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2001 Acura MDX Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2001 Acura MDX has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Torque converter shudder and low-speed grinding noise.” Acura's Maintenance Minder calculates oil life from real engine conditions and shows service codes instead of fixed mileages — code A or B (oil / oil + inspection) plus sub-codes for items like tire rotation (1), air filters (2), or transmission fluid (3). Follow the codes, not the calendar. One interval you should never stretch: most Acura 3.5L V6 engines (MDX, TL) use a timing belt with a roughly 105,000-mile / 7-year replacement — a snapped belt on this interference engine means bent valves. SH-AWD models add a rear-differential fluid service that's essential for the torque-vectoring unit.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2001 Acura MDX.

Reported to NHTSA

Torque converter shudder and low-speed grinding noise

POWER TRAIN

16 NHTSA complaints · 2009-07 → 2013-02

“THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SHUTTERED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER OR THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10464754
“2001 MDX SHUDDERS AT 1500 RPM (LIKE RUNNING OVER A SPEED STRIP) APPARENTLY A FAULTY TORQUE CONVERTER (TRANSMISSION). *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10411453
“FAULTY TORQUE CONVERTER. CAR SHUDDERS WHILE DRIVING. IT OCCURS EVERY TIME I MOVE AT A CONSTANT SPEED, TYPICALLY ANYWHERE BETWEEN 20-50 . *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10370811

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission recall 04V176 repair and coverage disputes

POWER TRAIN

20 NHTSA complaints · 2004-07 → 2021-11

“CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE 04V176000 CONCERNING AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. REMEDY FAILED. *AK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10110912
“THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL(04V17600) REGARDING THE TRANSMISSION. THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO FIX THE RECALL. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE PART WHICH WAS DEFECTIVE WAS NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL NOTICE. *JB”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10089309
“BECAUSE THE ORIGINAL TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN WORKED ON AND HAS AFTERMARKET PARTS, ACURA IS DENYING THE VEHICLE TO QUALIFY FOR A RECALL ON THE TRANSMISSION. PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *LA”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10083443

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine mount failure

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

12 NHTSA complaints · 2007-04 → 2010-02

“MOTOR MOUNTS FAILED AT 50K MILES AND NEED REPLACEMENT. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10249067
“I OWN A 2001 ACURA MDX AND I HAD BOTH MOTOR MOUNTS GO OUT AT 70K MILES. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10278737
“THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AND THEY DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT LOWER AND UPPER ENGINE MOUNTS WERE TORN. THE FAILURES OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,825 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 89,000”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10242224

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Front coil spring fracture

SUSPENSION

10 NHTSA complaints · 2005-06 → 2015-07

“BOTH FRONT SPRINGS BROKE SIMULTANEOUSLY WHEN BACKING OUT OF DRIVEWAY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10744755
“CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DRIVER SIDE FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE DRIVER SIDE COIL SPRING BROKE, IT PIERCED THE TIRE, RESULTING IN HIM LOSING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. *JB”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10459442
“THE FRONT SPRING ON MY 2001 ACURA MDX BROKE, THERE WAS NO EXCESSIVE FORCE OR CORROSION INVOLVED, THE VEHICHLE ONLY HAD 51,000 MILES ON IT. I WAS VERY LUCKY IT DID NOT PUNCTURE A TIRE OR DISRUPT THE STEERING AND RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10124437

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rear subframe corrosion and disconnection

SUSPENSION, STRUCTURE

3 NHTSA complaints · 2021-05 → 2021-08

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11430399
“TERRIBLE UNDERBODY RUSTING CAUSING SUBFRAME TO COME OUT OF THE REAR. VEHICLE ABOUT TO SPLIT IN 2”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11428370
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11415349

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Key removable when shifter not in park

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

5 NHTSA complaints · 2009-07 → 2014-12

“THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION INTERLOCK SYSTEM FAILED AND THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY WHILE THE GEAR WAS NOT IN DRIVE GEAR. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO GET BACK INTO THE VEHICLE AND SECURE THE GEAR IN PARK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10578846
“THERE IS A MALFUNCTION OF THE IGNITION INTERLOCK FEATURE. THE KEY CAN BE REMOVED WHILE THE TRANSMISSION IS IN NEUTRAL OR DRIVE. THE VEHICLE IS AT RISK OF ROLLING AWAY WHILE UNATTENDED. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10488685
“THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION INTERLOCK SYSTEM WOULD ALLOW THE DRIVER TO TAKE THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION WHEN IT WAS NOT IN PARK. THE VEHICLE ROLLED OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AND ALMOST STRUCK A MERCEDES BY ABOUT 4 INCHES. THE VEHICLE LANDED IN A HEDGE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10354877

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Automatic transmission failure, slipping and hard shifting

POWER TRAIN

74 NHTSA complaints · 2004-11 → 2024-04

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11582444
“ACURA MDX 2001 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE. TRANSMISSION SEEMS TO ALWAYS GET STUCK IN NEUTRAL WHILE DRIVING. ENGINE WILL REV VERY HIGH UNTIL THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS GEAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10157892
“TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED WITHOUT WARNING AT 87,000 MILES. *NM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10161733

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bag warning light and Takata recall parts delay

AIR BAGS

8 NHTSA complaints · 2005-09 → 2020-10

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11363613
“PASSENGER AIRBAG KEEPS COMING ON AND OFF WITH TEMPUTURE FLUCUATINS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11186115
“I HAVE AN ACURA MDX 2001. SINCE I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE THE YELLOW WARNING LIGHT (SIDE AIRBAG) IS ALWAYS LIGHTING UP EVEN DRIVING THE CAR, WHEN I'M STOP, MOST OF THE TIME ITS LIGHTING UP. I'M WORRIED MAYBE ONE DAY IT WILL BLOW UP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10260757

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Oil & Filter (Maintenance Minder A/B)

Every 8,000 mi

Change when the Maintenance Minder reaches 15% oil life or shows code A/B — typically every 7,500-10,000 miles with 0W-20 synthetic. Short-trip city driving triggers the code sooner; that's the algorithm doing its job.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Timing Belt (3.5L V6 — MDX, TL)

Every 105,000 mi

J-series V6: replace the timing belt around 105,000 miles or 7 years (Maintenance Minder sub-code 4). It's an interference engine — a failed belt destroys valves. Replace the water pump and tensioner in the same job. (2022+ MDX 3.5L remains belt-driven; the Integra's turbo four is chain-driven.)

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$935–$1175

Shop

~$655–$825

DIY

Pro only

On interference engines, a snapped belt destroys valves. Worth doing on schedule. Bundle water pump + tensioner — labor is already there.

Tire Rotation (Sub-code 1)

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate when sub-code 1 appears — roughly every 7,500 miles. SH-AWD models: keep tread depths matched across all four corners.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and fluid level with every A/B service. Type S models with Brembo front calipers: pads wear faster and cost more — budget ahead.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace every 3 years regardless of mileage — Honda/Acura schedules this on time because the fluid absorbs moisture.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Transmission Fluid (Sub-code 3)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace ATF when sub-code 3 appears — commonly every 30,000-60,000 miles depending on duty. Use Honda/Acura ATF only (DW-1, or the 10-speed's specified fluid); aftermarket 'universal' ATF causes shudder in these gearboxes.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

SH-AWD Rear Differential Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

SH-AWD (MDX, TLX, RDX): replace the rear differential fluid roughly every 30,000 miles (sub-code 6) — the torque-vectoring clutch packs run in this fluid, and whining or binding in tight turns is the classic overdue symptom.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Spark Plugs (Sub-code 4)

Every 100,000 mi

Iridium plugs around 100,000 miles on most models. Turbocharged Integra/ADX engines: check the manual — forced induction typically shortens the interval.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Air Filter (Sub-code 2)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace with sub-code 2, roughly every 30,000 miles — sooner in dusty conditions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter (Sub-code 2)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace with sub-code 2 alongside the engine air filter. Behind the glovebox — an easy DIY on most Acuras.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Coolant Replacement (Sub-code 5)

Every 100,000 mi

Honda/Acura Type 2 coolant: first change around 10 years / 100,000 miles, then every 5 years / 50,000. Use the blue Type 2 coolant only.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

51 crashes 1990–2024

How the 51 occupant deaths break down

35

driver deaths

16

passenger deaths

51

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2001 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

9

complaints mentioning a crash

1

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2001 Acura MDX reflects Acura's published service intervals and the Maintenance Minder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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