Most common 2001 Acura MDX problems
Share of the 224 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Acura MDX complaints by model year
Best MDX years: 2013, 2011, 2012. Years to avoid: 2025, 2022, 2016, 2020, 2017. Compare all years →
2001 Acura MDX recalls (4)
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
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.
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.
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
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…
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.
Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil springs
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…
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.
Power train › Automatic transmission
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.
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2001 Acura MDX:
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, May be susceptible to corrosion.rubber sleeves applied near the top and bottom of some springs to…
What 2001 Acura MDX owners say
Transmission & drivetrain all 131 →
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 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.
Engine & cooling all 22 →
Purchased certified preowned MDX from dealer (formally driven by finance manager for a year. Car cut off while driving less than 30 days. Dealer could not replicate the problem. Car cut off again, took to a different dealer and they could not replicate the problem. Car began to hesitate and stutter daily at initial cranking. Dealer could not replicate the problem after 2-3 drop offs. Finally the car showed a EGR valve (sensor) needed replacing. Car cut off again two additional times while driving. Dealer could not replicate. Car began to studder and hesitate gear changes. Dealer finally replicated and determined 1st 2nd and 3rd gear were bad. Dealer replacing transmission with rebuilt transmission. I have been without my car for many days to weeks at a time. I have not had my MDX since June 21, 2004. …
Tl*-the contact stated that while driving the 2001 Acura MDX,on a clear dry day at 50 MPH the vehicle made a jerking motion and felt as if the vehicle went into park. The vehicle skidded on the road, it shifted into gear , and the rpms were high. The vehicle didn't lose power, but did lose acceleration. He was able to put the foot on the accelerator and proceed, but the vehicle would only go about 30-35 MPH. The contact took the vehicle to the dealership, and they informed him that the transmission was ruined and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that this vehicle had 125,000 miles, and the replacement of the transmission totaled $4,100, the dealership replaced the transmission. The contact took the vehicle back to the dealership due to a noise from the engine. The dealership informed him that the engine mount sheared. …
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 clunk. All speeds. Traveling straight or turning if front wheels traverse a moderate change in road surface or over a small piece of debris there is a loud clunk heard from within the cabin. Sound is also produced when driving forward at low speeds (10-20 MPH) and turning the steering wheel side to side in fairly rapid succession (steering wheel direction change in every 0.5-1 second). The front shock absorbers have been replaced without change in symptoms. My concern is that there could be a steering/suspension component that with greater force, e.g. In an accident ,or traversing a significant road hazard like a pothole at high speeds, or even a reactive quick turn of the steering wheel to avoid a potential threat to vehicle and passenger safety, could result in a failure of the causative clunking part(s) resulting in loss of control of the vehicle and/or a collision.
2001 Acura MDX engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 15 / 21 / 17 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2001 Acura MDX a good car?
Based on 224 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2001 MDX rates avoid: 2.3× as many complaints as a typical year of the MDX at the same age. It is one of the MDX years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2001 Acura MDX?
The transmission & drivetrain — 131 complaints, 58% of all complaints for this model year, most often about automatic transmission. Next are the engine & cooling (22) and suspension (19).
How many recalls does the 2001 Acura MDX have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2001 Acura MDX, the most recent from January 17, 2020 (inflator module). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Acura MDX?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2013, 2011 and 2012. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2025, 2022, 2016, 2020 and 2017. See the full Acura MDX years comparison.
At what mileage do 2001 Acura MDX problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 100,000 miles; 12% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.