I have a 2002 MDX with low miles. I have a distinct click in the rear brakes each time I reverse direction and apply the brakes. If I back up after stopping in a forward direction and apply the brakes they will give off a distinct, somewhat low click. The same thing will occur when I stop going forward. It only occurs once in each direction. Apparently the brake pads are moving and strike something at the end of the travel. Acura and the dealers know of the problem and it is occurring on a lot of 2002 models. I get the impression they know and do not plan to fix the problem. I could have bought a cheaper car if I was interested in clicking brakes.
I have a 2002 mdx with only 3500 miles on it. On top of the clicking noise I get from the brakes, the brake & battery lights turn on at the same time. It lasts for few seconds and then they turn off. The dealer has no answer for me. Does any one have the same problem?
I don't have those problems. Try another dealer. What area are you in? Someone might be able to recommend a quality dealership?
Another idea is to try a local Honda place, they may be able to diagnose the problem for you and then you can request the warranty repair from Acura.
If you feel like it is a real problem, find a recommended local mechanic, get an oil change (i.e. give them some cash for their trouble) and ask them to tell you what they think.
My selling dealer's service is between bad and lousy. Anything out of the ordinary seems to be beyond their ability to repair. Even ordinary stuff seems to be a challenge. However, I have found that Acura customer service does try to help if you can get the dealer to contact them.
I have no faith that my selling dealer can properly repair my MDX. I've already been to a different dealer that appears to have a better service department and will try them the next time I need warranty service.
Had anyone has a windnoise problem? Thought the MDX is a quiet vehicle. Just bought a 2003 MDX and not so happy with the windnoise.Have to put up the audio volume to hear it while on freeway. Any response is appreciated.
i just bought '03mdx with touring pkg. my first time buying an acura. i read great reviews about mdx. so far everything else is good except gear change happens above 3000rpm if i need to drive normal. is this the norm with all the acura cars? acceleration is not so great. has anyone else felt the same with your mdx?
Have 02. Engine speed is very low on freeways and the engine doesn't have enough power to maintain speeds on inclines without either a transmission downshift or at least unlocking the torque converter.
In my case engine speed is 2100 to 2300 rpm in 5th gear at freeway speeds around here. On most inclines the torque converter unlocks and rpm jumps as much as 500 rpm, but it is not felt or heard in the car. The steeper hills result in an actual downshift to fourth which is felt and heard as the rpm goes to 3000 or more.
The gear ratios are about the same on the 03 and the 03 weighs a little more than the 02. Engine torque at low rpm is essentially the same for the new engine. From time to time, especially on hills, I would expect the new transmission will behave about the same as the one in my 02.
The tall overdrive gear ratios on the MDX do not make for peppy fifth (or even fourth) gear acceleration. Mine will go to the car's governed maximum speed in third gear, so even third could be shorter for better passing performance. Peppy performance, at freeway speeds, requires aggressive gas pedal use. High speed two lane road passing takes lots of space and planning.
Acceleration performance of my 02 is actually better around town than I expected and about as expected on freeways.
I'm new to this group. I've had my 02 touring MDX since June, and it's going in for its 7500 mile service on Tuesday. Over the past month or so, I've heard an audible clunking sound at low speeds. Not sure what the pattern is - changing gears, etc. But, is this the same tranny problem discussed on this group? What should I keep an eye out for with the service dept (Mile High Acura in Denver)? Is there a solution? Seems like a loud noise for a 40K vehicle. Thanks
The rear brakes clunk, bang, or thunk on mine the first forward stop after backing up. 7500 mile service is essentially an engine oil and filter change as well as a rear axle (VTM4) fluid change.
so, can they do anything about the clunk, does it go away? what did they say when you mentioned it to their service? will this be a big maintenance issue with brakes, something else?
I haven't asked the dealer to fix the noise. My selling dealer has a hard enough time getting the easy routine stuff done right. Last time in they dented the car door while they took four hours to do a ten minute job - and did the job wrong.
I'll take the car into a different dealer's shop in a few weeks and see if they can get rid of the brake noise. Unfortunately, the next nearest dealer is operated by the by the same people as my selling dealer.
The are also supposed to re-torque the suspension bolts on the vehicle. Perhaps that is your issue. A few other things...there is no transmission problem with the MDX (at least not yet) that we are all discussing. Some concern over a web article talking about 1-2% of FWD Honda's with a similar transmission having a potential issue. At very low speeds the rear transmission is not doing much, so maybe the noise is coming from somewhere else? Suspension, exhaust? Fuel tank sloshing (which has sounded like a low clunk to me at times)?
I have a 03 MDX and it makes a very low thunking noise once a while. Not really enough for me to ask my dealer to look into it. I dont think its the brakes, because it happens even when I am not using the brakes. Sounds like either the 4 wheel drive system engaging and disengaging or the rear suspensions. Did anyone out there do a suspension tight down at their 7500 mile maintenance? Did it quiet down the noise or no change?
purchsed my mdx 02 last oct. currently 2,500 miles on it. just noticed a little noise from the passenger side floor AFTER turning off the engine - it sounds like water's running or boiling, it lasts about 5 - 10 min. got two different answers from two different acura dealers: one, "don't worry at all, it's probably from your heater system" the other, "it doesn't sound normal, you should bring your car in for us to listen to." has anyone noticed this problem with your mdx? i can live with this noise, it's not really loud or anything, but just wondered - i never noticed from my wife's lexus rx 300. any advices/tips will be appreciated!
That Gulping noise you hear is from the coolant fluids. Usually happens when you park your car on a certain incline. Thats how some mechanics work the air pockets out of the cooling system, by parking on a certain incline and shutting off the car. I too hear the noise sometimes with my MDX when I park my car around a 5 degrees incline with the front end higher.
I noticed last night that my trip computer display was a little (only very slightly...OCD) darker than usual. I then would adjust it up...in 5 minutes it would get even brighter? After I got in the car after stopping for 1/2 hour adjusted it, and it was easily set and fine? I don't know if the cold effected the LCD, I think it shouldn't but was interesting.
I have now just had a second new transmission put in my 2001 MDX. I have just started the process of discussions with Acura regarding the possibilities of their extending the warranty. Has anyone else had problems or made any progress with Acura regarding transmissions?
I just purchased a 2003 MDX 1 month ago and have about 1200 miles so far. I am only getting 14.5 miles per gallon in the city. I drive very conservative without hard accelerations and stopping. I was initially using 5th gear for all my driving but recently switched to 4th gear in the city and 5th gear on the highway but I haven't seem any improvement. Has anyone else had this problem? Any suggestions?
It took a while for mileage to creep up. If you are using the computer to calculate it, try resetting it. Very low mileage at the beginning could be bringing your overall average down.
Around town on my MDX I am getting over 16, but it took a while to get there. Try doing a manual calculation per tank vs. off the computer.
I hope you didn't by your MDX for the mpg. MDXs are not noted for great mpg. I didn't expect good mpg and so far it hasn't been.
Sbcooke is correct that mpg gets better with some miles on the car, but don't expect much improvement. Mine still gives 13-15 around town and 20-23 on trips, about what I expected.
The average mpg for 3000 miles increments, done manually - not using the trip computer, has been 15.7, 16.4, 16.5, and 18.0. The last 3000 miles had more highway driving than normal. Since then, the next 1500 miles shows an average back in the 16 range. My last tank was 13.2 for all local stop and go driving.
Side note: My MDX gets about the same mpg as my PT GT, so by comparison the MDX does quite well for its size.
We have an '02 MDX with about 7,000 miles on it and it has developed a fluttering noise in the engine. Both the dealership and Acura Corp. say that is a characteristic of the engine and fuel management system. The noise gets louder as the rpms increase and finally gets quiter in the higher gears. We've been told that every MDX does it - how about it? Any fluttering noises in your MDXs out there?
I have a 03 and I dont have any fluttering noise at all coming from the engine. The 02 and 03's engine are very similar and my engine is super quiet. Are you sure the noise is not coming from the transmission . I have heard of some 01 and 02 MDX owners complain about transmission noise at a certain RPM. This may be a tough problem for the dealer to solve.
My 02 certainly isn't quiet as rpm increases during rapid acceleration, but there is no fluttering noise in any gear during normal or rapid acceleration. Do have a very low volume resonating noise in fifth gear between 2100 and 2300 rpm though.
What grade gas do you run? did you try adding dry gas to the tank? I don't have any fluttering on my '02 w/8K on it. While accelerating, I can hear a difference as I give it more gas or come off it...but that seems more like an exhaust note than engine noise.
If you think it is out of the ordinary, ask them to reproduce it in another MDX. I know it is impossible when you take it to a dealer that says "its normal".
Another approach would be to take it to another dealer and say...it makes this noise...normal or not, I want it to stop making it...be more specific rather than "please check this out".
I have an 02, I get about 18mpg in town, and 24-28 highway...and that is going over 70mph. Maybe I am just lucky, or I drive differently. I use Mobil 1 for oil, and the fuel octane typically 89 (not the recommended 91+)
I have also noticed the clunk, typically when I am backing out of the driveway after I put it in drive, I get a one-time clunk noise (not a feeling). I will probably call service and ask them. It should not happen considering the $$$$!
This clunk that you hear after shifting into drive is a characteristic Honda trait.
I called Honda a year ago when my son expressed concern about his 2001 Civic making this noise.
Well, we were told this is a result of the brake calipers shifting when you go from reverse to drive and that we should not worry.
Sure enough, after having my 2003 MDX for a couple months now, it makes the same noise.
I can't say I like it, but it is normal, and all Honda's do it.
Hope this helps and that makes two people who have gotten rid of their Town & Country's for an MDX. I can't say I hated mine or my last one, or my last one before that, but I just needed a change and a car that didn't rattle so much.
I will say though that I miss the white gauges, the chrome wheels, the duel zone air conditioning, and the auto-dimming outside driver's mirror. Also, the automatic headlights were more sensitive in my T&C Limited than they are in my MDX.
There are other things it could be also. Gas tank sloshing makes a similar noise, I don't notice it anymore, but if I pay attention to it I can.
Another thing is the suspension...at my 7500 mile service they re-torqued some of the suspension bolts, that reduced some minor noises I noticed in similar situations (i.e. backing out of the driveway first thing in the morning).
It appears that we have solved the problem that I mentioned earlier. I got the service manager to take a ride with me and instead of blowing me off he acutally agreed that the noise was much louder than what he has heard in other MDXs. Come to find out, they adjusted the throttle cable and the noise went away!!! At least for now. Now my wife is very happy again with her new car.
I had to go for service today on my 02, for hard starting when it rains out. But first the clunk, they described the clunk as nothing (due to brake calipers shifting like previously mentioned). Anyone else have the hard start ever? Service guy told me Acura guidelines to start are 3-7 seconds worth of cranking....that sounds kind of fishy!
Not Happy with the quality of this car. Brake noise problem, when applying brake and stop and go you always hear brake click/clunk, it really annoys. Transmission clunk , loud noise when shift from Driving to reverse, or from driving to park. Gas tank sloshing. Dealer acknowlege all these problems but can't do a thing to fix it. North Carolina
My 02 wasn't assembled as well as expected. Yes, the rear brakes clunk or bang under certain driving conditions. Sloshing isn't too bad though. Sometimes I notice mechanical noises when I move the shift lever from drive to park or reverse.
Took quite a while to be able to ignore the noises. Certainly not what I expected, but at least the car in general has been reliable, comfortable, and versatile.
Anyone else have a problem with hard starting? Acura told me it is normal to have to crank between 3-10 seconds. This is ridiculous!! Count to 10 and tell me you would crank a brand new car for that long. It is unbelievable. I am taking it someplace else for a second opinion.
My 2003 had hard starting for the first month or 1000 miles and then went away. I presented this problem to the people at acuramdx.org (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED) and they said many experienced the same thing, but went away after about 1000 miles.
Although, I asked Acura and they said it could have been the metal roadside assistance thing touching the key, which messes up the immobalizer or something and then the car doesn't recognize the key.
The brake click on the other hand happens in ALL Honda's including my MDX and son's Civic. I've been told it's the brake calipers shifting from reverse to drive.
Overall, I'm very happy about this car. It now has 7000 miles and not ONE rattle! Try that Chrysler Town & Country....
I noticed the “CLUNK” on my 02 MDX too when I backup and stop I was told that noises were generated by the electronic transmission or VTM-4 sensor engaging and disengaging the transmission. Um.. I don’t like the “clunk” Oh well.
It’s funny that when I make a sharp turn into garage onramp slowly I could actually hear 2 or 3 “clunks/clicks" as each wheel does its thing.
For some reason, the trip computer has consistently over reporting the fuel mileage by 1-mpg or so, based on the old method of “topping and re-topping off the tank”.
I get the same mpg going 65-75, but I notice that under-inflated tires can make the mpg down by 1 or 2. After 15,000 miles; City = 14-16mpg, Highway = 21-23mpg.
MDX is fairly heavy SUV. Eventhough there is plenty of hp to get it going, but go easy on the gas, and let go the gas early if you want to make a stop, it seems to coast ¼ mile without slowing down.
There was noticeable noise when I test drove the car with radio off. I accepted the noise level because MDX isn’t shaped to cut through the wind like smaller car (aerodynamic efficiency and its size)
The wind noise bothers me now and then when there is strong “cross-wind”, Oh well it’s a truck. I think because MDX does a fairly good job of isolating “engine/transmission” and “tires” noises, therefore we all pretty much irritated by remaining noise source - wind noise.
I wonder if MDX could reshape the foldaway mirror, it may minimize the wind noise. What do you think?
I took the car in for a “humming” noise from the AC/heater fan blower. It didn't sould like when it was new, nor it sound like well lubed fan.
As turn out that a “dried tree leaf” got suck into the blower and causing the wobbling sound. If this had been an out of warranty service call, it’s a 1 to 1 ½ hours labor charge ($80-$120) expense.
So keep that air vent grill mesh clear of debris. The “5-speed” blower does the job too well.
Same comment on the on board computer. Has been off by more than 2 mpg also, but is usually about one or so. Get essentially the same mpg as you report (also 15K miles BTW), but freeway speeds a little higher.
Have also experienced very loud noise with strong cross and head winds. Almost sounds like a train whistle at times. This happens when the wind is so strong the car cannot maintain freeways speeds and stay in 5th gear. For some reason when this situation occurs the trip computer can't figure out remaining range and will show zero range with 5 gallons left in the tank. Maybe it has something to do with the transmission automatically holding fourth gear for many miles at 65-70 mph. Trip computer shows instant mpg of about 8 under these conditions.
Note to Dave210: My 02 MDX had three rattles, with one that comes and goes. My 03 Chrysler has none. Guess it just depends on the individual vehicle.
It seems that some of you live in quite adverse climates. Winds strong enough to downshift? i live on west coast of Florida, and even on tall bridges on windy days there is not THAT much noise. And I'm talking about a 2001 model, they have the worst sound insulation job for the cost. Last year on summer vacation, we were going down I-75 at about 80 and I cant even barely hear my headphones, full blast. (Vacation in North Carolina mountains btw, beautiful area and mdx takes the curvy roads better than any minivan!)I think the tires are noisier than necessary, different ones might help. (Current tires are Touring package Michelins that came with car, these things have great treadlife at 2 years, 2 summer road trips.) The transmission issues are interesting. Maybe the towing package helps by keeping it cool? Ours has towing package and we dont get any noises. Also never noticed the break "clunk." The windshield washer motor was replaced when we noticed that the rear washer just kinda leaked and dribbled down the back when washer was activated. Front nozzles always worked great! The AC system, well appreciated here in Florida, cools better than any other car Ive ever been in. According to specs(BTU rating), the AC system can cool faster than my propane grill can heat up. One problem- there is a intermittent whining noise that apparently is some valves operating in the AC system. The noise appears related to when the compressor switches on/off. There are a few squeaks heard over bumps, originating from the rear seat interior area, that really irritate my mom, since she is main user of the car. Some things I saw here...The remote door lock button locks with one press, if you press it again it activates the alarm system, that is why it beeps the second time. The MDX is really not heavy compared to other SUVs in its class, consider the Volvo XC90 weighs almost 4800 lbs(Road & Track, December 2002, p.95) Also from that R&T issue was a comparison test of SUVs, where the Acura MDX was best acceleration in snow (note that they tested a 2002 model, 2003 could only be better!) Well id better stop rambling on or you will all fall asleep!
I have a 2003 black MDX - picked it up Memorial Day weekend. I noticed today that the side molding is no longer black like the car. It looks like it has white flecks of dust on it. I thought something may have happened when I used a Teflon wax last weekend, but my husband tells me he noticed the flecks before we waxed. The side molding looks dusty, but it is still smooth - you can't feel anything on it. Anyone else have this issue?
My 2001 MDX started leaking oil at 7k miles. It has been in the shop for several repairs, but none ever worked. It seems the engine has a porous engine block, and now will require a new engine, at 20k miles.
Has anyone else experienced a similiar problem,and what resulted from your dealings with the dealer?
I think I recall two, perhaps three others with oil leaks. However, I don't think they were from the engine block, but rather a seal in a connection.
At least one of them had a heck of a time getting Acura to address his issues to his satisfaction. It was bad enough that he demanded a new MDX. Eventually he got one. It helps to make sure you contact your Acura regional representative (call up the 800 number to find out who it is), in writing.
Comments
One step at a time...
Another idea is to try a local Honda place, they may be able to diagnose the problem for you and then you can request the warranty repair from Acura.
If you feel like it is a real problem, find a recommended local mechanic, get an oil change (i.e. give them some cash for their trouble) and ask them to tell you what they think.
My selling dealer's service is between bad and lousy. Anything out of the ordinary seems to be beyond their ability to repair. Even ordinary stuff seems to be a challenge. However, I have found that Acura customer service does try to help if you can get the dealer to contact them.
I have no faith that my selling dealer can properly repair my MDX. I've already been to a different dealer that appears to have a better service department and will try them the next time I need warranty service.
Any response is appreciated.
Check your balance/fader settings, maybe that is contributing to the problem?
great, drove a little bit, over 70 mph on high
way without any noise.
i read great reviews about mdx. so far everything else is good except gear change happens above 3000rpm if i need to drive normal. is this the norm with all the acura cars? acceleration is not so great. has anyone else felt the same with your mdx?
Acceleration is good in the '02.
In my case engine speed is 2100 to 2300 rpm in 5th gear at freeway speeds around here. On most inclines the torque converter unlocks and rpm jumps as much as 500 rpm, but it is not felt or heard in the car. The steeper hills result in an actual downshift to fourth which is felt and heard as the rpm goes to 3000 or more.
The gear ratios are about the same on the 03 and the 03 weighs a little more than the 02. Engine torque at low rpm is essentially the same for the new engine. From time to time, especially on hills, I would expect the new transmission will behave about the same as the one in my 02.
The tall overdrive gear ratios on the MDX do not make for peppy fifth (or even fourth) gear acceleration. Mine will go to the car's governed maximum speed in third gear, so even third could be shorter for better passing performance. Peppy performance, at freeway speeds, requires aggressive gas pedal use. High speed two lane road passing takes lots of space and planning.
Acceleration performance of my 02 is actually better around town than I expected and about as expected on freeways.
Thanks
I'll take the car into a different dealer's shop in a few weeks and see if they can get rid of the brake noise. Unfortunately, the next nearest dealer is operated by the by the same people as my selling dealer.
At what mileage did the clunk noise started to occur?
But the springs on the cargo cover makes spring tension noise, the gas slouches when I stop to fast.
bjjb
Around town on my MDX I am getting over 16, but it took a while to get there. Try doing a manual calculation per tank vs. off the computer.
Sbcooke is correct that mpg gets better with some miles on the car, but don't expect much improvement. Mine still gives 13-15 around town and 20-23 on trips, about what I expected.
The average mpg for 3000 miles increments, done manually - not using the trip computer, has been 15.7, 16.4, 16.5, and 18.0. The last 3000 miles had more highway driving than normal. Since then, the next 1500 miles shows an average back in the 16 range. My last tank was 13.2 for all local stop and go driving.
Side note: My MDX gets about the same mpg as my PT GT, so by comparison the MDX does quite well for its size.
If you think it is out of the ordinary, ask them to reproduce it in another MDX. I know it is impossible when you take it to a dealer that says "its normal".
Another approach would be to take it to another dealer and say...it makes this noise...normal or not, I want it to stop making it...be more specific rather than "please check this out".
I called Honda a year ago when my son expressed concern about his 2001 Civic making this noise.
Well, we were told this is a result of the brake calipers shifting when you go from reverse to drive and that we should not worry.
Sure enough, after having my 2003 MDX for a couple months now, it makes the same noise.
I can't say I like it, but it is normal, and all Honda's do it.
Hope this helps and that makes two people who have gotten rid of their Town & Country's for an MDX. I can't say I hated mine or my last one, or my last one before that, but I just needed a change and a car that didn't rattle so much.
I will say though that I miss the white gauges, the chrome wheels, the duel zone air conditioning, and the auto-dimming outside driver's mirror. Also, the automatic headlights were more sensitive in my T&C Limited than they are in my MDX.
Another thing is the suspension...at my 7500 mile service they re-torqued some of the suspension bolts, that reduced some minor noises I noticed in similar situations (i.e. backing out of the driveway first thing in the morning).
Took quite a while to be able to ignore the noises. Certainly not what I expected, but at least the car in general has been reliable, comfortable, and versatile.
Although, I asked Acura and they said it could have been the metal roadside assistance thing touching the key, which messes up the immobalizer or something and then the car doesn't recognize the key.
The brake click on the other hand happens in ALL Honda's including my MDX and son's Civic. I've been told it's the brake calipers shifting from reverse to drive.
Overall, I'm very happy about this car. It now has 7000 miles and not ONE rattle! Try that Chrysler Town & Country....
It’s funny that when I make a sharp turn into garage onramp slowly I could actually hear 2 or 3 “clunks/clicks" as each wheel does its thing.
I get the same mpg going 65-75, but I notice that under-inflated tires can make the mpg down by 1 or 2. After 15,000 miles; City = 14-16mpg, Highway = 21-23mpg.
MDX is fairly heavy SUV. Eventhough there is plenty of hp to get it going, but go easy on the gas, and let go the gas early if you want to make a stop, it seems to coast ¼ mile without slowing down.
The wind noise bothers me now and then when there is strong “cross-wind”, Oh well it’s a truck. I think because MDX does a fairly good job of isolating “engine/transmission” and “tires” noises, therefore we all pretty much irritated by remaining noise source - wind noise.
I wonder if MDX could reshape the foldaway mirror, it may minimize the wind noise. What do you think?
As turn out that a “dried tree leaf” got suck into the blower and causing the wobbling sound. If this had been an out of warranty service call, it’s a 1 to 1 ½ hours labor charge ($80-$120) expense.
So keep that air vent grill mesh clear of debris. The “5-speed” blower does the job too well.
Have also experienced very loud noise with strong cross and head winds. Almost sounds like a train whistle at times. This happens when the wind is so strong the car cannot maintain freeways speeds and stay in 5th gear. For some reason when this situation occurs the trip computer can't figure out remaining range and will show zero range with 5 gallons left in the tank. Maybe it has something to do with the transmission automatically holding fourth gear for many miles at 65-70 mph. Trip computer shows instant mpg of about 8 under these conditions.
Note to Dave210: My 02 MDX had three rattles, with one that comes and goes. My 03 Chrysler has none. Guess it just depends on the individual vehicle.
It seems that some of you live in quite adverse climates. Winds strong enough to downshift? i live on west coast of Florida, and even on tall bridges on windy days there is not THAT much noise. And I'm talking about a 2001 model, they have the worst sound insulation job for the cost. Last year on summer vacation, we were going down I-75 at about 80 and I cant even barely hear my headphones, full blast. (Vacation in North Carolina mountains btw, beautiful area and mdx takes the curvy roads better than any minivan!)I think the tires are noisier than necessary, different ones might help. (Current tires are Touring package Michelins that came with car, these things have great treadlife at 2 years, 2 summer road trips.)
The transmission issues are interesting. Maybe the towing package helps by keeping it cool? Ours has towing package and we dont get any noises. Also never noticed the break "clunk."
The windshield washer motor was replaced when we noticed that the rear washer just kinda leaked and dribbled down the back when washer was activated. Front nozzles always worked great!
The AC system, well appreciated here in Florida, cools better than any other car Ive ever been in. According to specs(BTU rating), the AC system can cool faster than my propane grill can heat up. One problem- there is a intermittent whining noise that apparently is some valves operating in the AC system. The noise appears related to when the compressor switches on/off.
There are a few squeaks heard over bumps, originating from the rear seat interior area, that really irritate my mom, since she is main user of the car.
Some things I saw here...The remote door lock button locks with one press, if you press it again it activates the alarm system, that is why it beeps the second time. The MDX is really not heavy compared to other SUVs in its class, consider the Volvo XC90 weighs almost 4800 lbs(Road & Track, December 2002, p.95) Also from that R&T issue was a comparison test of SUVs, where the Acura MDX was best acceleration in snow (note that they tested a 2002 model, 2003 could only be better!) Well id better stop rambling on or you will all fall asleep!
Has anyone else experienced a similiar problem,and what resulted from your dealings with the dealer?
At least one of them had a heck of a time getting Acura to address his issues to his satisfaction. It was bad enough that he demanded a new MDX. Eventually he got one. It helps to make sure you contact your Acura regional representative (call up the 800 number to find out who it is), in writing.
Good luck.