2003 Acura MDX Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

11 safety recalls on file

The 2003 Acura MDX has 11 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 206 complaints with NHTSA, including 11 crashes, 5 fires, 9 injuries.

The most-reported problem area is Power Train (106 reports).

11Recalls
206Owner complaints
11Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your MDX?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

2003 Acura MDX recalls

Driver Airbag Inflator Can Explode, Sending Metal Shrapnel

Recall 19V499Jun 27, 20193,947 vehicles affected

The driver-side frontal airbag inflator in these vehicles may rupture because its propellant can degrade over time after long-term exposure to high humidity, heat and temperature swings.

Passenger airbag may explode and spray metal shards

Recall 19V501Jun 27, 20191,657,752 vehicles affected

The passenger-side frontal airbag inflator in certain vehicles may rupture due to propellant degradation after long-term exposure to high humidity, heat and temperature cycling.

Driver airbag inflator may explode, sending metal fragments

Recall 19V182Mar 6, 20191,101,534 vehicles affected

The driver's frontal airbag inflator in these vehicles may rupture during deployment because of a manufacturing error.

Passenger Airbag May Rupture and Spray Metal Fragments

Recall 16V344May 23, 20161,790,894 vehicles affected

The passenger-side frontal airbag inflator can rupture when the airbag deploys in a crash.

Passenger Front Airbag May Rupture and Spray Metal Fragments

Recall 15V370Jun 15, 20153,498,481 vehicles affected

The passenger-side frontal airbag inflator may be affected by moisture intrusion over time.

Driver Airbag Inflator Can Rupture, Sending Metal Fragments

Recall 15V320May 28, 20156,281,043 vehicles affected

The driver's frontal airbag inflator can be affected by moisture intrusion and manufacturing variability.

Air Bags May Deploy Unexpectedly While Driving

Recall 15V045Jan 28, 2015374,177 vehicles affected

A component in the air bag control module may fail because of electrical noise.

Air Bags

Recall 14V700Nov 4, 2014

Air Bags

Recall 14V353Jun 20, 2014133,207 vehicles affected

Air Bags

Recall 13V412Sep 19, 2013374,618 vehicles affected

Electrical System:Ignition:Switch

Recall 12V573Dec 11, 2012807,161 vehicles affected

Most common 2003 Acura MDX problems

Problem areas named in the 206 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Power Train106
Air Bags42
Engine And Engine Cooling18
Electrical System18
Seat Belts12
Unknown Or Other10
Engine10
Vehicle Speed Control7
Fuel/Propulsion System5
Service Brakes, Hydraulic4

What owners report

2025-04-30, Power Train
Driving up a hill in this 2003 Acura MDX and the TRANSMISSION failed. Came to a stop in the middle of the street. Several cars almost hit me. Checked online and this vehicle has a known problem of the transmission going out around 70,000 miles. A mechanic started changing it out in my driveway .then winter came. It's been sitting in my driveway ever since.
2023-03-20, Fuel/Propulsion System
My vehicle has a check engine light. The code indicates the issue is the fuel neck filler (part number 17660-S3VA02) which has been confirmed by my mechanic. This is a safety item due to some type of fuel leak in the filler neck area for gasoline which causes the check engine light. The part is on backorder and from my conversations with multiple dealerships, there is no estimated date of delivery. Apparently, there is a high number of vehicles having this issue. As a result, I am unable to smog my vehicle due to some type of fuel leak. It appears there is a safety item that needs to be addressed immediately.
2021-08-11, Seat Belts
Unknown, but since I bought the car I encountered a problem with the rear seatbelts, they do not work and I am about to be a grandmother and it is important and is a safety issue,
2021-04-11, Structure
ON APRIL 7 2021 ARRIVED ABOUT 10:45 A.M. I DROVE TO MCGRATH ACURA DEALER AT 9105 WAUKEGAN ROAD, IN WAUKEGAN, ILLINOIS FOR A POWER STEERING FLUSH, THAT EMPLOYEE INSTRUCTED ME WALK WITH HIM TO OBSERVE A UNDERNEATH INSPECTION REAR AND FRONT I NOTICE THAT REAR FRAME IS COMPLETELY RUSTED INCLUDED SHOCKS SURROUNDING THE FRAME, THROUGH OUT THE VEHICLE IT WAS ONA HYDRALIC JACK. SEE IMAGES ME AND EMPLOYEE LOOKING UNDERNEATH.
2020-12-21, Fuel/Propulsion System
THE VEHICLE KEEPS SHUDDERING AND LOSING POWER AND GEARS NOT CHARGING IN RIGHT

2003 Acura MDX questions

Does the 2003 Acura MDX have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 11 safety recalls for the 2003 Acura MDX: Driver Airbag Inflator Can Explode, Sending Metal Shrapnel; Passenger airbag may explode and spray metal shards; Driver airbag inflator may explode, sending metal fragments; Passenger Airbag May Rupture and Spray Metal Fragments; Passenger Front Airbag May Rupture and Spray Metal Fragments. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Acura MDX?

Based on 206 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Power Train (106), Air Bags (42), Engine And Engine Cooling (18).

How do I check if a recall on my 2003 Acura MDX has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

Other Acura MDX years

Other 2003 Acura models