Two low-speed sudden unintended acceleration events while parking a 2021 Acura RDX. Incident 1 (July 2026): While parking at low speed, the car unexpectedly surged forward. Flew up the curb and hit a restaurant window, causing massive undercarriage damage. Active braking did not help and seemed to make acceleration worse. It only stopped when it wanted to. Incident 2 (August 2026): Two weeks after getting the car back from repairs, under identical low-speed parking conditions, a second sudden acceleration event occurred. Slamming on the brakes did nothing. It stopped after scraping a car wash vacuum pole, destroying the entire passenger side. Prior to these, the car exhibited erratic safety software behavior, including multiple phantom braking incidents where it slammed on its brakes violently with no obstacles present. I bought the car Certified Pre-Owned two years ago. The dealership repaired a known "popping sound" from the panoramic sunroof frame three times. This required extensive cabin/pillar teardown work, which may have disturbed internal wiring harnesses or grounding points linked to the electronic throttle control system. In both events, it felt like an uncontrolled amusement park ride—the engine loudly revving and taking over with zero driver control. I initially assumed pedal confusion during the first crash, but since it happened again under identical circumstances, there is clearly a systemic electronic/software defect in the Throttle Actuator or Powertrain Control Module. The vehicle is at an insurance network body shop awaiting forensic evaluation of the throttle system, pedal sensors, and a Bosch EDR black box download.
Fuel Pump is having to be replaced. I have had issues accelerating and my car also stalled once on the freeway. It put me in a dangerous situation and I almost got in an accident because my speed quickly decreased. The same part was recalled on the previous year’s model.
No injuries · No fire · No crash
Prior to the 5,000 mile oil change, I experienced at least five transmission shifting issues and reported the problem to Bergstrom Service Department. They test drove it and found no issues at that time and could not repeat the shifting issues while I was there. From what I have observed, the engine will rev up to a high rpm but will not shift automatically. You then have to pull over to the shoulder of the road and decelerate the engine until it will shift gears properly at a slower speed. Not only is there a flaw in the transmission but there is a safety concern when accelerating from a stop sign or merging onto a freeway. I fear getting into an automobile rear end accident from a transmission malfunction. Since the 5,000 mile service, we have experienced one more engine rev shifting issue.
No injuries · No fire · No crash
I own an Acura RDX that experienced a sudden failure of the transfer case. Prior to the failure, there was little or no warning that a major drivetrain component was about to fail. When the transfer case failed, the vehicle lost its normal all-wheel-drive operation and required expensive repairs. I believe this is a safety defect because the transfer case is a critical drivetrain component. A sudden failure can reduce traction and vehicle control, especially when driving at highway speeds or on wet, snowy, or icy roads. Drivers may not expect the loss of power to the rear wheels, which could increase the risk of skidding, loss of stability, or being unable to safely accelerate into traffic or avoid a hazard. In addition, there are numerous reports from other Acura RDX owners describing similar transfer case failures, suggesting this may not be an isolated incident but a recurring problem. A critical drivetrain component should not fail prematurely under normal use without adequate warning. I believe this issue warrants investigation because it has the potential to affect vehicle safety and place drivers and passengers at unnecessary risk.
No injuries · No fire · No crash
I own an Acura RDX that experienced a sudden failure of the transfer case. Prior to the failure, there was little or no warning that a major drivetrain component was about to fail. When the transfer case failed, the vehicle lost its normal all-wheel-drive operation and required expensive repairs. I believe this is a safety defect because the transfer case is a critical drivetrain component. A sudden failure can reduce traction and vehicle control, especially when driving at highway speeds or on wet, snowy, or icy roads. Drivers may not expect the loss of power to the rear wheels, which could increase the risk of skidding, loss of stability, or being unable to safely accelerate into traffic or avoid a hazard. In addition, there are numerous reports from other Acura RDX owners describing similar transfer case failures, suggesting this may not be an isolated incident but a recurring problem. A critical drivetrain component should not fail prematurely under normal use without adequate warning. I believe this issue warrants investigation because it has the potential to affect vehicle safety and place drivers and passengers at unnecessary risk.
No injuries · No fire · No crash