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Acura MDX 2001–2006

1st generation (YD1)

NHTSA data through 13 August 20261,375 complaints, 1,056 with mileageMethod

Reports with mileage
1,056
Median of reported failures
98,000 mi
Most-reported system
Transmission and driveline (41.5%)
Recalls
15

Before-you-buy checklist ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗

On this generation, failures are spread across the mileage range, with the middle half between 68,500 and 138,000 miles.

Figure 1 · Acura MDX 2001–2006 · 1,056 reports with mileage

Mileage at failure

Complaints per 10,000-mile bin, 0 to 200,000 miles, equal bins on a linear scale. Tallest bar = 103 complaints.

Mileage at failure, Acura MDX 2001–2006Histogram of 1,056 owner-reported failures by mileage, in 10,000-mile bins from 0 to 200,000. The tallest bin is 80,000 to 90,000 miles with 103 complaints, 9.8 percent of the total. Failures are spread across the mileage range, with the middle half between 68,500 and 138,000 miles. A further 65 complaints, 6.2 percent, were reported above 200,000 miles and are shown as a separate detached bar. Median mileage at failure is 98,000.
  • Rest of the range
  • Median
  • 200,000+ — 65 complaints (6.2%), plotted separately
10%
31,000
25%
68,500
Median
98,000
75%
138,000
90%
171,235

Tallest bin: 103 complaints between 80,000 and 90,000 miles. Based on 1,056 complaints that record mileage. Bin width 10,000 miles.

Show the numbers
Complaints by mileage bin
MileageComplaintsShare
0–10,000555.2%
10,000–20,000222.1%
20,000–30,000222.1%
30,000–40,000312.9%
40,000–50,000292.7%
50,000–60,000524.9%
60,000–70,000636.0%
70,000–80,000858.0%
80,000–90,0001039.8%
90,000–100,000797.5%
100,000–110,000898.4%
110,000–120,000585.5%
120,000–130,000625.9%
130,000–140,000494.6%
140,000–150,000514.8%
150,000–160,000464.4%
160,000–170,000444.2%
170,000–180,000201.9%
180,000–190,000232.2%
190,000–200,00080.8%
200,000+656.2%

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain. Complaint counts reflect what owners reported and are not a measure of failure rate per vehicle sold.

What this can and cannot tell you: these are complaints owners chose to file, not a failure rate. Popular models accumulate more of them simply by being common. How this is built.

Owners filed 1,375 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001–2006 Acura MDX, and 1,056 of them record the mileage at which the failure happened. That is enough to show not just what fails, but when.

Failures are spread across the mileage range, with the middle half between 68,500 and 138,000 miles. The median is 98,000 miles.

The most-reported areas are the transmission and driveline (41.5% of complaints, typically around 96,000 miles), the airbag system (11.9% of complaints, typically around 135,000 miles), the electrical system (6.0% of complaints, typically around 112,000 miles).

15 recall campaigns cover this generation.

If you arrived asking “is it reliable?” — this page answers the version of that question the data can support: which problems owners reported, and at what mileage.

How many miles does a 2001–2006 Acura MDX last?

Half of the failure reports on the 2001–2006 Acura MDX were filed by 98,000 miles and 90% by 171,000 miles — figures drawn from 1,056 NHTSA complaints that record an odometer reading, so they time reported failures, not the cars whose owners never filed one.

65 reports (6.2%) came in past 200,000 miles — each one proof a MDX reached that mileage, not that it died there.

Before you buy a 2001–2006 MDX: the 3-minute check

Generated from 1,056 mileage-tagged complaints, 15 recall campaigns, 1 documented problem area. Print this page — the checklist survives print.

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 15 campaigns cover this generation; an open recall is a free repair you can make the seller's problem.
  2. Check automatic transmission on 2001–2006, with 2001, 2003 and 2004 the most heavily reported cars. Failure of the Honda 5-speed automatic — slipping, then complete disengagement without warning, often stranding the vehicle. Reported around 120,000 miles on 2001 and 2003 vehicles and around 80,000 miles on 2004. Part…
  3. End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car. Aggregate data describes the population; the example in front of you has its own history.

For a buyer, failures on this generation are spread rather than concentrated: the middle half falls between 68,000 and 138,000 miles, with a median of 98,000. There is no single mileage threshold to watch, which means condition and maintenance records are more informative than the odometer.

On inspection, the transmission and driveline and the airbag system are where this generation's reports concentrate, so those are the areas worth a specific look. The transmission and driveline in particular shows a median failure mileage of 96,000, which gives a concrete number to compare against the odometer of any car you are considering.

None of this is a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on the individual car. Aggregate patterns describe a population; the example in front of you has its own history.

What fails, and when

Figure 2 · Acura MDX 2001–2006

When each system fails

Bar spans the middle half of reports; the notch inside each bar is the median. Miles at failure on a proportional scale — equal distances are equal ratios, not equal miles.

  1. Engine and its cooling system76 reports78,00040,000–90,000Engine and its cooling system: 76 reports, median 78,000 miles, middle half 40,000 to 90,000 miles.
  2. Throttle and speed control49 reports86,00036,000–124,000Throttle and speed control: 49 reports, median 86,000 miles, middle half 36,000 to 124,000 miles.
  3. Transmission and driveline570 reports96,00074,000–125,000Transmission and driveline: 570 reports, median 96,000 miles, middle half 74,000 to 125,000 miles.
  4. Electrical system83 reports112,00085,000–150,000Electrical system: 83 reports, median 112,000 miles, middle half 85,000 to 150,000 miles.
  5. Problems owners could not categorise42 reports124,00085,000–176,000Problems owners could not categorise: 42 reports, median 124,000 miles, middle half 85,000 to 176,000 miles.
  6. Airbag system164 reports135,00059,000–165,000Airbag system: 164 reports, median 135,000 miles, middle half 59,000 to 165,000 miles.
  7. Engine47 reports145,000100,000–180,000Engine: 47 reports, median 145,000 miles, middle half 100,000 to 180,000 miles.
  • Your odometer — appears after you enter it in “Where your car sits”

Ordered by median mileage, earliest first. The first 12,000 miles are shaded: that is the boundary this site uses between a manufacturing defect and ordinary wear, not a property of the world.

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.

Complaints by vehicle system
SystemComplaintsShareMedian25–75%
Transmission and driveline57041.5%96,00074,000–125,000
Airbag system16411.9%135,00059,000–165,000
Electrical system836.0%112,00085,000–150,000
Engine and its cooling system765.5%78,00040,000–90,000
Throttle and speed control493.6%86,00036,000–124,000
Engine473.4%145,000100,000–180,000
Problems owners could not categorise423.1%124,00085,000–176,000
Seat belts362.6%117,00040,000–160,000
Body structure352.5%79,00061,000–120,000
Electronic stability control (esc)332.4%124,00075,000–205,000

Where your car sits

Failure reports by the odometer reading they were filed at. Pick the anchor nearest your car — or type the exact mileage: your marker lands on this curve and on the timing chart above.

Figure 3 · Acura MDX 2001–2006 · 1,056 reports with mileage

Share of reports below each mileage

Share of mileage-tagged reports filed at or below each odometer reading. Steps rise only at bin edges, by exact counted shares.

Cumulative share of reports by mileage, Acura MDX 2001–2006Of 1,056 reports that record mileage, the share filed below each odometer reading, rising in steps at each 10,000-mile bin edge. 20 percent below 60,000 miles. 44 percent below 90,000 miles. 65 percent below 120,000 miles. Median 98,000 miles.
  • 60,000 mi — 20% of reports below
  • 90,000 mi — 44% of reports below
  • 120,000 mi — 65% of reports below
  • Median — the staircase crosses the 50% line here
  • Your odometer — appears after you enter it below

The staircase tops out at 94%: the remaining 6.2% of reports (65) came above 200,000 miles.

Nothing is smoothed or interpolated. Linear axis, same as Figure 1.

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.

At 60,000 miles

20% of the failure reports on this generation came below this mileage. That describes reports, not your odds.

In the reporting window

  • Airbag system — middle half 59,000–165,000 mi
  • Engine and its cooling system — middle half 40,000–90,000 mi
  • Throttle and speed control — middle half 36,000–124,000 mi

Mostly reported later

  • Transmission and driveline — middle half 74,000–125,000 mi
  • Electrical system — middle half 85,000–150,000 mi
  • Engine — middle half 100,000–180,000 mi
  • Problems owners could not categorise — middle half 85,000–176,000 mi

At 90,000 miles

44% of the failure reports on this generation came below this mileage. That describes reports, not your odds.

Reported earlier than this mileage — ask for repair records

  • Engine and its cooling system — median 78,000 mi

In the reporting window

  • Transmission and driveline — middle half 74,000–125,000 mi
  • Airbag system — middle half 59,000–165,000 mi
  • Electrical system — middle half 85,000–150,000 mi
  • Throttle and speed control — middle half 36,000–124,000 mi
  • Problems owners could not categorise — middle half 85,000–176,000 mi

Mostly reported later

  • Engine — middle half 100,000–180,000 mi

At 120,000 miles

65% of the failure reports on this generation came below this mileage. That describes reports, not your odds.

Reported earlier than this mileage — ask for repair records

  • Engine and its cooling system — median 78,000 mi

In the reporting window

  • Transmission and driveline — middle half 74,000–125,000 mi
  • Airbag system — middle half 59,000–165,000 mi
  • Electrical system — middle half 85,000–150,000 mi
  • Throttle and speed control — middle half 36,000–124,000 mi
  • Engine — middle half 100,000–180,000 mi
  • Problems owners could not categorise — middle half 85,000–176,000 mi

Which systems, and when

Complaints about this generation are not spread evenly across the vehicle, and the systems that generate the most of them do not all fail at the same point in a car's life. The median failure across all systems here is 98,000 miles; the figures below show which parts of the car run ahead of that and which run behind.

The transmission and driveline accounts for 41.5% of complaints (570 reports, 515 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 96,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 74,000 and 125,000 miles.

A single system taking 41.5% of all complaints is a concentration worth noting. It means that for this generation, most of what owners reported came back to one area of the car rather than being distributed across many small faults.

The airbag system accounts for 11.9% of complaints (164 reports, 71 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 135,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 59,000 and 165,000 miles.

The electrical system accounts for 6.0% of complaints (83 reports, 65 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 112,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 85,000 and 150,000 miles.

The engine and its cooling system accounts for 5.5% of complaints (76 reports, 61 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 78,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 40,000 and 90,000 miles.

Throttle and speed control accounts for 3.6% of complaints (49 reports, 36 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 86,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 36,000 and 124,000 miles.

The engine accounts for 3.4% of complaints (47 reports, 36 of them with a mileage figure), and it fails late — a median of 145,000 miles, considerably beyond the vehicle's overall median. That pattern is consistent with normal service life rather than a defect, though it matters for anyone buying an example already near that mileage. The middle half of these reports falls between 100,000 and 180,000 miles.

Differences between model years

Within this generation, complaint volume is not constant across model years. The 2001 model year drew the most — 266 complaints — while 2006 drew the fewest at 121. The median year sits at 243.

Recalls and what they cover

NHTSA records 15 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation. A recall means the manufacturer or the regulator concluded there was a safety defect or a standard was not met, and that a free remedy is owed to owners — including second and later owners.

The campaigns cluster around the airbag system (13), traction control (1), the electrical system (1). Repeated recalls against the same area of the car generally mean the first remedy did not fully resolve the underlying problem.

Recall status is specific to the individual vehicle, not the model. Checking a VIN against NHTSA's lookup is free and takes under a minute, and it is the only way to know whether a particular car has had the work done.

Reported severity

What owners reported alongside the failure itself, out of 1,375 complaints against this generation:

Crashes
101 (7.3%)
Fires
22
Injury reports
70
Fatality reports
0

These flags are self-reported by complainants and unverified by NHTSA; one report can carry several flags, so the counts overlap and do not sum to a total. They are not adjusted for how many of these vehicles are on the road. No chart is drawn here on purpose: overlapping counts spanning very different magnitudes cannot be honestly encoded as lengths.

Documented problems

Automatic Transmission 2001–2006, with 2001, 2003 and 2004 the most heavily reported

Failure of the Honda 5-speed automatic — slipping, then complete disengagement without warning, often stranding the vehicle. Reported around 120,000 miles on 2001 and 2003 vehicles and around 80,000 miles on 2004. Part of the broader Honda/Acura V6 5-speed automatic durability problem of the era; repairs typically exceed $4,000.

By model year

Complaints by model year
YearComplaintsWith mileage
2001266193
2002242194
2003259202
2004243191
2005244184
200612192

Recalls (15) — is your car included?

Recalls are fixed free of charge at any dealer, for any owner. Check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The text below is NHTSA’s own wording.

  1. Oct 2020 · 2001–2002 · Air BagsIn the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments…

    The defect. 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.

    What can happen. 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.

    The free fix. 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.

    NHTSA campaign 20V027000, reported 2020-10-01.

  2. Oct 2020 · 2001 · Air BagsIn the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments…

    The defect. 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 rupt

    What can happen. 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.

    The free fix. 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.

    NHTSA campaign 20V026000, reported 2020-10-01.

  3. Aug 2019 · 2003–2006 · Air BagsAn inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in…

    The defect. 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.

    What can happen. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

    The free fix. 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.

    NHTSA campaign 19V501000, reported 2019-08-12.

  4. Aug 2019 · 2003–2006 · Air BagsAn inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in…

    The defect. 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.

    What can happen. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

    The free fix. 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.

    NHTSA campaign 19V499000, reported 2019-08-12.

  5. Apr 2019 · 2003–2006 · Air BagsAn explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments…

    The defect. 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 containi

    What can happen. 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.

    The free fix. 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.

    NHTSA campaign 19V182000, reported 2019-04-10.

  6. Feb 2017 · 2005–2006 · Air BagsAn inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury…

    The defect. 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

    What can happen. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

    The free fix. 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.

    NHTSA campaign 17V029000, reported 2017-02-27.

  7. Jun 2016 · 2003–2006 · Air BagsAn inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury…

    The defect. 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 Ac

    What can happen. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

    The free fix. 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.

    NHTSA campaign 16V344000, reported 2016-06-29.

  8. Feb 2016 · 2003 · Air BagsInadvertent deployment of the air bags may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.

    The defect. Honda is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Honda Odyssey vehicles manufactured February 13, 2002, to August 13, 2004, and 2003 Acura MDX vehicles manufactured February 21, 2002, to September 23, 2003. Due to electrical noise, a component in the air bag control module may fail, causing the front air bags, side air bags, and/or seatbelt pretensioners to deploy inadvertently while the vehicle is being operated.

    What can happen. Inadvertent deployment of the air bags may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.

    The free fix. Honda dealers will replace the supplemental restraint system electronic control unit (SRS ECU). The recall began on February 22, 2016. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009. Honda's number for this recall is JN6 (Odyssey), and JN7 (MDX). Note: This recall supersedes recall 13V-412. Vehicles that had a noise filter installed as the remedy for that campaign need to have the SRS ECU replaced under this campaign.

    NHTSA campaign 15V045000, reported 2016-02-22.

  9. Jul 2015 · 2003 · Air BagsIn the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could…

    The defect. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2001-2005 Honda Civic vehicles manufactured March 21, 2000, to January 20, 2005, 2001-2004 Honda Civic GX vehicles manufactured June 14, 2000, to August 19, 2004, 2003-2005 Honda Civic Hybrid vehicles manufactured February 24, 2002, to January 18, 2005, 2003-2007 Honda Accord vehicles manufactured February 21, 2002, to August 28, 2007, 2002-2004 Honda CR-V vehicles, 2002-2003 Honda Odyssey vehicles manufactured June 19, 2001, to July 12, 2003, 2003 Acura MDX vehicles manufactured September 19, 2002, to June 19, 2003, 2003 Honda E

    What can happen. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the passenger seat occupant or other occupants possibly causing serious injury or death.

    The free fix. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are JU4, JU5, JU6, and JU7. Note: Vehicles that have already received a replacement passenger air bag inflator as part of the recall remedy for an earlier campaign such as 14V353 or 14V700 (Honda recall numbers S95, JH6, JH7, JH8, JH9, JJ0, JJ1, JJ2, JJ6, JM5 and JM6) are not included in this recall. However, this recall does supersede 13V132 and 14V349. Note: On De

    NHTSA campaign 15V370000, reported 2015-07-01.

  10. Jul 2015 · 2003–2006 · Air BagsIn the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture…

    The defect. 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.

    What can happen. 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.

    The free fix. 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 alread

    NHTSA campaign 15V320000, reported 2015-07-01.

  11. Jan 2015 · 2003–2005 · Air BagsIn the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengerÂ’s frontal air bag, the inflator could…

    The defect. American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2001-2005 Honda Civic, 2003-2004 Civic CNG and Element, 2002-2005 CR-V, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2005 Accord, Pilot, Civic Hybrid, and Acura MDX, 2005 Acura RL and 2006 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Saipan, Guam, and American Samoa are addressed by this recall. Upon dep

    What can happen. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengerÂ’s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

    The free fix. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.

    NHTSA campaign 14V700000, reported 2015-01-26.

  12. Sep 2014 · 2003–2005 · Air BagsIn the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengerÂ’s frontal air bag, the inflator could…

    The defect. American Honda Motor Company, Inc.'s (Honda) is conducting a limited regional recall for certain model year 2003-2005 Accord, Civic, CR-V, Pilot and Acura MDX, model year 2003-2004 Odyssey and Element, and model year 2005 Acura RL, and 2006 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in California, and equipped with Takata-brand air bag inflators. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

    What can happen. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengerÂ’s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

    The free fix. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflators in all affected vehicles, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during August 2014. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.

    NHTSA campaign 14V353000, reported 2014-09-12.

  13. Nov 2013 · 2003 · Air BagsInadvertent deployment of the air bags may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.

    The defect. Honda is recalling certain model year 2003 and 2004 Odyssey and model year 2003 Acura MDX vehicles. Due to electrical noise, a component in the air bag control module may fail causing the front air bags, side curtain air bags, and/or seatbelt pretensioners to deploy inadvertently while the vehicle is being operated.

    What can happen. Inadvertent deployment of the air bags may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.

    The free fix. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will install a noise suppressor unit, free of charge. The recall began on November 1, 2013. A renotification letter went out on July 11, 2014 for the 2003 Acura and the 2003-2004 Odyssey. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009. Honda's recall numbers are JC2 (Honda Odyssey) and JC3 (Acura MDX).

    NHTSA campaign 13V412000, reported 2013-11-01.

  14. Apr 2013 · 2005–2006 · Traction Control SystemSudden inadvertent braking, especially without illumination of the brake lights, may increase the risk of a…

    The defect. 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.

    What can happen. Sudden inadvertent braking, especially without illumination of the brake lights, may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.

    The free fix. 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.

    NHTSA campaign 13V092000, reported 2013-04-22.

  15. Feb 2013 · 2003–2006 · Electrical SystemRemoval of the ignition key when the gear selector of a vehicle with an automatic transmission has not been…

    The 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.

    What can happen. 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.

    The free fix. 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.

    NHTSA campaign 12V573000, reported 2013-02-22.

What owners reported

I purchased an Acura MDX in november of 01 and from february of 02 until august of 03' my transmission kept down shifting and i have taken my car to the dealer for repairs approx 6 times with the service department writting that my trans was assempled incorrectly. They tried to fix it again because the same issue…

2001 · 1,000 miles · Transmission and driveline

Dear NHTSA: we have had our 2001 Acura MDX in (apple Acura in york, pa) for the recall involving the automatic transmission. We knew something was wrong before the recall notice because the MDX would hesitate and almost stall at low speed at gear changes. Our MDX is still under factory warranty (4 year- 50,000 miles).…

2001 · 5,000 miles · Transmission and driveline

Dt*: the contact stated while traveling 20 MPH, the engine stalled when turning a corner and the automatic transmission froze up in drive. The key in the ignition could not be turned and the steering was difficult to turn without the engine running. The problem was intermittent and occurred when the weather was cold.…

2001 · 9,000 miles · Transmission and driveline

the contact owns a 2001 Acura MDX. The vehicle hesitates when attempting to accelerate. Also at speeds above 40 MPH the vehicle will shimmy. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the technician stated that the torque converter needed to be replaced at an expense of $2300.00. No repairs were made. However, five…

2001 · 23,000 miles · Transmission and driveline

Built from 1,056 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-08-18 · open data · reproduce this page

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