Driving up a hill in this 2003 Acura MDX and the TRANSMISSION failed. Came to a stop in the middle of the street. Several cars almost hit me. Checked online and this vehicle has a known problem of the transmission going out around 70,000 miles. A mechanic started changing it out in my driveway .then winter came. It's been sitting in my driveway ever since.
2003 Acura MDX transmission problems
104 complaints (50% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 108,000. 4 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 104
- of this car's complaints
- 50%
- typical mileage
- 108,000
- crashes
- 4
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Automatic transmission56
- Driveline1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
Acura MDX transmission problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2003 Acura MDX transmission
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
What 2003 Acura MDX owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The vehicle keeps shuddering and losing power and gears not charging in right
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 acura mdx. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle loss motive power and stalled without warning. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the transmission seemed as if it was slipping while driving. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer were made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 265,000.
Multiple safety and recalls on this vehicle including air bag system,ABS,transmission shift sensor, emission build up causing clogging in exhaust system, map sensor torque converters, differential issues,rough idle and shift interlock solenoid issues. Fluid leaks and brake sticks also air bag light wont go off.
Torque converter failure caused shards of metal to be transmitted into the transmission causing total failure of every gear in the transmission. I was driving on a divided highway at a high rate of speed when I experienced a sudden complete loss of power in high volume traffic. All lights lit up on the dash such as vtm-4, malfunction indicator lamp and gear was flashing. I was almost hit while trying to get to a safe location to pull over. Prior to the car dying I never had any indication of malfunction nor any driving issues or problems accelerating.
Transmission automatically shifts from drive to neutral while going down the highway. It's dangerous to be in traffic and lose the ability to accelerate. I have replaced the shifter and had it adjusted numerous times. Acura refuses to accept responsibility for this problem, even though there are innumerous complaints on this very issue. This is a safety concern.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 acura mdx. The contact stated that once the ignition was turned to the on position, the shift lever failed without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The VIN was included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 12v573000 (electrical system). The approximate failure mileage was 200,793.
Torqe converter going out shattering noise third gear 30 to 40 MPH about 1500 rpms there has been over 100 complaints online about the same issue
Failing torque converter. Very common problem for this vehicle but honda refuses to recall and stand behind this safety defect.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 acura mdx. While accelerating from a stop light, the vehicle went in reverse with the shifter still in the drive position. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
Questions about the 2003 Acura MDX transmission
Does the 2003 Acura MDX have transmission problems?
Owners have filed 104 complaints about the transmission of the 2003 Acura MDX, 50% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2003 Acura MDX transmission problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 108,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2003 Acura MDX transmission?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Acura MDX have bad transmission?
The Acura MDX model years with the most transmission complaints are 2001 (131 complaints), 2002 (126 complaints) and 2016 (113 complaints).
Other 2003 Acura MDX problems
Airbags 42Engine 26Electrical 18Seat belts 12Brakes 10Acceleration 7Fuel system 5Body 3Steering 3Lights 2Suspension 2Driver assistance 1Locks 1Seats 1Tires 1Visibility 1Wheels 1
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