Acura RDX Complaints

2,183 consumer complaints on file.

#11774425October 29, 2026
ENGINE
My 2021 Acura RDX A-Spec AWD had approximately 89,000 miles when this incident occurred on [October 23rd] on I-10 in Tempe Arizona]. My wife was driving when the vehicle displayed emissions and brake-system warnings, lost power and slowed unexpectedly. She was unable to restart it at that time. The unexpected loss of power in freeway traffic created a safety concern. I was subsequently able to drive the vehicle to the dealership. Acura of Tempe inspected the vehicle. Its written diagnosis reported an “ENGINE TEMP HIGH” warning, misfires after the vehicle had been sitting, an empty coolant reservoir and low radiator coolant. The dealer diagnosed a head gasket leaking coolant into a cylinder and recommended head gasket replacement, with further inspection for cylinder-head damage. The dealer provided an approximately $4,000 repair estimate, with potential additional costs depending on the cylinder-head findings. I am reporting the unexpected loss of power and the diagnosed coolant intrusion as a potential safety defect. I can provide the dealership’s written diagnosis and estimate. Approximate speed at the time: 65 MPH. Crash, injuries or fire: [None. Current repair status: [not repaired ].
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11774313October 28, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I own a 2020 Acura RDX SH-AWD Advance, VIN [XXX], about 80,080 miles. On XXX, the rear windshield shattered with no external impact, with glass caving into the cargo area. No crash and no injury occurred, but shattered glass in the cargo area and loss of the rear window is a safety concern for occupants. Acura Service Bulletin 22-014, version 3, XXX, covers 2020 RDX AWD vehicles in VIN range 5J8TC2H..LL000001 through 5J8TC2H..LL039430 for rear windshield shattering with no external impact, caused by incorrect specification for the rear defroster grid. My VIN [XXX] is inside that range. I filed a goodwill claim with Acura Client Relations, cases XXX and XXX. Acura's only written reply was XXX, requesting a dealer diagnosis. Assessment photos were sent to Acura on Wednesday morning, XXX. Since then, contact has been scarce. Messages left for Acura went unreturned, callbacks when they came were unintelligible, sounding like speakerphone, and another dealership also struggled to reach my case worker, [XXX]. On XXX, [XXX] told me verbally that my claim was denied, said no warranty is available, and refused to send the denial in writing. I replied that I know warranty is not available, which is why I filed a goodwill claim. [XXX] told me to file with NHTSA. A supervisor call is scheduled for Friday, XXX, after 12pm. I have received no written denial, no written reason for the goodwill denial, and no payment or reimbursement from Acura for this defect. This is the 2nd time in 11 months of the back window caving in with no impact. XXX was the 1st incident I had. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11774006October 27, 2026
ENGINE
The engine cooling system failed due to a coolant loss issue caused by an internal engine problem. The vehicle experienced repeated coolant loss, overheating, and was later diagnosed with a head gasket failure. The failed components were repaired/replaced by an Acura dealer and may be available for inspection upon request through repair records and replaced parts if retained. The failure created a safety risk because the vehicle overheated while driving and while idling in traffic. Loss of coolant and engine overheating could result in sudden loss of vehicle power, engine damage, or a breakdown in unsafe locations such as roadways. The issue was especially concerning because the symptoms occurred without an immediate warning that allowed enough time to safely prevent the failure. Yes. The coolant loss and overheating concern was confirmed by service providers. An Acura dealer mechanic performed testing that indicated combustion gases were present in the cooling system. The vehicle was later inspected and repaired by an Acura dealer, who replaced the head gaskets and related components. The vehicle was inspected by Acura dealership personnel during diagnosis and repair. Acura was contacted regarding the failure and a request for goodwill assistance was submitted. The vehicle has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives regarding this issue. Yes. Prior to the final failure, the vehicle showed symptoms of coolant loss and overheating. I had to add coolant m
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11774111October 27, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My back window shattered while in driveway when tempature had slightly changed
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11773866October 26, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The HID headlights have had the reflector coating fail and the debris has deposited on the back side of the lens where it is inaccessible so can not be removed and has effetely blocked most of the light from exiting the lens. This is a known issue and Honda/Acura has chosen to ignore a fix to the problem. This has been progressively getting worse and new bulbs have not corrected the situation.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11773549October 25, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER
The back hatch window suddenly shattered without anything hitting it, doors slamming, etc. just randomly shattered.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11773319October 23, 2026
POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
This is a supplemental report to document a severe, recurring safety hazard involving an uncommanded loss of motive power and delayed acceleration from a complete stop. The vehicle is a 2018 Acura RDX with approximately 75,000 miles. The automatic transmission 4th clutch fluid pressure switch (diagnostic trouble code P0873) has failed twice in less than a six-month period. The switch was initially replaced in early July using a brand-new OEM dealership part. The vehicle had also previously undergone a full transmission fluid flush. Despite verified wiring and clean fluid, the replacement OEM component has prematurely degraded and failed yet again under identical driving conditions. The failure manifests intermittently while the vehicle is at a complete stop, such as at an intersection. Upon attempting to accelerate from the stop--specifically during critical driving maneuvers like executing a left turn across oncoming traffic--the vehicle experiences a sudden, severe lag in acceleration, harsh shifting, and drops into an uncommanded limp mode/protection state. This unpredictable, delayed acceleration leaves the vehicle lagging directly in the path of oncoming traffic, creating an imminent and severe risk of a broadside collision. Because an official OEM dealership replacement part failed in less than six months, this represents a severe component reliability defect that creates a sudden, unexpected safety hazard during normal driving conditions.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11772608October 21, 2026
AIR BAGS
airbag light came on in vehicle in Dec 2025. Took vehicle to local Acura dealer for service. they said a new airbag module part (77810-TX4-A40ZA) is needed. Been waiting 11 months for the part and only get no eta from corporate and the dealer. the vehicle is unsafe to drive without the part and we are left stranded with no vehicle to drive.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11772643October 21, 2026
SEAT BELTS
The contact owns a 2021 Acura RDX. The contact stated that the front passenger’s side seat belt retractor failed to retract as needed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and was inspected and repaired. The failure mileage was 42,000
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771373October 15, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This is a follow-up to my earlier complaint about the same vehicle, a 2023 Acura RDX A-Spec Advance. In August 2026 the vehicle was stolen from a public street after offenders broke through the exterior driver’s door handle, reached the wiring behind it, and lowered the window to get inside. On Oct 15th, offenders attacked the same driver’s door handle on the same vehicle in what appears to be a second attempt using the same method. The handle was broken, but because we spent a lot of money installing more security, the vehicle was not taken. Two attacks on one vehicle in about two months, both starting at the exterior handle, suggest the method is known and repeatable. We have heard this exactly from police and repair shops too. The door’s window and lock circuitry appears to respond to input at the handle area without authentication, so physical access to that point is enough to defeat the locking system and lower all windows. I am a repeat RDX owner (2008, 2017, and 2023 models) and did not experience this on earlier generations. I ask NHTSA to investigate whether the third-generation door and window architecture is vulnerable, whether other Acura and Honda models share it, and whether a remedy, such as requiring key authentication before the window circuit responds, is warranted. Police reports were filed for both incidents, and I can provide the damaged handle for inspection.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11770839October 13, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING, VISIBILITY/WIPER
I have experienced the following situations while driving: •At night, drivers approaching from the opposite direction signal me to turn on my headlights, even though my headlights are already on. •In rainy conditions, I often have to pull over because I cannot adequately see the road markings. •Recently, while driving on neighborhood streets lined with mature trees, I failed to see a curb and struck it because of the limited visibility. My vehicle's history shows that an Acura dealership replaced the headlight bulbs in 2020, at approximately 77,000 miles, slightly beyond the basic warranty period. Since then, I have replaced both low-beam bulbs again in 2026. My exterior headlight lenses are clear, and replacing both bulbs has not resolved the problem. In October 2026, Acura dealership inspected my vehicle. The dealership documented that both headlight bulbs were operating properly and that the electrical output was proper at 12V. The dealership recommended replacing both headlight assemblies due to cloudiness inside the headlight lenses resulting from moisture/oxidation. The dealership also documented that it could not perform photometric output testing because it lacked the appropriate equipment. The dealership quoted $4,652 for the replacement of headlight assemblies. A vehicle should not develop severely inadequate headlight illumination to the point that it becomes dangerous to drive at night simply because of its age or mileage. As a family vehicle, I regularly drive with my child as a passenger. At this point, this is a severe safety hazard to my family and other people on the road.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11770940October 13, 2026
POWER TRAIN
DTC Code is registering Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance stuck or off (P0741) This can lead to ruining my transmission. It was an extended warranty to 150,000 miles or 10 years for known issue. Service Bulletin 23-029. Honda corporate refuses to pay or let a more local Honda dealership repair and reimburse. They want me to go to an actual Acura dealership which is over 250-300 miles away. My car won't make it. I've asked regional Honda dealers if they will do it and they said yes, but every time my case manager reaches out she blocks me and says they can't submit payment with no explanation. Same tools, same fluids and same 6 speed transmission as a Honda Pilot or Accord. All I get is excuses because they don't want to pay and offer no resolution. Worst customer experience I've ever had and can't leave town with my vehicle!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11770672October 12, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Rear window shattered spontaneously twice. 9/12/24 & 10/11/26
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11770479October 11, 2026
ENGINE, AIR BAGS, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Car goes into limp mode all the time and fuel cuts on and off
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11770347October 10, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Extreme long cranking due to lacking fuel pump to build fuel pressure to start vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11770131October 9, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
My 2015 Acura RDX Technology package has been having very dim headlights. I have replaced the bulbs in the car which provided no remedy. I then had the bulbs replaced with LED lights which are more bright than the original lights with no remedy. The danger is to me and the occupants of the vehicle as you can not see more than 5-10 feet in front of the car. In addition, other cars or pedestrians on the road, I can not see them because of these issues will pose a serious safety risk to not my occupants but to others on the road. I have had the car inspected by my mechanic and we tried the different lights to improve the vision of the lights. The car has not provided any errors on the dashboard, or "engine warning light". I would like to lodge this complaint against Honda, Parent Company of Acura, to see if there is a resolution to the problem. This is currently still happening on my vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11770178October 9, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER
I came out to my car which is parked on my driveway and went to put something in the trunk. When it opened I saw and heard things falling and looked to me like pebbles and was confused. After looking closely, my rearview window was shattered and it was pieces of the rearview glass window that was broken and was falling down. I had driven the car an hour prior and there was no windshield damage nor did anything hit my car (ie: an airborne rock). I picked up pieces of the broken glass from my driveway to prevent any punctured tires. I immediately called my local Acura dealer to arrange for a replacement. The car is currently there and the repair is going to cost approximately $1500. There was no indication of this issue happening (nothing hit the window, etc). I have numerous pictures and a video of the whole rear windshield. The problem has been confirmed with the dealer and the glass hole continued to get larger as I was driving the car from my home to the dealership which is less than 5 miles. I have done a quick online research and see that this spontaneous breakage of the rearview window has happened with other 2019 RDX owners. As my car is outside of the warranty, I am told this is an out of pocket expense which is not right. I am just fortunate that this did not occur while I was driving my car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769626October 7, 2026
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2020 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the head gasket had failed and that the engine and head gasket needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769725October 7, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2021 Acura RDX has cold start, uses coolant and will stumble, limp mode approaching 2000 RPM. Vehicle will flash check engine light and then will go away when vehicle is restarted. Using search criteria noted TSB issued for same make model and year with an extended warranty being offered through TSB, 10 year 150,000 miles. Vehicle has 103,000 miles. Dealer is stating no TSB for this VIN, however the number one issue noted through internet searches and this database.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769325October 6, 2026
ENGINE
The vehicle had 84400 miles at the time a blown head gasket was diagnosed by a Honda factory dealer. Was told not to drive vehicle further as sudden and catastrophic engine failure could occur. Unexpected and sudden engine failure at moderate to highway speeds, can create serious safety issues for passengers, nearby vehicles, and pedestrians. The vehicle has been serviced as scheduled at the local Honda factory dealer since new with supporting receipts. No engines repairs had been made to the vehicle since new. The issue was identified when the car was in for routine scheduled maintenance and I asked the dealer to check for the cause of momentary rough idle at engine startup. No diagnostic codes were set or found. This relatively new low milage vehicle has never overheated or been exposed to driving conditions that one would expect to be related to a blown head gasket. During repair, no issues were found with either the head or block. The master technician indicated it appeared the head gasket was faulty and failed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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