Faults:

Nothing really has gone wrong with the car.

General Comments:

I read all of these problems with the Acura 2003. We have had the car for 7 years, and I have 144K miles on it.

I replaced the air conditioning unit, because it failed, and as preventative maintenance, I replaced the timing belt and water pump (since it is directly below it).

The interior air vents don't work in the second seat, and the air conditioning doesn't go to the second bench seat. I have chosen not to fix those things.

But overall, this has been the best car we have ever owned. I am ready to buy a new car, but this car keeps running great, so I can't justify spending the money on a new car.

Faults:

Acura replaced the transmission after only 6000 miles. It never felt like it shifted correctly after that. It would downshift harsh when coasting off a freeway.

General Comments:

Too much like a Honda inside (actually the Pilot was nicer inside at the time). I don't think I'll look at another again.

Faults:

Transmission was replaced at 77,000.

Brakes act like they are skipping.

The volume control knob and the auto cruise on steering wheel have broke.

The transmission coolant line leading into the radiator burst out, thus needing to replace the entire radiator.

Seatbelts in third row will lock.

Motor mounts are in need of replacement

General Comments:

The transmission was causing the car to slow, then suddenly speed, then slow again. The car was towed to the dealer, where we were told we had far too much luggage on top of the MDX. This was a common problem the dealer said. We should have been driving in 4th gear the entire 500 mile, all level terrain trip.

The MDX is sold as a luxury yet tough SUV. I don't find this to be true. The MDX is fragile. I feel with 160,000 miles I'm pushing its life time.

I have learned an abundance of information online regarding repairs. I wont take the MDX to the dealer for repairs. Replacing a radiator, a dealer charges 1,200 dollars. I replaced it for less than 500 dollars.

I won't buy another.

Faults:

Transmission gave out, which appears from the blogs to be a common problem with the Acura MDX, especially the 2003 model. I took the car to Aamco and they allegedly rebuilt the transmission last week; just a few days after getting it back the transmission failed again. I should have done my homework on both Acura MDX before buying, and AAMCO before using for transmission repair.

Sadly, although I have enjoyed the way the car handles and its comfort, I would never buy an Acura MDX again -- it has been a money pit. Consistently the dealership says they have never seen anything like this. But the blogs suggest these cars are not that reliable. I have found this to be true.

I have previously only owned Volvos and still have one that is 15 years old, with 227,000 miles on it, and going strong. What a disappointment that the Acura, which costs so much more, are not built in a dependable manner.

General Comments:

Interior is roomy, practical and very comfortable. Car handles amazingly well for an SUV and much better than the Volvo XC90.

However, it is not a car that is built to last -- prepare yourself for transmission problems and tie rod problems and etc, etc. Very very expensive car to own, and therefore not worth it.