2001 Acura MDX
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 2001 Acura MDX. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 2001 Acura MDX. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Remedy
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.
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.…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Remedy
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.
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.…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Excessive corrosion can cause spring failure and a broken spring could puncture a front tire, which increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace both front springs with improved springs. the recall began on october 11, 2005. owners may contact acura at 800-382-2238.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Gear failure could result in transmission lockup, which could result in a crash.
Remedy
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.
Owner complaints
224 complaints9 involved a crash1 involved a fire10 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Power train
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…
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
car accident
- Power train · Unknown or other · Vehicle speed control
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
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…
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.
- Structure › Body · Suspension
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
Terrible underbody rusting causing subframe to come out of the rear. Vehicle about to split in 2
- Power train
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…
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.
- Structure › Body · Suspension · Wheels
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.
- Air bags › Srs malfunction warning lamp/light · Seat belts › Status indicator switch
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
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
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.…
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
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…
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
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.…
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
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…
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 · Unknown or other · Wheels
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…
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
Air bag light on
- Power train
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…
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
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…
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.
- Power train · Suspension
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…
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
Passenger airbag keeps coming on and off with temputure flucuatins
- Power train
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.
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Fuel/propulsion system · Power train
The vehicle uncontrollably locked up and vered into the on coming lane of traffic
- Unknown or other
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…
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
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…
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.
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Suspension · Vehicle speed control
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
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Front coil spring breakage
In an august 29, 2005 letter, honda notified nhtsa that it had identified a defect in the front coil springs of certain model year 2001 and early-2002 acura MDX sport utility vehicles.according to honda, some front suspension coil springs have insufficient corrosion protection and, in areas where road salts are used…
In an august 29, 2005 letter, honda notified nhtsa that it had identified a defect in the front coil springs of certain model year 2001 and early-2002 acura MDX sport utility vehicles.according to honda, some front suspension coil springs have insufficient corrosion protection and, in areas where road salts are used, may be susceptible to corrosion.rubber sleeves applied near the top and bottom of some springs to eliminate noise can trap salt water, increasing the potential for excessive corrosion.over time, excessive corrosion can cause spring failure.in some cases, a broken spring could puncture a front tire, which increases the risk of a crash.evidence of tire damage was identified in at least 4 (29%) of the spring fracture reports and 13 (21%) of the warranty claims.one report also indicated that a fractured spring damaged a brake line failure, resulting in extended stopping distance. To correct the condition, honda IS recalling approximately 22,861 MDX vehicles sold 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 where large quantities of road salt are used (honda recall P92, nhtsa recall 05v-385).there were no complaints or warranty claims involving vehicles from outside the recall region.dealers will replace both front suspension coil springs with improved springs.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10211608Special Tool Loan Program: Under TOOLS AVAILABLE FOR LOAN, the list has been updated.
- 10195036Service Bulletin - Case v. American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Case No. BC 424169 (Third Clutch Transmission Settlement - $25 Credit Vouchers).
- 10193392Sending vehicle data to tech line.
- 10130044Servicenews article - Is the navigation screen clock reading 00:00? We?re aware of this issue and have it under investigation.
- 10127358Servicenews article - Is the navigation screen clock reading 00:00? We?re aware of this issue and have it under investigation.
- 10118544Tech line summary article - Is the navigation screen clock reading 00:00? We?re aware of this issue and have it under investigation.
- 10117869Tech line summary article - Is the navigation screen clock reading 00:00? We?re aware of this issue and are looking for a solution.
- 10100462Service bulletin - navigation system information.
- 10099960"Service bulletin - this bulletin updates the troubleshooting procedures for dtc p1456 (evap control system leakage [fuel tank system]) and dtc p1457 (evap control system leakage[evap canister system]). Depending on the model, there are two individual procedures in this bulletin."
- 10037486Acura: there are guidelines for various situations and procedures including: tire pressure valve stem installation, trailer stability malfunction light IS on, engine oil application guide, new software, new transmission fluid, notchy steering feeling.
- 10025524Load carrying capacity reduced label for all acura vehicles.
- 10024562Acura service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. Warranty extension: egr valve contamination may cause engine hesitation/surge or dtc p1491. Csc was received.
- 10024561Acura service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. Warranty extension: opds unit or opds sensor triggers srs dtc's 15-1, 15-2, 15-3. Csc was received.
- 10021343Rough idle, stalls at stops, and dtc's p0172 or p0175 appear when inspected.
- 10018109Homelink won't program with aftermarket remotes.
- 10018038Speedometer shops can transfer odometer mileage. Acura. Servicenews.
- 10017635Shudder or vibration between 35 and 40 mph.
- 10017507Seat-back panel IS loose or detached.
- 10016278Input test can damage cruise control unit.
- 10016261Canon A75 digital camera replacement.
- 10016260Cranks won't start, immobilizer light flashes.
- 10014774Replacement or updated navigation dvd disks.
- 10014766P1706 a/t switch short or open.
- 10014344Atf (automatic transmission fluid) leaks from cooler line banjo bolt.
- 10014133Canon digital camera loan program.
- 10014093Navigation error message-dvd disk read error.
- 10014075Srs warning light on after body shop repair.
- 10014071Odometer accuracy.
- 10014067The homelink system may have test information stored in memory that must be erased before it can be programmed.
- 10014065Power steering belt tension adjustment.
- 10014061Troubleshooting ABS or tcs diagnostic trouble code 51 and/or 53.
- 10014058Front camber adjustment.
- 10014049If navigation system intermittently displays the message, database old see your dealer, apply the navigational system operating system software patch.
- 10014042Asb 04-013 transmission r&r tips.
- 10014038Safety recall service bulletin 04-013 faq.
- 10013930Camera fixture retainer knobs now available.
- 10013911A/t solenoid replacement criteria.
- 10013909How to remove a stubborn atf filler bolt.
- 10013905How to replenish atf on vehicles with a/t oil jet kits.
- 10013845Replacing navigation system dvd's can cause dvd disk error.
Every Acura MDX model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.