Acura RDX Complaints

2,183 consumer complaints on file.

#11769140October 5, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The low beam headlights are very dim at night time. An extreme safety issue. I had to occasionally use the high beam headlamps for proper visibility. I had the bulbs replaced and the brightness did not improve at all. I spoke with the service department at the dealership where I purchased the vehicle and was advised that the headlamp assemblies need replacing. I replaced them at a significant cost.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768629October 2, 2026
AIR BAGS
The airbag light came on in XXX. on our 2017 Acura RDX. Took the vehicle to Acura Buerkle in [XXX] for service and to look at the light. We were told the vehicle is not safe to drive as the air bag sensor needs to be replaced. Initially the dealership gave us a loaner vehicle and then called and said they don't know when the part will be available and gave us a rental vehicle. That was in XXX. Every month since all we hear is there is no estimated time of delivery for the part. Today, XXX, received a call from the dealership telling us again no ETA on the part and we need to return the rental vehicle. Acura is not going to keep paying for a rental yet they continue to tell us us the vehicle is not safe to drive without the part, but they want us to pick up the vehicle anyway. Since the car has sat for 10 months, we now have to replace the battery, brakes and rotors. Escalated a complaint with Honda directly and the only response I get is a weekly email telling me no ETA on the part. Since the vehicle is not under warranty (extended warranty expired a few weeks prior to us bringing it in) this is the excuse they are using for not covering the rental. The dealership also said since this isn't a recall issue, there is not urgency to the matter. 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
#11768303October 1, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Acura Sunnyside in New Hampshire denied to repair my recall on my 2021 Acura RDX.
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
#11768153September 30, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
i BELIEVE THAT MY CAR'S INFOTAINMENT CENTER HAS BEEN hacked and some functionalities are remotely controlled. Sx include: applying of brakes without manual assistance, sluggish car due to the drive gear switching too early (D6 when driving 30 MPH for example), dooes auto unlocking after I leave the vicinity, car making th sound of auto locking but the locks do not actually lock, dashboard and lights will turn on when the car is supposedly off, I can also hear clicking as if someone is accessing the infotainment center remotely when the car should be off. blind spot notification doesnt alert. I do not have a hot spot setting in connections and it does not show to be connected but behaves as if it is. the networks used to update the vehicle are locked in and I cannot remove them. When I go into the section for lgal disclaimers it shows a bunch of open source licenses the first being "fake Packages". The fact that the doors do not stay locked allows anyone to access it in public locations. The issue has not been confirmed by the dealer, they tell me nothing is wrong and would not look at the video I had showing what it was doing with regards to the gear changes making it sluggish. also the fact that this is a remote access thing the hacker may just not do this when others are around. the dealer did do an update to the firmware but this did not resolve any of the issues I was experiencing. also to note there was a time when I was not able to do the update on my own because the update network was locked to my neighbors network (I can no longer see this in settings). I tried to get the dealer to inspect but there was no reproduction of the issue. I do not believe they inspected the brakes. The symptoms had no warning lights, i didnt report this earlier because I wanted confirmation of the issue but now its to the point where the symptoms are constant each time I drive the car and has gotten worse over time.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11767763September 29, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STRUCTURE:BODY
On September 3, 2026 at approximately 1 AM, my 2023 Acura RDX A-Spec was stolen from my residence while both of my authorized keys were in my possession. The exterior driver-door key cylinder showed evidence of forced manipulation/damage. Despite the vehicle being locked, the factory theft-deterrent alarm did not activate and I did not receive an AcuraLink theft/alarm notification. The vehicle was successfully entered, started, and driven away without an authorized key in the thief’s possession. After the vehicle was recovered, I contacted Acura Client Relations because I am concerned that the factory theft-deterrent/immobilizer system did not prevent the vehicle from being started and the alarm did not activate during the unauthorized entry. Acura has not identified the method by which the vehicle was started or provided an explanation for the reported non-activation of the alarm. I am reporting this because I am concerned there may be a vulnerability involving the door-lock, alarm, immobilizer, and other related electronic security systems that could allow unauthorized entry and theft. I am requesting that NHTSA evaluate whether similar incidents have been reported involving 2023 Acura RDX vehicles or other vehicles manufactured by American Honda Motor Co. including Honda and Acura vehicles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11767498September 28, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The contact owns a 2014 Acura RDX. The contact stated that the headlights were extremely dim at night. The passenger inquired to the contact if the headlights were turned on. The contact used the high beam headlights while driving at night. The manufacturer was contacted through the customer complaint line. An independent mechanic confirmed that the low beam headlights were extremely dim. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11767257September 27, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The deteriorating chrome in the headlight projector is impossible to see. I just miss head on collision. And weeks before. I have purchased all and every headlight bulb and nothing works. Either I’m going to die in a wreck or kill somebody. Due to this ongoing problem with the projector. Please recall 2015 Acura RdX projectors so know one gets hurt.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11767167September 26, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
UNKNOWN LKAS SYTEM LIGHTS CAME ON AND WILL NOT GO OUT. ALL OF THEM. 3 WEEKS AGO EVERYTHING LOCKED UP AND I HAD TO TAKE TO A DEALER, THEY REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR BUT THE SYSTEM STILL MALFUCTIONING AND NOW THE EMISSIONS CONTROL LIGHTS STAY ON WITH A P0443 CODE, REPLACED THE EVAP CONTROL VALVE AND THE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON..
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11767169September 26, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
I was driving on 94E/ in Illinois; suddenly, I heard a loud shattering sound. When I was able to exit the highway and check, I was shocked to see my sunroof had shattered! Nothing had hit the sunroof. It was a spontaneous break! If I hadn’t had the inside sunroof closed, glass would have hit me and my passenger.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766897September 25, 2026
ENGINE
Engine was replaced 12/13/25 due to cracked cylinder head causing oil to leak into exhaust and fill cylinder 2 and 3. 09/21/26 new engine replacement done in December 25, has now blown cylinder head gasket seal in under 12,000 Miles. Causing coolant to leak into cylinders 2 and 3.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766372September 23, 2026
ENGINE
Head Gasket blown known problem with Honda and Acura 2.0T I didn’t know of this issue until it occurred to Loi Me in 2025 My Acura dealership told me it’s a huge problem with the Acura RDXand it should be a warranty extension similar to the warranty extension for other Honda products done in August 27, 2026 I was lucky and my head gasket didn’t blow while I was driving I’m also concerned that it’s gonna happen again I’m not sure if the problem was resolved with the new head gasket or it’s a stomach problem with the motor that has not been addressed yet
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766073September 22, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
My low beam headlights have not been giving off enough light to see at night. Upon further investigation, I found several complaints regarding the same problem with the year and make of my car. I went yesterday, 9/21/26 and had the bulbs replaced with LED for $190 and the problem still exists. I have to use my high beam headlights to see at night, which is unsafe and illegal. Acura should be held accountable for faulty equipment and not their loyal customers.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11765925September 21, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
On 8-20-26, my RDX was stolen while legally parked in front of our home, only 10 days after I traded in my previous 2017 RDX for this vehicle. I am a repeat Acura RDX owner, having also previously owned a 2008 RDX. I did not experience or become aware of this vulnerability on either of those earlier generation vehicles; it appears specific to the current (third) generation RDX's door/window electrical architecture. The method used to steal the vehicle exploited what appears to be a design vulnerability in the driver's door: the offender(s) forcibly broke/punched through the exterior door handle assembly to gain direct physical access to the internal door wiring harness located behind it. Using that access, they manually activated the power window motor circuit to lower the driver's side window, then reached through the opening to unlock and open the door — completely bypassing the vehicle's locking and anti-theft system. Component that failed: The driver's door window motor control circuit / door control module wiring. The circuit appears to respond to direct voltage/signal applied to the wiring without any authentication, verification of key fob presence, or confirmation that a legitimate occupant is issuing the command. This means physical access to the wiring — obtainable simply by breaking the exterior handle housing — is sufficient to defeat the entire vehicle security system. The vehicle itself is no longer available for inspection in its as-stolen condition, as it was recovered by police in a different location and condition; the damaged handle and wiring may still show evidence of the breach method. Safety risk: This defect allowed an unauthorized individual to gain full entry to and control of the vehicle in under a minute, without needing a key, fob, or any electronic bypass tool, defeating the purpose of the vehicle's locking system entirely. This creates both a theft risk and a broader safety risk, since anyone with knowledge of this meth
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11765382September 18, 2026
POWER TRAIN
DTC23-029 and SB P0741 “torque converter and transmission system problem” illuminated on dash. My vehicle is eligible based on 10 year or 150k miles per warranty extension however the dealership where I purchased the vehicle, A bra. Ananda, and A bra America are denying coverage for the needed replacement of the torque converter. The vin decoder verifies the vehicle was manufactured in Ohio, USA. Carfax states it was then exported to Canada for the Canadian market. The vehicle eventually came into the US. I purchased from an authorized A bra dealership in WA state. At the time of purchase I was never informed the vehicle was a grey market vehicle. I am now learning the severe ramifications of this material information as I am being denied cost to replace torque converter. Had Carter Acura of Lynnwood, WA fully disclosed my vehicle was imported and warranty extensions would not be honored, I would not have purchased.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11764856September 16, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The front sunroof glass on my vehicle shattered without warning while the vehicle was in motion and without any impact, collision, or contact from an outside object. I had the vehicle inspected at AutoNation Acura [XXX]. The dealership's own service advisor confirmed in writing that the remaining glass "seems to be facing upward, which is an indication that it may have shattered due to pressure, as opposed to any outside influence," and stated explicitly that there was "no evidence of mistreatment/accident found during inspection." I am enclosing a copy of that email. Despite this documented finding, Acura denied my warranty/goodwill claim for the repair telling me the glass had been broken by an outside force — a conclusion that directly contradicts the dealership's own written inspection. This is a known, documented issue Acura Technical Service Bulletin 23-004 acknowledges spontaneous glass breakage as a known issue on this platform. My incident is consistent with that bulletin: no external impact, and physical evidence consistent with breakage from internal pressure rather than an outside force. I believe this points to a defect that Acura has already identified internally but is not consistently honoring at the claims level. This could have easily caused a wreck when it shattered or had the covering not be closed the glass could have injured anyone in the car and I travel with a [XXX] baby often. 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
#11764096September 14, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The component that failed is the low-beam headlight system, specifically the internal projector lens housings of both the driver and passenger side headlight assemblies. The reflective chrome coating inside the projector bowls has degraded, delaminated, and burned away due to heat from halogen lightbulbs. This failure severely compromises nighttime driving safety. Because the reflective backing inside the headlights has deteriorated, the low-beam bulbs cannot project light onto the road ahead. This creates a critical lack of forward visibility, preventing the driver from seeing pedestrians, debris, road signs, or upcoming turns in the dark. The problem was physically inspected and confirmed by an Acura dealership certified technician. The technician verified that the halogen bulbs themselves were functioning at full power, but determined that the light output was blocked due to the ruined internal chrome housing. Because of this, the vehicle did not pass the safety inspection and they stated that the only remedy was a complete replacement of both headlight assemblies, with the likelihood that this same issue will occur again. There were no electronic warning lights, dashboard messages, or sudden failures prior to the condition.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763186September 9, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I own a 2019 Acura RDX that I purchased new in 2018. It has now experienced three separate major water-intrusion events. The first two occurred while I lived in [XXX], including an incident in approximately 2021 that required an insurance claim, extensive repair, and about a month without the vehicle. The current incident occurred in [XXX]. Because the same issue has occurred in two different states and multiple times, I do not believe it is an isolated environmental event. In the current incident, I discovered pooled water beneath the front passenger-seat carpet and in the rear cargo area where the vehicle’s audio-system equipment is located. The audio system has stopped working. Before I discovered the water, the interior windows repeatedly fogged while the vehicle was parked and unoccupied, indicating excessive moisture trapped inside the cabin. The water may have been present for several days. The vehicle appears to require removal or lifting of the passenger seat and carpet to dry the underlying padding, inspect wiring and connectors, and prevent mold, corrosion, and further electrical damage. The rear cargo area and audio components also require inspection for moisture and corrosion. Prior repairs did not permanently resolve the water intrusion. The suspected source is the panoramic moonroof drain system or another water-management/body-sealing defect, but the exact source has not yet been confirmed. I am concerned that recurring water intrusion can cause electrical failures, interior mold, corrosion, loss of vehicle functions, and impaired visibility due to interior window fogging. I am requesting investigation of recurring water-intrusion complaints involving 2019 Acura RDX vehicles, including moonroof drains, drain-hose routing, drain connections, rear cargo-area water paths, and front passenger-side water entry. 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
#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
#11762633September 7, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The factory-installed LED Daytime Running Light (DRL) system on my 2019 Acura RDX has failed. The passenger-side DRL is completely inoperative, and an authorized Acura dealership documented that the driver's-side DRL is beginning to fail as well. The affected components are available for inspection upon request dealership has declined to provide further documents and American Honda Moto Daytime Running Lights are a safety-related exterior lighting system designed to improve vehicle visibility to other motorists. The failure of one DRL and the developing failure of the second DRL may reduce vehicle visibility and create a potential safety concern. On July 3, 2026, Cerritos Acura inspected the vehicle and confirmed the condition. The dealership's written diagnosis states: "Recommend passenger headlight assembly due to daytime running light out. Recommend driver's headlight assembly due to daytime running light going out as well." The dealership recommended replacement of both headlight assemblies. The dealership found no evidence of collision damage, misuse, unauthorized modifications, or water intrusion. The DRL is an internal LED component that is not serviceable separately and requires replacement of the entire headlight assembly. The vehicle has been inspected by Cerritos Acura, an authorized Acura dealership. To my knowledge, the vehicle has not been inspected by police, insurance representatives, or any government agency there is no record of any only with the dealership. There were no warning lights, warning messages, dashboard indicators, or other symptoms before the failure occurred. The DRL failure happened without warning and was later confirmed by dealership inspection. I am concerned that the failure of both factory-installed LED DRL assemblies may indicate a defect in the lighting system rather than normal wear and tear. The condition was confirmed by an authorized Acura dealership and was not attributed to accident damage or other external causes.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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