Acura RLX Complaints

119 consumer complaints on file.

#11769784October 8, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I remote started my vehicle within my home and when I came out of my house to get in the car, I noted that the car was not in my driveway, but across the street. After further review, I reviewed my camera footage and noted the sequence of events. It appears during the start sequence that the vehicle took itself out of park and commence rolling backward down my driveway and stopped across the street. I notified Priority Acura in Chesapeake Virginia and sent them the footage of what had transpired.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11765923September 21, 2026
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2016 Acura RLX. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and turning, the rear axle made a rubbing sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the rear axle actuators had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered because the 10-year extended warranty had expired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone, and a case was filed, but coverage was denied. The contact was awaiting a callback from an Acura regional manager. The contact stated that the failure was a factory defect. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761406September 1, 2026
STEERING, SUSPENSION
My 2014 Acura RLX has experienced a severe failure of the Precision All-Wheel Steer (P-AWS) Rear Toe Control (RTC) Actuators. The vehicle and its components are currently located at the Hiley Acura of Fort Worth dealership and are fully available for inspection. Safety Risk: This failure causes dangerous rear-end fish-tailing, violent swaying, and completely unpredictable steering control at highway speeds, creating an immediate crash risk for myself and other drivers. Confirmation & Inspection: The problem first appeared on July 8, 2026. Upon failure, the instrument panel immediately lit up with every available indicator light and continuously rotated through all system warnings. I captured video evidence of this total dashboard cascade and presented it directly to the dealership. The authorized dealer, Hiley Acura, inspected the vehicle but misdiagnosed the symptom. They incorrectly charged me $455 to replace a steering angle sensor and bundled it into a total bill of $3,808.63 heavily loaded with elective maintenance items. Upon a secondary inspection after the issue persisted, Hiley Acura officially confirmed that the RTC actuators have failed and match corporate Service Bulletin #23-021. Acura Corporate Client Relations has officially reviewed the inspection data but closed my case, refusing financial remedy. This vehicle remains completely unsafe to operate and serves as my critical medical transport for ALS.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11753577July 29, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The car died on the freeway, tow truck towed contacted mechanic next day and they came and diagnosed the car and needed a crank shaft sensor and change was complete. Car is still showing the same issues stalls approximately 30 to 40 mins of idle I had mechanic pull live data stream from scanner upon monitoring short term fuel trim bank 1 still shows that the fuel pump is seizing one warm, causing the car to stall, which is a huge safety issue I have a 5 month old and 8 year old in the car when she stalled on the freeway. Pump is seizing when it’s hot.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743109June 10, 2026
ENGINE
Sept of 2023 car was making a knocking noise. (128K ) Took to local Acura dealership. Told they could not find anything and told to drive the car till failure. Have 2 children and since this was a family car that was not a good idea. Insisted on tear down diagnostic to inspect problem. Metal fragments in engine oil, connecting rod on cylinder 2. Dealership suggested to replace the engine. Engine was replaced at $13k Oct 31, 2023. (invoice provided) New engine has 40k miles and is now making the same knocking noise. Dealership says rod/crank failure, suggests REPLACING ENGINE AGAIN along with heads for $35K
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11742249June 5, 2026
STEERING, SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2017 Acura RLX. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle pulled to the right, with a creaking sound while turning the steering wheel to the left or the right. The contact replaced the brake pads and rotors every year, but the failure persisted. The contact stated that the failure persisted after the wheels were rotated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the steering column and suspension had failed, and the dealer replaced the steering column. Despite all the repairs, the failures persisted and became progressively worse. In addition to all the failures, there was an abnormal fuel odor inside and outside the vehicle. The vehicle intermittently failed to start. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure or determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, Atlantic Coast Acura (11225 Atlantic Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32225); who was unable to diagnose the vehicle. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11741672June 2, 2026
ENGINE
The first time I heard the engine noise was on [XXX]. I brought the vehicle to the Schaumburg Muller Acura dealership and dropped it off on May 20. On May 21, the dealership performed an initial inspection and informed me that they needed authorization to further disassemble the engine in order to determine the cause of the problem. I provided that authorization, and by May 22 the engine had been torn down to the point where the failure could be identified. On May 22, I spoke with my service advisor, Ken, who informed me that the connecting rod bearings were worn and that the engine would need to be replaced. I was sent photographs, a video, and an estimate for the repair totaling $12,943.83. While I was shocked by the cost, Ken advised me that the dealership would be contacting Acura to request goodwill assistance on my behalf. Because this occurred immediately before the Memorial Day weekend, several days passed before I received an update. On May 30, a different service advisor informed me that Acura had approved $8,000 in goodwill assistance. During that conversation, he asked me, “The original estimate was around $16,000, right?” I knew that was incorrect, as the estimate I had received was $12,943.83. Concerned by the discrepancy, I contacted Acura Customer Relations on June 1 and opened a case for review. Later that same day, I spoke with Ken and provided him with the case number. During that conversation, he informed me that the original estimate had been incorrect because certain parts and/or labor had allegedly been omitted. I was then told that the actual repair cost would be approximately $18,000 to $19,000 plus tax. While I can understand minor adjustments to an estimate, a difference of several hundred dollars or even $1,000 might be reasonable. However, an increase of approximately $6,000 from the original estimate is extremely concerning and raises serious questions about the accuracy of the repair assessment and cost estimate. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11738529May 18, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:CRANK/CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY
The contact owns a 2018 Acura RLX. The contact stated while driving her vehicle at an undisclosed speed, stated that the vehicle would not start up, and noticed every single waring light illuminated up on her dash. The vehicle was taken to a dealer twice, first time it was diagnosed to have a crank sensor failure, it was replaced. Two days after, the issues reoccurred, where it was diagnosed to be the engine starter. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 51,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11738094May 15, 2026
STEERING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2014 Acura RLX. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at an undisclosed speed, the power steering became inoperable, the vehicle steering wheel veered left or right and is misaligned. The warning lights lane departure, forward collision, all wheel steering, power steering and other warning indicators illuminated. In another occurrence, a noise could be heard. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with power steering failure. A used part for a rear wheel steering actuator was replaced.; however the issue persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11732004April 18, 2026
ENGINE
2014 Acura RLX Advance suffered an Engine Failure from internal bearing defect. The vehicle was meticulously maintained by Acura dealerships, and had extensive service records. While driving, the engine produced a knocking sound, then abruptly shook and died. The Engine has seized, and exactly has the same problem with Honda/Acura 3.5l V6s recalls. Diagnostics after Engine failure included inspecting Engine Turning over, Timing Belt (which was pristine) to rule out any other causes.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11728965April 3, 2026
ENGINE
Catastrophic engine failure at speed, connecting rod failure, which is a known failure for this engine. Engine blew, lost all power, and hot oil hit the hot exhaust and the car caught on fire. A fire truck came to put out the engine fire.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11729028April 3, 2026
STEERING
The contact owns a 2020 Acura RLX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn, with an abnormal sound coming from the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering rack had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 41,647.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11728136March 30, 2026
STEERING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
Per Acura service bulletin 23-022, Dated June 9th 2023, Acura extended a warranty on the rear steering actuators that were admitted to be “manufacturer error” parts, to extend 10 years from purchase date. In my opinion any part that is known to have manufacturer defects that effect the primary Rear wheel drive system that effects almost all safety systems on the vehicle to include limp mode on a highway needs to be replaced, this is a large safety issue. Fact; Honda admits manufacturers errors on parts. Fact; Honda recognizes the issue and issues a service bulletin. Fact; Honda extends the duration to repair the manufacturing defective part. Fact; Honda denies claims ( even when vehicle safety is a concern) after the 10 year deadline Fact; most average 2014 cars driven 12,500 miles per year have roughly 125,000 miles in 10 years and the manufacturer error was realized most likely due to usage. My 2014 now 12 years old has just recently realized the manufacturer error at 81,000 miles and Honda will not honor repairs for their errors. Facts; Google; “is it safe to drive my Acura RLX with a defective Precision all wheel steering actuator”…safety concerns realized. Facts; NHTSA is in place to keep the consumers safe and the manufacturers held accountable for repairs, let’s face it the service bulletin is just a way for manufacturers to appear proactive while turning out defective unsafe parts.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11723626March 11, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:THROTTLE
On my 2020 Acura RLX hybrid: On the same day, once in a parking lot and once on a side drive, traveling at less than 15mph but more than 5mph, the car suddenly accelerated upon which I slowed the car dowm by braking lightly. I have no idea why this happened. The original equipment rubber floor mat was correctly fastened and was not near the accelerator. The car only has 14,000 miles, is lightly driven. The fuel pump was replaced a year ago on tab recall. No other issues have been noticed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11722582March 6, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2018 Acura RLX. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the headlight failure message was displayed. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the A/C compressor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure started occurring in 2023. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that, because she was not the first owner, assistance was denied. The approximate failure mileage was 110,785.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11697542November 5, 2025
SUSPENSION
Rear toe actuator (PAWS system) failure causes steering instability, warning lights, and loss of control during cornering. Acura denied warranty coverage despite a known defect and VIN-based extension (TSB 23-021, 23-022).
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11687574September 16, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
I purchased a 2014 Acura RLX. It had a LKAS Problem warning when purchased. I thought that meant that feature would be disabled. No big deal. In stead I have experienced the car making abrupt jerks to the right on multiple occasions. One instance, I turned onto an on-ramp that was dual lane. There was a vehicle to the right of me and my car abruptly jerked to the right towards the other car. I was able to slow a bit before entering the interstate traffic to gain control. Another instance, I turned left onto a county road. Upon straighten my steering wheel the car made another sudden jerk to the right with my steering wheel still partially turned to the left, and several warning lights and message started appearing, including: Brake system problem, adaptive cruise control problem, brake hold system problem, power steering system problem, and vehicle stability assist problem. I have noticed a rubbing sound coming from the rear end at times when turning. There have been 3 other instances where the car was jerked to the right with no additional warning lights or warning. Luckily those times there were no other vehicles nearby and I was moving at a slower speed allowing me to be able to slow down and correct the issue. The vehicle has not been inspected yet. The vehicle has an appointment with the dealership in the next 24 hours. It is available for inspection upon request. This is a serious safety issue! My teenage kids are not safe to drive this vehicle! The vehicle is in excellent structural condition and the motor runs excellent. It sounds like the RTC actuators is a huge issue!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11685357September 5, 2025
STEERING, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Went into limp mode on a highway in heavy traffic, car began to break rapidly decreasing in speed and would not accelerate at all. All dashboard lights came on and a CMBS notification came on. I and my family were almost rear ended by several vehicles. I am terrified to drive the vehicle and immediately pulled over to the side of the road and had vehicle towed. Also, while driving vehicle, steering wheel will randomly jerk hard to the left causing vehicle to swerve left. I Have contacted the Acura dealership and am being denied the recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11684182August 31, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY
The paint job on my car is fading on the hood, roof top and tail gate.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11680393August 13, 2025
STEERING
The PAWS (Precision All Wheel Steering) has major issues where the system either activates suddenly when driving the vehicle, regardless of slow speeds, high speeds, going straight or turning and the back wheels suddenly turn causing the rear end to slide out. I took the vehicle to my local dealership and they said it is a known problem with this vehicle rear toe actuators and Honda has issued a warranty extension for 2013-2019 RLX to correct it. Unfortunately, this vehicle is no longer under that warranty and the only way it can be corrected is a $6800 replacement. Honda (Acura) obviously knows this is an issue but the severity is being majorly downplayed, as losing steering of a vehicle seems pretty serious to me! The vehicle cycles through multiple warning lights immediately upon the issue occurring, not before.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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