I waited 4 months for my MDX. We got it just before X-mas. Very nice, one sweet ride except... for my front end problems (does the thud count for 2002), my rear tailgate being racked (need to slam hard or sticks up 1/4" on drivers side), very hard starting at times (key fob?), a clunk from park to reverse whenever there is a load on the in park position (please don't tell me my tranny needs to be replaced) and my e-brake doesn't hold. Took 350 miles to find the problems. We were riding high when we picked up the MDX or I would have noticed the tailgate. Been to the dealership for the front end, said they tightened some bolts and hey... thanks for the gouge on my rear bumper. Didn't solve my front end problem, or any others, but I always wanted a scratch. Would you like some touch-up paint... pushing it. Is it me or should Acura be kissing my *** to make things right. Do you need to spend more than 42K to get a quality product??? The MDX is nice, but these are serious problems. We love this MDX, I called Acura, and at 42K the guy on the other end agreed... my butt should be kissed, but sorry not my job. Did set me up an appointment to have my truck looked at. I guess just because it's one of the "supposed" best suvs' it should be trouble free. Can I expect Acura to makes these problems right. Any info that supports these problems to resolve would be great. The dealer plays mickey the dunce, this new to us. I find this web site and almost die when I read about the problems. Good thing it lives in a garage or I'd probably have water trouble too. Please advise, Hench
2002 MDX trouble
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Hench,
Sounds like you got the lot of problems... Persistence and maybe another dealership are the key here... Definetly, contacting Acura is a good idea. Maybe Tim can offer some suggestions?
The loud clunk when a load is on the tranny is normal for ANY car going from park to reverse, at least in every Automatic Car I've ever driven. Have to park on inclines every now and then. When I forget to set e-brake FIRST, you get the hard to shift and the clunk.
Things not matching up sounds like they rushed it to completion and Acura's body shop should be able to realign it and therfore allow it to close correctly, thereby making it easier to close as well. (I do notice my wife's volvo v70 hatch closes easier and my previous Pathfinder did as well).
Hard starting, could be the key fob, but look at what the little green key is doing when it gives you trouble starting. Could help with the diagnosing.
What type of front-end problems?
Hope this helps and good luck.
Sounds like you got the lot of problems... Persistence and maybe another dealership are the key here... Definetly, contacting Acura is a good idea. Maybe Tim can offer some suggestions?
The loud clunk when a load is on the tranny is normal for ANY car going from park to reverse, at least in every Automatic Car I've ever driven. Have to park on inclines every now and then. When I forget to set e-brake FIRST, you get the hard to shift and the clunk.
Things not matching up sounds like they rushed it to completion and Acura's body shop should be able to realign it and therfore allow it to close correctly, thereby making it easier to close as well. (I do notice my wife's volvo v70 hatch closes easier and my previous Pathfinder did as well).
Hard starting, could be the key fob, but look at what the little green key is doing when it gives you trouble starting. Could help with the diagnosing.
What type of front-end problems?
Hope this helps and good luck.
Joined
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4,766 Posts
The only piece of knowledge I can offer is that if you are not pleased with your dealer's service, call Acura customer service. You'll see results faster than you would believe in most cases. They really light a fire under dealers who are performing sub-par.
Thanks
I did call Acura and they seemed concerned. I suppose if they can get the e-brake to hold that would help my tranny problem, our other Hondas' never did it, same incline this is what concerned me. The front end noise is like my old 93 4x4 blazer with a 125K on it, very noisey and loose sounding below 40mph. I'm pretty picky, I restify HD and Cudas', so I've played with alot of suspension systems, but the Acura is nothing like I have had experience with before. I was so concerned about the technology in the car I bought the 7/100K warranty, where would you begin. The technology in this car VTM-4, abs & 5spd with 4.10:1 rear alone... My cudas have 4.10s and I'm lucky if I get 8mpg. We love the X, but we're concerned that we may have a lemon. Too many issues for a hi-end vechicle. Maybe I'm stressing for nothing, they will fix all issues. It's just when the X cost as much as a Masters Degree, but then again, I should be happy I can afford the X. PS: sometimes I need to rant to releive stress, Thanks
I did call Acura and they seemed concerned. I suppose if they can get the e-brake to hold that would help my tranny problem, our other Hondas' never did it, same incline this is what concerned me. The front end noise is like my old 93 4x4 blazer with a 125K on it, very noisey and loose sounding below 40mph. I'm pretty picky, I restify HD and Cudas', so I've played with alot of suspension systems, but the Acura is nothing like I have had experience with before. I was so concerned about the technology in the car I bought the 7/100K warranty, where would you begin. The technology in this car VTM-4, abs & 5spd with 4.10:1 rear alone... My cudas have 4.10s and I'm lucky if I get 8mpg. We love the X, but we're concerned that we may have a lemon. Too many issues for a hi-end vechicle. Maybe I'm stressing for nothing, they will fix all issues. It's just when the X cost as much as a Masters Degree, but then again, I should be happy I can afford the X. PS: sometimes I need to rant to releive stress, Thanks
I agree that the emergency (parking) brake is inadequate, especially when you're heading uphill; it holds a little better when you're heading downhill. As to the transmission clunk, try this: with the trans in N, and your right foot on the main brake pedal, set the parking brake as hard as you can. Let off the main brake, and let the vehicle "settle" against the parking brake. THEN put the transmission in P. You shouldn't have any more clunk, if you remember to put the trans in R or D before you release the parking brake.
Any enterprising soul out there want to invent a lever-operated parking brake handle kit (mounting on the console, of course) to replace that useless pedal? The basic design used on the '98 and newer Accords would work fine.
Any enterprising soul out there want to invent a lever-operated parking brake handle kit (mounting on the console, of course) to replace that useless pedal? The basic design used on the '98 and newer Accords would work fine.
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67 Posts
Parking brake
Frostyra is right about the technique; my driveway is pretty slanted and I always use the parking brake to prevent the X constantly pulling in the tranny while parked. Never had clunks or jolts unless my wife parks it...
Speaking of the parking brake I too found it initially kind of awkward but I got used to it so well I wouldn't change anything right now. Easy to use once you learn the position and no use of your hand so you can hold on to your coke, coffee, cell phone, keys, laptop, bag or whatever without letting go, let alone easier to release with your leg than your arm! I like the extralarge console and the clean look without the ugly lever (happy there's no low range stick as well!). Never came in the way and I'm 6'5" and shoe size 13. Just my opinion.
ubik
Frostyra is right about the technique; my driveway is pretty slanted and I always use the parking brake to prevent the X constantly pulling in the tranny while parked. Never had clunks or jolts unless my wife parks it...
Speaking of the parking brake I too found it initially kind of awkward but I got used to it so well I wouldn't change anything right now. Easy to use once you learn the position and no use of your hand so you can hold on to your coke, coffee, cell phone, keys, laptop, bag or whatever without letting go, let alone easier to release with your leg than your arm! I like the extralarge console and the clean look without the ugly lever (happy there's no low range stick as well!). Never came in the way and I'm 6'5" and shoe size 13. Just my opinion.
ubik
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