2004 Acura MDX
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 224 |
| 2002 | 204 |
| 2003 | 206 |
| 2004 | 171 |
| 2005 | 180 |
| 2006 | 87 |
| 2007 | 99 |
| 2008 | 49 |
| 2009 | 50 |
| 2010 | 45 |
| 2011 | 70 |
| 2012 | 75 |
| 2013 | 29 |
| 2014 | 168 |
| 2015 | 69 |
| 2016 | 357 |
| 2017 | 244 |
| 2018 | 158 |
| 2019 | 182 |
| 2020 | 209 |
| 2021 | 0 |
| 2022 | 128 |
| 2023 | 34 |
| 2024 | 35 |
| 2025 | 66 |
| 2026 | 5 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
27% of complaints: power train — 47 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I PULLED UP MY DRIVEWAY WHICH HAS UPHILL GRADE THEN A FLAT AREA AND WAS IN MY GARAGE WHEN I NOTICED THAT I HAD THE KEYS IN MY HAND. I TURNED AROUND AND NOTICED MY CAR WAS DRIFTING BACK DOWN THE DRIVEWAY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130514
17% of complaints: power train — 29 distinct reports on file.
15% of complaints: air bags — 25 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
DURING A COLLISION THE PASSENGER FELL TO THE SIDE WINDOW AND AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, RESULTING IN HEAD INJURIES. PASSENGER WAS TRANSPORTED BY AMBULANCE TO THE HOSPITAL. VEHICLE WAS TOWED. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20040917
11% of complaints: electrical system — 19 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
ELECTRICAL SHORT
NHTSA ODI report, 20181214
I PULLED UP MY DRIVEWAY WHICH HAS UPHILL GRADE THEN A FLAT AREA AND WAS IN MY GARAGE WHEN I NOTICED THAT I HAD THE KEYS IN MY HAND. I TURNED AROUND AND NOTICED MY CAR WAS DRIFTING BACK DOWN THE DRIVEWAY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130514
8% of complaints: engine — 13 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
ELECTRICAL SHORT
NHTSA ODI report, 20181214
SAFETY TIMELINE
Ignition Interlock Failure - Rollaway
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 le
Remedy: Honda will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicle to a Honda or Acura dealer. The dealer will install an updated shift interlock lever and, if necessary, replace any necessary part of
Campaign 12V573000 — check if this car was fixed
Air Bag Inflator Rupture
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...
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflators in all affected vehicles, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during August 2014. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.
Campaign 14V353000 — check if this car was fixed
American Honda Motor Co.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.
Campaign 14V700000 — check if this car was fixed
Air Bag Inflator Rupture
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...
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.
Campaign 15V320000 — check if this car was fixed
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,...
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began June 27, 2016. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.
Campaign 16V344000 — check if this car was fixed
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...
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138.
Campaign 19V182000 — check if this car was fixed
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,...
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are Q5A and Y58.
Campaign 19V499000 — check if this car was fixed
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,...
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.
Campaign 19V501000 — check if this car was fixed
Dorman Products, Inc.
Remedy: Dorman will notify owners, and qualified service facilities will replace the affected accelerator pedal assemblies, free of charge. The recall began December 9, 2019. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492, using option 5.
Campaign 19E068000 — check if this car was fixed
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
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.
Remedy: OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT THULE AT 800-THULE91 (800-848-5391) TO OBTAIN A FREE REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS OR OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.
Campaign 08E013000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2004 Acura MDX — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (47 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (29 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (25 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 08E013000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 12V573000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V353000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V700000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V320000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V344000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V182000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V499000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V501000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19E068000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2004 Acura MDX reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Acura MDX is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Acura MDX?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Acura MDX have?
10 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.