Acura RDX Complaints (2013)

162 consumer complaints on file.

#11453176February 21, 2022
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
We purchased our 2013 Acura RDX new and have owned it since. After about 2 years, I noticed that the Low Beam lighting was not as bright as it use to be (it never seemed exceptionally bright in the first place). Over the next few years, it appeared to be getting worse. I replaced the bulbs with the appropriate aftermarket, higher lumen rated halogen bulbs, that improved it a little bit, but not very much. The low beam lighting was much worse than my 2004 Acura TL at time. I have also read the reports from other owners and my mechanic also received similar complaints from RDX customers. I am taking my car in today to have the headlight assemblies replaced and installing aftermarket halogen bulbs ($>1,000) to hopefully improve exterior lighting so we can drive the car safely at night. Note, we have not taken our 2013 Acura RDX out at night in over 5 years as it's just not safe.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11451192February 9, 2022
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Headlights are very dim and make it extremely difficult to drive in the dark. Can barely see a few feet in front. Auto shops have commented how dim the lights are and have changed to the brightest bulbs and still there is no change. This makes driving conditions dangerous
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11450794February 7, 2022
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The low beam headlights on my 2013 Acura RDX have become so dim that it is dangerous to drive the vehicle at night. I am the original owner. The vehicle has been driven approximately 70,000 miles, has never been in an accident and is in excellent condition otherwise. A Honda dealership recently diagnosed the problem and advised that the headlight assemblies would need to be replaced at a cost of > $2,000. Other owners of this vehicle have reported experiencing the same problem on car forums and in reports to the NHTSA and identified the cause as deterioration of the reflective lining of the projector lens. This is a serious safety issue that the manufacturer should be held responsible for addressing.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11450857February 7, 2022
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Low beam headlights have gotten so weak it is dangerous to drive after dark. Lights are working, but ouput from the lamp is greatly diminished. This is NOT involving the clear exterior cover to the headlights. Dealership service department confirmed lights working and recommends replacement of both side headlight assemblies, at cost of $2,000 plus.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11448076January 19, 2022
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I purchased this vehicle used last April, 2020. Six months ago, I noticed while driving at the night that it seemed as if my headlights were not on. I even pulled over at one point to see if they WERE! I purchased a commercial lens cleaning kit to see if it helped the illumination. It did not. I purchased new bulbs with a higher lumen rating than the OEM bulbs. No change. I have spoken with a master mechanic and a parts supplier. They could offer no solutions. I have read several blogs that all have the same theme: the Acura RDX models from 2013-2015 all have terrible headlight components that truly compromise driving at night and could very possibly be a significant contribution to an accident. According to Acura, they don't regard this issue as a problem they should address and the dealers want a small fortune to replace the entire headlight assembly. To do the replacement myself would still cost between $500-$700. For the reputation of the brand and the price I paid - even for a USED vehicle - it seems unconscionable that Acura will take zero responsibility for inherently flawed components and design. It's all about the money...
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11447223January 12, 2022
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Very poor visibility from low beam lights. The daytime running lights are brighter than my low beams. Had bulbs replaced with upgraded bulbs still unable to drive this vehicle at night. I'm the original owner purchased new no accidents. Acura has a recall or warranty enhancement for other models with the same problems. I was told by the dealer only way to correct my issues is by replacing the headlight assembly. Very disappointed with my last 2 Acura vehicles. Acura should have kept making the vehicles in Japan.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11446720January 8, 2022
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Headlight Assembly. Yes, it is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Visibility at night is significantly diminished. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. Car engine and body is in great shape. It is well maintained with approximately 101,019 miles. The low beam headlights have dimmed to the point the vehicle is almost undrivable at night. This is a well documented problem with other Acura RDX owners with the same model year. The manufacturer will not fix the issue and is recommending a replacement of the entire headlight assembly which is >$2,000. This is not a wear and tear item. I've never had to replace this type of equipment on any vehicle I've owned.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11439935November 9, 2021
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The headlights have become so dim that driving at night is unsafe. Replacing bulbs does not fix the problem. This is a design defect and is very unsafe.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11439682November 8, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Unfortunately, I am writing to report a dangerous situation that occurred while I was driving on November 3rd, 2021. This involved a safety issue that could have resulted in serious injury to me and other drivers on the road. As I was traveling on a very busy street in Miami, FL at a speed of 45 MPH, my steering wheel suddenly became very heavy and hard to turn which made me have no control over my vehicle. I eventually pulled to the side of the road almost hitting not only the car in front of me but a pedestrian on the sidewalk. I did not understand what was going on as I have never encountered this situation in my life. I then could not move my vehicle because my steering wheel was heavy, and then there were a lot of flashing indicator lights like “check power steering” and other codes. As I sat there, a bit in shock, I tried to move the steering wheel, but it would not move at all, so I had to have the vehicle towed because it was unsafe to drive. As I started to research what had happened to my vehicle, there were several reported cases re: the same issues with the electronic power steering (EPS) control unit failing while driving. There were several detailed customer complaints on Acura customer owners’ forums. In addition, I found several reported cases on Acura service bulletins, one of which was the service bulletin 19-021. This has been a frustrating and nerve wrecking experience. I maintain my vehicle by following the service/maintenance manual and have been a proactive vehicle owner by investing in the upkeep. However, this does not seem to fall within the purview of what I have ever experienced in the past and concerns me that my SAFETY was jeopardized, so that is why I am reaching out to your organization.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11439106November 2, 2021
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The front headlights have failed and now hardly illuminate the roadway at night. I brought the vehicle to the dealer and they polished the outside housing of the headlamp assembly, but that failed to remedy the problem. I brought the vehicle to a local repair shop, and they report this is a common problem with Acuras and they state that the entire headlight assembly needs to be replaced. The headlights are available to be inspected on request. Without adequate headlight illumination, this puts the operator, passengers and pedestrians at risk as they cannot be seen at night.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11437396October 19, 2021
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Headlights (low beams) are way too dim making driving in the dark impossible. Replacing bulbs and aligning lights did not correct problem. Driver in another car said headlights were barely visible on their end.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11436728October 14, 2021
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Headlights are very dim. Sometimes need to use high beams to see at night. From what I read on line, it is a common problem with the headlight housing on 2013-2015 Acura RDX. This is a serious safety risk and Acura should repair. I purchased the car used about 2 years ago and the problem has gotten worse
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11428542August 10, 2021
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The low-beam headlights are so dim at night that it is extremely dangerous to drive. One can only see several feet in front of the car. I understand other years of Acura RDX's have a defect, and were subject to a recall, involving the reflective material in the headlight assembly. That material would degrade over time, making the lights dim. I have replaced the bulbs themselves, but that has not improved the situation.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11421400June 18, 2021
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
the front low beam headlights are extremely dim. Can typically only see approximately 30 feet in front while driving. Any speed in excess of 25mph is dangerous. High beams work fine. there are no fog lights on this vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11421271June 17, 2021
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The reflective surface inside the headlight assemblies has delaminated. This effectively makes the headlights useless and creates a very unsafe driving condition at night. I reported the issue to Acura's national customer service number but they did nothing but record the call. This is a known issue with Acura as they have done recalls on other year and model combinations. This is clearly a very serious latent manufacturing and safety issue that needs immediate attention. A simple Google search will reveal many owners talkin about this on internet forums.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11407581April 12, 2021
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 ACURA RDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE AT NIGHT, THE LOW-BEAM HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO PROPERLY ILLUMINATE THE ROADWAY AND WAS EXTREMELY DIM CAUSING A VISIBILITY HAZARD TO THE DRIVER. THE LIGHT BULBS WERE REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE PRIORITY ACURA LOCATED AT 1701 S MILITARY HWY, CHESAPEAKE, VA 23320 WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY REFLECTOR WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11391070February 1, 2021
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
IT IS A COMMONLY KNOWN (WITH CONSUMERS) PROBLEM, THAT MANUFACTURERS CHOOSE TO IGNORE. I HAVE A 2013 ACURA RDX, THAT I BOUGHT NEW IN DECEMBER 2012. THE VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN ANY TYPE OF ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE HAS ALWAYS BEEN MAINTAINED BY MYSELF, OR AN ACURA/HONDA DEALERSHIP. MY PROBLEM ARE THE HEADLIGHTS. I CAN NOT SEE MUCH WITH THEM ANYMORE. I HAVE NEVER PUT ANY AFTERMARKET LED TYPE OR OTHER BULBS, NOR HAVE THEY EVER BEEN ALTERED IN ANY WAY. I REPLACED THE BULBS (WITH OEM STYLE) THINKING IT WAS THE BULBS THEMSELVES, WITH THE SAME RESULTS. IN ANY INCLEMENT WEATHER, ESPECIALLY RAIN, OR WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC, I SEE LESS. I UNDERSTAND ONCOMING TRAFFIC WILL LESSEN WHAT A DRIVER SEES, BUT THIS IS BEYOND NORMAL. THE LENSES ON MY VEHICLE ARE ALSO CLEAR (NOT YELLOW FROM YEARS OF SUNLIGHT EXPOSURE). THE VEHICLE IS ALWAYS GARAGE-KEPT, WHEN AT HOME. FROM MY RESEARCH, THE HEADLIGHT REFLECTORS INSIDE THE HOUSING, DETERIORATE. THIS CAUSES VERY LITTLE LIGHT TO REFLECT IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. IF THIS IS CONSIDERED "WEAR AND TEAR", I WOULD FIX THIS ISSUE MYSELF. BUT TO ME, I FEEL THAT THIS A TERRIBLE DESIGN, THAT ACURA SHOULD FIX. MY INABILITY TO SEE WHILE DRIVING, IS A HAZARD. I CONTINUE TO MAINTAIN MY VEHICLE AS REQUIRED. I HAVE A DIFFERENT VEHICLE THAT WAS BOUGHT NEW, IN 2003 AND NOW HAS 230K MILES, NO PROBLEMS. I MAINTAIN MY VEHICLES WELL! I DON'T FEEL THAT I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY SEVERAL THOUSANDS TO HAVE THE HEADLIGHTS FIXED ON MY ACURA, OR TO TRADE THE ACURA IN, AS A REASON TO GET RID OF A KNOWN ISSUE. I HAVE INVESTED IN THE ACURA, TO KEEP IT RUNNING AT ITS BEST. WHEN I BOUGHT THE ACURA, MY PLAN WAS TO KEEP IT FOR 15 YEARS OR MORE, IF POSSIBLE. I AM DOING MY PART, AS MUCH AS I CAN. I REACHED OUT TO ACURA, WITH NO HELP. MY ONLY HOPE, IS THAT THIS ISSUE IS INVESTIGATED, AND FOR ACURA TO HELP ME WITH THIS SAFETY DESIGN FLAW. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE GABRIEL COLO
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11384194December 19, 2020
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
BOTH HEADLIGHTS ARE TOO DIM TO SAFELY DRIVE AT NIGHT. I WAS PULLED OVER BY A STATE TROOPER FOR NOT HAVING MY LIGHTS ON WHEN THEY WERE ACTUALLY ON. ACURA HAS A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE ON THE 2014 ILX. THE 2013 RDX SHOULD ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11373138November 5, 2020
SEAT BELTS
PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT WILL NOT LATCH INTO PLACE.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11328180June 10, 2020
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ON MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2020 I WAS DRIVING MY 2013 ACURA RDX AND EXPERIENCED AN ISSUE WITH THE POWER TRAIN. I CAME TO A RED LIGHT ON A TOWN STREET IN MIDDLEBURY, VT AND LET THE CAR NATURALLY DECELERATE. AS I APPROACHED THE CAR AHEAD OF ME, MY RDX VERY SUDDENLY SURGED FORWARD AND ACCELERATED. IT ACCELERATED VERY NOTICEABLY. FORTUNATELY, I BRAKED AND SWERVED IN TIME SO AS TO NOT REAR-END THE VEHICLE AHEAD OF ME. THIS IS THE 3RD TIME THAT MY CAR HAS DONE THIS. HOWEVER, THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THAT I WAS NEARLY IN AND JUST AVOIDED A COLLISION. I LOVE MY CAR. HOWEVER, I AM FRIGHTENED THAT I MAY INJURE MYSELF, A PASSENGER OR EVEN WORSE, ANOTHER DRIVER OR PEDESTRIAN. ALITTLE VEHICLE HISTORY ... I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM AN ACURA DEALER IN SOUTH BURLINGTON, VT ONLY 4 MONTHS AGO IN FEBRUARY 2020. THE VEHICLE HAD 65 THOUSAND MILES ON IT AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE. IN THE NEARLY 4 MONTHS THAT I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE, I HAVE PUT 3 THOUSAND MILES ON THE RDX. PRESENTLY, THE ACURA HAS 68 THOUSAND MILES ON IT. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP'S SERVICE MANAGER [XXX]. [XXX] INDICATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID -- OR AT LEAST 3 OR 4 QUARTS OF THE 8 TO 10 QUARTS IN THE TRANSMISSION -- SHOULD BE CHANGED. I SCHEDULED THE EARLIEST APPOINTMENT FOR TOMORROW, THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020. I AM 59 YEARS OLD AND HAVE OWNED A TOTAL OF 9 VEHICLES DURING MY LIFETIME. I HAVE NEVER, EVER EXPERIENCED A CAR SURGING FORWARD AND ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN. I DO NOT KNOW WHETHER OR NOT THIS IS NORMAL OR ACCEPTABLE, BUT I AM HOPEFUL THAT [XXX] PROPOSED SOLUTION OF REPLACING TRANSMISSION FLUID WILL SOLVE THIS ISSUE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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