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: suspension
19 reports, newest first. Show all
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
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.
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.
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
Steering, Suspension, Nov 30, 2015
SUSPENSION CLUNK. ALL SPEEDS. TRAVELING STRAIGHT OR TURNING IF FRONT WHEELS TRAVERSE A MODERATE CHANGE IN ROAD SURFACE OR OVER A SMALL PIECE OF DEBRIS THERE IS A LOUD CLUNK HEARD FROM WITHIN THE CABIN. SOUND IS ALSO PRODUCED WHEN DRIVING FORWARD AT LOW SPEEDS (10-20 MPH) AND TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL SIDE TO SIDE IN FAIRLY RAPID SUCCESSION (STEERING WHEEL DIRECTION CHANGE IN EVERY 0.5-1 SECOND). THE FRONT SHOCK ABSORBERS HAVE BEEN REPLACED WITHOUT CHANGE IN SYMPTOMS. MY CONCERN IS THAT THERE COULD BE A STEERING/SUSPENSION COMPONENT THAT WITH GREATER FORCE, E.G. IN AN ACCIDENT ,OR TRAVERSING A SIGNIFICANT ROAD HAZARD LIKE A POTHOLE AT HIGH SPEEDS, OR EVEN A REACTIVE QUICK TURN OF THE STEERING WHEEL TO AVOID A POTENTIAL THREAT TO VEHICLE AND PASSENGER SAFETY, COULD RESULT IN A FAILURE OF THE CAUSATIVE CLUNKING PART(S) RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND/OR A COLLISION.
Suspension, Jul 29, 2015
BOTH FRONT SPRINGS BROKE SIMULTANEOUSLY WHEN BACKING OUT OF DRIVEWAY.
Suspension, May 29, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 ACURA MDX. WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT COIL FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE COIL AND STRUT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V385000 (SUSPENSION), BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 210,000.
Suspension, May 20, 2014, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT SMELLED A BURNING ODOR COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER FRONT COIL SPRING HAD COMPLETELY FRACTURED AND THE FRONTAL PASSENGER COIL SPRING WAS BEGINNING TO FRACTURE AS WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V385000 (SUSPENSION). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 158,650. UPDATED 8/14/14*CN
Suspension, May 24, 2012
2001 ACURA MDX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DRIVER SIDE FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE DRIVER SIDE COIL SPRING BROKE, IT PIERCED THE TIRE, RESULTING IN HIM LOSING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. *JB
Suspension, Mar 22, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 ACURA MDX. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH 8 INCHES OF THE FRONT COIL SPRING SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DIDN'T MENTION IF THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 150000.
Suspension, Mar 22, 2010
2001 ACRU MDX FRONT LEFT COIL SPRING FAILED. EIGHT INCHES OF THE SPRING SEPERATED DUE TO TWO SEPERATE CRACKS. *DT
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Jul 23, 2007
2001 ACURA MDX VIBRATIONS LEAD TO DEALER/ MANUFACTURER TO FOCUS ON OTHER COMPONENTS THEN THE TRUE ISSUE. WERE DIFFERENT FINDS STATED TO DIVERT ATTENTION OF KNOW PROBLEMS, TO MINIMIZE FINANCIAL AND REPUTATION? (LEMON LAWS OR POOR DESIGN RUN AROUND?) I'M NOT THE PRIMARY DRIVER AND THEN WHEN I DROVE IT (MY WIFE IS THE PRIMARY DRIVER), SAME PROBLEMS WERE FELT AND IT ONLY HAD DEALER SERVICE SINCE PURCHASING IT IN 2001. I INVESTIGATED THE NOISE MYSELF ON 7/15 /2007 AND NOTICED THE MOTOR MOUNTS WERE BROKE. HOW LONG WERE THEY LIKE THIS, WHO KNOWS, BUT A NOTICEABLE ENGINE VIBRATION IS GONE AFTER I POINTED THIS OUT TO THE DEALER/ MANUFACTURER AND HAD IT REPAIRED. I ASKED FOR REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE MOTOR MOUNTS FROM THE MANUFACTURER SINCE IT IS A DOCUMENTED PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURE, ACURA/ HONDA, WOULD NOT REIMBURSE DUE TO THE AGE AND MILEAGE. I PAID FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE MOTOR MOUNTS. A VIBRATION WAS OCCURRING AROUND 30 - 40 MPH, DEALERS/ MANUFACTURER STATE IT WAS A EGR VALVE NOT ALLOWING TRANSMISSION TO SHIFT SMOOTHLY, AND IT WAS DUE TO RUNNING BELOW GRADE GAS. PREMIUM HAS AND WAS RAN, YET THE TRANSMISSION WAS 1.5 QUARTS LOW OF TRANSMISSION FLUID, WHERE IS IT GOING? IS IT HEATING UP AND PUSHING BACK THROUGH THE EGR VALVE IN GASEOUS STATE AND THEN COOLING, CLOGGING THE INTAKE, THENCE EFFECTING THE SHIFTING? THERE IS KNOWN ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSIONS AND THE DEALER/ MANUFACTURER SHOULD REPLACE IT AND STEP UP TO THE KNOW ISSUE. LASTLY, THE SWAY BAR HAS BEEN LOSE AND I'VE BEEN TOLD IT WAS THE A/C COMPRESSOR TO A STRUT. I GOT UNDER THE VEHICLE AND WAS ABLE TO IDENTIFY IT THE FIRST TIME. IS THE MANUFACTURER HIDING KNOW ISSUES ON THESE ITEMS STATED ABOVE? *JB
Suspension, Apr 11, 2006
REAR SHOCKS. THIS VEHICLE HAS 37,000 MILES. REAR SHOCKS FAILED WITH A POOL OF OIL ON THE GROUND AND ALL OVER THE WHEEL. I HAVE NEVER HAS SHOCKS GO OUT THIS QUICKLY ON A VEHICLE. *NM
Suspension, Oct 25, 2005
DT CONTACT STATES RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER AND THE DEALER REFUSED TO FIX THE RECALL. THE RECALL WAS FOR THE FRONT SUSPENSION. ALSO, CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER ,THEY SAID SINCE HE WAS LIVING IN CALIFORNIA THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK TO MISSOURI TO HAVE IT FIXED. *AK
Suspension, Aug 11, 2005
DT: WHILE DRIVING OR GOING OVER BUMPS THERE WERE NOISES. ALSO, WHILE BACKING OUT OF DRIVEWAY THE STEERING WAS VERY STIFF TO TURN, AND WHEN DRIVING FORWARD THERE WAS A SMELL OF BURNING RUBBER. STOPPED VEHICLE, AND HAD IT TOWED TO SERVICE REPAIR SHOP. THE FRONT RIGHT COIL SPRING BROKE AND WAS DIGGING INTO THE TIRE, CAUSING THE RUBBER SMELL. THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID THE TIRE HAD NOT BEEN DAMAGED ENOUGH THAT IT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED, BUT THE FRONT RIGHT COIL SPRING WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. BOTH FRONT COIL SPRINGS WERE REPLACED. SINCE THE REPAIR THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS. DID CONTACT THE DEALER, WHO SAID THEY WERE NOT AWARE OF ANYTHING. *AK
Suspension, Jul 7, 2005
THE VEHICLE STARTED RIDING LOWER IN THE FRONT AND MAKING KNOCKING SOUNDS WHENEVER IT WENT OVER A BUMP. WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY ADVISED US THAT BOTH FRONT SPRINGS HAD BROKEN AND THE WHOLE SHOCK TOWER/SPRING ASSEMBLIES HAD TO BE REPLACED AS THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE PARTS WERE RELACED AT MY COSTS AS ACURA SAID THE VEHICLE WAS OFF WARRENTY AT 120,000 KMS. AFTER REPEATED NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE DEALER AND HONDA CANADA WE GOR A DEALER CREDIT OF 100% OF THE COST OF THE REPAIRS AS PART OF THE NEGOTIATIONS I HAD TO RETURN BOTH ASSEMBLIES TO HONDA CANADA AND I DO NOT KNOW HOW THEY WERE DISPOSED OFF.
Suspension, Jun 7, 2005
THE FRONT SPRING ON MY 2001 ACURA MDX BROKE, THERE WAS NO EXCESSIVE FORCE OR CORROSION INVOLVED, THE VEHICHLE ONLY HAD 51,000 MILES ON IT. I WAS VERY LUCKY IT DID NOT PUNCTURE A TIRE OR DISRUPT THE STEERING AND RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
Suspension, Feb 12, 2004
LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT SUSPENSION SPRINGS COLLAPSED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO FALL ONTO THE TIRES. *AK