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 2004 Acura MDX owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Was driving to the store and the vehicle lost all power it will crank and idle but. When u push the gas pedal it will not accelerate all the dash lights are flashing or staying on as of right now the vehicle is on the side of the road I had to walk 15 miles cause I left my phone at home so I couldn't call no one and. My 11 year old daughter was with me so she had to walk as well
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Acura MDX. While driving approximately 35 MPH and making a right turn, there was a clunking noise coming from the engine. The vsa warning indicator illuminated, the brakes applied independently, and the vehicle stopped. The contact had to depress the accelerator pedal to continue driving the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the stability assist system failed and needed to be replaced. The independent mechanic replaced the brake pads, discs, calipers, and fluid; however, the failure recurred. The independent mechanic informed the contact of NHTSA campaign number: 13V092000 (service brakes, hydraulic, traction control system) and to contact the dealer. The dealer was not contacted. The contact called the manufacturer and was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. …
There is a grind/ roaring sound when I am going about 40 MPH. It definitely sounds like the transmission. I researched it on line and have determined that thousand of people like my self are experiencing the same issues, but Honda has not recalled these cars. My question is does someone's transmission have to cause an accident and possibly a fatality before this issue is handled. Most people have had to have the torque converter replaced at their own expense, some after threatening lawsuits have received some assistance. What can we do?
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Acura MDX. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The battery was jumped and the vehicle was able to start. The failure recurred multiple times. The dealer stated that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact also stated that there was oil leaking from the engine and the smell of fumes emitted into the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 188,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Acura MDX. While driving approximately 3 MPH attempting to park, the contact heard a noise emerging from the engine compartment. The contact also stated that pieces of the serpentine belt were shredded and hanging from the engine. The vehicle was parked at the contact's house. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
Hose connection failure between radiator and transmission cooler causing radiator fluid to mix with tranny fluid with no dash indicator of problem.. In motion lost power and would not move from 1st gear. Broke down completely in need of transmission work and new coolant system due to hose connect failure.
I was pulling into drive way when I shut off truck took keys out, shut door, as garage door was opening. Car started rolling back... I opened door tried to press on emerg. Brake with hand as im running with vehicle as it is rolling back, wouldn't stop. I realized the gear wasn't in park, it was in reverse, but with no keys I tried to put gear into park, wouldn't move without keys, I hopped in, put keys in ignition and turned car on, as I was putting the gear in park, the vehicle reared forward and I pressed on breaks but it wouldn't stop. …
Reproducibly at automatic transmission shifting speeds between 20-25mph, 30-35mph and 40-45mph there is an audible and palpable shudder as the transmission hesitates prior to shifting. Have brought vehicle to Acura dealer 3 times over the past 5 years, every time stating the same complaint, and every time referencing a convincing multitude of Acura MDX owners noting a similar problem. Every time Acura service states they could not reproduce the problem and nothing is wrong with the vehicle. The last time I even drove the car with their chief mechanic, who verified the problem and stated it must be the torque converter, but Acura only performed an automatic transmission flush and reset the transmission computer settings that they charged me for, and neither solved the problem. This is a serious dangerous problem and eventually someone is going to get seriously hurt. …
Over a period of time, beginning about the date and vehicle mileage stated above, I experienced a shudder and corresponding noise as the transmission tried to shift gears. Similar to the sensation of driving across closely-spaced rumble strips, the shudder and noise seemed to vary in length of time depending on speed. This occurred many times before I became concerned and started researching during which I found dozens of similar accounts in various on-line forums. Eventually I took my MDX to the dealership for a diagnosis. Disappointingly similar to many accounts I read on the internet, and despite my description of the problem, the Acura dealership was unable to reproduce the problem, further noting all 19 items on their multi-point inspection report as "checked and OK", including the transmission. …
I had noticed a shuddering at 1200-1400 RPM. Dealer said it was likely the torque converter. Recommended not doing anything at this time. In the past month, I've had two occasions while in drive from a stop, when I stepped on the gas the car did not move; the engine just revved. The first time I put the car into park, shut off the car. I restarted and all was well. This next time I was going around a curve at about 10-15 MPH, when the car revving response to my pressing the gas pedal, but did not accelerate. As if it had shifted into neutral. I switched into neutral and back into drive, and it re-engaged. Lots of similar concerns on my investigation on the internet. If this is a known problem to Acura/Honda, why has there not been a recall or a fix?
Engine complaints in other MDX years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2004 Acura MDX?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2004 Acura MDX, 15% of the model year's 171 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system › manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Acura MDX engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2004 Acura MDX, though it has 8 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 2004 Acura MDX engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 103,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 1 injury to engine & cooling 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.