Used 2009 Acura MDX SUV Consumer Reviews
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The Golden Retriever of Luxury SUV's
This is our first ACURA after previously coming from a Honda Odyssey. The Reliability has been very good. No Major failures, and never left us on the road. Only one repair done under warranty, a right front wheel bearing. All else has been standard service work. Not the cheapest to maintain but not BMW outrageous either. Gas mileage has been below expected at just about 16.5mpg for mostly city use, but the handling and power make it kinda hard not to goose it a bit! Speaking of handling, the SH-AWD is awesome, you can tell when the torque vectoring is taking place, but it's not obtrusive, in fact it's kinda of addicting to engage it. Fun, fun, fun to drive especially on any winding road. Plenty of interior room for our family of 4 and large dog for multiple 1000 mile + trips. Overall excellent ownership experience and most likely will be a repeat MDX buyer.
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Disappointed
Vehicle is daily driver for my wife and she seems to like the car but this is the roughest riding vehicle I have ever driven. All small bumps and holes in the road are felt in the steering and suspension. Make sure that you drive the vehicle on a long test drive on all conditions of pavement as this was the mistake that I made. Have tried running the vehicle with the bare min. air pressure in the tires but not much helps. Hopefully the suspension will loosen up with time as I try not to ride in or drive this car which is quite a let down.
Work horse
Buy a used one so you don't take the huge hit from massive depreciation. Does almost everything very well. No car does everything perfect but this one is on par with my Toyota Highlander. I had to move up one big notch so I could tow a boat. My High Lander towed the boat but I feared it was just abusive to continue. The MDX has proven to be reliable and does everything we asked of it. Parts and repairs can be a bit high but the quality is obviously there. I joke and tell people I had to pay 15K just to have one comfortable chair in my life. The acceleration of this SUV is amazing. When you put the petal to the floor it just flies and I have had it well over 100MPH and it never got scary.
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Favorite vehicle I've ever had!
I love my MDX - it's my most favorite vehicle I've ever had! I bought a pre-owned 2009 MDX w/Technology package in black with black interior. I knew I wanted an SUV mid-size and looked at several. The MDX gives you the most bang for your buck.
235,000 miles
There is a common electrical issue. From the first 3000 miles there was a short in the radio meaning, when it get hot the sound would skip like a turn table skipping. The XM radio, CD player, AM/FM and DVD player sound would skip. Took it to several dealership from Long Island, Manhattan, and Westchester Acura. No one could find the reason, each saying to return the car at the time that the sound is skipping. Replace the first battery within one year. Twice the battery was dead within six months. Second time, dealer replace under warranty. Third time, the discharge of the battery even though the vehicle was off cause my a/c compressor to blow. The dealer said that the unit was drawing power even though it was off. The pressure build to the point where it cause the unit to blow. Dealer replace the battery and the A/C relay. Also the constant drain on the battery which maybe linked to the HLF/blue tooth system. I had to disconnect the HLF/blue took system. Gas mileage is very weak. Average about 15 miles per gallon on high way, due to heavy foot. Keep in mind I travel at least 160 miles per day. Yes, gas prices are high but I love my MDX. It corners like a dream at 65-70 mph on a curvy two lane country road. I am 6'1" and sit very well In my captain seat. The second row is hard to move forward for rear entry into the third row. Michelin Tires are the best so far in terms of gas saving and road noise. Have changed the following, tire road, oil plan, a/c relay switch, 3 battery on my fourth. Wanted to be the owner who reaches over 500,000 miles but it will be expensive.
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Great SUV
I just came out of an Audi A-8 yet needed a SUV. I normally would not even consider a MDX however my wife bought an Acura RL in April and loved the car; the quality and ride was excellent so I elected to look at the MDX. The ride is excellent and the finish is terrific. I felt the interior was nicer than the Q7. The sound system in the vehicle (with the Tech package) is exceptional and better then in my previous Audi, Jaguar and Lexus. I love driving it!
Best car I've ever owned
We bought our 2009 MDX base model new and I have enjoyed driving it for the last 9 years! We take it in for regular maintenance, replace the tires when they need to be replaced and generally take good care of it. We have roughly 122,000 miles on it and it's still going strong. We plan to let my daughter drive it once she has her license and we feel great about it's safety on the road. We live in Maine and have lots of snow and ice-- the car handles well in difficult conditions the standard all weather tires work beautifully. I may well buy another one when I hand over the keys to this one-- or transition to the RDX since I don't have to drive as many kids around anymore! Love this car! Great family vehicle! Very comfortable front seats (I have a back condition and this is very important to me).
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Great SUV but some tech issues!!
Had this suv almost 3 months now. Bought it used with 113,000 miles on it. Luv the car but now seems to be having some technical issues. When driving it sounds like someone is hitting the unlock button for the doors. Got in it this morning and my windows wouldn’t roll down and the sunroof wouldn’t work. After a few mins everything started working again, but same problem when I got back in the car after stopping. Overall a great car for myself having 4 girls.
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You won't be disappointed! Great handling SUV!
Best SUV I've ever driven and owned. Take a test drive and see for yourself. Bought it used with noisy directional tread tires, replaced them with Acura OEM tires ... wow, what a difference.
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Huge mistake!
Generally I buy cars based on my trust in a company. I've owned a total of 6 Honda products (including Acura - TL), and all of them have been outstanding. This vehicle is a big disappointment!!! Where do I begin? I buy Honda products (and Japanese vehicles in general) for their bulletproof reliability, but I've had numerous problems with this MDX - been to dealer 6 times! Electrical issues, and a Transmission issue, and some others....and the power/acceleration is very mediocre (300hp?? Yeah, right!), and the ENGINE is VERY NOISY and unrefined when accelerating!!! Shocking for a luxury vehicle. Terrible leather! Sound system, Nav and handling are the only good attributes of this vehicle.
Timing belt issues with a 2009 MDX
My 2009 MDX with 3500+ miles has been taken to dealer 3 times in the last month. Once I had to get it towed to dealership. First time I was told that they was issue with poor quality Timing belt pulley. So timing belt got shredded. They had to replace them both. They took almost week to replace it. Within a day, 2009 MDX developed issue. This time there was an issue with Catalytic converter. They took another week to replace. Again within two days, "Check emission system" came up again. This time I was told they would have to replace another catalytic converter and also sub converters. This is putting a big question mark on Acura products. Quality?
Worst SUV/auto I have owned
My experience with a 2009 ACURA MDX with 71,000 miles driven 1. AC Unit had to be replaced 2. Struts had to be replaced 3. AC Control module had to be replaced (illumination led lights on control board did not work) 4. Control module overhead had to be replaced (illumination lights on control board did not work) 5. Front wheel bearings had to be replaced My best advice to anyone buying an ACURA MDX is to buy their platinum extended warranty. If you have the experiences I have had with this vehicle it will set you back a pretty penny.
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What a machine
The MDX is truely a SUV with excellent handling and is fun to drive. I've had the MDX for one month and yet to find anything that requires me to go back to the dealer for. The craftsmanship is something else. I would highly recommend the MDX. I have no regrets with my purchase. My wife and I have driven our new MDX to the coast twice over the past month and it handles so good thru all the twist and turns on highway 1. What a awesome ride. Yet it is still a family SUV. The MDX is the complete package.
Not what I expected from Acura
13 months into ownership and I have nothing but a trouble with that car. One week into ownership, Air Bag warning came up. It was found that side B-pillar air bag was lose. Another 2 month, car started to pull to the side badly (car had only 3K miles on it), it was found to be misaligned. Another 2 month, gas door wouldn't keep close (replaced under warranty). Another 6 months into ownership and drive side window wouldn't open (window motor bad). My previous '03 Mitsubishi Montero didn't see repair shop for 6 years I owned it (55K miles), only oil changes, tire replacement, and one new set of brakes before drunk driver plunged into me and totaled it. This is my first and the last Acura.
The Ususal Well Built Honda
Have owned two Honda's before the MSX, and have been happy with the reliability of both vehicles. Was looking for another SUV, but more upscale from my 94 explorer. All the other stuff out there didn't appeal to me or was too expensive. Since I have had the mdx (sept. 09) I am completely happy with my purchase. The ride is very comfortable and quiet. Has been a pleasure to drive in the city, long trips and in the mountains. The all wheel drive system makes it handle very well on turns of windy roads. My mileage in the city has averaged 18-19 mpg, and up to 25 on the hwy. Impressive for a 300 hp motor. I like the style. Don't mind the "beak" in front. It gives it its character. A lot of car for the money.
Questionable reliability
2009 MDX with less than 4000 miles developed an issue with timing belt and timing belt pulleys. Got it towed to dealer. Dealer told us the front part of engine also got damaged. So they are trying to repair. Filed a complaint with Acura.So far as there was no action from their side as well. I did not pay 46K to get such trouble prone vehicle. People buy acura vehicles because their reliability. It looks like Reliability is getting questionable now.
solid car
great all-around mid-sise SUV. Exterior styling wears well, looks striking in black, with the red/brick leather. amazing sound system, has to be heard to be believed. As an enthusiast, amazed at how well the car responds when pushed hard. Car seems to prefer being pushed hard rather than cruising. Can at least chase my brother in his STI. Ride is a bit firm on long trips, active damping with a comfort mode needs to be standard. Needs better quality interior materials and leather. Simplified button arrangement on dash. Car is very sporty, maybe adding Brembos, and 50bhp would fulfill its potential.
09 MDX Tech/Ent Review
Upon owning my MDX for 2 months now, I am in some areas very impressed and in some areas let down a little. 15/20 is the advertised fuel economy. I have managed as much as 28 MPG cruising at 58 MPH on the interstate. I have a combined average of 19.8 since new. On a 2500 mile trip I got 23.0. Very impressive. Downs - black interior trim swirls and scratches like crazy. Leather seating looks like it's been sat in for 10 years already. It sags and has permanent indentions. I use Meguiars Leather cleaner/conditioner and it makes them look clean and shiny, but leather still looks worn beyond actual life. Car is strong as heck, does what I want it to, but seats and trim are questions.
Great ride for over 200,000 miles and counting
Best vehicle I have ever had the privilege to own and drive. Definitely a luxury well manufactured SUV. Handling and SH-AWD is awesome on both dirt and paved roads, wet, snow, ice, dry. Vehicle's safety ratings is also due to its handling capabilities. Due to its high compression ratio Premium gas is recommended, which is unfortunate, but understandable. Its rated 300 hp and 275 ft lbs torque and 5,000 lb towing rating has been used flawlessly. I actually was over by about 500 lbs on both the vehicle and trailer with no issues. I am hanging on to this vehicle until I can get an electric SUV or Truck that has a towing capacity of 5,000 or more.
New and nice
Only had the car for two weeks, but really like all the features, especially the way this car customizes everything from the drivers seat, ac, and keyless memory system. Steering is accurate and direct on center, but took some time to get used to as used to drive a Odyssey. Power is soft at first, but comes on strong when you push it. Love the transmission and shifter as it is quick on the shifts and doesn't hesitate like other systems. The SH-AWD is kinda neat, and haven't used it but once in a turn, but it's nice to have and gives great confidence when driving. Mileage on is 20 on trip to bay area, and city seems around 16. So far, so good! I am looking forward to years of driving.
Great SUV
I love my MDX. I have a black MDX w/technology package. I opted for the roof rails and sport side steps. It is a beautiful SUV. It has a great ride, ample storage, terrific acceleration and handles like a sports sedan. I was considering the Audi, but the Audi's handling does not even come close to the Acura. The BMW handled well but was now where near as luxurious or comfortable. MPG are quite reasonable considering the performance of the engine. I've had the vehicle for 9 months now and have had zero maintenance issues. If you're looking for a fantastic luxury SUV, look no further.
Safe and solid performer
Love my MDX. Solid build quality and fit n finish. Did a apples to apples comparison with the Lexus RX 350. Hands down the MDX is much better value. The smoothness of the ride and the technology package is just incredible. My 2 kids(8 & 6) are having a ball. Bluetooth and phone book downloads are so convenient. The navigation system with lane assist, traffic updates and other advanced features like Zagat rocks! Xm is a nice icing on the cake..Can't stop looking at it and driving it. Plunge in and pamper yourself. You live only once..
great car
not so good on gas
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Not that empressive
All in all I expected much more in the power area and the sound system was a real let down and I have wind noise on driver side and the ride could be nicer I feel all the bumps one the road , right up into the steering wheel. But I have to admit it's beautiful looking. oh ya premium fuel so gas cost are terrible. It does not live up to the reviews it gets (my opinion).
VERY DISAPPOINTED!!!!
This SUV looks good on the outside, that is about it. I purchased it in September with only 69k miles on it. like 3 months later, I am hearing a whirling noise coming from underneath the vehicle, while driving on the highway. At first, I was thinking it was a wheel bearing. Took it to my mechanic, he said it is not the wheel bearing, could be the Torque Converter. I was thinking perhaps, the propeller shaft and I still think it is the propeller shaft. The engine sounds horrible. My guess are the pulleys. Brand new, this vehicle is 40k, glad I didn't buy brand new. I will be going back to Toyota because Acura (Honda) is very disappointing.
Reliable luxury
Best car I have ever owned. Very reliable. Responsive driving.
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Brilliant design and execution! A joy!
Test drove everything over a three month period. Decided on the MDX because of its styling, handling, and technology. Nothing else in the segment came close. Now that I own it, I enjoy this vehicle far more than I ever imagined possible. I knew it was a great SUV, but the package in total, leaves you shaking your head at times. It is a precise vehicle, inside and out. Fit and finish is exceptional. Performance receives an A++ for a seven passenger vehicle, and it makes you want to drive the long way home everyday. The luxury, entertainment, and technology features lead you to believe you are already "home"! I recommend the Acura MDX Sports and Entertainment edition w/out hesitation!
Great 3-row SUV
For comfort and luxury it can't be beaten....design is sharp, esp. front grill and badge....wish the city gas mileage were a bit better...not bad tho' on the highway...
Pretty good
Nice car. Build quality is excellent. Dealer service has been excellent. Bluetooth cell phone pairing is easy and nice. Seats are hard for me to set up comfortably though and the headrests are absolutely awful. Very uncomfortable due b/c they tilt too far forward. Dash has too many buttons. Acura should consolidate the controls to make them easier to use, rather than trying to make you depend on voice input. GPS requires far too many steps. No iPod integration is disappointing. Needs better, more durable clear coat on the paint. Rear camera display hangs switching modes (dark to light) backing out of a driveway so often is useless when needed most on a sunny day.
low milage 2009 MDX
dependable
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Best in class
Driven my Sport/Ent MDX for 12000 miles now. The drive-ability of this SUV is impeccable. As in other reviews, I'm not sure it has 300HP, but it is enough. The smooth and quiet ride is why I bought it. Stereo is good, but not earth shattering. Nav is good, but has too many 'warning' prompts. Can program on the fly, unlike others. I really like driving at night and the headlights are great. Have had one problem with compliance bushings, but dealership is very accommodating with loaners. I don't like the key fob and think this league auto should have keyless options. Not sure about the transmission, which is designed to help you brake, is all that comfortable, but it is sporty and smooth.
Worst car ever purchased!
We were so disappointed ...... trim pieces broke, sunroof leaked and fried relay circuits, handles for seats broke, leather on drivers seat ripped, and many more. Certainly others have had these problems because we are gentle folks and maintain the car to a fault. Where does Acura get these faulty trim pieces? I forgot to mention rear suspension pieces broke at about 40000 and other front suspension problems. Never again Acura (or Honda I guess). Still the worst car ever!
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Update afetr 6500 miles
Love the SUV. Just got back from a trip to Pittsburgh. Got over 24 MPG on the highway. This machine is very quite, fast and has lots of room. Great SUV for the money...:)
Disappointing
Save your money folks -lot better stuff out there for the price. Have owned new MDX for about a year. Maintenance costs are VERY high. Differential fluid changes every 15,000 miles - not kidding. It's based on the service code. Dealers are all old school and in terrible condition. Have been to 3 different ones and they're all unprofessional -- and crooks to boot! Today I took the MDX in and apparently the brakes went out at 25000 miles. Fog/DTL light cover had melted from heat and they told me the exhaust from someone backing up real close must have done it -- unbelievable! Acura cust svc is just as bad. I have a Lexus too-the service experience and reliability is in a whole diff. league.
Best out there in its class [for now]
Buying the MDX felt like an arranged marriage, not true love. For cargo storage, vehicle size, functionality, AWD and price compared to competitors, the MDX is great. But driving...well I don't know who said this is a fun drive. 5-spd tranny feels dated and sluggish to accelerate. Feel disconnected from the road more so than other CUVs. Lacks features like keyless entry/ignition, blind spot monitoring. Leather seems cheap compared to all competitors. Fuel economy disappointing at 14 mpg (80% highway) after 3 tanks. Lacks small touches in design - example is doors feel light and flimsy when closed. Chose MDX over CX-9 for the badge but have been feeling regret since purchase.
Excellent and reliable
Excellent and very reliable. It has more 200,000 miles and still works great.
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Overall, a great vehicle
Having driven the car around town as well as some long trips, I am satisfied with the vehicle. 3rd row seating works fine, albeit not for tall people by any means. Nice pick up. More spacious than I thought from the outside. SH-AWD works great in slick snowy condition. I bought the base pkg, and the sound quality is plenty good. Leather seats are not at par with BMW standards. Bluetooth is somewhat cumbersome (voice recognition only). Can't say enough about the leg and shoulder rooms enough. It is fun to drive, from the SUV perspective. At this price, expected scheduled free maintenance though. Overall one of the best buys in the segment.
Worst I have qwned
Thud/scraping noise from front wheel when driving from cold.Driver side window rattle. Dealer says that these are the characteristics of the vehicle. Acura Canada not responsive.Why is it only a characteristic after you buy the vehicle. Very poor fuel economy. Worst vehicle I have owned. Definitely a do not buy.
Transmission problem at 400 miles
Bought my MDX 4 months back. After 2 months transmission fluid started leaking, noticed oil marks on my garage floor. Took to dealer - they had to open the whole transmission and check inside. The problem was a faulty "O" ring which was causing the leak. If a $20 part is faulty after 400 miles not sure what to expect from this SUV. The dealer had to remove the whole transmission, unlink it with the engine, opened up everything connected to the engine to get to the faulty O ring. Don't buy this car, for this price there are much better options in the market. I have Lexus SUV as well and it far exceeds Acura from performance and reliability.
Acura 2009 MDX Sport AWD
Purchased after looking at all the rest; BMW, Mercedes, Enclave, Audi, Toyota. Sport package took me over the edge to buy. Handling is fantastic. Seating excellent. Controls easy to use. Cost to own seems relatively strong in Edmunds. We will have to wait and see. After two years, this automobile should have 6 speed transmission. Looks like 2010 will finally have one. When I found out it had build parts in Canada, wanted to turn it back in to the dealer!
Buyer's Remorse
I've bought at least 10 cars over my life and always been 100% satisfied. For the first time I feel I made a huge mistake. I've got 1500 miles on a new MDX and I've decided to get rid of the damned thing. Engine noise reminds me of a 4 cylinder Camry, the transmission is jerky, particularly when downshifting - take your foot off the gas at 60 and the engine immediately starts dragging you down, almost like no overdrive. The front seats are exhausting if you sit in them over an hour. And the steering is way too stiff and the indentations on the wheel are spaced too far apart. I took at least 4 or 5 test drives and for the life of me I don't know how I missed these details.
JUNKWAGON!
Well, two transmissions in the first year of ownership should tell you something. Gas mileage is terrible. Never got more than 15mpg. Rattles like it has 100k miles on it. Dealer stinks and is not very knowledgeable. First and last Honda product.
A True Luxury SUV
Now over the initial new- vehicle "crush," I'm still very impressed with what this car is capable of. Lives up to the designation "luxury-performance SUV." I have subjected this vehicle to all kinds of conditions: towing a 4000 lb camper through 60-mile per hour gusts, plowing through white-outs on snow- covered roads in the Sierras, carrying three kayaks over dirt roads and sandy beaches. In all these adverse conditions, this vehicle kept its cool and did its job with grace, power, and control. It kept my family of five comfortable and safe with its arsenal of super-handling features. All of this, for a good $3000 below that of competitors with comparable features. You do the math.
Not a bad one
Got it a month ago after thorough study and many colleagues bought MDX previously. Overall it is a nice SUV and worth with its price. Good handling and smooth drive although steering wheel is too restrained to turn. For exterior I like front design, but tail looks terrible. Power is good, especially like the manumatic shift to satisfy sporty drivers. A typical sport SUV.
Better than expected gas mileage
I read these review before I buy so that's why I'm doing this. My first SUV, typically German sports cars. 11,000 miles no problems, gas mileage computer at 65 mph freeway 25-26 mpg, if I were to drive at 80 it would drop to 20-21, so I'm happy. Love sport suspension, in an emergency quick manuever suspension tightened up and I avoided an accident, fun too. Sequoia mtns. Snow was fun an safe handling, lots of power, remember im used to BMW's and Porsche's, no longer trust Mercedes. Surprised I enjoy the elec. Tail gate, love the taupe interior, nav screen big, blu tooth wonderful, computer info good, x-lights great cockpit comfort, luv the front grill etc. Looking to buy another in 2 years.
Super fun to drive
- Mazda CX9 was initially my #1 choice - After test driving CX9, I was disappointed with the driving experience (the ride is very shaky) - I tried the MDX, and was blown away by how it handled in the first 5 mins. The experience was silky smooth, yet at the same time aggressive, assertive and very sporty. - The SH AWD is amazing. During the test drive, the dealer encourage me to take sharp highway on-ramps at 60 mpg - I could feel the outer wheels "pushing" the car away from the turn - the feeling was totally exhilarating - I kiteboard - the adrenaline rush from the SH AWD (when used aggressively) is comparable to what I feel when on water - I would have never imagined that to be possible
Great choice for our family
After 6000 miles this summer, I'm extremely pleased with our MDX. I really wanted a station wagon with a 3rd row seat and this was our best option. Great leg room for the kids in the second row and I've ridden in the 3rd row. Love the NAV. Easy to use. Bluetooth actually understands me! Love how stable and responsive the car is. Plenty of power when I need it on the highway. Tons of cargo space. Even with every seat in use, plenty of room for backpacks behind the 3rd row. Didn't want a minivan and I feel like we've finally found the perfect family car. I often take 300 mile+ trips by myself with the kids and I feel very safe in the car. I occasionally let my husband drive!
Solid SUV
We bought our first MDX in Dec 08. 5400 miles later, my wife was T-Boned on the drivers side at a major intersection. The front/side airbags deployed and there was some $20K in damage. I must say I was impressed to the way the vehicle took the direct hit, thus protecting my wife from any serious injury. The other vehicle was totaled. Based on the location, and speed of the vehicle that hit our MDX, this little thing really took it well. We got it fixed and bought another one. They may be pricey, but they sure are safe and dependable.
Extremely happy with my purchase
I've had my car for a week, so I can't really comment on the reliability. I'll update it later. I originally went out looking to buy a Toyota Highlander, thinking that was the only SUV that was in my price range, but the deals on the MDX have been crazy so I could easily justify the $5 more I spent on the MDX. This car has everything I wanted. The SH-AWD is awesome, the luxurious interior is really comfortable and has a ton of features and tech (I got the tech package). The voice recognition is way better than my BMW I used to have and it drives much more like a sports car than the RX. I ordered all my accessories off of bernardi acura for way cheaper.
Acura MDX Tech. Package w/DVD on Headsets
Our brand-new MDX was broken into and the window was destroyed and two DVD players on the headrest were cut and stolen after within one hour of purchase. We think the DVD headrest design was inferior, and can not be pulled out at all and no accessory to cover the two DVD sets. We think this is fail design and vulnerable to be stolen.