2002 Acura MDX Reliability ReportC+ grade · moderate risk · system-by-system breakdown
Quick Facts · 2002 Acura MDX
- The system most likely to surface first: automatic transmission (critical severity).
- Has 4 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module.
- Scores 7 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2003 Acura MDX earns a 82.
Is the 2002 Acura MDX Worth Buying?
The 2002 Acura MDX offers a generally robust foundation with a powerful V6 engine and comfortable ride, making it a compelling value proposition on the used market. However, a notorious Achilles' heel in its automatic transmission demands meticulous pre-purchase inspection and a readiness to address potential issues, elevating its risk profile significantly despite other strong attributes.
Biggest Strengths
- Reliable J35 V6 engine (when maintained)
- Strong resale value (pre-transmission issues)
- Comfortable ride and spacious interior
What Tends to Fail First on the 2002 Acura MDX
The systems that break first on the 2002 Acura MDX. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.
2002 Acura MDX Recall History
4 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (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
ON 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.
What breaks on the 2002 Acura MDX?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Other Acura MDX Years to Consider
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Acura MDX. Click any year for its full report.
2002 Acura MDX Alternatives
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.
Relevant Products for Your 2002 Acura MDX
Parts and accessories matched to your 2002 Acura MDX
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Frequently Asked Questions
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