF THIS KNOWN RECALLED DEFECT NOT BEING CORRECTED BY THE MANUFACTURER, WILL BE TRANSMISSION LOCKUP AT SPEED, LEADING TO A CRASH. *KB

NHTSA ODI #10419743

Official recalls

4

20V027000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Jan 17, 2020

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2001-2002 Acura 3.2CL, 2000-2003 Acura 3.5RL, 2000-2001 Acura 3.2TL, Honda CR-V and Honda Odyssey, 2001-2002 Acura MDX and 2000 Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Coupe, and Civic Sedan vehicles. These vehicles may have received a replacement driver frontal air bag module as part of a vehicle repair. Due to a manufacturing issue, the replacement NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag cushion may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air bags in the vehicles, replacing the driver frontal air bag inflator with an inflator of a different design, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138.

05V385000 · Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs

Sep 1, 2005

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. IN AREAS WHERE LARGE QUANTITIES OF ROAD SALT ARE USED, THE FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRINGS HAVE INSUFFICIENT CORROSION PROTECTION, AND MAY BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO CORROSION.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: EXCESSIVE CORROSION CAN CAUSE SPRING FAILURE AND A BROKEN SPRING COULD PUNCTURE A FRONT TIRE, WHICH INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH FRONT SPRINGS WITH IMPROVED SPRINGS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 11, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ACURA AT 800-382-2238.

04V176000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission

Apr 15, 2004

ON SOME MINI VANS, SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES, CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS CAN RESULT IN HEAT BUILD-UP BETWEEN THE COUNTERSHAFT AND SECONDARY SHAFT SECOND GEARS IN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, EVENTUALLY LEADING TO GEAR TOOTH CHIPPING OR GEAR BREAKAGE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: GEAR FAILURE COULD RESULT IN TRANSMISSION LOCKUP, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy: ON VEHICLES WITH 15,000 MILES OR LESS, THE DEALER WILL UPDATE THE TRANSMISSION WITH A SIMPLE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE TO INCREASE LUBRICATION TO THE SECOND GEAR. ON VEHICLES WITH MORE THAN 15,000 MILES, THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION TO IDENTIFY GEARS THAT HAVE ALREADY EXPERIENCED DISCOLORATION DUE TO OVERHEATING. IF DISCOLORATION EXISTS, THE TRANSMISSION WILL BE REPLACED IF DISCOLORATION IS NOT PRESENT, THE DEALER WILL PERFORM THE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 21, 2004, FOR PILOT, ODYSSEY, AND MDX OWNERS. OWNERS OF THE ACCORD VEHICLES WILL START RECEIVING LETTERS ON JUNE 28, 2004, AND ON JUNE 29, 2004, FOR OWNERS OF THE TL AND CL VEHICLES. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.

02V226000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine

Aug 28, 2002

ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, SEDANS, COUPES, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH V6 ENGINES, A TIMING BELT TENSIONER PULLEY ON THE WATER PUMP IS MISALIGNED AND COULD CAUSE THE TIMING BELT TO CONTACT A BOLT ON THE CYLINDER HEAD. EVENTUALLY THE BELT COULD BE DAMAGED AND FAIL.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE TIMING BELT BREAKS, THE ENGINE WILL STALL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WATER PUMP AND IF IT IS ONE OF THE DEFECTIVE PUMPS, THE WATER PUMP AND TIMING BELT WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 30, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

PE05040 · Front Coil Spring Breakage

Opened Jul 14, 2005 · Closed Sep 14, 2005

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs; Tires

IN AN AUGUST 29, 2005 LETTER, HONDA NOTIFIED NHTSA THAT IT HAD IDENTIFIED A DEFECT IN THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS OF CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2001 AND EARLY-2002 ACURA MDX SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES.ACCORDING TO HONDA, SOME FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRINGS HAVE INSUFFICIENT CORROSION PROTECTION AND, IN AREAS WHERE ROAD SALTS ARE USED, MAY BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO CORROSION.RUBBER SLEEVES APPLIED NEAR THE TOP AND BOTTOM OF SOME SPRINGS TO ELIMINATE NOISE CAN TRAP SALT WATER, INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR EXCESSIVE CORROSION.OVER TIME, EXCESSIVE CORROSION CAN CAUSE SPRING FAILURE.IN SOME CASES, A BROKEN SPRING COULD PUNCTURE A FRONT TIRE, WHICH INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH.EVIDENCE OF TIRE DAMAGE WAS IDENTIFIED IN AT LEAST 4 (29%) OF THE SPRING FRACTURE REPORTS AND 13 (21%) OF THE WARRANTY CLAIMS.ONE REPORT ALSO INDICATED THAT A FRACTURED SPRING DAMAGED A BRAKE LINE FAILURE, RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. TO CORRECT THE CONDITION, HONDA IS RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 22,861 MDX VEHICLES SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA WHERE LARGE QUANTITIES OF ROAD SALT ARE USED (HONDA RECALL P92, NHTSA RECALL 05V-385).THERE WERE NO COMPLAINTS OR WARRANTY CLAIMS INVOLVING VEHICLES FROM OUTSIDE THE RECALL REGION.DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRINGS WITH IMPROVED SPRINGS.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs

IN AN AUGUST 29, 2005 LETTER, HONDA NOTIFIED NHTSA THAT IT HAD IDENTIFIED A DEFECT IN THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS OF CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2001 AND EARLY-2002 ACURA MDX SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES.ACCORDING TO HONDA, SOME FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRINGS HAVE INSUFFICIENT CORROSION PROTECTION AND, IN AREAS WHERE ROAD SALTS ARE USED, MAY BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO CORROSION.RUBBER SLEEVES APPLIED NEAR THE TOP AND BOTTOM OF SOME SPRINGS TO ELIMINATE NOISE CAN TRAP SALT WATER, INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR EXCESSIVE CORROSION.OVER TIME, EXCESSIVE CORROSION CAN CAUSE SPRING FAILURE.IN SOME CASES, A BROKEN SPRING COULD PUNCTURE A FRONT TIRE, WHICH INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH.EVIDENCE OF TIRE DAMAGE WAS IDENTIFIED IN AT LEAST 4 (29%) OF THE SPRING FRACTURE REPORTS AND 13 (21%) OF THE WARRANTY CLAIMS.ONE REPORT ALSO INDICATED THAT A FRACTURED SPRING DAMAGED A BRAKE LINE FAILURE, RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. TO CORRECT THE CONDITION, HONDA IS RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 22,861 MDX VEHICLES SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA WHERE LARGE QUANTITIES OF ROAD SALT ARE USED (HONDA RECALL P92, NHTSA RECALL 05V-385).THERE WERE NO COMPLAINTS OR WARRANTY CLAIMS INVOLVING VEHICLES FROM OUTSIDE THE RECALL REGION.DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRINGS WITH IMPROVED SPRINGS.

Tires

IN AN AUGUST 29, 2005 LETTER, HONDA NOTIFIED NHTSA THAT IT HAD IDENTIFIED A DEFECT IN THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS OF CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2001 AND EARLY-2002 ACURA MDX SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES.ACCORDING TO HONDA, SOME FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRINGS HAVE INSUFFICIENT CORROSION PROTECTION AND, IN AREAS WHERE ROAD SALTS ARE USED, MAY BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO CORROSION.RUBBER SLEEVES APPLIED NEAR THE TOP AND BOTTOM OF SOME SPRINGS TO ELIMINATE NOISE CAN TRAP SALT WATER, INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR EXCESSIVE CORROSION.OVER TIME, EXCESSIVE CORROSION CAN CAUSE SPRING FAILURE.IN SOME CASES, A BROKEN SPRING COULD PUNCTURE A FRONT TIRE, WHICH INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH.EVIDENCE OF TIRE DAMAGE WAS IDENTIFIED IN AT LEAST 4 (29%) OF THE SPRING FRACTURE REPORTS AND 13 (21%) OF THE WARRANTY CLAIMS.ONE REPORT ALSO INDICATED THAT A FRACTURED SPRING DAMAGED A BRAKE LINE FAILURE, RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. TO CORRECT THE CONDITION, HONDA IS RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 22,861 MDX VEHICLES SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA WHERE LARGE QUANTITIES OF ROAD SALT ARE USED (HONDA RECALL P92, NHTSA RECALL 05V-385).THERE WERE NO COMPLAINTS OR WARRANTY CLAIMS INVOLVING VEHICLES FROM OUTSIDE THE RECALL REGION.DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRINGS WITH IMPROVED SPRINGS.