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Acura · Known Issues

2002 Acura MDX Problems: 3 Known Issues

2002 model year · 1,900+ owner reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's analysis of 1,900+ owner reports, the 2002 Acura MDX has 3 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Timing Belt Tensioner and Water Pump Failure ($800-$1,500 repair) and Replacement Driver Air Bag Inflator May Rupture or Underinflate (Recall 20V027000). The most commonly reported issue is Timing Belt Tensioner and Water Pump Failure with 1,900 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $350 to $1,800. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • MDX Engine1
  • MDX Safety/Recalls1
  • MDX Suspension1
  • Recalls3
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Engine1
  • Safety/Recalls1
  • Suspension1
  • Recalls3
  • FAQ

All 3 Known Issues

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Community reported
1,900 owners

On the 2001-2006 Acura MDX, first-generation MDX models with the J35 V6 are prone to timing belt tensioner bearing failure and simultaneous water pump leaks when the timing belt service is neglected past 105,000 miles. The hydraulic tensioner loses pressure, allowing the belt to skip teeth and potentially bend valves on this interference engine.

This issue also affects: Acura TSX, Honda Accord, Honda Civic

Common Symptoms

  • Ticking or rattling noise from front of engine on startup
  • Coolant leak from water pump weep hole
  • Engine runs rough after high-mileage
  • Squealing noise from belt area
  • Engine misfires at high RPM

How to Fix

Replace the timing belt, tensioner, water pump, and all idler pulleys as a complete kit at 105,000 miles or 7 years, whichever comes first. Use genuine Honda/Acura components or the verified AISIN kit matched to the year split: TKH-001 for 2001–2002 and TKH-002 for 2003–2006. Never reuse the old tensioner even if it appears functional. This is a critical interference engine — a broken belt destroys the valves.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.1 part is hidden until exact year, trim, and engine fitment can be confirmed.

  • 2001–2002 AISIN TKH-001
    Fits 2001-2002

    Verified repair component. Approved replacement: 2001–2002 AISIN TKH-001.

    Partsgeek

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Owner tips & cautions

  • WarningThis is an INTERFERENCE engine. If the timing belt breaks, the pistons hit the valves and you are looking at a $3,000-5,000 head repair. Do the belt, tensioner, and water pump together at 100k miles — it is the single most important maintenance item on these engines.
Typical repair cost:$800 - $1,500

Research This Issue

Based on 1,900 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High Confidence1,900 owner reportsLast reported by owners Jun 2025Reviewed Mar 2026

On the 2001-2002 Acura MDX, this recall does not apply to every 2001-2002 Acura MDX — it applies to MDXs that received a replacement driver frontal air bag module as part of a vehicle repair. The replacement NADI inflator used in those repairs was built with a manufacturing defect that allows it to absorb moisture. NHTSA states the affected inflator may rupture, or the air bag cushion may fail to inflate fully. In a crash serious enough to deploy the driver air bag, a ruptured inflator can throw metal fragments at the driver or other occupants, and an underinflated cushion may not protect the driver as designed. Either outcome raises the risk of serious injury or death. Recall 20V027000 covers 875,966 vehicles campaign-wide across all the Acura and Honda models included.

How to Fix

Take the MDX to an Acura dealer; the inspection and any repair are free of charge. The dealer inspects the air bags and, if needed, replaces the driver frontal air bag inflator with one of a different design. The campaign opened October 1, 2020. Because eligibility depends on repair history rather than build date, the reliable check is your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or call American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138.

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2001-2013 Acura MDX, first- and second-gen MDX power-steering high-pressure hose deteriorates and cracks at the metal-to-rubber crimp, weeping Honda PSF onto the subframe and causing whine, low-fluid warnings, and eventually pump damage. Internally, the rack develops 'morning sickness' - stiff steering when cold that loosens once warm - from worn input-shaft Teflon seals. Note: morning-sickness/rack failure is best-documented on 2003-2013 (Gen 1.5 and Gen 2); high-pressure hose failure spans 2001-2013.

Common Symptoms

  • PSF puddle under right side of engine
  • Whining noise on cold-start when turning wheel
  • Stiff steering when cold ('morning sickness')
  • Low PSF reservoir level
  • Reddish oil residue on subframe

How to Fix

Identify the MDX generation and hose part number before purchase. Replace the leaking high-pressure feed hose with the matching application and use only Honda power-steering fluid. The verified links cover 2001–2002 and 2007–2013 subsets; 2003–2006 still requires VIN-specific sourcing. For rack morning sickness, replace the steering rack with a remanufactured unit rather than using stop-leak.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.2 parts are hidden until exact year, trim, and engine fitment can be confirmed.

  • 2001–2002 OEM feed hose reference
    Fits 2001-2002

    Verified repair component. Approved replacement: 2001–2002 OEM feed hose reference.

    Acurapartswarehouse

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$350 - $1,800

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026
NHTSA Recalls3 recalls

AIR BAGS

HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR ACURA 2010 MDX VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN OCTOBER 7, 2009 AND NOVEMBER 14, 2009. A BOLT USED TO ATTACH AN INTERIOR TRIM PIECE TO EITHER THE DRIVER'S OR PASSENGER'S SIDE A-PILLAR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN INSTALLED DURING MANUFACTURING.

Campaign #10V00200004/01/2010

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Campaign #23V85800018/12/2023

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 PILOT AND ACURA MDX VEHICLES. THE VENT SHUT FLOAT (VSF) VALVE CASE IN THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY DOES NOT MEET THE DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS.

Campaign #12V063000
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Other Acura Models

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Acura MDX problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 1,900+ owner reports, the 2002 Acura MDX has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Timing Belt Tensioner and Water Pump Failure, Replacement Driver Air Bag Inflator May Rupture or Underinflate (Recall 20V027000), Power Steering High-Pressure Hose Cracking and Rack 'Morning Sickness' — Generation-Specific Fitment. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Acura MDX reliable?

The 2002 Acura MDX has 3 known issues documented across 1,900+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Timing Belt Tensioner and Water Pump Failure and Replacement Driver Air Bag Inflator May Rupture or Underinflate (Recall 20V027000). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Acura MDX problems?

Repair costs for known Acura MDX issues range from $350 to $1,800, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Timing Belt Tensioner and Water Pump Failure, typically costs $800-$1,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2001-2006 Acura MDX Timing Belt Tensioner and Water Pump Failure?

First-generation MDX models with the J35 V6 are prone to timing belt tensioner bearing failure and simultaneous water pump leaks when the timing belt service is neglected past 105,000 miles. The hydraulic tensioner loses pressure, allowing the belt to skip teeth and potentially b… Repairs typically run $800-$1,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2001-2002 Acura MDX Replacement Driver Air Bag Inflator May Rupture or Underinflate (Recall 20V027000)?

This recall does not apply to every 2001-2002 Acura MDX — it applies to MDXs that received a replacement driver frontal air bag module as part of a vehicle repair. The replacement NADI inflator used in those repairs was built with a manufacturing defect that allows it to absorb m… Severity: high.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data sourced from 1,900+ owner reports, NHTSA recalls, TSBs, and automotive forums.

17/02/2012

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

What is the 2001-2013 Acura MDX Power Steering High-Pressure Hose Cracking and Rack 'Morning Sickness' — Generation-Specific Fitment?

First- and second-gen MDX power-steering high-pressure hose deteriorates and cracks at the metal-to-rubber crimp, weeping Honda PSF onto the subframe and causing whine, low-fluid warnings, and eventually pump damage. Internally, the rack develops 'morning sickness' - stiff steeri… Repairs typically run $350-$1,800. Severity: medium.