Acura RDX Reliability Problems

RDX owners have made 124 complaints over 15 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 13th in overall reliability out of 17 Acura models, with real brakes and interior concerns.

3 Common Acura RDX Problems

A list of some of the most common issues RDX owners have to deal with.

  1. Takata Airbag Inflator Recall

    A large number of Acura vehicles have been recalled because they contain dangerous airbag inflators made by Takata. The shrapnel-hurling inflators have been recalled in over 37 million vehicles (and counting).

    Continue reading article "Takata Airbag Inflator Recall" Crash ttest dummy about to slam into an airbag with a super-imposed Takata logo

  2. Denso Fuel Pump Failure

    The impellers inside of Denso branded fuel pumps may have been excessively exposed to a drying agent during manufacturing. This leads to them cracking, absorbing fuel, and deforming so badly that they stop sending fuel to the engine. Honda …

    Continue reading article "Denso Fuel Pump Failure"

  3. Infotainment Freezes

    An Acura RDX infotainment lawsuit alleges the systems suffer from problems with the radios, backup cameras and the Acura and navigation systems. The 2019-2020 RDX SUVs are allegedly a danger to drive because of the distractions caused by th…

    Continue reading article "Infotainment Freezes" An RDX touch screen interace, currently showing Apple CarPlay

What RDX Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

Full Lists on CarComplaints.com

RDX Generations

The RDX has 3 generations, each with their own issues. Using the same PainRank™ system we've determined that you're better off avoiding the 3rd generation (2019–2020).

RDX Key Numbers

  1. 124 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  2. 286 service bulletins

    Documenting the process of troubleshooting common problems.

  3. 7 recall campaigns

    Time-sensitive, free repairs for widespread safety problems.

RDX Class-Action Lawsuits

The RDX has been named as a class vehicle in the following lawsuits.

  • Cummings, et al., v. Honda Motor Company Limited, et al.

    1. Case Filed

      A fuel pump recall allegedly didn't include all the affected New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania Honda and Acura vehicles equipped with DENSO low-pressure fuel pumps and fuel pump assemblies, including pumps that begin with part number 17045-T.

    Problem
    Denso Fuel Pump Failure
    Class Vehicles
    • 2018-2019 NSX
    • 2019 RDX
    • 2019 RLX
    • 2019 RLX Sport Hybrid
    Class Members
    New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania residents
    Location
    New Jersey
  • Partially dismissed

    Banh, et al., v. American Honda Motor Co.

    1. Partially dismissed

      Judge R. Gary Klausner ruled too many involved states have different applicable laws, and will only allow the case to move forward for California residents.

    2. Case Filed

      An Acura RDX infotainment lawsuit alleges the systems suffer from problems with the radios, backup cameras and the audio and navigation systems.

  • Abel, et al., v. American Honda Motor Company, Inc., et al.

    1. Case Filed

      According to this Acura class action lawsuit, the 2016-2020 MDX and 2019-2020 RDX SUVs allegedly experience miscommunications between the computers and the software that controls the engines, throttles and transmissions.

    Class Vehicles
    • 2016-2020 MDX
    • 2019-2020 RDX
    Location
    California

Recent RDX News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  2. A lawsuit says Acura is ignoring a significant and immediate safety threat with the 3rd generation MDX and RDX transmissions.

    The 9-speed ZF transmission has numerous acceleration defects and can even throw itself into neutral if the throttle malfunctions while interpreting messages from various input modules.

    The lawsuit points to TSB #PU-15-34 where Acura says a driver may not be able to select any other gears until the vehicle is restarted due to an open circuit in the actuator supply. Acura said a simple software update would fix the problem.

    But according to the plaintiffs it didn't work.

    keep reading article "MDX and RDX Owners Sue Acura Because Their Transmissions Keep Shifting into Neutral"

  5. A lawsuit filed in California says newer MDX and RDX SUVs have issues with rapid deceleration, stalled engines, hesitation while accelerating, and transmissions that shift themselves into neutral randomly.

    The alleged problems are caused by miscommunications among the computers and software which control the engines, throttles and transmissions.

    Sounds like a joy to drive.

    keep reading article "MDX and RDX SUVs Suffer From a Number of Acceleration Issues, According to Lawsuit"

  6. A lawsuit alleges that the 2016-2020 MDX and RDX continue to randomly lose engine power, nearly a year after a possibly related fuel pump recall.

    And proving it to a mechanic is nearly impossible as the power almost always comes back on and the vehicle acts like nothing ever happened.

    The plaintiffs believe Acura should expand the scope of previous fuel injection engine control unit software updates.

    keep reading article "MDX and RDX Lawsuit Says SUVs Can Suddenly Lose Power"

  8. When Honda and Acura recalled 1.1 million Takata airbag inflators for exploding into pieces, they replaced the defective part with a slightly different version from the same company. Now those are exploding too.

    The replacement PSDI-5D desiccated inflators were exposed to excess moisture during assembly. This rapidly degrades the propellant and allows pressure to build up over time, turning the inflator into a mini-grenade that explodes during airbag deployment.

    Acura plans on mailing recall notifications on April 17th, but parts are already available and affected owners should schedule a replacement as soon as possible. Unlike the dishes, this is one chore you shouldn’t ignore.

    keep reading article "Those Replacement PSDI-5D Takata Inflators That Were Supposedly Safe? Now They're Exploding Too."

See All RDX News

Other Acura Models