The 2001 Acura MDX has 4 recalls, the most serious being a driver's airbag inflator that can rupture in a crash and send metal fragments into the cabin, striking the driver or passengers.
This airbag defect appears in two separate recalls: one covering vehicles with their original factory airbag module, and one covering vehicles where the driver's airbag was previously replaced as part of a repair. In both cases, the inflator can fail the same way during deployment, so owners whose vehicles have had airbag work done in the past are not necessarily protected.
The remaining two recalls both involve the front suspension coil springs and describe the same underlying issue: these springs can corrode heavily, particularly in states where road salt is common, and a spring that breaks under corrosion can puncture a front tire. A sudden front tire failure while driving raises the risk of losing control of the vehicle. Rubber sleeves applied to some springs to reduce noise can trap salt water against the metal, accelerating the corrosion and increasing the chance of spring failure.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver air bag inflator may absorb moisture and rupture or fail to fully inflate due to a manufacturing defect in certain non-azide inflator units.
What the fix does
The dealer will inspect the driver air bag inflator and replace it if needed with a different design inflator, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
A replacement driver air bag inflator may absorb moisture, causing it to rupture or the air bag to not inflate properly.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the driver air bag inflator with a different design if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Front coil springs may not have adequate corrosion protection and can rust excessively, especially in salt-prone areas. Rubber sleeves on some springs trap salt water, accelerating corrosion. Severe rust can cause springs to break, potentially puncturing the tire.
What the fix does
Both front coil springs will be replaced with new springs.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Front suspension coil springs lack adequate corrosion protection and may rust in areas with heavy road salt use.
What the fix does
Both front suspension springs will be replaced with improved springs that have better corrosion protection.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
