Reliability AnalysisBased on known issue patterns, repair cost data, and ownership trends · How we score

2004 Acura MDX Reliability ReportC+ grade · moderate risk · system-by-system breakdown

78/ 100

KeepScore

MODERATE RISK

Grade: C+

A comfortable and capable SUV whose inherent value is tempered by a significant, costly transmission weakness.

Full system breakdown + what I would do

Quick Facts · 2004 Acura MDX

  • The system most likely to surface first: automatic transmission (critical severity).
  • Has 10 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module.
  • Scores 7 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2005 Acura MDX earns a 85.

Is the 2004 Acura MDX Worth Buying?

The 2004 Acura MDX offers compelling luxury and utility for its age, making it an attractive value proposition. However, its well-documented automatic transmission issues elevate its overall risk profile significantly. While the engine is robust, proceeding with caution and a thorough pre-purchase inspection, especially of the transmission, is absolutely crucial for long-term satisfaction.

Biggest Strengths

  • Robust J-series V6 engine (if maintained)
  • High-quality interior materials and comfortable ride
  • Standard Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system

What Tends to Fail First on the 2004 Acura MDX

The systems that break first on the 2004 Acura MDX. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.

1
Automatic Transmissioncritical
2
Power Steering Systemmoderate
3
Catalytic Convertersmajor
Typical mileage, cost ranges, and the exact what-to-check list are in the full report.

2004 Acura MDX Recall History

10 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 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, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode.

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 2006-2014 Honda Ridgeline vehicles. The rotating portion of the accelerator pedal assembly may bind. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 124, "Accelerator Control Systems."

What breaks on the 2004 Acura MDX?

Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.

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Other Acura MDX Years to Consider

Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Acura MDX. Click any year for its full report.

2004 Acura MDX Alternatives

Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Full Report

2004 Acura MDX

7-system breakdown, mileage danger zones, repair cost projections, buyer checklist, and expert verdict.

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