Used 2003 Acura MDX Consumer Reviews
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Transmission Trouble Twice
Stacy, 04/12/2018
2003 Acura MDX AWD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
We had a transmission rebuilt and a month after the warranty, it went out again. Mechanics say-stay away from 2003s. Other than that VERY costly repair, its a fantastic SUV.
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Pretty Lil Thing BUT....
Anny B, 03/07/2020
2003 Acura MDX Touring AWD 4dr SUV w/Nav and Entertainment System (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
I absolutely love my 03 MDX. I bought it used and the interior was immaculate and the exterior was also. It still looks brand new. But what I didn't do was research this year model. Seems that the transmissions tend to go out in them. I started having shifting problems so I looked it up and that's when I learned about the bad transmissions. Took mine to a great tranny guy who is as honest as can be cause he could have easily said it was the transmission but he didn't. He found a wire that had been chewed into and replaced it. Total out of my pocket, $75.00. Every now n then it acts like it's in neutral when you give it gas but not often. Now it has motor problems. I was told several causes so I started with the most likely, catalytic converter. Bought brand new and replaced. Didn't fix it. It smokes, uses oil and gas now which is something it never did before. Nothing happened that I know of to have caused this and a compression check is on the agenda. To sum it up, even tho I love this vehicle, it has been a headache almost from day one. It only had about 190xxx miles on it when I bought it and when it's good it's great but that's been few and far between. Research the vehicle you're looking at, trust me, it will save you money and a headache.
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2003 Acura MDX for sale near you
3 of 22 listings
- Touring 4dr SUV w/Nav and Entertainment SystemMSRP: $2,99528 mi away
- Touring 4dr SUVMSRP: $6,950194 mi away
- Touring 4dr SUVMSRP: $4,900256 mi away
See all 22 listings
Better than my 3 grand cherokees
george ganem, 09/14/2006
2003 Acura MDX Touring AWD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
I have always been pleased with owning this vehicle compared to my previous three grand cherokees. There seems to be less driver compartment room than the jeeps, but the ride is much smoother and quieter. Gas economy is better in the acura. Always felt the acura is a step up from most other suvs. Being 6'4" tall, many other suv models are more crowded in the drivers area.
2 yr 3 month ownership (happy)
logun, 05/17/2012
2003 Acura MDX Touring AWD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
22 of 26 people found this review helpful
Bought this SUV for my wife in late 2009 early 2010, with 74,500 miles on it. We've put 23,000 miles on it (+ or -). We've had it dealer maintained as it was from the previous owner (we r 2nd owner). We've made sure to maintain the transmission (both frnt & rear diffs as well) as AWD or 4 x 4 vehicles require this otherwise it breaks. We have replaced shocks, struts, motor mounts, window regulator & a tensioner set. The pwr steering does quit when we hit a large puddle till the belt dries (within a few sec.) Otherwise it's been a great vehicle. She even runs low to mid grade octane gas without issue.
TRANSMISSION
JB, 12/25/2015
2003 Acura MDX Touring AWD 4dr SUV w/Nav (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
25 of 31 people found this review helpful
I bought this car with 43,000 miles on it in Nov 2006. Car was fantastic. When I bought the car I went for the 12 month extended warranty for an extra $1200. About 11 months into owning the car I got a check engine light and flashing D5 light. Took it to the Acura dealer. Trans DEAD!!! They replaced it for free since it was under warranty and gave me a loaner while they did it. So then about 2 years ago I notice the trans slamming into gear. Changed fluid....same crap. So October 2014 D4 blinking light and check engine light AGAIN!!! Car would not switch out 4th gear. I took it to a trans place and had the trans totally rebuilt new Valve body, PC, gears and synchros. The builder took pics of the trans it was HORRIBLE all burned up and stuff. So what Honda does is place the trans cooler into the Rad so I have no idea how but the cooling fluid got into the trans fluid probably because trans cooler in the rad and ruined the trans. So the builder added an EXTERNAL trans cooler. So now just a few days ago.....D5 blinking light. But no check engine light and car drives fine. I took the car back to the builder and he said there were no trans codes in the history or anything. I'm so done with this car. I am VERY VERY disappointed in Honda. All the Honda 5sp Autos are pure garbage and they should be ashamed of themselves. Other than the 2 trans I had to replace the car is awesome. But that trans ruins it! I cant believe Honda acting like they have no idea why this is happening. STAY AWAY FROM THIS CAR!!!! STAY AWAY!!! But an MDX with the new 6spd auto.
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