ACURA MDX · model year

2004 ACURA MDX

242 NHTSA complaints, 22 crash reports, and 10 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2004ACURAMDX carries 242 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 22 crashes, 9 fires, 22 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2004 MDX is power train with 47 filings, followed by power train:automatic transmission (29) and air bags (25). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 10 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle, the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 3 investigation files overlapping the 2004 MDX, and 2 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page, a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

242
Complaints
22
Crashes
9
Fires
22
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

242 filings

Crashes Reported

22 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume, review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
POWER TRAIN47
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION29
AIR BAGS25
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM19
ENGINE13
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM11
UNKNOWN OR OTHER11
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING9
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE8
SERVICE BRAKES8
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)7
STRUCTURE:BODY5
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL4
SEAT BELTS4
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC3

Recalls (10)

15V32000028/05/2015

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2001-2007 Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2001-2004 Honda Civic GX, 2003-2005 Honda Civic Hybrid, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2006 Ridgeline, 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2003-2006 Acura MDX, and 2002-2003 Acur

19V50100027/06/2019

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2012 RL, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles.

19V49900027/06/2019

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2003-2006 MDX, 2001-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot and 2006 Ridgeline vehicles. The

16V34400023/05/2016

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2011 Acura RL, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2006-2011 Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or that have ever been registered, in Alabama, Calif

14V35300020/06/2014

AIR BAGS

American Honda Motor Company, Inc.'s (Honda) is conducting a limited regional recall for certain model year 2003-2005 Accord, Civic, CR-V, Pilot and Acura MDX, model year 2003-2004 Odyssey and Element, and model year 2005 Acura RL, and 2006 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registere

12V57300011/12/2012

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

Honda is recalling certain model year 2003 and 2004 Pilot and Odyssey and 2003 through 2006 Acura MDX passenger vehicles manufactured from November 26, 2001, through August 30, 2006. The interlock lever of the ignition switch may deform, which can allow the interlock function of a vehicle with an a

19E06800010/10/2019

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain Accelerator Pedal Assemblies part numbers 699-114 and 825-5029-1, sold as replacement parts for 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2004-2008 Acura TL and TSX, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2007-2011 Honda Element, 2005-2008 Honda Pilot and 2006-

19V18200006/03/2019

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV

08E01300005/02/2008

EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:CARRIER/RACK

HONDA IS RECALLING 2,032 HITCH STYLE BIKE RACKS SOLD AS AFTERMARKET FOR USE ON MY 2003-2007 AND SOME MY 2008 HONDA PILOT, RIDGELINE, AND ACURA MDX VEHICLES. A PINCH BOLT EXISTS BETWEEN THE BIKE ARM BRACKET AND THE UPRIGHT ASSEMBLY OF THE "HITCH" STYLE BICYCLE RACK.

14V70000004/11/2014

AIR BAGS

American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2001-2005 Honda Civic, 2003-2004 Civic CNG and Element, 2002-2005 CR-V, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2005 Accord, Pilot, Civic Hybrid, and Acura MDX, 2005 Acura RL and 2006 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in ge

Recent Complaints

20250106AIR BAGS

Airbag light has been lit for a while now for my 2004 Acura MDX. I originally took the car to Courtesy Acura for them to check what causing it. They told me that the sensor should be replaced and I paid $260+. After replacing sensor, the Airbag light still lit. They told me that they need to replace the front seatbelt buckles. One buckle (PART NO: 04813-S3V-A62ZC) arrived but the other one has been backordered for a while now (almost a year) and there's no ETA from American Honda on when the part (PART NO: 04816-S3V-A61ZC) will be available. This is a safety issue since the Airbag will not deploy in case of accident. Hope you guys can help me expedite the process and escalate the issue with American Honda. Thank you soo much!

20250106SEAT BELTS

Airbag light has been lit for a while now for my 2004 Acura MDX. I originally took the car to Courtesy Acura for them to check what causing it. They told me that the sensor should be replaced and I paid $260+. After replacing sensor, the Airbag light still lit. They told me that they need to replace the front seatbelt buckles. One buckle (PART NO: 04813-S3V-A62ZC) arrived but the other one has been backordered for a while now (almost a year) and there's no ETA from American Honda on when the part (PART NO: 04816-S3V-A61ZC) will be available. This is a safety issue since the Airbag will not deploy in case of accident. Hope you guys can help me expedite the process and escalate the issue with American Honda. Thank you soo much!

20240401VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

I was in a parking mode and was leaving the parking lot. I reversed my car lo leave, and the car went out of control and was not until it crashed on two other parked cars that came to a stop. Then, After reversing my car, when trying to put it into drive, it would not move. When I tried to turn it off, the engine (re) started again and it worked so I could clear the path for other cars and wait until the police came. I had major maintenance at Acura Hopkins 2 and 3 years ago, I had a new steering pump and hoses changed 5 months ago and new front and rear brakes 3 months ago. Many people who are familiar with cars tell me that it was probably the rings. I don't know it may be the transmission? There was a police report as there were two other cars involved and both with severe damages. State Farm considered my car totaled despite the large amount of money spent to bring this car to almost new condition.

20240401UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I was in a parking mode and was leaving the parking lot. I reversed my car lo leave, and the car went out of control and was not until it crashed on two other parked cars that came to a stop. Then, After reversing my car, when trying to put it into drive, it would not move. When I tried to turn it off, the engine (re) started again and it worked so I could clear the path for other cars and wait until the police came. I had major maintenance at Acura Hopkins 2 and 3 years ago, I had a new steering pump and hoses changed 5 months ago and new front and rear brakes 3 months ago. Many people who are familiar with cars tell me that it was probably the rings. I don't know it may be the transmission? There was a police report as there were two other cars involved and both with severe damages. State Farm considered my car totaled despite the large amount of money spent to bring this car to almost new condition.

20240401FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

I was in a parking mode and was leaving the parking lot. I reversed my car lo leave, and the car went out of control and was not until it crashed on two other parked cars that came to a stop. Then, After reversing my car, when trying to put it into drive, it would not move. When I tried to turn it off, the engine (re) started again and it worked so I could clear the path for other cars and wait until the police came. I had major maintenance at Acura Hopkins 2 and 3 years ago, I had a new steering pump and hoses changed 5 months ago and new front and rear brakes 3 months ago. Many people who are familiar with cars tell me that it was probably the rings. I don't know it may be the transmission? There was a police report as there were two other cars involved and both with severe damages. State Farm considered my car totaled despite the large amount of money spent to bring this car to almost new condition.

20240205STEERING

Sunday 2/42004 the car just shut off on me brakes stop working could turn could stop

20240205VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Sunday 2/42004 the car just shut off on me brakes stop working could turn could stop

20240205UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Sunday 2/42004 the car just shut off on me brakes stop working could turn could stop

20230524ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Multiple lights appear turn on and off indicated on dashboard, VGA, check engine light, and tire pressure system. I run a diagnostics and it says my Evap System had a code telling me to replace gas cap. I went to the auto parts store and purchased a new gas cap that is specifically for my vehicle. I turn the vehicle back on and code is still on. So I get the code erased with my diagnostic reader and the sensor turns off. But give it a few weeks and that light turns back with same code telling me to replace gas cap. I went back to return my gas cap at AutoZone. Then ordered an OEM gas cap for my vehicle and erased code and then code came back less than a month later. It can’t be two brand new parts, one was a universal part but specific to my vehicle. And second part was OEM specifically for my vehicle and from Acura/Honda parts department. So I don’t know what to do because repair said its a dumb code and just reset if I already replaced once. And don’t worry about the code indic

20220403ENGINE

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

20220403SEAT BELTS

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

20220403UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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

20200630CrashAIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, TURNING THE VEHICLE WHEN THE DRIVER IN FRONT SUDDENLY STOPPED CAUSING THE CONTACT TO REAR END THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF THEM. THE VEHICLE'S PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED OUT OF IT'S COMPARTMENT, HOWEVER, THE DRIVER'S SEAT AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TOWED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT STATED THE PASSENGER RECEIVED INJURIES TO THEIR ARMS, KNEES, AND FACE. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NEEDED. THE CONTACT STATED THEY RECEIVED INJURIES TO THEIR ARM AND KNEES, HOWEVER, NO MEDICAL ASSISTANCE WAS NEEDED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE'S DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WHILE REMAINING INSIDE ITS' COMPARTMENT AND THE SEAT BELTS HAVE LOCKED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AS OF YET. THE CONTACT HAD NOT CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

Mileage: 150,000

20200319ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE WOULD APPLY BRAKES SECONDS BEFORE THE VSA LIGHT AND TRIANGLE LIGHT SHOWS UP. BOTH LIGHTS WILL STAY ON UNTIL THE ENGINE IS SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED. THIS HAS OCCURRED NUMEROUS TIMES AND GETTING LOUDER AND THE BRAKING MUCH MORE PRONOUNCED. IF ROADS ARE SLIPPERY THE VEHICLE WOULD SKID. DEALER FIRST BLAMED IT ON SOME SENSOR FLUID. AFTER SPENDING OVER $400 THEY NOW THINK ITS THE YAW SENSOR. I STRONGLY DO NOT THINK THEY KNOW HOW TO FIX IT. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. THIS PROBLEM STARTED MORE THAN A YEAR AGO.

Mileage: 210,000

20200315UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I DISCOVERED SEVERE FRAME RUST UNDER MY REAR BUMPER COVER. LARGE CHUNKS OF RUSTED METAL ARE EASILY PULLED OFF BY HAND. I'M CONCERNED ABOUT THE ABILITY OF THE BUMPER/FRAME TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY TO MY FAMILY IN THE EVENT OF A REAR COLLISION. THE PICTURES I'VE SUBMITTED ARE AT LEAST THREE YEARS OLD. I SUSPECT THE SITUATION HAS DETERIORATED SINCE THEN. THESE WERE THE PICS I SUBMITTED TO ACURA AT THAT TIME, WHEN THEY INFORMED ME THEY COULD DO NOTHING AS MY VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. I'VE SINCE FOUND REPORTS OF OTHERS WITH SIMILAR RUST PROBLEMS ON THEIR ACURA MDX AS WELL AS HONDA PILOTS, WHICH I BELIEVE SHARE THE SAME FRAME ASSEMBLY'

Mileage: 130,000

20191022AIR BAGS

THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN SCRAPED AND IS NO LONGER IN SERVICE. PLEASE STOP SENDING ME NOTICES. THE TITLE WAS SURRENDERED TO THE SALVAGE COMPANY.

20191022UNKNOWN OR OTHER

THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN SCRAPED AND IS NO LONGER IN SERVICE. PLEASE STOP SENDING ME NOTICES. THE TITLE WAS SURRENDERED TO THE SALVAGE COMPANY.

20190926UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I SAW MY CAR LISTED ON THE AIRBAG RECALL ON TV, I CALLED AND GAVE THE LADY MY VIN# SHE SAID IT'S NOT ON THE LIST ! SHE TOLD ME TO CK THIS DUE AND PUT MY VIN IN SO SOME ONE CAN LET ME KNOW IF THERE IS A RECALL FOR ANYTHING OR ANY PART.

20190829BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE NAVIGATION AND BACK UP CAMERA SCREEN WERE FAULTY. THE BACK UP CAMERA SCREEN REMAINED BLANK AND SHOWED NO FOOTAGE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE ON THEIR OWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,0000.

Mileage: 16,000

20190829EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE NAVIGATION AND BACK UP CAMERA SCREEN WERE FAULTY. THE BACK UP CAMERA SCREEN REMAINED BLANK AND SHOWED NO FOOTAGE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE ON THEIR OWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,0000.

Mileage: 16,000

Compare 2004ACURAMDX to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 2 Open

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2004 ACURA MDX have?
The 2004 ACURA MDX has 242 NHTSA complaints, 22 crashes, 9 fires, 22 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2004 ACURA MDX?
Yes, the 2004 ACURA MDX has 10 recall(s). The most common affected component is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 ACURA MDX?
The most-complained component for the 2004 ACURA MDX is POWER TRAIN with 47 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION and AIR BAGS.
Is the 2004 ACURA MDX safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.