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2002 Acura MDX: common problems and reliability
One of the weaker MDX years.
221 owner complaints, most about power train. 4 recalls.
Should I buy a 2002 MDX?The 2002 Acura MDX has 221 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and air bags.
Safety record for the 2002 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2002 Acura MDX vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other MDX years only. How we score it
Is 2002 a good year for the MDX?
Across the 25 MDX model years we track, complaint volume runs from 29 (2013) to 374 (2016). With 221 complaints, the 2002 MDX sits above the model's median of 105.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2002 MDX
air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
Campaign 20V027000Honda (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.
suspension:front:springs:coil springs
Campaign 05V385000ON 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.
engine and engine cooling:engine
Campaign 02V226000ON 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.
power train:automatic transmission
Campaign 04V176000ON 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.
What owners say across generations
Owners broadly praise the MDX for reliability, driving dynamics, interior comfort, and value, with many describing it as the most reliable vehicle they have owned and reporting zero issues over tens of thousands of miles.
Owner insights cover all generations of the MDX. See the full MDX owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used MDX listings typically run $18,298–$31,502.
Other MDX model years
Compare every MDX year side by side to see how 2002 ranks against the rest.
Compare the MDX against its rivals
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