Catalytic Converter for Acura MDX (2001-2002) 3.5L Rear

Direct-Fit Rear Catalytic Converter for 2001-2002 Acura MDX

What it Does: The rear catalytic converter replaces the aged, contaminated secondary emissions unit on the 2001-2002 Acura MDX to eliminate P0420/P0430 diagnostic trouble codes and restore factory exhaust velocity.

The Stock Acura MDX Catalytic Degradation

The first-generation YD1 MDX relies on the high-displacement J35A3 3.5L V6, an engine prone to downstream carbon migration and thermal cycling over extended mileage. Over time, the factory ceramic washcoat inside the stock rear converter suffers from catalyst washcoat sintering and thermal breakdown. This degradation leads to restricted cell pathways, increased backpressure, deteriorated downstream hydrocarbon oxidation, and persistent catalyst system efficiency DTCs (P0420/P0430) on the factory ECU.

The Engineering Solution

This direct-replacement unit features a high-grade stainless steel outer shell and neck construction, engineered to resist road salt corrosion and thermal fatigue. Inside, an advanced ceramic honeycomb substrate is coated with an optimal precious metal washcoat (platinum, palladium, rhodium) to efficiently oxidize unburned hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide without choking exhaust gas velocity. Precision-aligned, robotically welded mounting flanges eliminate the need for custom fabrication, mating directly to the OEM Y-pipe and mid-pipe flanges. Heavy-duty replacement hardware and compression sealing gaskets are included to ensure leak-free exhaust sealing under continuous high-temperature duty cycles.

Technical Specifications

Compatibility

• 2001 Acura MDX Base 3.5L V6 (J35A3)
• 2001 Acura MDX Touring 3.5L V6 (J35A3)
• 2002 Acura MDX Base 3.5L V6 (J35A3)
• 2002 Acura MDX Touring 3.5L V6 (J35A3)

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this fit the YD1 MDX?
Yes, this is a direct fit for the 2001-2002 Acura MDX equipped with the J35A3 engine.

Will this resolve downstream oxygen sensor check engine lights?
Yes, provided upstream fuel trims and secondary O2 sensors are functioning within factory specifications, this unit restores OEM conversion efficiency and clears catalyst DTCs.

The Acura Engineering Standard

Engineered to handle the real-world utility and all-weather driving expected of Honda's premium crossover platform, this exhaust component maintains critical backpressure balance to preserve low-end torque output without triggering downstream emissions faults.