Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Acura MDX owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
I was driving on the highway at 65 MPH and all of a sudden the engine cut off. I lost engine power and the car began to slow down. After pulling to the side of the highway, I was not able to put the car in park nor remove the key. After several minutes, I was able to put the transmission in park and remove the key. The car started again after 10 minutes and drove it to the repair shop. The shop could not replicate the problem and said my car is fine. I know the car is not fine because it cut off on me while driving on the highway. This car is an accident trap waiting to happen.
Dt*: the contact stated while traveling 20 MPH, the engine stalled when turning a corner and the automatic transmission froze up in drive. The key in the ignition could not be turned and the steering was difficult to turn without the engine running. The problem was intermittent and occurred when the weather was cold. The service dealer had not inspected the vehicle but the manufacturer was notified. The consumer stated the vehicle would randomly stall when his foot was removed from the accelerator. Updated 01/1/07.
Tl contact owns a 2001 Acura MDX. While the vehicle was undergoing routine maintenance, the dealer stated that the upper and lower engine mounts were torn and needed to be replaced. The contact inquired about a recall, but the dealer stated that were none. Therefore, the contact had to pay $582.63 for the repairs. The failure mileage was 79,799 and current mileage was 80,200. Updated 09/10/08. The dealer also replaced a missing tongue stopper on the seat belt. Updated 09/12/08.
Tl contact owns a 2001 Acura MDX. 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. Updated 10/16/08. The EGR valve was faulty, which caused the engine light to illuminate. The battery had to be replaced. Updated 10/17/08.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to an auto repair shop but was not diagnosed for the failure, or repaired. The contact was not aware of what caused the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
2001 Acura MDX was driven under normal conditions. At 61,532 miles, I was told that two of the engine mounts were broken and needed to be replaced. I was told that if I continued to drive, the engine could possibly impact and damage the radiator. I had the parts replaced. I have searched the internet and found numerous similar complaints.
Motor mounts going bad and breaking in MDX Acura 01-current. Replacing between 40K-80K. Intake system clogged (airport) gives bad gas mileage and to unclogg runs $200 at dealership. Makes vibration and noise as if you are going over a speed bump heading towards a toll booth.
2001 Acura MDX with about 80,000 miles has cracked front engine block and bad side engine block. Dealer wants about $800.00 to fix. Numerous complaints on the internet of the same problem. This is a design flaw that Acura should fix.
Engine complaints in other MDX years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2001 Acura MDX?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2001 Acura MDX, 10% of the model year's 224 complaints. The component named most often is engine (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Acura MDX engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2001 Acura MDX, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2001 Acura MDX engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 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.