Engine
3.5L 6-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 203 of 204 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 159 of 204 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Power train
126 complaint records1 fire report4 crash reports
"THE VEHICLE STALLS WHENEVER YOU STOP MOVING BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION TORQUE CONVERTER LOCKS UP AND DOES NOT RELEASE. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →
Air bags
23 complaint records3 crash reports
"AIR BAGS DID NOT INFLATE WITH FRONT COLLUSION. CAR TURNED LEFT IN FRONT OF US. FRONTAL IMPACT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
19 complaint records1 fire report
"ON FOUR SEPARATE OCCASIONS THE ENGINE RACES WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THEY HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM . MR *NLM..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE05040 opened Jul 2005 | closed Sep 2005 | Tires | FRONT COIL SPRING BREAKAGE - led to recall 05V385000 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... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20V027000 | Air Bags | 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... | Normally free |
| 05V385000 | Suspension | 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... | Normally free |
| 04V176000 | Power Train | 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... | Normally free |
| 02V226000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, SEDANS, COUPES, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH V6 ENGINES, A TIMING BELT TENSIONER PULLEY ON THE WATER PUMP IS MISALIGNED AND COULD CAUSE THE TIMING BELT TO CONTACT A BOLT ON THE CYLINDER... | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020015 2020-01-17 | Airbag | 85,247 | Issue: On certain vehicles, exposure to moisture over time could cause the driver-front airbag not to inflate properly in a crash. |
| 2005260 2005-09-07 | Suspension | 4,875 | On certain vehicles, the front suspension coil springs may have received insufficient corrosion protection during manufacturing and, in areas where road salt is used, may be susceptible to corrosion. |
| 2004143 2004-04-23 | Powertrain | 85,184 | 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, in very rare cases, gear breakage can occur. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| BTI&02072023901 Feb 2023 | Parking Brake | Dealer Message- American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for any & all 2022 MDX Type Ss & 2021-2022 TLXs that match the criteria listed below. AHM is interested ONLY if the vehicle meets the following requirements: 1. | |
| B21-022 May 2021 | Power Train | Service Bulletin - Case v. American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Case No. BC 424169 (Third Clutch Transmission Settlement - $25 Credit Vouchers). | |
| B18010I Jan 2018 | Electrical System | Servicenews article - Is the navigation screen clock reading 00:00? We?re aware of this issue and have it under investigation. | |
| BTS170801 Sep 2017 | Equipment | Tech line summary article - Is the navigation screen clock reading 00:00? We?re aware of this issue and have it under investigation. | |
| BTS170801 Aug 2017 | Electrical System | Tech line summary article - Is the navigation screen clock reading 00:00? We?re aware of this issue and are looking for a solution. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| BJA46167 Jan 2017 | Equipment | Sending vehicle data to tech line. | |
| B05-018 Nov 2016 | Equipment | SERVICE BULLETIN - NAVIGATION SYSTEM INFORMATION. | |
| B98015 Mar 2016 | Equipment | Special Tool Loan Program: Under TOOLS AVAILABLE FOR LOAN, the list has been updated. | |
| B99-040 Dec 2015 | Fuel System | "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]). | |
| DLR MSG - Acura Aug 2014 | Air Bags | Dealer message - On Monday, June 23, 2014, Acura announced three recalls for various 2002-06 Acura models. As of August 4, 2014, affected VINs have been identified, and VIN status inquiry has been updated. | |
| DLR MSG - Stop S Jul 2014 | Air Bags | Dealer message - On Monday, June 23, 2014, Acura announced three recalls for various 2002-06 Acura models. As of July 23, 2014, affected VINs have been identified, and service bulletins 14-023, Safety Recall: Front Passenger?s Airbag Inflator Can Be Over-Pressurized, 14-029,... | |
| SB-0708 Nov 2010 | Tires | ACURA: 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. *RM | |
| 08-026 May 2008 | Equipment | LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY REDUCED LABEL FOR ALL ACURA VEHICLES. *PE | |
| 06050 May 2008 | Unknown Or Other | WARRANTY EXTENSION: VEHICLE WARRANTY MILEAGE. *KB AFFECTS 2002 THROUGH 2006 ACURA MODELS. UPDATED 8/15/08. *PE | |
| SB-06-050 May 2008 | Equipment | ACURA: WARRANTY EXTENSION: VEHICLE WARRANTY MILEAGE. A FEDERAL COURT PROVIDED FINAL APPROVAL OF THE SETTLEMENT OF A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT ALLEGING THAT THE ODOMETERS ON CERTAIN MODELS WERE OVERSTATING MILEAGE. VEHICLES AFFECTED BY THIS SETTLEMENT INCLUDE CERTAIN 2002-2006. | |
| 06-008 Feb 2008 | Electrical System | ACURA 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. *NJ | |
| 05-019 Feb 2008 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ACURA 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. *NJ | |
| 04035 Jan 2008 | Vehicle Speed Control | ACCELERATOR PEDAL HARD TO PRESS. *TT UPDATED 4/2/08. *NJ | |
| 307 Mar 2007 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ROUGH IDLE, STALLS AT STOPS, AND DTC'S P0172 OR P0175 APPEAR WHEN INSPECTED. *KB | |
| 03030 Nov 2006 | Engine And Engine Cooling | PRODUCT UPDATE - TIMING BELT AUTO-TENSIONER OIL LEAK. *TT | |
| 03015 Jan 2006 | Equipment | REMOTE AUDIO CONTROLS DO NOT WORK PROPERLY. *TT | |
| 090105 Sep 2005 | Equipment | HOMELINK WON'T PROGRAM WITH AFTERMARKET REMOTES. *JB | |
| 05024 Aug 2005 | Power Train | SHUDDER OR VIBRATION BETWEEN 35 AND 40 MPH. *TT | |
| 07012005 Jul 2005 | Electrical System | SPEEDOMETER SHOPS CAN TRANSFER ODOMETER MILEAGE. ACURA. SERVICENEWS. *TT | |
| 505 May 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | CRANKS WON'T START, IMMOBILIZER LIGHT FLASHES. *TT | |
| 04006 Apr 2005 | Seats | SEAT-BACK PANEL IS LOOSE OR DETACHED. *TT | |
| 01162005 Jan 2005 | Equipment | REPLACEMENT OR UPDATED NAVIGATION DVD DISKS. *EH | |
| 04013 Nov 2004 | Power Train | SAFETY RECALL: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SECOND GEAR INSPECTION. SUPERSEDES 04-013, DATED APRIL 30, 2004. *TT *EH | |
| 04037 Nov 2004 | Visibility | BUZZING FROM THE FRONT BLOWER MOTOR. *TT | |
| 10012004 Oct 2004 | Power Train | HOW TO REPLENISH ATF ON VEHICLES WITH A/T OIL JET KITS. *NM | |
| 03021 Sep 2004 | Equipment | THE REAR CENTER VENTS DO NOT BLOW AIR AT ANY CLIMATE CONTROL SETTING. *TT SUPERSEDES 03-021, DATED AUGUST 18, 2003. *TT | |
| 04022 Sep 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE HESITATION WHILE DRIVING. *TT SUPERSEDES 04-022, ENGINE HESITATION WHILE DRIVING, DATED JULY 9, 2004. *TT | |
| 06282004 Sep 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE COOLANT LEAKS. *MJ DEALER VISIT REQUEST SUMMARY. *TT | |
| 904 Sep 2004 | Fuel System | POOR FUEL ECONOMY. ACURA TECH LINE SUMMARY FOR DEALER DISTRIBUTION. *TT | |
| 09012004 Sep 2004 | Equipment | REPLACING NAVIGATION SYSTEM DVD'S CAN CAUSE DVD DISK ERROR. *NM | |
| 804 Aug 2004 | Electrical System | NAVIGATION ERROR MESSAGE-DVD DISK READ ERROR. *SC | |
| 08012004 Aug 2004 | Unknown Or Other | STORE DIGITAL INSPECTION PHOTOS FOR WARRANTY CLAIMS FOR SERVICE BULLETIN (S/B) 04-013, SAFETY RECALL, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SECOND GEAR INSPECTION AND S/B 04-020, SAFETY RECALL, CL AND TL AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SECOND GEAR INSPECTION. ACURA SERVICENEWS. *TT | |
| 604 Jun 2004 | Power Train | SAFETY RECALL SERVICE BULLETIN 04-013 FAQ. *NM | |
| 04017 Jun 2004 | Structure | GLOVE BOX LIGHT STAYS ON. *TT | |
| 04009 Jun 2004 | Service Brakes | CLUNK FROM THE REAR BRAKES. *MJ *TT | |
| 105 May 2004 | Power Train | SERVICE BULLETIN 04-013 DIGITAL PHOTO TIPS TO IMPROVE TRANSMISSION GEAR. ACURA. TECH LINE SUMMARY. *TT | |
| 05012004 May 2004 | Equipment | AUDIO UNIT AND NAVI ANTI-THEFT CODES AVAILABLE ON IN. ACURA SERVICENEWS. MAY 2004. *TT | |
| 04013 Apr 2004 | Power Train | AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SECOND GEAR INSPECTION. *EH | |
| 02015 Apr 2004 | Electrical System | SRS INDICATOR COMES ON WITH SRS DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE. *EH | |
| 04012004 Apr 2004 | Air Bags | SRS INDICATOR ON AFTER BODY SHOP REPAIR. CHECK FOR SRS DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES. ACURA SERVICENEWS. APRIL 2004. *TT | |
| 032604 Mar 2004 | Service Brakes | REAR BRAKE SHIM KITS FOR THE REAR BRAKE CALIPERS WHICH MAY CLUNK THE FIRST TIME THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED AFTER CHANGING DIRECTION FROM FORWARD TO REVERSE OR VICE-VERSA. *TT | |
| 01041 Feb 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | V6 ENGINE OIL LEAKS. *JB THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES 01-041, DATED 10/29/2001. *TT | |
| 04003 Feb 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | IDLE FLUCTUATION WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P1129. *TT | |
| 020204 Feb 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BROKEN HEAD BOLT(S). REQUEST FOR PARTS. *TT | |
| 02012004 Feb 2004 | Steering | POWER STEERING PUMP PULLEY FAILURE AFTER S/B 02-022. ACURA SERVICENEWS. *TT | |
| 104 Jan 2004 | Electrical System | POOR AM RADIO RECEPTION. ACURA. TECH LINE SUMMARY. *TT | |
| 012012003 Dec 2003 | Power Train | ATF (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID) LEAKS FROM COOLER LINE BANJO BOLT. *SC | |
| 03022 Nov 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | PRODUCT UPDATE - TIMING BELT AUTO-TENSIONER SAFETY RECALL - V6 ENGINE WATER PUMP RECALL SERVICE BULLETIN. *TT *MJ | |
| 110303 Nov 2003 | Vehicle Speed Control | REQUEST FOR PARTS. THROTTLE BODIES. COMPLAINT OF THE ACCELERATOR STICKING CLOSED OR DIFFICULT TO DEPRESS. *TT | |
| 1003 Oct 2003 | Service Brakes | TESTING BRAKE FLUID FOR PETROLEUM CONTAMINATION. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2003 AND 2004 NSX AND 2004 RSX. *TT | |
| 03028 Oct 2003 | Equipment | NAVIGATION SYSTEM DISPLAYS U.S. POST OFFICE PHONE NUMBERS INCORRECTLY. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2003 RL. *TT | |
| 092603 Sep 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | TO ALL ACURA SERVICE & PARTS MANAGERS TIMING BELT AUTO-TENSION/SAFETY RECALL WITH EMISSION WARRANTY PARTS INFORMATION. *TT | |
| 091903 Sep 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | TO ALL SERVICE & PARTS MANAGERS ANNOUNCING A PRODUCT UPDATE CHANGE REGARDING TIMING BELT AUTO-TENSIONER/SAFETY RECALL. *TT | |
| 091803 Sep 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | TO ALL SERVICE & PARTS MANAGERS ANNOUNCING A PRODUCT UPDATE CAMPAIGN TO REPAIR TIMING BELT TENSIONER OIL LEAKAGE. *TT | |
| 903 Sep 2003 | Equipment | UNEQUAL DASH VENT AIR CONDITIONER TEMPERATURE. TECH LINE SUMMARY. *TT |
Showing 60 of 105 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 4 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Acura MDX →