The 2002 Acura MDX was offered with a single engine, the 3.5L V6, across two trims, and this factory service and repair manual is matched to that exact year, so the specifications and sequences are the ones for your engine and trim.
Engines
- 3.5L V6 — 3471cc (212 cu in), SOHC, naturally aspirated, gas
Trims
- Touring Sport Utility 4-Door
- Base Sport Utility 4-Door
Known issues on the 2002 MDX. Three recalls are on federal record for this model year: a driver-side frontal air bag inflator module that can rupture in a crash requiring deployment and send metal fragments, an automatic transmission gear failure that can result in transmission lockup and a crash, and front coil springs where excessive corrosion can cause spring failure, with a broken spring able to puncture a front tire. Owners have filed 242 complaints and 157 technical service bulletins are on record for the year. This manual carries the factory diagnostic and repair procedures behind each of those systems.
From a routine service interval to a transmission teardown or a front suspension rebuild, it keeps you on the OEM procedure and the correct specification for your specific 2002 MDX.
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.
In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag cushion may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air bags in the vehicles, replacing the driver frontal air bag inflator with an inflator of a different design, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138.
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.
EXCESSIVE CORROSION CAN CAUSE SPRING FAILURE AND A BROKEN SPRING COULD PUNCTURE A FRONT TIRE, WHICH INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH FRONT SPRINGS WITH IMPROVED SPRINGS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 11, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ACURA AT 800-382-2238.
ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, SEDANS, COUPES, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH V6 ENGINES, A TIMING BELT TENSIONER PULLEY ON THE WATER PUMP IS MISALIGNED AND COULD CAUSE THE TIMING BELT TO CONTACT A BOLT ON THE CYLINDER HEAD. EVENTUALLY THE BELT COULD BE DAMAGED AND FAIL.
IF THE TIMING BELT BREAKS, THE ENGINE WILL STALL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WATER PUMP AND IF IT IS ONE OF THE DEFECTIVE PUMPS, THE WATER PUMP AND TIMING BELT WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 30, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.
ON SOME MINI VANS, SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES, CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS CAN RESULT IN HEAT BUILD-UP BETWEEN THE COUNTERSHAFT AND SECONDARY SHAFT SECOND GEARS IN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, EVENTUALLY LEADING TO GEAR TOOTH CHIPPING OR GEAR BREAKAGE.
GEAR FAILURE COULD RESULT IN TRANSMISSION LOCKUP, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
ON VEHICLES WITH 15,000 MILES OR LESS, THE DEALER WILL UPDATE THE TRANSMISSION WITH A SIMPLE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE TO INCREASE LUBRICATION TO THE SECOND GEAR. ON VEHICLES WITH MORE THAN 15,000 MILES, THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION TO IDENTIFY GEARS THAT HAVE ALREADY EXPERIENCED DISCOLORATION DUE TO OVERHEATING. IF DISCOLORATION EXISTS, THE TRANSMISSION WILL BE REPLACED IF DISCOLORATION IS NOT PRESENT, THE DEALER WILL PERFORM THE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN L
Dealer Message- American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for any & all 2022 MDX Type Ss & 2021-2022 TLXs that match the criteria listed below. AHM is interested ONLY if the vehicle meets the following requirements: 1. Manufactured
Service Bulletin - Case v. American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Case No. BC 424169 (Third Clutch Transmission Settlement - $25 Credit Vouchers).
Special Tool Loan Program: Under TOOLS AVAILABLE FOR LOAN, the list has been updated.
Sending vehicle data to tech line.
Servicenews article - Is the navigation screen clock reading 00:00? We?re aware of this issue and have it under investigation.
Dealer message - On Monday, June 23, 2014, Acura announced three recalls for various 2002-06 Acura models. As of July 23, 2014, affected VINs have been identified, and service bulletins 14-023, Safety Recall: Front Passenger?s Airbag Inflat
Dealer message - On Monday, June 23, 2014, Acura announced three recalls for various 2002-06 Acura models. As of August 4, 2014, affected VINs have been identified, and VIN status inquiry has been updated.
Servicenews article - Is the navigation screen clock reading 00:00? We?re aware of this issue and have it under investigation.
Showing the 8 most recent of 165 technical service bulletins on file with NHTSA.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 ACURA MDX. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO DECELERATE BUT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE MAINTAINED SPEED DESPITE THE BRAKE PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED AND CAUSED THE DRIVER TO CRASH INTO A CEMENT WALL. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY UPON IMPACT BUT INSTEAD, DEPLOYED SEVERAL MINUTES LATER. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED LACERATIONS, A FRACTURED TOOTH, INJURIES TO THE HEAD, WRIST, RIBS AND BRUISES. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED AN ELEVATED BLOOD LEVEL, BRUISING, DISCO
WHILE DRIVING AND UPON HITTING THE BRAKES VEHICLE CONTINUOUSLY ACCELERATED. CONSUMER'S VEHICLE THEN HIT THE BACK OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE COULD NOT STOP. HITTING THE BACK OF A THIRD VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA MDX. WHEN THE CONTACT SHIFTED THE VEHICLE INTO PARK AND REMOVED THE KEYS FROM THE IGNITION, IT BEGAN TO ROLL INDEPENDENTLY. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION INTERLOCK FAILED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 171,000.
TAKATA RECALL MY MDX IS HAVING A HEAT BUILD UP BETWEEN THE COUNTERSHAFT AND SECOND SHAFT GEARS. ITS CASUING MY TRANSMISSION TO LOCK UP AND I AM VERY CONCERN
THE KEYS CAN BE REMOVED WHILE CAR IS NOT IN PARK SO IT ROLLED AND BUMPED INTO ANOTHER CAR. I CHECKED THE RECALL AND IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THEIR RECALL. MY CAR IS 2002 ACURA MDX AND THE YEAR THEY HAVE RECALL IS 2003 VERSION.
CONCERN REGARDING TOWING HONDA AUTOMOBILES BEHIND A MOTOR HOME.*MR THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE BROKE AWAY FROM THE MOTOR HOME AT THE UNIBODY FRAME AT 89-9 MPH AND T-BONED A LIGHT STANDARD AND ROLLED INTO THE DESERT. THE VEHICLE HAD A BREAK AWAY SYSTEM ON THE VEHICLE WITH A REGULAR BRAKE SYSTEM THAT OPERATES FROM THE MOTOR HOME BRAKE SYSTEM, BUT NEITHER OF THEM WORKED. *JB
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING WEST BOUND ON HWY 50 JUST WEST OF POLLOCK PINES CA. I WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE VEHICLE ABRUPTLY DOWNSHIFTED TO LOW GEAR AND SPUN OUT OF CONTROL . WE GLANCED OFF THE CENTER MEDIUM WITH MINIMAL DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. MY WIFE AND I WERE VERY SHOOK UP. I SWITCHED SPOTS WITH HER AND MOVED THE CAR OFF THE FREEWAY. WE DROVE THE VEHICLE THE REST OF THE WAY HOME (10 MILES) USING BACK ROADS NOT GOING OVER 20 MPH. WE CONTACTED NIELLO ACURA OF SACRAMENTO AND THEY TOLD US TO BRING
AIR BAGS DID NOT INFLATE WITH FRONT COLLUSION. CAR TURNED LEFT IN FRONT OF US. FRONTAL IMPACT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNOCCUPIED AND PARKED, IT ROLLED AWAY AND THEN CRASHED INTO TWO OTHER PARKED VEHICLES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO PERSONAL INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH CYLINDER WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
MY ACURA MDX 2002 HAD A FROZEN/STUCK ACCELERATOR PEDAL THAT CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO THROTTLE HIGH SPEED UPTO 50 MPH WITHIN 30 SECS. THE CAR WENT OUT OF CONTROL AND COULD NOT STOP INSTANTLY WHEN HIT THE BRAKES. CRASH CAUSED THE PROPERTY,VEHICLE DAMAGE AND ACCIDENT REPORTED TO POLICE AND DMV. *TR
I HAVE ACURA MDX 2002. ON MARCH 4TH, 2011 WHILE TRYING TO PARK IN A PARKING LOT THE CAR SUDDENLY TOOK OFF (UNINTENDED SUDDEN ACCELERATION) HITTING THE PARKED CAR IN FRONT AND THAT IN TURN HIT ANOTHER PARKED CAR. LUCKILY NOE WAS IN BOTH THE CARS. I HAD NO CONTROL ON THE VEHICLE IT KEPT SPEEDING. *TR
RECALL ON APRIL 1ST MY MOTHER DROVE HER RECENTLY PURCHASED 2002 ACCURA MDX TO WORK ABOUT A 5 MIN DRIVE TEN MIN AFTER SHE PARKED AND ARRIVED TO WORK HER CAR WAS INFLAMS AND FIRE FIGHTER INVESTIGATORS STATED IT WAS A ELECTRICAL FIRE THAT CAUSED HER CAR TO BLOW UP
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT WHENEVER THE SPEED REACHED BETWEEN 20-35 MPH, THE GEARS WOULD STICK. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR BEGAN ILLUMINATING ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE REPAIR, THE GEARS BECAME EVEN MORE DIFFICULT TO SHIFT THAN BEFORE THE REPAIR WAS PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN BACK TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY C
1ST INCIDENT: WE WERE GOING UP A HILL WITH CAR FULL OF CHILDREN WHEN MY 2002 ACURA MDX SLOWED DOWN CONSIDERABLY AND THE RPM REVVED UP TO 4-5,000. IT CONTINUED TO DO THIS AS TRUCKS AND CARS STARTED TO PILE BEHIND ME. I FINALLY REACHED AN EXIT AND PULLED OVER. AFTER PARKING, I COULD NOT REVERSE, IT WOULD NOT MOVE. AFTER WAITING AN HOUR FOR THE TOW TRUCK, WE DECIDED TO TEST THE CAR AROUND THE PARKING LOT .. IT STARTED DRIVING LIKE NOTHING WAS WRONG, AND REVERSED AGAIN. SO WE TOOK OUR CHANCES AND DR
DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND OUT OF NO WHERE MY BACK PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW EXPLODED FOR NO REASON, NO OTHER VEHICLES WHERE NEAR US SO NO DEBRIS OR OBJECTS HIT MY WINDOW. I GOT GLASS IN MY HAND AND ARM. *TR
Showing the 15 most serious of 221 complaints filed with NHTSA.
