2021 Acura RDX: common problems and reliability

The 2021 Acura RDX has 102 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and service brakes. Owners most often flag turbocharger failure, catastrophic turbo failure 100,000-150,000 miles (161,000-241,000 km), symptoms include loss of power, excessive smoke, metal grinding noises, oil leaks, wastegate failures, affects estimated 40-60% of fleet beyond 120,000 miles, replacement cost $2,500-$4,000 including labor, very frequent.

Safety record for the 2021 model year

102
Owner complaints
3
Recalls
2
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2021 Acura RDX vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

engine
18
service brakes
14
air bags
11
structure
10
power train
9

Recalls affecting the 2021 RDX

power train:driveline:driveshaft

Campaign 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 driveshaf…

air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passenger

Campaign 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, Passpo…

air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passenger

Campaign 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, 201…

What owners say across generations

Mixed to positive sentiment for first-generation model, regarded as pioneering turbocharged compact luxury SUV offering engaging driving dynamics and strong performance but compromised by turbocharger reliability concerns and aging platform limitations. Praise

  • Turbocharger failure, catastrophic turbo failure 100,000-150,000 miles (161,000-241,000 km), symptoms include loss of power, excessive smoke, metal grinding noises, oil leaks, wastegate failures, affects estimated 40-60% of fleet beyond 120,000 miles, replacement cost $2,500-$4,000 including labor, very frequent
  • Poor fuel economy, 18-20 MPG combined real-world with aggressive driving yielding 15-17 MPG, premium fuel (91+ octane) required adds $800-$1,200 annually versus regular, disappointing for compact SUV, very frequent
  • Front suspension noise, strut mount bearings deteriorate causing clunking over bumps, control arm bushings wear prematurely 60,000-100,000 miles (97,000-161,000 km), complete front suspension refresh $800-$1,500, recurrent
  • SH-AWD rear differential service neglect, rear differential and transfer case fluid changes required every 30,000 miles often neglected, failure symptoms include shuddering, grinding, repair cost $2,000-$3,500, recurrent (maintenance-dependent)
  • Dated technology, no Bluetooth connectivity 2007-2008, primitive infotainment system throughout generation, navigation system (Technology Package) outdated and slow, USB port absent early years, very frequent

Owner insights cover all generations of the RDX.

Typical used price

Used RDX listings typically run $15,958–$29,339 across 2012 to 2026 model years.

Other RDX model years

2019 RDX2016 RDX2013 RDX2009 RDX2007 RDX
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