Service Bulletin
November 17, 2016

16-020
05310 Version 3

Warranty Extension: 2007–10 MDX and 2010 ZDX Front Active Damper
(6 Months)
Supersedes 16-020, Warranty Extension: 2007–09 MDX and 2010 ZDX Front Active Damper (6 Months), dated
November 8, 2016, to revise the information highlighted in yellow
AFFECTED VEHICLES
Year
2007–10
2010

Model
MDX
ZDX

Trim
ALL with Active Damper System
ALL with Active Damper System

VIN Range
Check the iN VIN status for eligibility
Check the iN VIN status for eligibility

REVISION SUMMARY
In AFFECTED VEHICLES and WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION, 2010 MDX vehicles were added.
BACKGROUND
This bulletin will expire May 8, 2017.
In cold areas, the front active dampers may be susceptible to leaking. Since these dampers are mounted in an inverted
position, the leak is not visible on the exterior of the damper. If an excessive amount of damper oil has leaked, the
active dampers may make a clunk or a bang when driving on rough roads or over speed bumps.
There are two bulletins that address front active damper noise:
• S/B 16-020, Warranty Extension: 2007–10 MDX and 2010 ZDX Front Active Damper, which covers some
2007–10 MDX and 2010 ZDX vehicles. The extended warranty covering these vehicles may have already expired,
or will expire before November 8, 2016, based on the original date of purchase. To improve client confidence,
vehicles covered under this bulletin will receive a grace period that covers the damper until May 8, 2017 (or 100,000
miles) to ensure that all clients receive at least 6 months of coverage. This bulletin will expire May 8, 2017.
• S/B 16-021, Warranty Extension: 2007–13 MDX and 2010–12 ZDX Front Active Damper. Vehicles covered under
this bulletin will have the warranty on the front active dampers extended to 7 years from the original date of
purchase or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.
The following states are covered by the warranty extension: Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois,
Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire,
New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Washington, West
Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
CLIENT NOTIFICATION
Owners of affected vehicles will be sent a notification of this campaign.
Do an iN VIN status inquiry to make sure the vehicle is shown as eligible.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Do the inspection and, if necessary, replace both front active dampers.

CLIENT INFORMATION: The information in this bulletin is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment,
and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These procedures should not be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not
assume this bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To determine whether this information applies,
contact an authorized Acura automobile dealer.

© 2016 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. – All Rights Reserved

Page 1 of 3

PARTS INFORMATION
Part Name

Part Number

Quantity

Front Right Damper Unit (2007–09 MDX)

51605-STX-365

1

Front Left Damper Unit (2007–09 MDX)

51606-STX-365

1

Front Right Damper Unit (2010 ZDX) (2010 MDX)

51605-STX-A59

1

Front Left Damper Unit (2010 ZDX) (2010 MDX)

51606-STX-A59

1

Flange Bolt (18 x 76 mm)

90119-SJC-A00

4

Nut (14 mm)

90213-STX-A51

2

Flange Nut (10 mm)

90307-STX-A01

6

Flange Nut (12 mm) (2010 ZDX) (2010 MDX)

90362-SZA-A00

2

Flange Nut (12 mm) (2007–09 MDX)

94050-12080

2

Flange Nut (18 mm)

90381-SJC-A00

4

WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
Operation
Number

Description

Flat Rate
Time

Defect
Code

Symptom
Code

Template
ID

Failed Part Number

4141E3

2007-10 MDX: Do the
inspection and replace
both front dampers
(includes test-drive,
damper force operation
test. No alignment
necessary)

2.5 hrs

6D100

JZ100

16-020N

51605-STX-A58

4141E3

2010 ZDX: Do the
inspection and replace
both front dampers
(includes test-drive,
damper force operation
test. No alignment
necessary)

2.5 hrs

6D100

JZ100

16-020P

51605-STX-A58

NOTE: If you are replacing the front and rear dampers at the same time, you may only claim one alignment.
Operation
Number

Description

Flat Rate
Time

Defect
Code

Symptom
Code

Template
ID

Failed Part Number

4141E3

2007-10 MDX: Do the
inspection and replace
both front dampers
(includes test-drive,
damper force operation
test, and alignment)

2.5 hrs

6D100

JZ100

16-020Q

51605-STX-A58

Alignment- add

0.4 hr

2010 ZDX: Do the
inspection and replace
both front dampers
(includes test-drive,
damper force operation
test, and alignment).

2.5 hrs

6D100

JZ100

16-020R

51605-STX-A58

Alignment- add

0.4 hr

A
4141E3

A

Page 2 of 3

INSPECTION PROCEDURE
NOTE: The damper noise is a clank, clunk, or rattle. Other types of noises like squeaks are not caused by the damper
and are not covered by this warranty extension.
1. Test-drive the vehicle in both Comfort and Sport modes while driving over a speed bump at about 7-12 mph.
NOTE: Make sure the speed bump is 4-6 inches (100-150 mm) high and 1-3 feet (30 -90 cm) long.
• If there is a clank, clunk or rattle coming from the front suspension area, go to step 2.
• If there is no clank, clunk or rattle coming from the front suspension area, this bulletin does not apply. Other
types of noises like squeaks are not caused by the damper and are not covered by this warranty extension.
Continue with normal troubleshooting.

2. Inspect the vehicle for loose components and suspension bolts. If you find any, tighten them, then recheck.
•
•
•

If you did not find any loose components or suspension bolts, go to REPAIR PROCEDURE.
If you found any loose components or suspension bolts, and the noise went away when you test-drove it,
this bulletin does not apply.
If you found any loose components or suspension bolts, but the noise did not go away after you
tightened them, go to REPAIR PROCEDURE.

REPAIR PROCEDURE
1. Replace both front damper units. Refer to the applicable service information.
2. Using the i-HDS, follow the on-screen instructions to do the Damper Force Operation Test.
3. Check and adjust the front wheel alignment.
END

Page 3 of 3