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Acura MDX: Technical Service Bulletins and Recalls

Thinking of purchasing an Acura MDX, or already own one? Read on about the technical service bulletins and recalls sent out on it between 2004 and 2015.

By Jeffrey Bausch - April 27, 2016

This article applies to the Acura MDX (2004-2015).

The Acura MDX is a popular mid-size luxury crossover with a deserved reputation for quality and reliability, but that doesn't mean it was perfect from the day it was designed. Every car and SUV always has a few issues that need to be fixed over the course of its lifetime, and common issues often get taken care of by factory technical service bulletins (TSB). In order to look up your specific MDX, first find the VIN number—either on the dashboard visible from outside through the windshield or on the door jamb sticker. With the VIN number you can visit sites online and get all the recalls and TSB that pertain, or you can look them up based just on the make, model and year site here: AutoMD or AutoCodes.

The popular Acura MDX
Figure 1. The popular Acura MDX.

Common Issues

Transmission Failure

The most commonly cited issue with the Acura MDX, usually the 2001 to 2004 models, is transmission failure. The company is aware of this mechanical flaw, and took measures to adjust certain design elements in later year models. Still, complaints of MDX cars from the early 2000's with failed transmissions continue to flood the discussion board every year. Typically, the failure appears around 140k miles in the 2001 models, 110k miles in the 2003, and just 85k miles in the 2004. For whatever reason, the 2002 model is less prone to this problem. If it does fail, and it is not covered by an extended warranty, you can expect to pay more than $3,000 for a replacement.

Acura Transmission
Figure 2. Acura transmission.

Common Questions

Is it normal for my headlights to dim and then come back to normal while my car is stopped?

Yes, it's a normal characteristic caused by variations in the electrical system created by the on-board computer to improve fuel economy and minimize vibration.

Why do my brakes "click" when I back out of a parking spot, and again when I drive forward?

There's clearance between the brake caliper brackets and the ends of the brake pads to allow for heat expansion; it also helps to avoid corrosion between the bracket and pads. This extra clearance can cause the pads to hit the brackets on occasion; it's considered normal.

The MDX off-road
Figure 3. The MDX off-road.

Technical Service Bulletins

There are many bulletins that deal with minor issues or changes made to the model during the model year. You can look up all of them in the links at the bottom of the article, but here are the highlights. Note, these are listed by date issued, not by model year.

2004:

  • TSB 04-002: (2003 MDX) Creaking From the Headliner
  • TSB 04-003: (2001-2002 MDX) Idle Fluctuation With DTC P1129
  • TSB 04-007: (2003-2004 MDX) Sunvisor Will Not Stay Clipped Into Holder
  • TSB 04-008: (2001-2002 MDX) Navigation System 2.11C Patch CD
  • TSB 04-009: (2001-2004 MDX) Clunk From the Rear Brakes
  • TSB 04-017: (2001-2004 MDX) Glove Box Light Stays On
  • TSB 04-022: (2001-2002 MDX) Hesitation or Surging Between 30 and 60 mph
  • TSB 04-023: (2001-2006 MDX) Noise and Judder From the Rear When Turning
  • TSB 04-025: (2004 MDX) Rattle From the Subwoofer
  • TSB 04-027: (2004 MDX) Exhaust System Droning at 2,000 rpm During Cold Weather
  • TSB 04-035: (2001-2002 MDX) Accelerator Pedal Feels Like It Pops When First Pressed
  • TSB 04-036: (2005 MDX) HomeLink Unit Does Not Learn the Garage Door Opener Code
  • TSB 04-037: (2001-2004 MDX) Buzzing From the Front Blower Motor

2005:

  • TSB 05-002: (2003-2004 MDX) Front Brake Judder
  • TSB 05-010: (2003-2004 MDX) MIL Comes On With DTC P2195 or P2197
  • TSB 05-011: (2003-2004 MDX) Navigation System “Talk” Button Doesn’t Work
  • TSB 05-012: (2003-2004 MDX) Clunking or Clicking From Front Brakes
  • TSB 05-014: (2001-2005 MDX) Child Seat Anchor Locating Button Is Missing
  • TSB 05-019: (2001-2002 MDX) Warranty Extension: EGR Valve Contamination May Cause Engine Hesitation/Surge or DTC P1491
  • TSB 05-023: (2005 MDX) TPMS Indicator Is On Intermittently With DTC 45 Stored
  • TSB 05-024: (2001-2002 MDX) Shudder or Vibration Between 35 and 40 MPH
  • TSB 05-026: (2007 MDX) No Real-Time Traffic on the Display
  • TSB 05-035: (2005 MDX with Rear Entertainment System) No Sound from AM or FM
  • TSB 05-047: (2003-2004 MDX) Remote Audio Controls Do Not Work Properly
  • TSB 05-049: (2003-2004 MDX) Audio System Whine When Using the CD Changer

2006:

  • TSB 06-003: (2003-2004 MDX) Torque Converter Shudder or Vibration Between 35 and 40 MPH
  • TSB 06-004: (2003-2004 MDX) Update PCM with Transmission Replacement
  • TSB 06-005: (2001-2002 MDX) PCM Replacement with Remanufactured Transmission Installation
  • TSB 06-008: (2001-2002 MDX) Warranty Extension: OPDS Unit or OPDS Sensor Triggers SRS DTC(s) 15-1, 15-2, 15-3
  • TSB 06-011: (2001-2006 MDX) Woofer/Rear Cargo Area Rattles
  • TSB 06-012: (2001-2003 MDX) Inside Rearview Mirror Is Loose
  • TSB 06-014: (2001-2004 MDX) Idle Vibration or Harsh Shifting
  • TSB 06-021: (2003–2004 MDX) Clock Loses Time
  • TSB 06-023: (2005–2006 MDX) MIL Comes On With DTC P0116
  • TSB 06-028: (2003–2006 MDX) MIL Comes On With DTC P0335, P0339, P0385, or P0389, and the Engine Runs Roughly or Stalls
  • TSB 06-032: (2006 MDX) Front Suspension Pops or Clunks While Turning
  • TSB 06-033: (2007-2009 MDX) Immobilizer System (Type 6) INFO
  • TSB 06-034: (ALL ACURA MODELS) Vehicle Pulls or Drifts, and/or Steering Wheel Is Off-Center - INFO
  • TSB 06-045: (2003-2004 MDX) Horn Honks By Itself in Turns or Over Bumps
  • TSB 06-050: (2002 MDX) Warranty Extension: Vehicle Warranty Mileage - EGR VALVE + OPDS SYSTEM

2007:

  • TSB 07-002: (2007 MDX) Clicking When Turning the Steering Wheel
  • TSB 07-004: (2001-2005 MDX) Front Suspension Clunks
  • TSB 07-012: (2007 MDX) Broken Third Tow Seat-Back Recline Lever
  • TSB 07-014: (2007 MDX Except Sport) Buzz or Rattle From the Right-Front Area of the Suspension
  • TSB 07-018: (2007 MDX) Battery Is Low or Dead From a Sticking Power Door Lock Switch
  • TSB 07-020: (2007 MDX with RES) Battery Is Low or Dead After Power Tailgate Is Left Open
  • TSB 07-022: (2007 MDX) Navigation Software Updates for DST, DVD Read Erros, Reboots After Driving 1.5hrs and Other symptoms Listed
  • TSB 07-023: (2007 MDX) Doors Will Not Unlock
  • TSB 07-026: (2003-2006 MDX) Pinging, Rattling ro Squealing During Light Acceleration
  • TSB 07-033: (2007 MDX) Knock or Clunk From the Rear Suspension
  • TSB 07-038: (2007 MDX) No Sound From XM® Satellite Radio or Delayed Song Title Display
  • TSB 07-042: (2007 MDX) Hood Skin Flutters
  • TSB 07-046: (2007 MDX) Remote Transmitter Does Not Work
  • TSB 07-052: (2007 MDX) Radio Turns On After HFL; CD Ejects When Driver’s Door Opens; Pop Heard Through Speakers
  • TSB 07-057: (2007-2008 MDX) Low Tire Pressure Indicator Stays On, But All Tire Pressures Are OK
  • TSB 07-058: (2007 MDX) Fuel Fill Door Won’t Open
  • TSB 07-062: (2007 MDX) Speakers Pop When Power Door Locks Are Used

2008:

  • TSB 08-001: (2007 MDX) MIL Comes on with P0111 and P2183
  • TSB 08-005: (2007-2008 MDX) Click from the Front Suspension Area under Acceleration or Braking
  • TSB 08-007: (2007-2009 MDX) Audio Unit Loses Presets
  • TSB 08-009: (2007-2008 MDX) Gap Between Tailgate and Headliner Weatherstrip
  • TSB 08-014: (2007-2008 MDX) A/C Whistles in Recirculation Mode
  • TSB 08-015: (2007-2008 MDX) Water Leak At Moon Roof
  • TSB 08-021: (2007-2008 MDX) AcuraLink Messages Can't be Read, Wrong XM Channels, or No XM Traffic/Radio
  • TSB 08-024: (2007-2008 MDX) Second Row Beverage Holder Does Not Operate Properly
  • TSB 08-031: (2005-2008 MDX) Chirp From the Timing Belt Area
  • TSB 08-033: (2007-2008 MDX) Front Window Screech Or Squeal When Going Up and Down
  • TSB 08-034: (2007-2008 MDX) Rear Window Screech Or Squeal When Going Up and Down
  • TSB 08-035: (2006-2008 MDX) DVD Read Error, No Route Displayed, DVD Scratched
  • TSB 08-038: (2007-2009 MDX) Thudding or Drumming Noise From Rear Suspension While Driving Over Rough Roads
  • TSB 08-039: (2007-2008 MDX) Dash Side Covers Fit Poorly
  • TSB 08-049: (2003-2006 MDX) Tensioner Pulley Replacement Instructions
  • TSB 08-050: (2005-2008 MDX) Time on Dash Changes Randomly
  • TSB 08-057: (2008 MDX) Hands Free Link (HFL) Doesn't Work

2009:

  • TSB 09-002: (2007-2009 MDX) Rear Suspension Squeeks or Crunches Over Large Bumps
  • TSB 09-012: (2007-2009 MDX) MID or Navi Shows Check Engine Oil Level, Low Oil Pressure Indicator May be on
  • TSB 09-024: (2007-2009 MDX) SRS Indicator Is On With DTC 61-1x or 62-1x
  • TSB 09-029: (2007-2008 MDX) MIL Comes On With DTC P0962, P0963, P0966, P0967, P0970 or P0971
  • TSB 09-037: (2005-2006 MDX) Product Update: PCM Update for Lock-Up Clutch Function (transmission Shudder)
  • TSB 09-039: (2007-2008 MDX Base) SRS Indicator on with DTC 31-1x or 31-2x
  • TSB 09-043: (2007-2009 MDX) Outside Door Handle Binds or Sticks
  • TSB 09-047: (2007–2009 MDX) Door Mirror Does Not Work Properly

2010:

  • TSB 10-008: (2007-2010 MDX) Switchblade Key does Not Lock in Extended Position
  • TSB 10-009: (2010 MDX) Side Rails may be Cracked On Silver Accessory Roof Rack
  • TSB 10-011: (2007-2009 MDX) Wipers intermittently Turn On or Won't Turn off
  • TSB 10-012: (20010 MDX) MID Displays CHECK BATTERY SENSOR
  • TSB 10-014: (2001-20010 MDX) Power Window issues
  • TSB 10-032: (2010 MDX) Running Board Step Pad Does Not Lie Flat
  • TSB 10-040: (2003-2006 MDX) Starter Does Not Work

2011:

  • TSB 11-006: (2008-2009 MDX Sport Package) Product Update: Front Damper Coil Connector Corrosion/ADS Indicator Is On
  • TSB 11-014: (2007-2011 MDX) VSA Indicator or Trailer Stability Assist Warning is on Intermittently
  • TSB 11-017: (2007 MDX) Software Update: Prevent damage to Rear Bank Catalyst
  • TSB 11-023: (2007-2009 MDX) SRS Indicator is on with DTC 71-11
  • TSB 11-031: (2007-2011 MDX) Battery is Dead, or A/C Cools Poorly
  • TSB 11-032: (2011-2012 MDX) Rear Entertainment Restarts when the ignition is cycled
  • TSB 11-033: (2010-2011 MDX) MID Shows Battery Charge Low
  • TSB 11-036: (2010-2011 MDX) Front or Rear Seat Heater Does NOT TURN OFF

2012:

  • TSB 12-006: (2007-2012 MDX) Front Door Sash Trim Creaks and Moves
  • TSB 12-007: (2010-2012 MDX) Product Update: Software Update for Lock-Up Clutch Function
  • TSB 12-030: (2007-2011 MDX) Side Defogger Vent Trim Pops Up from Dashboard

2013:

  • TSB 13-003: (2007-2011 MDX)Front Catalytic Converter Heat Shield Rattles or Buzzes
  • TSB 13-036: (2009-2013 MDX)Rattle From Headliner

2014:

  • TSB 14-045: (2014 MDX) Improved software has been designed to prevent grunt or buzz noise in the steering wheel

Recalls

  • TSB 04-013: (2001-2002 MDX) Safety Recall: Automatic Transmission 2nd Gear Inspection
  • TSB 05-038: (2001-2002 MDX) Safety Recall: Front Damper Spring CorrosionTSB 05-038: (2001-2002 MDX) Safety Recall: Front Damper Spring Corrosion
  • TSB 09-058: (2010 MDX) SAFTEY RECALL A-Pillar Bolts May Be Missing
  • TSB 12-003: (2012 MDX) RECALL: Drivers Left Side Curtain Airbag May Not Deploy
  • TSB 12-004: (2012 MDX) RECALL: Passenger Right Side Curtain Airbag May Not Deploy
  • TSB 12-005: (2012 MDX) RECALL: FUEL TANK May allow vapors to leak outside
  • TSB 13-005: (2003-2006 MDX) Safety Recall: Key Is Removable With Shift Lever Out of Park
  • TSB 13-013: (2005-2006 MDX)Safety Recall: VSA System Unexpectedly Activates
  • TSB 13-038: (20013 MDXSafety Recall: Electrical Noise May Cause Inadvertent Front Airbag Deployment

Warranty Extensions

  • TSB 06-050: (2002 MDX) Warranty Extension: Vehicle Warranty Mileage - EGR VALVE + OPDS SYSTEM
  • TSB 11-018: (2007 MDX) Warranty Extension: Rear Bank 1 Catalyst warranty Extended to 10 Years, 120,000 Miles from date of purchase
  • TSB 12-029: (2007-2009 MDX) WARRANTY EXTENSION: TORQUE CONVERTER W/ SOFTWARE UPDATE FOR LOCKUP FUNCTION 8YRS/105,000 MILES
  • TSB 12-017: (2007-2010 MDX) WARRANTY EXTENSION: Steering Wheel is Hard to Turn at Low Speeds -> PS Pump is 7 years, 100,000 Miles from date of Purchase

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