2003 Acura MDX engine problems
10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2003 Acura MDX — 5% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“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…”
filed Dec 2, 2020
“2003 acura mdx has so many issues and it's affecting a lot of other owners. Srs airbag light issue 61-10 that needs the seat belt replacement and the engine mounts need replacement . Seems like the front and side engine failure is common”
filed Nov 14, 2018
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
These SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no longer be sold as they do not meet CARB…
DOR-M3J3F-07 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 3, 2020
Engine problems in other MDX years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 MDX | 47 | 64% |
| 2024 MDX | 5 | 14% |
| 2023 MDX | 1 | 3% |
| 2022 MDX | 9 | 7% |
| 2020 MDX | 77 | 37% |
| 2019 MDX | 46 | 25% |
| 2018 MDX | 35 | 22% |
| 2017 MDX | 76 | 31% |
| 2016 MDX | 154 | 42% |
| 2015 MDX | 7 | 10% |
| 2014 MDX | 26 | 15% |
| 2013 MDX | 9 | 31% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2003 Acura MDX
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.