The 2006 Acura MDX has 7 recalls, the most serious being a well-documented Takata airbag defect in which both the driver and front passenger frontal airbag inflators can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, with the potential for serious injury or death.
The airbag inflator issue affects both sides of the front seat. On the driver's side, the inflator can explode during deployment and scatter sharp metal fragments toward the driver and other occupants rather than providing a cushioned stop. The same failure mode applies to the front passenger airbag inflator, where a rupture during a crash can launch metal fragments across the cabin. Prior repair attempts across various campaigns did not fully resolve the issue for all affected vehicles, which is why multiple filings cover the same underlying defect. Any MDX still carrying its original inflators on either side of the front seat remains at risk of this outcome in a crash.
There is also a separate concern with the traction control system on certain 2005 and 2006 model year MDX vehicles. The system can apply the brakes suddenly and without any input from the driver, and because it does so without triggering the brake lights, vehicles following behind have no warning that the car is slowing. That combination of unexpected deceleration and dark brake lights raises the risk of a rear-end collision.
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.
