2001 Acura MDX
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 224 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 3rd highest complaint count among 24 MDX model years with reports.
Of the 2001 reports, 9 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 10 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleJan 17, 2020
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2001-2002 Acura 3.2CL, 2000-2003 Acura 3.5RL, 2000-2001 Acura 3.2TL, Honda CR-V and Honda Odyssey, 2001-2002 Acura MDX and 2000 Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Coupe, and Civic Sedan vehicles. These vehicles may have received a replacement driver frontal air bag module as part of a vehicle repair. Due to a manufacturing issue, the replacement NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag cushion may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air bags in the vehicles, replacing the driver frontal air bag inflator with an inflator of a different design, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138.
Campaign 20V027000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleJan 17, 2020
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 1998 Acura 2.2CL, 1998-1999 Acura 2.3CL, 1998-1999 Acura 3.0CL, 2001 Acura 3.2CL and Acura MDX, 1998-2000 Honda Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Sedan, Odyssey and Acura 3.5RL, 1999-2000 Acura 3.2TL, 1996-2000 Civic Coupe, 1997-2000 CR-V, 1997-1998 EV Plus, and 1998-1999 Isuzu Oasis vehicles. These vehicles were equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) and do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag cushion may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver frontal air bag inflator, and replace it if necessary, with an inflator of a different design, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138 or Isuzu customer service at 1-800-255-6727.
Campaign 20V026000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, front, springs, coil springsSep 1, 2005
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. IN AREAS WHERE LARGE QUANTITIES OF ROAD SALT ARE USED, THE FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRINGS HAVE INSUFFICIENT CORROSION PROTECTION, AND MAY BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO CORROSION.
EXCESSIVE CORROSION CAN CAUSE SPRING FAILURE AND A BROKEN SPRING COULD PUNCTURE A FRONT TIRE, WHICH INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH FRONT SPRINGS WITH IMPROVED SPRINGS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 11, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ACURA AT 800-382-2238.
Campaign 05V385000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmissionApr 15, 2004
ON SOME MINI VANS, SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES, CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS CAN RESULT IN HEAT BUILD-UP BETWEEN THE COUNTERSHAFT AND SECONDARY SHAFT SECOND GEARS IN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, EVENTUALLY LEADING TO GEAR TOOTH CHIPPING OR GEAR BREAKAGE.
GEAR FAILURE COULD RESULT IN TRANSMISSION LOCKUP, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
ON VEHICLES WITH 15,000 MILES OR LESS, THE DEALER WILL UPDATE THE TRANSMISSION WITH A SIMPLE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE TO INCREASE LUBRICATION TO THE SECOND GEAR. ON VEHICLES WITH MORE THAN 15,000 MILES, THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION TO IDENTIFY GEARS THAT HAVE ALREADY EXPERIENCED DISCOLORATION DUE TO OVERHEATING. IF DISCOLORATION EXISTS, THE TRANSMISSION WILL BE REPLACED IF DISCOLORATION IS NOT PRESENT, THE DEALER WILL PERFORM THE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 21, 2004, FOR PILOT, ODYSSEY, AND MDX OWNERS. OWNERS OF THE ACCORD VEHICLES WILL START RECEIVING LETTERS ON JUNE 28, 2004, AND ON JUNE 29, 2004, FOR OWNERS OF THE TL AND CL VEHICLES. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.
Campaign 04V176000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
224 reports, newest first.
Power train, Apr 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2001 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started stalling while attempting to accelerate. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.
Air bags, Mar 14, 2023, crash
car accident
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Feb 4, 2023
I was Driving down the HighWay at 70 MPH and the Vehicle is “Jerking” like I am Breaking then proceeded to fail to Accelerate and keep up with my RPMS.
Power train, Nov 30, 2021
The contact owns a 2001 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while he was at a stop light, the vehicle inadvertently switched gears to neutral independently. The contact stated that he switched gears to drive and was able to drive the vehicle; however, the vehicle switched gears to neutral when he made another stop. The contact also stated that the vehicle started jerking. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue to drive the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer also referred the contact the dealer for diagnosis. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The dealer also advised the contact that the recall repair for NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V176000 (Power Train) had already been completed on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
Suspension, Structure, Aug 24, 2021
Horrible rust on subframe. Subframe disconnected from vehicle WHILE DRIVING!!! Very lucky I was not going at a high speed. This is very unsafe, and there are many similar complaints for these MDXs/Pilots online.
Suspension, Aug 9, 2021
TERRIBLE UNDERBODY RUSTING CAUSING SUBFRAME TO COME OUT OF THE REAR. VEHICLE ABOUT TO SPLIT IN 2
Power train, Jun 30, 2021
When driving the car will shift into neutral. The only way to accelerate is to manually shift the gear shift into neutral and then back to drive. This occurs frequently at stops. There was a recall for this issue in 2004. The Acura dealership in Fort Worth, Texas indicated that the recalled part was replaced, however, this issue has re-occurred or was not properly fixed in the first instance. This is likely due to a replacement of the same defective transmission part. I have requested the Acura dealership to look at the transmission as it relates to the recall (recall number 04V17600). Although they are aware that this is the issue, they refuse to redress the problem. They state that I will need to pay for an entire new transmission. This is an issue with the Acura components and not a problem caused by the driver. Acura should be required to fix the issue. They are making the road unsafe for drivers at the driver's expense.
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, May 5, 2021
I HAVE A 2001 MDX WITH REAR SUBFRAME BUSHING BOLTS THAT ARE RUSTED OUT AND DISCONNECTED FROM THE BODY. THE BACK END HAS BEEN CLUNKING. THE REAR SUBFRAME BOLTS THAT GOES THROUGH THE BUSHING HAS DISCONNECTED FROM THE BODY FROM WHAT LOOKS LIKE RUSTED OUT CONNECTORS OR MAYBE THE BODY ITSELF.
Seat belts, Air bags, Mar 16, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SRS WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO UNDERRINER HONDA (3643 PIERCE PKWY, BILLINGS, MT 59106, (406)255-2350) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SEAT BELT SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Jan 7, 2021
ITS SHOWING ALL THE SYMPTOMS OF THE RECALL THAT INDICATES THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS REPLACED AND RADIATOR AS WELL AND HAS OBVIOUS SIGNS OF OVER HEATING AND GEAR DAMEGES. ENGINE LIGHT AND FLASHING D5 WITH ALL CODES FROM POWERTRAIN.*DT*JB
Air bags, Oct 9, 2020
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V02700 (AIR BAG) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. NO DEALER WAS CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD EXPERIENCED A FAILURE WITH THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SEEN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Power train, Aug 26, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE IN EITHER FORWARD OR BACKWARDS. THE GEARS WERE STUCK IN NEUTRAL AND THE CONTACT HEARD A GRINDING SOUND WHEN HE TRIED TO MOVE THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED. THE CONTACT SUSPECTED THE ISSUE WAS WITH THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE AND AT THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE FOR A YEAR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
Air bags, Aug 12, 2020
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V027000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT CALLED THE POHANKA ACURA DEALER LOCATED AT 13911 LEE JACKSON MEMORIAL HWY, CHANTILLY, VA 20151, AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN PARTS WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. Consumer stated car would not be repaired until Oct, 2020.
Air bags, Mar 23, 2020
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V027000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER NOR THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. *BF CONSUMER STATED LIGHT IS STILL ON.*JB
Steering, Wheels, Other or unspecified, Dec 18, 2019
TRAVELLING ON CITY STREET TIRE CAME OFF WITH MY 2 YEAR OLD SON AND 14 YEAR OLD BROTHER IN-LAW WITH ME IN THE CAR. PURCHASED VEHICLE FROM TRAVIS @ KTS AUTO SALES ON 09/23/19 ON 09/24/19 THE CAR WAS CONSIDERED UNSAFE AND BASICALLY NOT DRIVEABLE.. PRIOR TO MY PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE TRAVIS TOLD ME HE HAD THE VEHICLE 3 WEEKS AND COUNTING AND HAD BEEN COMMUTING HIS SON BACK AND FORTH TO SCHOOL AND TOLD ME FOR SURE THE VEHICLE RAN GOOD AND DROVE GOOD. WELL IT DONT AND HASNT SINCE THE DAY AFTER I PURCHASED IT. THE ONLY THING HE WILL AND HAS OFFERED OR TRIED TO DO TO MAKE IT RIGHT IS TO TRADE IT BACK FOR AN OLD HONDA CRV IN POSSIBLY WORSE CONDITION AND WAY LESS IN VALUE THAN THE VEHICLE I PAID FOR, I HAVE 3 CHILDREN ( AND TRAVIS KNOWS I DO) SO I TOOK THE HONDA CRV ON A TEST DRIVE ANYWAYS CONSIDERING I HAVE KIDS AND REALLY NEED A RUNNING AND DRIVING CAR AND STOPPED BYE MY MECHANIC TO TAKE A QUICK LOOK AT IT AND HE DID AND SAID ABSOLUTELY NOT THAT HE WOULDN'T NOT TRADE THE ORIGINAL ONE WE BOUGHT FOR THE HONDA CRV AND SAID IF IT WERE HIM HE WOULDN'T EVEN PAY SCRAP VALUE FOR THE CRV IT WAS RUSTED ALL THE WAY AROUND THE ENTIRE CAR INDERNEATH AND AROUND MY MECHANIC SAID IT WAS VERY UNSAFE THAT IF WE WERE TO BARELY GET HIT OR HIT SOMETHING IT WOULD CRUMBLE AND FALL APART AND THAT THIS VEHICLE HE WAS TRYING TO GIVE ME TO REPLACE ANOTHER UNSAFE VEHICLE WOULD BE EVEN MORE DANGEROUS THAN THE 1ST VEHICLE WAS. ALSO TRAVIS FROM KTS LIED WHEN HE SAID HE HAD DRIVEN THE CAR 3 WEEKS+ BECAUSE I GOT TO LOOKING IN TO SEE HOW OFTEN VEHICLE WAS MAINTAINED AND THIS AND THAT FOUND OUT HE ONLY HAD IT 12 DAYS BEFOR SELLING THE VEHICLE TO ME (THAT'S NOT EVEN 2 WEEKS!!)
Air bags, Dec 14, 2019
AIR BAG LIGHT ON
Power train, Dec 2, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 ACURA MDX. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO HESITATE. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING OVER 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE SEIZED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PARK ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND RESTART THE IGNITION, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. ALSO, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. A DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 192,000. *LN CONSUMER STATED THE FOLLOWING TRANSMISSION CODES ARE GENERATED FROM THE DIAGNOSIS TOOL P0700 - A/T SYSTEM MALFUNCTION P1740 - 4TH PRESSURE SWITCH FAILURE P1750 - CLUTCH PRESSURE FAILURE *JB
Power train, Aug 16, 2019
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION- I BOUGHT MY 2001 ACURA MDX IN MARCH 2019 IT HAS RAN FINE UNTIL AUGUST 2019. IT STARTED MAKING A LOUD CLANKING NOISE ON AND OFF WHEN I TOOK OUT OF REVERSE, THEN AT ABOUT 40-50 MPH IT STARTS HAVING A VIBRATION THEN GOES AWAY AT OTHER SPEEDS. ABOUT A WEEK AGO WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT DOWN THE INTERSTATE AT 65 MPH WITH MY CRUISE CONTROL SET MY RPM WENT UP TO 5000 SO I TAPPED ON BREAK WHICH MADE IT GO BACK DOWN TO NORMAL, SO I WENT TO ACCELERATE BACK UP TO SPEED AND NOTHING HAPPENED OTHER THEN IT ACTING AS THOUGH I WAS DRIVING IN NEUTRAL AND THEN IT WAS FINE AGAIN FOR A SPLIT SECOND SO I TURNED MY HAZARDS ON AND SLOWED DOWN MORE AND PULLED OFF INTO GAS STATION TO SEE WHAT WAS GOING ON AND NOTICED ATF ALL OVER THE PLACE THE GROUND WAS COVERED. I HAD TO GET TRAILER TO GET IT HOME, ONCE I DID I PULLED OUT MY CHILTON'S HANDBOOK FOR IT TO SEE IF COULD FIGURE OUT THE ISSUE WAS AND IT SHOWS THAT THE 2001 HAS A RECALL ON THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, BUT WHEN I GET ONLINE IT ONLY SHOWS THE RECALL IF I PUT IN 2001 ACURA MDX IT DOESN'T SHOW IT WITH MY VIN. NUMBER. CAN I STILL GET THIS RECALL ISSUE FIXED AND IF SO HOW DO I GET IT FIXED? I CALLED MY LOCAL ACURA DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME TO GET ON HERE TO GET MORE INFORMATION.
Suspension, Power train, Jul 10, 2019
I PURCHASED MY 2001 ACURA MDX IN MARCH 2019. SINCE PURCHASE THE CAR CONSISTENTLY MAKES A LOUD CLUNK WHEN SHIFTING THE GEAR SHIFTER INTO REVERSE. IT ALSO CLUNKS CONSISTENTLY GOING FROM PARK TO DRIVE. THERE IS HESITATION IN THE CARS SHIFTING. AT TIMES I EITHER HAVE TO SPEED UP OR LET SPEED OFF FOR A TRANSMISSION SHIFT TO OCCUR. THE CAR SHUDDERS HORRIBLY WHEN BRAKING AT LOW OR MEDIUM SPEEDS. IT FEELS UNSAFE AND SCARY AND ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE A COMPLETE WIPE OUT OCCURS. SEEING THIS AS A ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE AND YET CALIFORNIA IS NOT IN THE VEHICLE RECALLS SEEMS RIDICULOUS. THESE HAPPEN ON CITY STREETS AND HIGHWAYS DAILY WHILE DRIVING SAID VEHICLE.
Air bags, Mar 12, 2019
PASSENGER AIRBAG KEEPS COMING ON AND OFF WITH TEMPUTURE FLUCUATINS
Power train, Feb 6, 2019
VIBRATION/SHUDDER/GRINDING BETWEEN 20-50 MPH WHILE ACCELERATING. IT HAPPENS EVERY TIME FOR THE PAST 5 MOTHS WHEN I ACCELERATE FROM A DEAD STOP.
Power train, Electronic stability control (ESC), Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 11, 2019
THE VEHICLE UNCONTROLLABLY LOCKED UP AND VERED INTO THE ON COMING LANE OF TRAFFIC
Other or unspecified, Apr 18, 2018
THE GOODYEAR VIVA 3 SET OF TIRES INSTALLED ON MY VEHICLE THE FIRST OF THE YEAR HAVE LESS THAN 3000 MILES ON THEM AND I HAVE HAD SIX FLATS ONCE I HAD 3 IN ONE DAY.. I AM REGISTERING A COMPLAINT AGAINST GOODYEAR, THE MANUFACTURER OF THE VIVA3 NOW, BECAUSE THE LAST (TODAY THE 7TH FLAT CAUSED BY A PIN PRICK SIZE HOLE IN THE OUTER SIDEWALL) TIRES DO NOT GET PIN SIE HOLES IN THE SIDEWALL EXCEPT BY DEFECT. THESE TIRES,ON THEIR WHEEL ARE LIGHTER WEIGHT THAN MY SMALLER SIZE CONVENIENCE SPARE (DONUT). I CAN ALMOST PUSH MY FINGER THROUGH THE RUBBER ON THE SIDEWALL AND PUSHING ON THE TREAD FLATTENS THE TIRE WHEN DEFLATED. THE TREADS ARE SO FAR APART 25 % OF THE TIRES ARE BALD AT INSTALLATION.
Power train, Sep 30, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 ACURA MDX. WHILE DRIVING 45 TO 50 MPH, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE JERKED AND THE ENGINE, MAINTENANCE REQUIRED, VTM-4, AND AIR BAG INDICATORS REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, RESTARTED, AND DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 201,000.
Suspension, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Sep 29, 2016
THE SPRINGS DON'T WORK RIGHT, THE 4 WHEEL DON'T WORK AT ALL, THE CAR DON'T GET UP TO SPEED LIKE IT'S SUPPOSE TO. EVERY TIME YOU MAKE A SHARP TURN THE TRANSMISSION STARTS MESSING UP