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2004 Acura MDX Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2004 Acura MDX has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Torque converter shudder or grinding at 25-50 mph.” 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 2004 Acura MDX.

Reported to NHTSA

Torque converter shudder or grinding at 25-50 mph

POWER TRAIN

65 NHTSA complaints · 2004-10 → 2019-02

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE MADE A SHUTTERING VIBRATION NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10500654
“2004 ACURA MDX TORQUE CONVERTER ISSUE. I CAN FEEL/HEAR THE VIBRATION/SHUDDER/GRINDING BETWEEN 20-50 MPH WHILE MAINTAINING THE STEADY SPEED WITH LIGHT LOAD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10349911
“THIS CAR HAS 131,000 MILES ON IT AND THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. AFTER READING 37 PAGES FROM OTHER OWNERS ON EDMONDS THEY COMPLAINED ABOUT THE SAME THING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11011271

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Vehicle rolls after being shifted into park

POWER TRAIN

5 NHTSA complaints · 2004-10 → 2017-10

“AFTER SHIFTING OUT OF REVERSE INTO DRIVE, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED IN REVERSE UNTIL THE CONSUMER TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE AND RESTARTED IT. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10097280
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 ACURA MDX. AFTER SHIFTING INTO PARK, THE GEAR FAILED TO ENGAGE AND ALLOWED THE VEHICLE TO ROLL. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES IN THE PAST”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10760723
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT THE DRIVE WAY, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY BEGAN TO REVERSE INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE BY PUTTING ROCKS BEHIND THE TIRES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11031487

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel pump shutoff and overflow during refueling

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

14 NHTSA complaints · 2010-08 → 2016-10

“WHEN EVER WE TRY TO FILL OUR CAR WE GET ABOUT 1/2 OF A GALLON OF GAS AND THE GAS PUMP STOPS AND GAS GOES DOWN THE SIDE OF THE CAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10485959
“THROUGH OUT THIS YEAR I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO FILL MY GAS TANK SEVERAL TIMES AND THE HOSE KEEPS TRIPPING OFF AFTER A COUPLE SECONDS. I CAN'T PUT MORE THAN TWO OR THREE GALLONS IN MY CAR AND IT TAKES FOREVER TO DO THAT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10486462
“THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATED THAT THE TANK WAS HALF EMPTY. AS SOON AS I BEGAN TO FUEL THE CAR, THE FUEL OVERFLOWED SPILLING ON THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10911030

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Radiator and transmission cooler fluid cross-contamination

POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE

5 NHTSA complaints · 2012-06 → 2018-12

“INTERNAL LEAK IN RADIATOR CAUSING A LEAK OF COOLANT TO TRANSMISSION FLUID AND VICE VERSA, DAMAGING TRANSMISSION AND RENDERING CAR NOT DRIVABLE WITHIN MOMENTS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10461784
“I WAS TOLD MY RADIATOR BLADDER EXPLODED CAUSING ALL FLUIDS TO MIX, THUS I NOW NEED A NEW RADIATOR AND A NEW TRANSMISSION, COST OF REPAIR IS $4600”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10460662
“HOSE CONNECTION FAILURE BETWEEN RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION COOLER CAUSING RADIATOR FLUID TO MIX WITH TRANNY FLUID WITH NO DASH INDICATOR OF PROBLEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11163931

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Front and side motor mount failure

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

5 NHTSA complaints · 2008-08 → 2010-12

“1. THE FRONT AND SIDE MOTOR MOUNTS ON MY '04 ACURA MDX ARE BROKEN AS WELL AS THE REAR A/C BLOWER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10239815
“MY MECHANIC DETERMINED MY FRONT AND SIDE MOTOR MOUNTS NEED REPLACING, AND MENTIONED IT BEING COMMON IN MY VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10370269
“TOOK CAR IN FOR INSPECTION AND THE DEALER TOLD US OUR FRONT ENGINE MOUNT NEEDS REPLACING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10259351

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag warning light on with recall parts unavailable

AIR BAGS

16 NHTSA complaints · 2015-02 → 2025-01

“LET ME GET THIS STRAIGHT..THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG AND I AM NOT SUPPOSED TO HAVE ANYONE IN THE FRONT SEAT FOR THE NEXT 3 TO 4 MONTHS...I WAS TOLD THE AIRBAG IS ON BACK ORDER TILL LATE FALL!!!!”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10888290
“I GOT AN AIRBAG RECALL NOTICE IN JANUARY 2015 FOR MY ACURA MDX. NOW IT'S MID- MAY AND THE ACURA DEALERSHIP KEEPS SAY THEY DO NOT HAVE THE PART. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, ACURA NEEDS TO DO BETTER THAN THIS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10716167
“TOOK VEHICLE VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR AIR BAG LIGHT ON. WAS TOLD 2 SENSORS WERE MALFUNCTIONING AND NEEDED REPLACED (81169-SOX-A1 AND 77970-S3V-A72) ON 8-18-2016”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10899151

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bag and seat belt failure to restrain in a crash

AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS

9 NHTSA complaints · 2004-09 → 2026-06

“THE VEHICLE'S PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED OUT OF IT'S COMPARTMENT, HOWEVER, THE DRIVER'S SEAT AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11331690
“DURING A COLLISION THE PASSENGER FELL TO THE SIDE WINDOW AND AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, RESULTING IN HEAD INJURIES. PASSENGER WAS TRANSPORTED BY AMBULANCE TO THE HOSPITAL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10092677
“THE SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT COLLAPSED. THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT BECAME UNLATCHED AND THE CONTACT WAS THROWN FORWARD SEVERAL TIMES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10193039

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

VSA system applies brakes without driver input

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

8 NHTSA complaints · 2013-12 → 2020-03

“SINCE ABOUT FEBRUARY 2010 THE VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST SYSTEM WILL RANDOMLY ACTIVATE DURING PERIODS OF PROLONGED HIGHWAY DRIVING. THIS CONDITION USUALLY HAPPENS ON DRY PAVEMENT AND WITHOUT WARNING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10556874
“WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE WOULD APPLY BRAKES SECONDS BEFORE THE VSA LIGHT AND TRIANGLE LIGHT SHOWS UP. BOTH LIGHTS WILL STAY ON UNTIL THE ENGINE IS SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11318733
“WAS DRIVING CAR AN THE BRAKES LOCKED UP LIGHTS CAME ON, VSA ABS ECT. HAD TO PARK CAR AS IF BRAKES WERE STUCK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10822617

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)

42 crashes 1990–2024

How the 42 occupant deaths break down

23

driver deaths

19

passenger deaths

42

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2004 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.

13

complaints mentioning a crash

4

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 2004 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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