2002 Acura MDX from North America - Comments

I have a 2001 MDX with 150K miles on it. It started slipping in second gear at about 120K miles. I had the transmission flushed at that time but it did not resolve the problem.

When I found out about the 2nd gear recall and possible transmission replacement, I just knew I qualified. At first the dealer tried to make me take the car to Canada from Colorado to get the recall work done because it was manufactured in Canada. I called the Canadian Honda company and they told me that the dealer had to do the work, but they don't like to because they often file the paperwork incorrectly with then and land up not getting paid. I called back up to the dealer and told them this, and got an appointment to get the recall work done.

They inspected 2nd gear and told me that there was no "discoloration" in 2nd gear, that I should just get my transmission flushed. Now these problems were going on before and after having my transmission flushed 12 months ago. They sent a picture on request of second gear. Looking at the picture, I don't see how this part could become discolored. Did they just send me a pic of something random to make me shut up? I looks like a gear in a casing. I can only see the teeth of the gear. The gear is black and the casing is silver. If discolored something is supposed to be blue or purple. How can the casing get discolored? With the gear how can black teeth become discolored? I plan to take the car to an independent transmission tech for a second opinion.

Other problems; the rear main seal is leaking and will cost over a $1000 to fix. I understand that this is a common defect of 2001 MDX. To replace the seal they have to remove the transmission. Too many coincidences.

I have a Acura MDX 01 with 191000 miles. I been having problems with it since I remember. I have transmission problems, rack and pinion problems, things are breaking down. It seems the more I take care of it, the more it breaks down on me. Now I having major problems with my transmission and I was wondering if my car will be qualified for the recall.

We just got an 2002 Acura MDX with 84,000 miles on it and we probably only drove it like 5 times and then on the dashboard the A/T Temp light went on indicating that the transmission fluid is hot.

Should we be alarmed that this could lead to transmission failure like the rest of you guys?

Does anyone know how to fix this? Do we just refill the transmission fluid with new or should we just take it to a dealer?

I have an 02 MDX with 117k miles. I have the same noise / jerking at 30mph that many of you describe. All my service has been done at the dealership and I was informed that a full transmission replacement would be required to cure the problem. Interesting to read about the recall & poor review of the '01 / '02 MDX transmission. After reading, I am certainly going to ask for the "good will" replacement. Curious to see how it will go. Very frustrating that the service department acted like I was the first to ever speak of it...

I have a 2003 MDX that is properly maintained. I started hearing a rumbling sound and had tires checked, balanced and rotated. The noise continued and I replaced the tires. recently I spoke with fellow 2002 owner who told me that it was a transmission problem.. I called Acura and the company seems to think that it is an isolated problem. Any others with the same issue?

I have a 2003 MDX which has been making a high pitch sound when I start the car. After it is driving for about 5-10 minutes that initial start up noise disappears. It also makes a "clunk" sound when shifting from reverse to forward. I took it into three separate shops and they all just raised their eyebrows in bewilderment. The last one said it was a dead battery and that the alternator was having to work harder. He replaced the battery and the sound persisted. When I took it back, his co-worker said it was the serpentine belt and replaced that. It still makes the sound. It is now moving forward slightly after initial startup with the parking brake on. Who do you take it to???