Acura RLX years to avoid and best years

Avoid: 2014 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)

Best: 2020 (few owner reports)

6 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade

Across 5 model years, the Acura RLX has 116 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 10 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are steering and suspension. 2014 drew the most complaints (85), 2020 the fewest (3).

5
Model years tracked
116
Owner complaints
10
Recalls
9
Median per year

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Acura RLX vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $12,689–$19,220.

Which RLX years have the most problems?

Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.

YearComplaints
20203
20189
20168
201511
201485

Highest: 2014 (85 complaints). Lowest: 2020 (3).

Where owners report problems

steering58
suspension21
electrical system15
electronic stability control (esc)12
engine11

What owners say

Owners consistently describe the RLX Sport Hybrid as an underrated, reliable, and genuinely enjoyable luxury sedan, praising its smooth power delivery, SH-AWD handling, and strong fuel economy for its size.

  • Recurrent12V battery drains quickly and requires replacement every 2-3 years

    Especially if the car sits for more than a week.

  • RecurrentParts availability for RLX-specific components is poor and costly due to low production volume and lack of aftermarket support
  • RecurrentTransmission and rear motor unit require fluid changes every 30,000 miles
  • IsolatedTiming belt service is expensive, quoted over $3,000 at a dealer
  • IsolatedControl arm ball joint failure requiring replacement

Owner insights cover all generations of the RLX. Individual model years are broken down above.

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