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2021 Acura RDX: common problems and reliability
One of the worst RDX years.
One of the Acura RDX years to avoid. All RDX years
112 owner complaints, most about engine. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 2021 RDX?The 2021 Acura RDX has 112 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and service brakes. Owners most often flag turbocharger failure: 0 turbo in a 2021 tlx also reported, replaced under warranty).
Safety record for the 2021 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2021 Acura RDX vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other RDX years only. How we score it
Is 2021 a good year for the RDX?
Across the 20 RDX model years we track, complaint volume runs from 15 (2012) to 437 (2019). With 112 complaints, the 2021 RDX sits above the model's median of 40.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2021 RDX
power train:driveline:driveshaft
Campaign 21V939000Honda (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.
air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passenger
Campaign 24V064000Honda (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.
air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passenger
Campaign 26V332000Honda (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.
What owners say across generations
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.
- IsolatedTurbocharger failure
0 turbo in a 2021 TLX also reported, replaced under warranty).
Owner insights cover all generations of the RDX. See the full RDX owner picture and every model year.
Other RDX model years
Compare every RDX year side by side to see how 2021 ranks against the rest.
Compare the RDX against its rivals
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