The 2005 Acura MDX has 7 recalls, the most serious being a defect in both the driver and passenger frontal airbag inflators that can cause them to rupture and send sharp metal fragments into the cabin, potentially injuring or killing occupants.
These airbag inflator recalls represent the same category of defect across multiple filings: when either the driver or passenger frontal airbag deploys in a crash, the inflator can burst apart rather than inflate the bag cleanly, scattering metal fragments toward anyone seated in the front of the vehicle. This risk applies to both sides of the dashboard and covers a wide range of deployment scenarios. Prior repair attempts under earlier campaigns did not fully resolve the issue for all affected vehicles, which is why multiple filings exist for what is essentially the same hazard.
The remaining recall involves the traction control system. On certain 2005 MDX vehicles, the traction control can trigger a sudden, unintended braking event without activating the brake lights. A following driver would have no warning that the MDX is slowing, raising the risk of a rear-end collision. This issue is distinct from driver-applied braking and can occur at any time the traction control system is active.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front airbag inflator may explode due to propellant breakdown after prolonged exposure to high humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front airbag 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
The driver frontal air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breakdown after prolonged exposure to high humidity, temperature, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Driver air bag inflators installed during previous recalls or as service parts may explode during a crash when the air bag deploys due to a manufacturing defect.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver air bag inflator with a different inflator at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger air bag inflator can rupture during a crash due to chemical breakdown from long-term exposure to heat and humidity.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may rupture during a crash due to propellant breakdown from long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver air bag inflator may rupture due to moisture and manufacturing variations that develop over time.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver air bag inflator at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A damaged electrical capacitor in the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) control module may cause the brakes to apply unexpectedly. If you brake while this malfunction occurs, your vehicle may stop abruptly. Some Pilots also have a loose ground connection that allows partial braking without brake lights illuminating.
What the fix does
A dealer will install a new wiring harness with a capacitor for the VSA control module at no cost. Pilots will also have their ground connection tightened.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
