2002 Acura MDX engine and engine cooling problems
14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine and engine cooling on the 2002 Acura MDX — 7% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2002 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH up an incline, the vehicle stalled. The service engine and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart, but made an abnormal grinding sound while shifting into gear. The vehicle was…”
filed Aug 4, 2025
“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…”
filed Jan 3, 2012
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, SEDANS, COUPES, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH V6 ENGINES…Campaign 02V226000 · Aug 28, 2002
Engine and Engine Cooling problems in other MDX years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 MDX | 16 | 8% |
| 2019 MDX | 30 | 16% |
| 2018 MDX | 18 | 11% |
| 2017 MDX | 18 | 7% |
| 2016 MDX | 9 | 2% |
| 2013 MDX | 1 | 3% |
| 2012 MDX | 2 | 3% |
| 2011 MDX | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 MDX | 3 | 6% |
| 2008 MDX | 2 | 4% |
| 2007 MDX | 4 | 4% |
| 2006 MDX | 2 | 2% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2002 Acura MDX
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.