2001 Acura MDX Reliability ReportC+ grade · moderate risk · system-by-system breakdown
Quick Facts · 2001 Acura MDX
- The system most likely to surface first: automatic transmission (critical severity).
- Has 4 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module.
- Scores 14 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2003 Acura MDX earns a 82.
Is the 2001 Acura MDX Worth Buying?
The 2001 Acura MDX offers a comfortable, capable, and well-appointed package, but its Achilles' heel is the notoriously fragile 5-speed automatic transmission. While the engine is robust and general build quality is high, the high probability of a costly transmission failure mandates a 'PROCEED WITH CAUTION' verdict for any potential buyer, regardless of mileage.
Biggest Strengths
- Robust J35A3 V6 engine (if maintained)
- Comfortable and spacious interior
- Excellent build quality for its age
What Tends to Fail First on the 2001 Acura MDX
The systems that break first on the 2001 Acura MDX. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.
2001 Acura MDX Recall History
4 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
What breaks on the 2001 Acura MDX?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
OwnerKeep Passport · $499 · one-time
Just bought a 2001 Acura MDX? Keep it that way.
Snap a receipt — AI logs it. Build an OwnerScore. Sell with a buyer-ready Passport dossier.
Other Acura MDX Years to Consider
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Acura MDX. Click any year for its full report.
2001 Acura MDX Alternatives
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.
Relevant Products for Your 2001 Acura MDX
Parts and accessories matched to your 2001 Acura MDX
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Just bought a 2001 Acura MDX? Keep it that way.
OwnerKeep Passport turns your Acura MDX's care history into a luxury digital vault — AI-logged receipts, an OwnerScore that pays at resale, and a buyer-ready dossier in one tap.
- AI receipt OCR — snap and log
- Fuel & mileage tracker
- Tri-Score OwnerScore
- One-tap resale dossier PDF
Recommended Reading for the Acura MDX
Most Reliable Cars to Buy Used (Top 10 Ranked)
Get our expert-ranked list of the 10 most reliable used cars you can buy today, saving money and avoiding future headaches with smart choices.
Jeep Wrangler vs Toyota 4Runner: Which Lasts Longer?
Get the definitive answer: Which truly lasts longer, the Jeep Wrangler or Toyota 4Runner? Our comparison reveals their long-term durability.
Toyota Tacoma vs Chevy Colorado: Reliability Compared
Explore a head-to-head reliability comparison of the Toyota Tacoma vs. Chevy Colorado. Discover which truck truly stands out for long-term dependability.