2006 Acura MDX
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 87 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 15th highest complaint count among 24 MDX model years with reports.
Of the 2006 reports, 10 involved a crash. 6 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Vehicle speed control, accelerator pedalOct 10, 2019
Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain Accelerator Pedal Assemblies part numbers 699-114 and 825-5029-1, sold as replacement parts for 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2004-2008 Acura TL and TSX, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2007-2011 Honda Element, 2005-2008 Honda Pilot and 2006-2014 Honda Ridgeline vehicles. The rotating portion of the accelerator pedal assembly may bind. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 124, "Accelerator Control Systems."
If the accelerator pedal binds, the engine may not quickly return to idle after the pedal is no longer pressed, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dorman will notify owners, and qualified service facilities will replace the affected accelerator pedal assemblies, free of charge. The recall began December 9, 2019. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492, using option 5. Dorman's number for this recall is AS1019XXXX.
Campaign 19E068000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJun 27, 2019
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2012 RL, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are E5D and X5C.
Campaign 19V501000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleJun 27, 2019
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2003-2006 MDX, 2001-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot and 2006 Ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are Q5A and Y58.
Campaign 19V499000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleMar 6, 2019
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode.
An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is O41. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is U40.
Campaign 19V182000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 10, 2017
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Acura MDX and Honda CR-V vehicles, 2005-2011 Honda Element vehicles, 2005-2012 Acura RL vehicles, 2006-2012 Honda Ridgeline vehicles, 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles and 2005-2008 Honda Pilot vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain 2005-2006 Acura MDX and Honda CR-V vehicles, 2005-2009 Acura RL and Honda Element vehicles, 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles, 2005-2008 Honda Pilot vehicles and 2006-2009 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling certain 2005-2006 Acura MDX and Honda CR-V vehicles, 2005-2008 Acura RL, Honda Element and Honda Pilot vehicles, 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles and 2006-2008 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall bagan March 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KD9 and KE0.
Campaign 17V029000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleMay 23, 2016
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2011 Acura RL, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2006-2011 Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or that have ever been registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2008 Acura RL, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2003-2008 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2006-2008 Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or that have ever been registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling model year 2002-2004 Odyssey and model year 2003-2004 Acura MDX, Honda Element, and Honda Pilot vehicles originally sold, or registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began June 27, 2016. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KA0, KA1, KA2, and KA3.
Campaign 16V344000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleMay 28, 2015
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2001-2007 Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2001-2004 Honda Civic GX, 2003-2005 Honda Civic Hybrid, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2006 Ridgeline, 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2003-2006 Acura MDX, and 2002-2003 Acura 3.2TL vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion and other factors, including manufacturing variability that, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-800-382-2238, select option 4. Note: Vehicles that have had their driver frontal air bag replaced previously as part of a recall remedy prior to September 12, 2014 need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. Vehicles that, on or after September 12, 2014, received a remedy for a prior driver frontal air bag inflator recall already received an inflator of a different design, and therefore are not included in this recall and do not require additional servicing. Note: This recall fully supersedes recalls 08V-593, 09V-259, 10V-041, 11V-260, 14V-351 and 15V-153. Honda's numbers for this recall are JQ9, JR0, JR1, JR2, JR3, JR4, JR5, JR6, JR7, and JR8.
Campaign 15V320000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/moduleMar 14, 2013
Honda is recalling certain model year 2005 Pilot vehicles manufactured July 29, 2004, through August 29, 2005; model year 2005-2006 Acura MDX vehicles manufactured September 16, 2004, through September 22, 2005; and model year 2005 Acura RL vehicles manufactured March 1, 2004, through June 29, 2005. An electrical capacitor may have been damaged during the manufacturing of the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) control module causing intermittent, automatic, minor brake application. However, if the driver applies the brakes while the VSA is malfunctioning, the vehicle may come to an abrupt stop. Additionally, due to a loose ground connection, certain model year 2005 Pilots have a VSA system that may apply partial brake force, without the illumination of the brake lights, whether or not the driver is using the brakes.
Sudden inadvertent braking, especially without illumination of the brake lights, may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Owners will be notified and instructed to take their vehicles to a dealer of their respective brand. The dealer will install a partial wiring harness containing a capacitor for the VSA modulator, free of charge. The affected model year 2005 Pilots will have their ground connection tightened. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Honda owners may contact Honda Automobile Customer Service at 1-800-999-1009, and select option 4 or go to www.recalls.honda.com; Acura owners may contact 1-800-382-2238, and select option 4, or go to www.recalls.acura.com.
Campaign 13V092000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, ignition, switchDec 11, 2012
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 12V573000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, mechanical, carrier/rackFeb 5, 2008
HONDA IS RECALLING 2,032 HITCH STYLE BIKE RACKS SOLD AS AFTERMARKET FOR USE ON MY 2003-2007 AND SOME MY 2008 HONDA PILOT, RIDGELINE, AND ACURA MDX VEHICLES. A PINCH BOLT EXISTS BETWEEN THE BIKE ARM BRACKET AND THE UPRIGHT ASSEMBLY OF THE "HITCH" STYLE BICYCLE RACK.
WHEN MOVING THE BIKE ARM BRACKET TO ITS DOWN POSITION, THIS PINCH BOLT HAS THE POTENTIAL OF CAUSING SEVERE LACERATION OR AMPUTATION TO THE USER'S FINGERTIPS OR HAND.
OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT THULE AT 800-THULE91 (800-848-5391) TO OBTAIN A FREE REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS OR OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.
Campaign 08E013000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, owners/service/other manualJul 26, 2006
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MOTORCYCLES, THE OWNER'S MANUALS CONTAIN INCORRECT CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S (NHTSA) VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE.
THE LANGUAGE IN THE OWNER'S MANUALS IS NOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CURRENT MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS.
HONDA WILL SEND A POSTCARD TO DEALERS AND OWNERS WITH THE CORRECT NHTSA VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE INFORMATION AND WITH INSTRUCTIONS TO INSERT THE CARD INTO THE "REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS" SECTION OF THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 2, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009, ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238 OR HONDA MOTORCYCLES AT 1-866-784-1870.
Campaign 06V270000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
8 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Jun 10, 2024
There is a paracytic battery drain causing new batteries to fail. Troubleshooting says Hands Free Link system may be reason for drain/ dead battery. Or, the Navigation system. There are endless electrical issues within 5 fuse boxes. I’ve done this manually, it’s slow. I know a diagnostic meter would help! So, I’ve installed a battery switch inside car. Must turn off each night! You’d think I’d have a mobile battery charger by now. But thankfully road side service has been a life saver. Although, I was not permitted to sign up for ERS with my insurance after so many battery calls for a year or more. AAA same! It’s ridiculous. Today, had to call ERS again. Ugh. Fortunately I’ve been reinstated. Its been slow-like-molasses-paced.. One fuse disconnected after another. This leaves the vehicle operating without the necessary compenents, helpful features. Examples: x miles per gallon of gas driving city/freeway. . The stereo system completely out, no back up camera, and no Navigation system. All disconnected fuses. No, I don’t have the resources to buy a diagnostic or pay a mechanic $200-300. I’ve been dealing with this nightmare for the last year++. Thankfully, YouTube shows 2006 Acura MDX, Touring series w this drain problem. A huge help! It’s an older car with 240K miles, needs 4 new tires, alignment, both headlamps replaced, . Plus, somehow the rear view mirror got unhooked, torn off, consequently, I’m without the rear back up view. It’s stupid, I realize. Looking at it in hind sight, yes, it’s ridiculous!
Electrical system, Engine, Feb 16, 2024
Car battery constantly draining resulting in having to jumpstart the car now every time to turn it on. Had the hands free system disconnected by the dealership over a year ago due to them stating it was drawing on battery however it has not changed and went from occasional need to jumpstart to every time you need to turn on car. Have had two new batteries installed and car looked at by dealership and only issue they found was hands free link drawing on battery so disconnected it.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 8, 2022
UNKNOWN VEHICLE WILL NOT TURN ON
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Dec 30, 2017
ACURA A DIVISION OF HONDA HAS KNOW FOR MANY YEARS NOW ABOUT A DEFECTIVE DRAW ON THE BATTERY FROM THE HANDS FREE BLUETOOTH IN THIS VEHICLE EVEN WHEN THE VEHICLE IS SHUT OFF WITH THE IGNITION KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION. I HAVE READ NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FROM THE 2004 TO 2012 MODELS OF ALL TYPES OF ACURA MODELS. I HAVE INSTALLED TWO NEW BATTERIES IN THE LAST TWO YEARS. VEHICLE SETS MORE THAN TWO DAYS AND THE BATTERY IS DRAWN DOWN ENOUGH THAT VEHICLE NOT ONLY NOT START, BUT YOU CAN'T EVEN GET VEHICLE OUT OF PARK POSITION SO YOU CAN BE TOWED OR PULLED OFF THE ROAD SAFELY UNLESS YOU DRAG IT LOCKED UP. AND YES THIS HAS HAPPENED IN A DANGEROUS SITUATION. WHAT IF YOU LOSE BATTERY POWER FOR SOME REASON GOING DOWN THE ROAD? VERY DANGEROUS TO YOU AND OTHERS ON THE ROAD. I THINK THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ON ACURAS, HONDA AS MANY YEARS AS THIS PROBLEM HAS PERSISTED AND AS MANY TYPES OF VEHICLES THAT I'M HEARING THIS PROBLEM IS BEING REPORTED ON. I ALSO HAVE READ ONE ARTICLE ABOUT A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST HONDA MOTOR COMPANY FOR THIS VERY PROBLEM FROM A INDIVIDUAL IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA. ITS TIME IN MY HUMBLE OPINION THAT ACURA - HONDA MOTORS OWN UP TO THIS MISTAKE WHEN WHEN IT GOES BACK SO FAR AND SO MANY TYPES OF VEHICLES WITH THIS ISSUE.
Electrical system, Wheels, Engine, Dec 6, 2017
VEHICLE STOPPED ON THE ROAD BECAUSE TRANSMISSION FAILURE, BATTERY WAS REPLACED TWICE BECAUSE OF BLUETOOTH BOARD FAILURE, ALWAYS HAVE RANDOM MISSFIRE CODES ON ENGINE, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON.
Electrical system, Dec 1, 2013
HFL ON MY 2006 MDX STOPPED WORKING A WHILE BACK. WHEN YOU PRESS THE TALK SWITCH, NOTHING HAPPENS. OCCASIONALLY, IT COMES ON, BUT NOT OPERATIONAL. WHAT I MEAN IS IT PROMPTS AND I CAN GO THROUGH THE MAIN MENU. BUT WHEN I TRY TO PAIR MY PHONE IT GOES INTO A NEVER ENDING SCANNING LOOP. IT DOESN'T APPEAR THAT ANY HANDSHAKING WITH THE PHONE IS ESTABLISHED. THIS SAME PHONE WORKS FINE WITH BLUETOOTH IN MY OTHER CAR AND OTHER DEVICES. SO, IT'S NOT THE PHONE. FOR ALMOST AN YEAR, THE BATTERY ON THE MDX KEEP DRAINING AND I WOULD REQUIRE A JUMP START IF I DON'T USE IT FOR 2-3 DAYS. IT LOOKS LIKE THE FAULTY BLUETOOTH HFL IS CAUSING THE BATTERY DRAIN. MANY PEOPLE OUT THERE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM, NOT ONLY WITH 2006 ACURA MDX, BUT ALSO WITH SOME DIFFERENT ACURA MODELS. *TR
Electrical system, Visibility/wiper, May 29, 2012
ON WINDOW ROLLUP, REAR WINDOW SLID OUT OF DRIVE MECHANISM AND FELL TO THE BASE BEHIND DOOR PANEL. GLASS DID NOT SHATTER, AND I WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER IT BACK INTO POSITION TEMPORARILY TO TAKE TO DEALERSHIP FOR REPLACEMENT OF DRIVE MECHANISM. NO WEIGHT OR OBSTRUCTION WAS PUT ON WINDOW AS IT WAS BEING ELECTRICALLY CLOSED. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME A REAR DRIVE MECHANISM HAS FAILED ON THIS VEHICLE. BOTH OTHER REPLACEMENTS WERE HANDLED UNDER WARRANTY AND GOOD FAITH. THIS UNFORTUNATELY IS GOING TO BE AN OUT OF POCKET FIX TO THE TUNE OF 350 DOLLARS. I BELIEVE THAT THIS IS A FLAWED DESIGN AND COULD HAVE RESULTED IN BROKEN GLASS, AN UNSAFE SITUATION CONSIDERING MY DAUGHTER WAS IN CAR SEAT NEXT TO WINDOW. *TR
Electrical system, Equipment, Feb 25, 2009
BOUGHT A NEW MDX. BATTERY FAILED THE FIRST DAY(8/28/2006). 100 MONTH BATTERY REPLACED. BATTERY FAILED 2/24/2009. ACURA HAD NO EXPLANATION FOR BATTERY PROBLEMS. WARRANTY BOOK SAID DO NOT DRIVE CAN CAUSE SOMEONE BEING KILLED. WE HAD CAR TOWED. *TR