Acura RDX Complaints (2020)

351 consumer complaints on file.

#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
#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
#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
#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
#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
#11768024September 30, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
• The Media Oriented Systems Transport (MOST) bus network / FAKRA coaxial service cable connectors failed. This failure directly controls the primary infotainment assembly and the central safety display screen. The vehicle and its active components are currently intact, fully operational (with the defect present), and available for inspection upon request. • The hardware defect causes sudden, unpredictable total blackouts of the central display screen while driving. This completely disables the safety rearview/backup camera and mutes vital audible driver-assist safety alerts. Additionally, the defect causes extremely loud, jarring, and distracting popping and crackling noises through the audio speakers while moving, creating an immediate driver distraction and safety hazard on public roads. • Yes. The vehicle was brought to an authorized Acura dealership service center, where the active symptoms (crackling audio and system instability) were documented. Furthermore, the issue perfectly matches the diagnostic criteria of Acura's official technical service campaign (TSB 23-025). • The vehicle has been inspected at an authorized Acura dealership service department to initiate a corporate claim. However, because the vehicle is just 345 miles past an arbitrary 100,000-mile warranty extension threshold, Acura Corporate has refused to perform the physical repair, meaning the defective factory components are still currently installed in the vehicle. • There were no traditional dashboard warning lights or error codes prior to the failure. The primary symptoms are loud audio popping, crackling noises, frozen screen menus, and sudden display blackouts. These symptoms began appearing intermittently and escalated in frequency as the vehicle approached its current mileage of 100,345 miles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11762948September 9, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Transfer case is leaking. Then the engine overheated. Confirmed and inspected by the dealer. No warnings prior to the incident.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760705August 30, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I am reporting recurring water intrusion into the driver-side passenger compartment of my 2020 Acura RDX following significant rainfall. This has occurred multiple times. The most recent incident occurred on August 28, 2026, following heavy rainfall. Water entered the vehicle and accumulated on the driver-side floor, leaving the interior floor in a puddle. I documented the water intrusion with photographs and video and submitted that documentation to my automobile insurance company as part of a claim. The vehicle was not being driven through standing water; the intrusion occurred after rainfall while the vehicle was parked. The vehicle has previously been inspected by North Park Lincoln of Dominion, where I purchased the vehicle. Despite the prior inspection, the vehicle has continued to experience water intrusion into the driver-side cabin following significant rainfall. The recurring water intrusion raises concern that the panoramic sunroof drainage system may not be adequately draining or preventing water from entering the passenger compartment. Water entering the cabin can reach wiring, electrical connectors, control modules, and other electrical components located within the vehicle and could potentially cause electrical malfunction or other unsafe conditions. The most recent water intrusion is documented, and the vehicle and affected components are available for inspection upon request. Photographs and video documenting the August 28, 2026 incident were provided to my automobile insurance company. I am reporting this because the water intrusion has occurred repeatedly and I am concerned that this may represent a recurring safety-related defect with the 2020 Acura RDX panoramic sunroof drainage/water management system rather than an isolated incident. There were no warning lamps or messages specifically preceding the August 28, 2026 water intrusion. The primary symptom was substantial water accumulation on the driver-side floor following rainfall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760711August 30, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I am reporting recurring water intrusion into my 2020 Acura RDX following significant rainfall. The first water intrusion resulted from heavy rainfall in April 2026. I did not discover the water inside the vehicle until May 1, 2026, when I found water accumulated on the driver-side floor. I filed an insurance claim after discovering the damage. Following the May 1 discovery, Gunn Acura, where I purchased the vehicle, inspected it. The dealership found the panoramic sunroof drainage system had a kinked/clogged drain line that was not properly allowing water to drain. The dealership also identified corrosion affecting wiring harness components and recommended repairs including replacement of the moonroof drain tube, carpet removal/cleaning, and replacement of affected wiring harnesses. Following another heavy rainfall on June 15, 2026, water again entered the vehicle. The water intrusion has resulted in electrical concerns, including warning messages and electrical abnormalities. Water entering the cabin can reach wiring, electrical connectors, control modules and other critical electrical components, creating a potential safety risk. The vehicle and affected components are available for inspection upon request. I have dealership documentation of the kinked/clogged drain and recommended repairs, as well as insurance documentation related to the water intrusion. I am reporting this because a failure of the panoramic sunroof drainage system has resulted in repeated cabin water intrusion and potential damage to critical electrical components. I believe this may represent a recurring safety-related defect rather than ordinary water leakage.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11758676August 22, 2026
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The vehicle’s keyless access/security and body control system malfunctioned. An authorized Acura dealer previously diagnosed water intrusion from blocked panoramic sunroof drains, including water reaching the Body Control Module (BCM) Multiplex Control Unit. The dealer reported that this was causing false security alarm activation and battery drainage and recommended BCM replacement. The vehicle and affected components are available for inspection upon request.The condition has since escalated. The security alarm repeatedly activated without cause and became difficult or impossible to silence. The dashboard displayed, “Keyless Access System Problem\. See Your Dealer.” During the latest episode, the engine spontaneously started without an authorized remote start command, and attempts to stop the engine were unsuccessful. The 12-volt battery was therefore disconnected to disable the vehicle and will remain disconnected until the vehicle is taken to the Acura dealership for diagnosis. This created a safety risk because the vehicle demonstrated unintended engine operation and loss of normal control over engine shutdown, creating potential risks of unintended operation, exhaust carbon monoxide exposure if this occurred in an enclosed area, and battery depletion. The dealer has confirmed the water intrusion and BCM security system malfunction. However, the unauthorized engine start and failure to shut down event occurred after that diagnosis and has not yet been evaluated by the dealer. Before the unauthorized start, symptoms included repeated false alarms, battery drainage, documented water intrusion, and the Keyless Access System warning. The warning was photographed at approximately 81,416 miles during the same period of escalating electrical security problems.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11758403August 21, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My RDX experienced a water-intrusion failure involving the panoramic sunroof drainage system and associated electrical components. An authorized Acura dealer diagnosed the right-front sunroof drain as backed up/overflowing, allowing water to reach the Body Control Module (BCM/Multiplex Control Unit). The dealer attributed abnormal security-alarm activation and battery drain to the water-damaged BCM and indicated that the BCM required replacement. The dealer also identified a blocked right-rear sunroof drain that allowed water to reach the tuner, causing radio/stereo malfunction and requiring tuner replacement. The water intrusion reached critical electrical components and caused unpredictable electrical behavior, including unexplained security-alarm activations, exterior lights remaining illuminated, complete battery discharge, loss of keyless access, and ultimately a no-start condition that rendered the vehicle inoperable. After the battery was depleted, I had to use the manual key to enter the vehicle. This created a risk of being stranded and raised concerns about the reliability of the vehicle’s electrical systems. There were no known dashboard warning lamps or conventional warning messages before the failure. AcuraLink recorded unexplained security-alarm activations on August 16, 2026, at 10:27 PM EDT and again on August 19, 2026, at 10:51 AM EDT. During the overnight incident, the alarm activated and the exterior lights remained on until the recently replaced battery was completely discharged. The car also experienced radio/stereo problems traced by the dealer to water reaching the tuner, and water was present in the passenger-footwell area. My car was inspected and the problem confirmed by an authorized Acura dealership. The car is available for inspection and available upon request.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756892August 14, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2020 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the engine started shuddering and vibrating, and the vehicle stalled. The message that the engine was overheating was displayed. The vehicle was driven to the local dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the head gasket had failed. The contact was later informed that the bolts on the turbocharger also failed. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 82,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11751030July 17, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OTHER FUEL TYPES:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER:INTERCOOLER
The contact owns a 2020 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH in inclement weather, moisture entered the turbocharger, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over, restarted the vehicle, and drove to a local dealer. A technician confirmed that the failure was caused by moisture entering the turbocharger and referenced an unknown Technical Service Bulletin associated with the repair for the vehicle. The dealer stated that the vehicle was safe to operate. There were no further issues with the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11744256June 15, 2026
ENGINE
Grubbs Acura in Grapevine TX has all the information
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11742878June 9, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While driving my 2020 Acura RDX on the highway, the sunroof suddenly shattered without any warning. There was a very loud explosion-like sound that was extremely startling and frightening. No objects appeared to strike the vehicle, and the glass seemed to break on its own while driving at highway speed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11742784June 8, 2026
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
The contact owns a 2020 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH, the contact heard an exploding sound and noticed that the sunroof had exploded, causing fragmented glass to enter the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 67,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11742539June 7, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Rear windshield (Tailgate Glass) spontaneously shattered while parked without external impact. This left the vehicle exposed to theft and made me feel unsafe. Will this continue to happen? The dealership replaced the glass but now the broken pieces of glass are trapped inside the tailgate providing a rattle when gate lifts /closes.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11740311May 27, 2026
ENGINE
This is a well known problem that when water gets into the intercooler, the car goes into limp Mode. This happens to my daughter, while driving 85 miles in the fast lane in the highway. Her check engine light started flashing, she was unable to accelerate, and she was scared! She had to pull over in the left lane, against the median.This is a safety hazard! I am paying over $1000 to have this fixed. TSB 20-053 this should be a recall!!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11740393May 27, 2026
VISIBILITY
The contact owns a 2020 Acura RDX. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked in the garage when he heard a noise and went to inspect the vehicle. The contact discovered that the rear windshield had cracked and imploded. There was no impact to the rear windshield that could have caused the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 64,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11739990May 26, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I went to my car, got in and shut the door. Immediately I heard an explosion behind me. It was my rear lift gate window. The glass burst into thousands of pieces & could have hit someone outside & myself. It was inspected by myself & others. There were no cracks or damage prior. I tried contacting the dealership with no response. No warning lamps.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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