What are common issues with the Acura RDX?

Infotainment system freezing, slow response, and night/day mode glitches Vehicle theft via key cylinder defeat and OBDII key reprogramming

Brands/Acura/RDX

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Acura

Acura RDX

SUV · Gas · 10 versions · owner report

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Should I buy a 2019–today RDX?

Should I buy a 2013–2018 RDX?

Should I buy a 2007–2012 RDX?

279Hp

Power

23mpg

Combined, EPA 2026

What owners say

Our take, from owner reports

22 problems reported (2 very frequent, 7 recurrent, 13 isolated) · high confidence

Problems owners report

Very frequentInfotainment system freezing, slow response, and night/day mode glitches
Very frequentVehicle theft via key cylinder defeat and OBDII key reprogramming
RecurrentPanoramic sunroof rattles, popping, or leaking

+ 19 more issues

RecurrentBrake squeal and brake noise
RecurrentInterior rattles and squeaks from the dash, A-pillars, headliner, seats, and cargo area
RecurrentTransmission judder or shudder
RecurrentAir conditioning weakness or failure
RecurrentPremature timing belt and water pump service needs
RecurrentSuspension wear requiring replacement
IsolatedTorque converter failure or replacement
IsolatedTurbocharger failure
0 turbo in a 2021 TLX also reported, replaced under warranty).
IsolatedHead gasket failure
IsolatedOil leaks requiring resealing
IsolatedFailed oil pressure sensor
IsolatedAlternator failure
IsolatedRadiator failure, including rock damage
IsolatedBroken front strut and spring
IsolatedDull or hazy headlamps
IsolatedFront bumper clips and wheel well liner fasteners breaking
IsolatedWindshield cracking or shuttering
IsolatedRear liftgate sensor or intermittent liftgate failure
IsolatedSeat heater not warming adequately

The version owners recommend

Insufficient owner data available to declare a single consensus. The strongest signal favors the second-generation V6 models, with 2013-2015 and 2017-2018 examples drawing the most praise for reliability and longevity, and the 2016-2018 facelift years noted for holding up well past 100,000 miles. Among third-generation cars, owners point to the 2022 model year as having resolved several earlier complaints, including brake noise, a loose brake pedal, and drivetrain refinement, and the 2021-2022 cars are described as largely trouble-free by their owners.

Competitors to consider

Owners compare it most often with the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Lexus NX, Acura MDX and Acura TLX.

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Full owner report

Overall sentiment

Owners of the second-generation RDX (roughly 2013-2018) are overwhelmingly positive, repeatedly describing the V6 as smooth, potent, and long-lived, with many reporting 150,000 to nearly 300,000 miles on basic maintenance. The third-generation RDX (2019 and later) draws a split verdict: owners praise the turbocharged engine's mid-range punch, handling, and available ELS audio, but a substantial group reports infotainment problems, interior rattles, brake noise, and occasional turbo or head gasket failures. A recurring theme is that the older naturally aspirated V6 is viewed as the more trouble-free long-term choice, while the newer turbo four is seen as more fun but less proven. Build quality on the current generation is frequently criticized as feeling more like a mainstream Honda than a luxury vehicle.

Positioning vs competitors

Owners position the RDX as more entertaining to drive than mainstream compact SUVs like the CR-V and RAV4, but less practical, with a notably smaller cargo area than a CR-V. Against luxury rivals, owners say the RDX costs less to maintain than German competitors such as BMW and Audi, though it trails the Lexus NX on noise, vibration, and harshness and overall refinement. Several owners argue the price premium over an equivalent Honda is not always justified given the build quality complaints. The MDX is repeatedly raised as the smoother, more spacious, and more reliable alternative within the brand, at the cost of being larger and less fun.

Recommended configurations

Owners most often recommend the V6 second-generation RDX, particularly all-wheel-drive Tech and Advance trims, for buyers prioritizing long-term reliability. For the third generation, owners suggest the 2022 or later model year over 2019-2020 cars, citing fixes to brakes, infotainment, and drivetrain damping. Several owners advise buying the turbo model only with an extended warranty. Owners also recommend budgeting for the timing belt, water pump, and tensioner service on the V6 every 80,000 to 100,000 miles, and transmission, differential, and transfer case fluid changes every 30,000 to 40,000 miles.

General recommendations

The RDX suits buyers who want a sporty, quick compact SUV and are willing to accept a firmer ride, dated infotainment, and a smaller cargo area than rivals. Buyers prioritizing maximum longevity and minimal headaches are steered toward the V6 second-generation cars, while those wanting newer tech and sharper handling are pointed to 2022 and later third-generation models. Owners advise avoiding the 2019-2020 model years due to infotainment and electrical complaints, and caution that any turbocharged example near 80,000 miles should be purchased with a warranty. Inspection advice from owners includes checking for panoramic sunroof rattles, verifying the timing belt service on V6 cars, checking for transmission judder on 2016-2018 models, confirming the fuel pump recall was performed, and examining the front bumper clips and headlamp clarity on higher-mileage examples.

Remarks

A notable share of discussion centers on theft rather than reliability, with owners reporting that Acuras are targeted through lock cylinder breakage and OBDII reprogramming, and recommending steering wheel locks, OBD port covers, tracking devices, and aftermarket immobilizers. Owners also frequently cross-shop the RDX against the MDX, with many concluding the V6 MDX is the more durable long-term choice. Fuel economy on the third generation is described as unimpressive by several owners, with real-world figures around 20-22 mpg cited for the V6. Analysis based on approximately 78 substantive owner discussions.

Generation by generation

Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).

Complaints and recalls by model yearWorst year: 2020. Years to avoid: 2021, 2020, 2019, 2015, 2014, 2013Source: NHTSA (US)Show table

Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score. See all Acura RDX years to avoid

Year	Complaints	Recalls	Most-reported area
2026	1	0	power train
2025	30	1	steering
2024	11	2	unknown or other
2023	22	2	electrical system
2022	31	2	unknown or other
2021	112	3	unknown or other
2020	345	5	unknown or other
2019	437	5	unknown or other
2018	77	1	fuel/propulsion system
2017	76	1	power train
2016	40	2	power train
2015	411	3	exterior lighting
2014	242	3	exterior lighting
2013	162	3	exterior lighting

Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.

Recall notices47 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls

2025 · steering:electric power assist systemcampaign 25V582000

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2025 Acura RDX vehicles. The software for the electric power steering (EPS) assist may not be calibrated properly, which can cause the EPS system to enter a failsafe mode, resulting in a loss of power steering assist.

2024 · steeringcampaign 24V114000

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Odyssey and 2024 Acura RDX vehicles. The steering gear box assembly may not have been tightened properly, allowing water to enter the assembly and cause corrosion and binding gears.

2024 · air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passengercampaign 26V332000

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.

2023 · service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/modulecampaign 23V430000

Honda (America Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023 Civic, Acura RDX, Acura Integra, and 2022 Honda Accord vehicles. A ball valve in the vehicle stability assist (VSA) modulator may leak brake fluid, which can result in unintended vehicle movement when the brake hold feature is engaged or an unexpected increase in brake pedal travel.

2023 · air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passengercampaign 26V332000

2022 · air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passengercampaign 24V064000

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.

2022 · air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passengercampaign 26V332000

2021 · power train:driveline:driveshaftcampaign 21V939000

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021 Acura RDX and 2022 CR-V Hybrid vehicles. A component in the right or left front driveshaft may have been improperly heat-treated, which could result in driveshaft failure.

2021 · air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passengercampaign 24V064000

2021 · air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passengercampaign 26V332000

2020 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 21V215000

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Acura MDX, MDX Sport Hybrid, RDX, TLX, Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Insight, 2019 Acura ILX, Honda Accord Hybrid, Civic Coupe, Civic Coupe Si, Civic Sedan, Civic Sedan Si, Civic Type R, Fit, HR-V, Odyssey, Passport, Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 CR-V vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

2020 · seat belts:front:buckle assemblycampaign 23V158000

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2020 CR-V, 2018-2019 Accord and Accord Hybrid, 2018-2020 Odyssey, 2019 Insight, and 2019-2020 Acura RDX vehicles. A manufacturing issue with the front seat belts may cause the seat belt buckle channel to interfere with the release button, preventing the seat belt buckle from latching.

2020 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 23V858000

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

2020 · air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passengercampaign 24V064000

2020 · air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passengercampaign 26V332000

32 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.

Specifications

Generation

Body and years

Version

2.0 SH

2.0L 4-cylinder · 272 hp · AWD · automatic

Built 2021–2026

Power272 Hp

Torque280 lb-ft (380 Nm)

Fuel (maker's test)23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km)

DriveAll wheel drive (4x4)

Transmission10 gears, automatic transmission

Engine2 L

AspirationTurbocharger, Intercooler

Cylinders4

Seats5 seats

Fuel typeGas

Body typeSUV

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