2001 Acura MDX Problems

Above Average Complaints

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2001 Acura MDX. Part of Generation 1 — 2001–2006.

< older2002
Complaints
266
Crashes
10
Fires
1
Injuries
10
Fatalities
Recalls
2

Worst 2001 Acura MDX Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#186 complaints

Automatic Transmission

Avg mileage:89,823 mi
Crash-related:2
#242 complaints

Transmission / Drivetrain

Avg mileage:149,767 mi
Crash-related:1
#314 complaints

Airbags

Avg mileage:207,283 mi
Crash-related:2
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2001 Acura MDX.

Automatic Transmission
86
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
Avg Miles
89,823
Transmission / Drivetrain
42
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
149,767
Airbags
14
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
Avg Miles
207,283
Unintended Acceleration
10
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
156,333
Engine & Cooling
8
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
95,571
Suspension Failures
8
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
193,191
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
7
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
68,165
Suspension:Front:Springs:Coil Springs
6
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
103,930
Electronic Stability Control
5
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical Faults
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Fuel System
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Steering Defects
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Structure:Frame And Members
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine Problems
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Equipment:Appliance:Air Conditioner
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Body Structure
3
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Tire Defects
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Visibility
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Wheel Issues
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module
2
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Gas Recirculation Valve (Egr Valve)
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Torque Converter
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat Belt Issues
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Brake Master Cylinder
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Structural Problems
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Suspension:Front
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Air Bags:Frontal
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Air Bags:Srs Malfunction Warning Lamp/Light
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2001 Acura MDX. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2001 Acura MDX

2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~2,315,807 vehicles.

20V027000Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
~875,966 affected

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. These vehicles may have received a replacement driver frontal air bag module as part of a vehicle repair. Due to a manufacturing issue, the replacement NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.

20V026000Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
~1,439,841 affected

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 Isuzu Oasis vehicles. These vehicles were equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) and do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.

Other Acura MDX Years

2001 Acura MDX — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2001 Acura MDX reliable?
Verdict: Above Average Complaints. The 2001 Acura MDX has 266 NHTSA complaints, 10 crash-related, and 2 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Automatic Transmission with 86 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2001 Acura MDX?
Top reported problems: Automatic Transmission (86 complaints, avg 89,823 mi); Transmission / Drivetrain (42 complaints, avg 149,767 mi); Airbags (14 complaints, avg 207,283 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2001 Acura MDX?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 120,945 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2001 Acura MDX?
NHTSA complaints for the 2001 Acura MDX include 10 crash-related reports, 1 fire reports, 10 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2001 Acura MDX have any recalls?
Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 2,315,807 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2001 Acura MDX?
Slightly worse than average. Most owners are fine; problem clusters are concentrated around specific components. Check the issues table below and match against the specific car's mileage.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Acura MDX reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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