Honda YD1.I MDX (2003-04)

Overview

Released in April 2003, the Honda YD1 Series I (YD1.I) MDX was a large, seven-seat all-wheel drive wagon. Manufactured in Ontario, Canada, the MDX was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine that mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The 3.5-litre J35A3 V6 engine had four valves per cylinder, a two-stage intake manifold and Honda’s Variable Valve Timing and Electronic Lift Control (VTEC) system which adjusted the timing, duration and lift of the intake valves according to engine speed.

Dimensions and suspension

The MDX was 4800 mm long, 1955 mm wide, 1770 mm tall and had a 2700 mm long wheelbase, while the vehicle itself had a drag coefficient of 0.36 Cd. Inside, the MDX’s third row of seats split 50/50 and were capable of folding forward to form a flat floor, while the second row split 60/40.

The MDX had MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension with trailing arms (both with coil springs, gas-filled dampers and anti-roll bars).

VTM-4 All-wheel Drive (AWD) system

The MDX was fitted with Honda’s Variable Torque Management all-wheel drive system (‘VTM-4’). In normal cruising, torque was directed to the front wheels; if a loss of traction was anticipated, however, torque could be pro-actively transferred to the rear axle. The VTM-4 system also included a pair of computer-controlled wet clutches in the rear differential which ensured that torque was delivered to the rear wheels in proportion to forward acceleration. There was also a ‘lock’ mode that provided permanent four-wheel drive at low speeds.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Honda MDX included dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. The MDX also had lap-sash seatbelts for all seven seats and five child seat anchors.

Features: Honda MDX

Standard features for the Honda MDX included 17-inch alloy wheels, a seven speaker sound system with six-stack CD player and remote control, dual zone climate control air conditioning, leather seats, heated front seats, cruise control, eight-way power adjustable front seats, driver’s seat memory settings, front fog lights, a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, power sunroof, trip computer and an immobiliser.

March 2004: MDX update

From March 2004, the MDX also featured a centrally mounted CD/DVD player with a seven-inch TFT screen, two wireless headphones, remote control and game port.

Honda YD1.II MDX (2004-06)

Overview

Released in November 2004, the YD1 Series II (YD1.II) MDX introduced additional safety equipment, features and a subtle facelift. There was also a minor power increase of 4 kW to 195 kW, though peak torque was unchanged. Visually, the YD1.II MDX was distinguished by its redesigned bumpers, chrome grille and integrated square twin exhaust outlets.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the YD1.II MDX was upgraded to include full-length curtain airbags (i.e., for all three rows of seats).

Features

Standard features for the Honda YD1.II MDX were enhanced to include a full-sized spare alloy wheel, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, alarm, ambient interior lighting and illuminated dash meters.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Acura MDX (first generation)

Recalls: Honda YD1 MDX

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Honda YD1 MDX

Honda YD1 MDX: MIL may not illuminate when OBD malfunction occurs

In May 2005, a recall was issued for Honda YD1 MDX vehicles due to the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) failing to illuminate when an automatic transmission on-board diagnostic (OBD) malfunction occurred; however, the ‘D’ indicator would flash if OBD malfunctions occurred. The recalled vehicles had VINs in the range 2HKYD 18615H300002 to 2HKYD 18685H300451 (PRA 2005/7723).

2005 Honda YD1 MDX: ESC malfunction

In March 2013, a recall was issued for 959 Honda MDX vehicles that were manufactured in 2005. In these vehicles, the electronic stability control system may not operate as designed, causing the brake assist system to operate. As such, sudden braking pressure may occur regardless of whether the brake pedal was applied or not. The recalled vehicles had VINs in the range 2HK YD18 6*5H 300002 to 2HK YD18 6*5H 300962 (PRA 2013/13508).

2003 Honda YD1 MDX: airbag may deploy inadvertently #1

In September 2013, a recall was issued for 1,598 Honda MDX vehicles that were manufactured in 2003. In these vehicles, damage to the SRS ECU (Supplementary Restraint System Electronic Control Unit) could result in the airbag deploying inadvertently. The recalled vehicles had VINs in the range 2HK YD1 8633H 300001 to 2HK YD1 86X3H 301601 (PRA 2013/13758).

Honda YD1 MDX: airbag may deploy inadvertently #2

In October 2015, a recall was issued for 1,598 Honda MDX vehicles that had VINs in the range 2HKYD18633H300001 to 2HKYD186X3H301601. In these vehicles, ‘variation’ within the SRS ECU (Supplementary Restraint System Electronic Control Unit) could produce excessive electrical noise and cause the airbag to inadvertently deploy. If the airbag deployed while driving, it may distract the driver and increase the risk of an accident (PRA 2015/14972).

2003 model year Honda MDX: Takata airbag recall #1

In June 2014, a recall was issued for 2003 model year Honda MDX vehicles and this recall was updated with new information in September 2017. In these vehicles, propellant wafers inside the inflator of the passenger airbag could accumulate moisture over time. In the event of an airbag deployment, the airbag inflator housing could therefore rupture and cause metal fragments to be projected throughout the cabin – this posed a risk of serious injury or fatality to vehicle occupants. For the VINs of the recalled Honda Accord vehicles, please see PRA 2013/13549.

2003-06 model year Honda YD1 MDX: Takata airbag recall #2

In June 2015, a recall was issued for 2003-06 model year Honda MDX vehicles and this recall was updated with new information in September 2017. In these vehicles, the driver’s airbag contained propellant wafers that could absorb moisture over time. In the event of deployment, the airbag inflator housing could therefore rupture and cause metal fragments to be projected through the cabin – these posed a risk of serious injury and fatality to vehicle occupants. For the VINs of the recalled Honda MDX vehicles, please see PRA 2015/14737.

2005-06 model year Honda YD1 MDX: Takata airbag recall #3

In July 2016, a recall was issued for 2005 to 2006 model year Honda MDX vehicles and this recall was updated with new information in September 2017. In these vehicles, propellant wafers in the airbag inflators could absorb moisture over time and cause overly aggressive combustion if the airbag was deployed. This, in turn, would create excessive internal pressure that could cause the airbag inflator housing to rupture and scatter metal fragments through the airbag cushion material; these scattered fragments could cause serious and potentially fatal injuries to vehicle occupants. For the VINs of the recalled Honda MDX vehicles, please seePRA 2016/15495.

2003-06 model year Honda YD1 MDX: replacement of airbags fitted from 2015-17

In April 2019, recall campaign 6KY was issued for 2003-06 model year Honda YD1 MDX vehicles that were fitted with a replacement airbag inflator between 1 March 2015 and 31 December 2017. These vehicles were fitted with ‘like for like’ replacement Takata airbags which contained propellant wafers that could absorb moisture over time. In the event of airbag deployment, excessive pressure in the airbag inflator housing could cause it to rupture and project metallic fragments into the vehicle’s cabin. These metallic fragments posed a risk of serious injury and death. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2019/17450.

2003-05 Honda YD1 MDX: replacement of ‘like for like’ Takata airbags

In August 2019, recall campaign 6DE was issued for Honda YD1 MDX vehicles that were available for sale from 18 March 2003 to 7 January 2005. These vehicles had their original Takata passenger airbag inflators replaced with a recently manufactured Takata inflator (‘like for like’). Since these replacement Takata inflators had the same fault – whereby propellant wafers could absorb moisture and airbag deployment could create excessive internal pressure that, in turn, could cause the airbag inflator housing to explode and disperse metallic fragments through the cabin – the inflators were to be replaced with non-Takata inflators. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2019/17659.

Search online for recalls by VIN

To see if a Honda vehicle has been recalled, you can conduct a search on the Honda Australia website using its VIN.

Problems and faults: Honda YD1 MDX

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items identified below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

Problems and faults: Honda YD1 MDX

• The MDX’s automatic transmission could fail due to a lack of thread-locking compound for the low clutch. 
• The Honda MDX’s battery may become weak or drained due to the glove box light staying on; installing a plastic cap over the plunger ensured that it would turn off when the glove box was closed.
• The left seat in the second row may fail to fold down or slide away for third-seat access due to a loose cable.

Released in April 2003, the Honda YD1 Series I (YD1.I) MDX was a large, seven-seat all-wheel drive wagon. Manufactured in Ontario, Canada, the MDX was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine that mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The 3.5-litre J35A3 V6 engine had four valves per cylinder, a two-stage intake manifold and Honda’s Variable Valve Timing and Electronic Lift Control (VTEC) system which adjusted the timing, duration and lift of the intake valves according to engine speed… Read full Honda MDX review

honda_mdx_yd1_ser1_01

honda_mdx_yd1_ser1_02

honda_mdx_yd1_ser1_03

honda_mdx_yd1_ser1_04

honda_mdx_yd1_ser1_05

honda_mdx_yd1_ser1_06

honda_mdx_yd1_ser1_07

honda_mdx_yd1_ser1_08

Images: Honda YD1.II MDX (2004-06)

Released in November 2004, the Honda YD1 Series II (YD1.II) MDX introduced additional safety equipment, features and a subtle facelift. There was also a minor power increase of 4kW to 195kW, though peak torque was unchanged. The Honda YD1.II MDX could be identified by its redesigned bumpers, chrome grille and integrated square twin exhaust outlets.

honda_mdx_yd1_ser2_01

honda_mdx_yd1_ser2_02