VehicleVerdict

2003 Acura MDX electrical system problems

The 2003 Acura MDX has 20 electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA — 8% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

20

Electrical System complaints

8%

Share of year

1

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Electrical System complaints by year

Related recalls

12V573000Electrical SystemDecember 11, 2012 · 807,161 units

Defect

Honda is recalling certain model year 2003 and 2004 Pilot and Odyssey and 2003 through 2006 Acura MDX passenger vehicles manufactured from November 26, 2001, through August 30, 2006. The interlock lever of the ignition switch may deform, which can allow the interlock function of a vehicle with an automatic transmission to be defeated.

Consequence

Removal of the ignition key when the gear selector of a vehicle with an automatic transmission has not been shifted to the park position can allow the vehicle to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Honda will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicle to a Honda or Acura dealer. The dealer will install an updated shift interlock lever and, if necessary, replace any necessary part of the ignition switch, free of charge. The recall began on February 22, 2013. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.

What owners report

THE HEATED SEAT FUNCTION IN OUR ACURA MALFUNCTIONED AND CAUSED THE SEAT TO MELT AND BURN THROUGH THE ENTIRE UPHOLSTERY DOWN TO THE SEAT SUPPORTS. THE ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION ALSO TRAVELED TO THE ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM AND TOTALLY MELTED THE DVD SCREEN. THE FABRIC ON THE CEILING OF THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 3, 2016 · fire

Common questions

How many electrical system complaints does the 2003 Acura MDX have?

NHTSA has 20 complaints about the 2003 Acura MDX electrical system — 8% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2003 Acura MDX electrical system?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the electrical system: 12V573000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.