2002 Acura MDX: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Aug 4, 2025 · Engine · 213,722 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2002 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH up an incline, the vehicle stalled. The service engine and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart, but made an abnormal grinding sound while shifting into gear. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the failure could be related to the water pump; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 213,722.

Filed Apr 21, 2012 · Transmission · 112,300 miles · MD

On my way to home from work, I noticed that my acura mdx makes grinding and shuddering sound when increasing speed after a stop or from slow speed. While going on state highway at 50/mhp speed, the front wheels locked up. The car dragged on the road for about 25 feet and came to a complete stop in the driving lane as I could not steer the vehicle on to the shoulder due to locked front wheels. The lady behind me driving at the same speed was able to just stop her SUV within six inches of the back of my vehicle. It scary and frightening experience for both of as my vehicle completely stopped in driving lane in about 5 to 7 second from 50/MPH to a complete stop. My vehicle could not be pushed over to the side of the road due to locked front wheels. This was a near death experience I had for the first time in my life. I was searching on internet to see if others had similar problem. I was amazed to find hundreds of comments about this problem from the owners of mdx for model years that range from 2002 to 2010. They appear to have the same transmission problem where the second gear just freezes. I am wondering why the sha has not investigated this problem and found faults with honda's lack of willingness to correct this problem. Some of the comments on internet says that this happened to them on highways..

Filed Jan 3, 2012 · Engine, Suspension · 34,264 miles · OH

I purchased the 2002 mdx on 12, january 2004. At that time I questioned the hard shifting from first into second. It would lurch, shudder, and jump from standing still to first gear, all the way through the gears. I was worried that the transmission would be damaged as well as other parts. On 27 july, 2004 the transmission began to rock front and back, with loud grinding and metal to metal sound. The dealer explained there was a recall on the at and an oil jet cooler was needed. Over the next 7 years I had my mdx serviced at the dealership. Each time I would complain about the noise at speeds between 20-30 and 35-45. Again I was told nothing could be done. The engine broke the side motor mount, again I was told that nothing could be done. Finally on 6 july 2011 while driving 75 on interstate 71, my transmission revved into the red area on the gauge, atf was blowing out the back and covered the back window. I pulled over and the transmission seized on the spot. The mdx was towed to the dealership were I was told the oil jet cooler had a drain nut, that came out, thus releasing the atf. The drain plug and atf was replaced, but again I was told there was nothing could be done as the defect was a part and not covered. The shop manager told me that the shock and spring was rusted and leaking fluid. I was told that both motor, the timing belt, the shifter cable and connection, outer tire rod, boots needed to be replaced. I searched the internet for 5 minutes and discovered thousands of complaints related to the transmission. I confirmed the recalls on the shocks coils transmission, and multitude of other components. I had the timing belt, every belt, water pump, and motor mounts replace at another dealership in town. This is a dangerous problem. As long as there are 2002 mdx's on the road and honda acura ignore or deny the problem. The risk of death is great.

Filed Oct 20, 2011 · Transmission · 130,127 miles · CT

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 acura mdx. The contact stated that when driving in second or third gears, the vehicle would exhibit an abnormal grinding noise with a vibrating sensation. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection but the manager advised that due to the mileage and the year of the vehicle, they would not be able to repair the vehicle under the warranty. The contact stated that the vehicle had been taken to the dealer four times for the same exact transmission failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure who advised that there were no recalls and they were unable to honor the warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 130,127.

Filed Aug 17, 2011 · Transmission · 76,000 miles · WI

Torque converter issue (vibration/shudder/grinding between 20-50 MPH while accelerating). Acura recommends replacement of transmission and torque converter.

Filed Aug 17, 2011 · Transmission · 76,000 miles · WI

Torque converter issue (vibration/shudder/grinding between 20-50 MPH while accelerating). Acura recommends replacement of transmission and torque converter. Acura has not acknowledged this as a problem, despite the repeated incidents of failure. This is a known problem and needs to addressed by acura!!!! It would be safe to say from similar complaints that I've read on the internet that there are probably thousands of mdxs that have this problem.

Filed Feb 8, 2011 · Transmission · 95,000 miles · WA

There has been an intermittent grinding noise and shudder in the transmission between 35-45 miles and hour in 5th gear. This is a known issue in acura mdx 2002 and has been issued a recall for other VIN # 's but mine is not included in the recall even though it has the same symptoms. I am worried that it will lock up and cause an accident but the dealer and acura have so far refused to fix the issue.

Filed Feb 11, 2008 · Transmission · 80,000 miles · NC

Automatic transmission frequently hesitates and makes loud grinding noise. This happens especially when driving at low speeds (5mph to 45mph).