2002 Acura MDX recalls and problems
The 2002 Acura MDX has 4 safety recalls and 206 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Acura dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2002 Acura MDX vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2002 Acura MDX recalls
Recall 20V-027: Air Bags
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Recall 05V-385: Suspension
Problem: 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.
Risk: Excessive corrosion can cause spring failure and a broken spring could puncture a front tire, which increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace both front springs with improved springs. The recall began on october 11, 2005. Owners may contact acura at 800-382-2238.
Recall 04V-176: Power Train
Problem: 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.
Risk: Gear failure could result in transmission lockup, which could result in a crash.
Fix: 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.
Recall 02V-226: Engine and Engine Cooling
Problem: 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.
Risk: If the timing belt breaks, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
2002 Acura MDX problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 128 | |
| Air Bags | 23 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 14 | |
| Electrical System | 12 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 12 | |
| Structure | 7 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 6 | |
| Unknown or Other | 6 | |
| Steering | 5 | |
| Suspension | 5 | |
| Engine | 5 | |
| Seat Belts | 3 |
Most reported parts
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 84
- Structure › Frame and Members — 5
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Torque Converter — 4
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 3
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and Associated Pulleys — 2
- Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner — 2
- Seat Belts › Front › Retractor — 1
- Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 98,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2002 Acura MDX complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Acura MDX years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2002 Acura MDX have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2002 Acura MDX: 20V-027 (air bags), 05V-385 (suspension), 04V-176 (power train), 02V-226 (engine and engine cooling). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Acura MDX?
Owners report power train problems most often (128 reports), followed by air bags (23). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 98,000 miles.
Are Acura recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Acura dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.