Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
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.
When driving the car will shift into neutral. The only way to accelerate is to manually shift the gear shift into neutral and then back to drive. This occurs frequently at stops. There was a recall for this issue in 2004. The Acura dealership in Fort Worth, Texas indicated that the recalled part was replaced, however, this issue has re-occurred or was not properly fixed in the first instance. This is likely due to a replacement of the same defective transmission part. I have requested the Acura dealership to look at the transmission as it relates to the recall (recall number 04V17600). Although they are aware that this is the issue, they refuse to redress the problem. They state that I will need to pay for an entire new transmission. This is an issue with the Acura components and not a problem caused by the driver. Acura should be required to fix the issue. …
Automatic transmission- I bought my 2001 Acura MDX in March 2019 it has ran fine until August 2019. It started making a loud clanking noise on and off when I took out of reverse, then at about 40-50 MPH it starts having a vibration then goes away at other speeds. About a week ago while driving straight down the interstate at 65 MPH with my cruise control set my RPM went up to 5000 so I tapped on break which made it go back down to normal, so I went to accelerate back up to speed and nothing happened other then it acting as though I was driving in neutral and then it was fine again for a split second so I turned my hazards on and slowed down more and pulled off into gas station to see what was going on and noticed atf all over the place the ground was covered. …
I was driving in a center lane about 45 MPH in my 2001 Acura MDX when the front wheels locked up and the car went into a skid and came to a complete stop. Within seconds, the lady behind me ran into me causing damage to the front of her vehicle and the rear of my car. Neither of our airbags went off. The other women said her knee was hurting, but she did not request any medical attention at the scene of the accident. There were no other injuries. There was no warning, no strange noises, no jerky actions - the front wheels just stopped. The car was taken to the local Honda dealer and Acura was contacted. The transmission had broken and Acura arranged to have the vehicle transported to the closest dealership which was oklahoma city. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Acura MDX. While driving 35 MPH, the vehicle began to hesitate. Also, while driving over 60 MPH, the vehicle seized. The contact was able to park on the side of the road and restart the ignition, but the failure continued. Also, the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 04V176000 (power train). The vehicle was not repaired. A dealer and the manufacturer were not notified. The failure mileage was 192,000. Consumer stated the following transmission codes are generated from the diagnosis tool p0700 - a/t system malfunction p1740 - 4th pressure switch failure p1750 - clutch pressure failure
I purchased my 2001 Acura MDX in March 2019. Since purchase the car consistently makes a loud clunk when shifting the gear shifter into reverse. It also clunks consistently going from park to drive. There is hesitation in the cars shifting. At times I either have to speed up or let speed off for a transmission shift to occur. The car shudders horribly when braking at low or medium speeds. It feels unsafe and scary and only a matter of time before a complete wipe out occurs. Seeing this as a ongoing problem with this vehicle and yet california is not in the vehicle recalls seems ridiculous. These happen on city streets and highways daily while driving said vehicle.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Acura MDX. While attempting to accelerate from a traffic light, the check engine light illuminated and the vehicle failed to accelerate. The rpms rapidly increased. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 04V176000 (power train). The approximate failure mileage was 129,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Acura MDX. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, the vehicle independently shifted into drive and rolled down a residential driveway. The rear bumper of the vehicle crashed into a tree. There were no injuries. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis but they were unable to duplicate the problem. The VIN was not available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 118,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Acura MDX. While driving 45 to 50 MPH, the front end of the vehicle jerked and the engine, maintenance required, vtm-4, and air bag indicators remained illuminated. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road, restarted, and driven to the contact's residence. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 04V176000 (power train). The manufacturer was notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 201,000.
Related recalls
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.
Transmission complaints in other MDX years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2001 Acura MDX?
NHTSA has 131 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2001 Acura MDX, 58% of the model year's 224 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (86 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Acura MDX transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 04V-176 (automatic transmission, Apr 15, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2001 Acura MDX transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 104,000 miles, and 4% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.