For those of you who have brought your MDX in to fix the springs under the current TSB, did the dealer find the shocks to be leaking as well? Our car has 58K miles but it shouldn't have leaking shocks under normal use right? Seems a bit strange but the dealer now wants $400 for the replacement of the two front shocks.

 

There is a TSB(technical service bulletin) on this issue for all 01 MDXs as well as select 02 MDXs.

"Some front suspension damper springs have insufficient corrosion protection. In areas where road salt is used, these damper springs may be susceptible to corrosion. Over time, excessive corrosion can cause spring failure. In some cases, a broken spring could puncture a front tire, which increases the risk of a crash."

The TSB includes 2 new front springs, but no shocks. If the shocks are found to be leaking the TSB states that "As a convenience to your clients let them know you can replace the dampers, along with the damper springs for just the cost of the new dampers(no labor charge).

If you need assistance from Acura with this problem, dial 800-382-2238.

There is also a service bulletin(#01-023) for front suspension noise on certain 01 MDXs and MAY require shock replacement under that bulletin also.

 

I'm buying a 2001 MDX and checked the recalls last night. Here's the text of the summary of the recall on the front springs , along with the second one on transmission.

The spring recall began on October 11, 2005, and there is a number at Acura listed to call. I expect they have a procedure in place to reimburse for prior incidences, especially as the need for the recall indicates that this was a known and widespread safety defect. Best of luck.

(PS: The all caps format is theirs, not mine!)

Make: ACURA
Model: MDX
Type: ANY
Year: 2001
Recall Number: 05V385000
Summary:
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. IN AREAS WHERE LARGE QUANTITIES OF ROAD SALT ARE USED, THE FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRINGS HAVE INSUFFICIENT CORROSION PROTECTION, AND MAY BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO CORROSION.
Consequence:
EXCESSIVE CORROSION CAN CAUSE SPRING FAILURE AND A BROKEN SPRING COULD PUNCTURE A FRONT TIRE, WHICH INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH FRONT SPRINGS WITH IMPROVED SPRINGS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 11, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT ACURA AT 800-382-2238.
Notes:
HONDA/ACURA RECALL NO. P92. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
______________________
Second 2001 MDX Recall (Honda Recall # P31 for MDX)
__________________________
Make: HONDA
Model: PILOT
Type: ANY
Year: 2003
Recall Number: 04V176000
Summary:
ON SOME MINI VANS, SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES, CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS CAN RESULT IN HEAT BUILD-UP BETWEEN THE COUNTERSHAFT AND SECONDARY SHAFT SECOND GEARS IN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, EVENTUALLY LEADING TO GEAR TOOTH CHIPPING OR GEAR BREAKAGE.
Consequence:
GEAR FAILURE COULD RESULT IN TRANSMISSION LOCKUP, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy:
ON VEHICLES WITH 15,000 MILES OR LESS, THE DEALER WILL UPDATE THE TRANSMISSION WITH A SIMPLE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE TO INCREASE LUBRICATION TO THE SECOND GEAR. ON VEHICLES WITH MORE THAN 15,000 MILES, THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION TO IDENTIFY GEARS THAT HAVE ALREADY EXPERIENCED DISCOLORATION DUE TO OVERHEATING. IF DISCOLORATION EXISTS, THE TRANSMISSION WILL BE REPLACED IF DISCOLORATION IS NOT PRESENT, THE DEALER WILL PERFORM THE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 21, 2004, FOR PILOT, ODYSSEY, AND MDX OWNERS. OWNERS OF THE ACCORD VEHICLES WILL START RECEIVING LETTERS ON JUNE 28, 2004, AND ON JUNE 29, 2004, FOR OWNERS OF THE TL AND CL VEHICLES. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.
Notes:
HONDA RECALL NOS. P30 (ODYSSEY AND PILOT), P31 (MDX), P38 (ACCORD) AND P39 (ACURA). CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236)