2002 Acura MDX touring from North America - Comments

Transmission slipping at 20K, dealer replaced due to recall. Transmission seal failure at 85K. Dealer fixed. Bearing failure 2K miles later, and dealer replaced transmission again.

Front control arms needed replacing at 80K.

Brakes replaced at 60K, new ones warped rotors. Dealer turned, warped again. Put aftermaket set up on, no further problems.

Relays for A/C blew twice.

Current problems: climate control fan needs replacing.

Suspension is worn. Need new struts and control arms.

After owning a 98 ML320 that was in the shop twice a year to get overhauled, I figured buying a honda would give me the best chance at owning a reliable car. WRONG! A month after I took delivery, the climate control stopped working. Turned out to be a relay, which the dealer replaced under warranty. All was well for a while, then the transmission started shifting erratically, and refused to stay in 5th gear. Dealer replaced it, only to have that one fail 60K miles later. I still can't believe this. When did Honda forget how to make a Transmission? My wife has leased 4 Fords, including 2 Tauruses, in the past 15 years, and despite what others have gone through, I never had to put a tranny in any of them. Now I'm replacing transmissions in Hondas? Ugh! At least both were replaced under warranty.

As of right now, I can't wait to get rid of this car. With only 110K on it, it rides worse now than any car I have ever owned, no joke. The steering is loose, and it handles and takes road imperfections like a shopping cart. Dealer is telling me I need new struts, control arms and everything else. They must be kidding. A honda with 110K isn't even broken in yet!!! My son's 98 Accord with 160K on it rides just as solid as it was when it was new, and he only ever replaced a stabalizer bar. Now I have to gut the suspension on a 5 year old suv that's seen nothing but gentle highway driving?

After spending $40K on a car, I honestly can't belive how poorly this vehicle has held up. Honda under-engineered this model, and let me down in the process. I won't buy another SUV from them. If your thinking of buying one, make sure the suspension and transmission are in good shape first, and don't drive off the lot without a warranty.

I'm going through the same thing with my MDX - which until last year (and despite a problem twice with the sound system going bonkers) was a joy to drive. Replaced transmission at 54,000 miles (dealer paid for) but told me would not do again. Well here I am only 10 months later and the darn thing is starting to act up again. And to think I bought this $40,000 vehicle because it was a Honda product and would go forever!!!

I saw one the other day with over 200,000 miles on the original transmission. Sorry.

I have to concur with this poster. The suspension on the older MDX's is a bit too loose. I have an 02 MDX, bought it new, and while I've had zero transmission problems, at 75,000 miles the car rides horribly. I'm afraid I'm going to need a new setup soon, which I can't understand. Driving wise, I've had the car out in a field on my farm every once in a while, but I wouldn't even call that off roading. I havn't driven this car hard enough to wear anything out, but I've read on the MDX.org forum many people replace the suspensions early on these vehicles. Pity.

If you're looking to buy one, as I understand it the 2004 and on models got an upgraded, stronger suspension setup. I'd recommend checking those out first if you're planning on keeping the car for a long time.