2003 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 206 complaints citing each category; one complaint can cite several. Full breakdown on the 2003 Acura MDX overview page.
What owners report
“WHILE TRAVELING AT AROUND THE SPEED LIMIT ON A BUSY FREEWAY THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STARTED COASTING WITHOUT ANY WARNING. STEPPING ON THE GAS CAUSED THE…”NHTSA complaint 10584572 — filed 04/24/2014
“WHEN DRIVING MY 2003 ACURA MDX (SUV), LAST FALL, THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO SLIP OUT OF GEAR AT LOW SPEEDS. IT WOULD BE IN 3RD…”NHTSA complaint 10561172 — filed 01/23/2014
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 10 MPH WHEN THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO SLIP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE…”NHTSA complaint 10557932 — filed 12/31/2013
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Power Train complaints by year filed
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2003 Acura MDX have transmission & power train problems?
Power Train is the #2 most-reported problem area on the 2003 Acura MDX: 49 of 206 complaints on file (23.8%). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects.
How many complaints does the 2003 Acura MDX have in total?
206 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Across all categories, 11 involved a crash, 5 involved a fire, 9 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.
