2002 Acura MDX Transmission & Power Train Problems
NHTSA component category: POWER TRAIN · data through 07/14/2026
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
How power train ranks on this vehicle
Share of the 204 complaints citing each category; one complaint can cite several. Full breakdown on the 2002 Acura MDX overview page.
What owners report
“I OWN A 2002 ACURA MDX WITH 130K MILES. THE TRANSMISSION FAILED WHILE I WAS IN VACATION 2 HOURS FROM MY HOME. THE CAR WAS…”NHTSA complaint 10343747 — filed 07/17/2010
“I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER B/C THE VEHICLE WAS SLOWING DOWN ON THE FREEWAY AND THIS NOISE THAT COMES FROM THE REAR OF…”NHTSA complaint 10320172 — filed 03/16/2010
“2002 MDX TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.** ANSWER REQUIRED***. THE SWAY BARS CRACKED SIX MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND…”NHTSA complaint 10129112 — filed 07/08/2005
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Power Train complaints by year filed
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2002 Acura MDX have transmission & power train problems?
Power Train is the #2 most-reported problem area on the 2002 Acura MDX: 37 of 204 complaints on file (18.1%). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects.
How many complaints does the 2002 Acura MDX have in total?
204 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Across all categories, 11 involved a crash, 2 involved a fire, 5 reported injuries, and none reported deaths.
What does NHTSA's power train category include?
NHTSA groups complaints about the transmission (automatic or manual), driveline, axles, transfer case and related parts under a single component category called POWER TRAIN. This page reports that category as NHTSA defines it.
