Acura RDX Generations Ranked By Reliability
The Acura RDX has been a popular face on American roads since the mid-2000s. The luxury arm of Japanese automotive giant Honda, Acura was launched in 1986 to offer car buyers an extra dose of luxury – much like Toyota did with Lexus.
Acura
Launched in the mid-1980s, Acura is to Honda what Lexus is to Toyota. Honda created it with the intention of penetrating the North American market and has never sold its Ohio-made cars in Japan, although this was a consideration before the 200-2008 financial crisis. Shortly after its birth in 1986, the automaker quickly became a thorn in the sides of premium automakers like Mercedes-Benz and BMW. In America, the Honda NSX was sold with an Acura badge, and that’s a great relation for affordable everyday heroes like the Integra Type S.
- Founded
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March 27, 1986
- Founder
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Soichiro Honda
- Headquarters
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Torrance, CA, USA
- Owned By
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American Honda Motor Company
- Production Status
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Available
In 2006, Acura stepped up its game and launched the RDX SUV. It’s been a mainstay over three generations, showcasing the very best of what Honda has to offer. However, no vehicle is without issue, and the RDX also has a few, even though it rates as a generally reliable vehicle. Here, we rank all three Acura RDX generations from least to most reliable, and delve into the issues that plagued each one.
This analysis includes all generations of the Acura RDX. Notably, not enough time has passed to assess the reliability of newer models accurately. Recall, complaint, and all accompanying data are accurate as of the date of publication, but are subject to change.
We have consulted a variety of reputable sources, including J.D. Power, NHTSA, and Car Complaints, while also taking into account the number and severity of consumer complaints/recalls. It must be noted that J.D. Power ratings are an assessment of initial reliability, not long-term reliability.
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Acura RDX Overview: 1st to 3rd Generations |
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1st Gen |
2nd Gen |
3rd Gen |
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Model Years |
2007 – 2012 |
2013 – 2018 |
2019 – present |
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Engines |
2.3L Turbo I4 Gas |
3.5L V6 Gas |
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas |
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Transmission |
5-Speed Auto |
6-Speed Auto |
10-Speed Auto |
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Drivetrains |
FWD and AWD |
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3
Third-Generation Acura RDX (2019 – present)
The third-generation Acura RDX, which is still in production today, has been a generally reliable SUV, but the number of recalls and complaints – when compared to the earlier generations – places it last on this list.
Common Issues: Third-Gen RDX
- Squeaking Brakes
- No Acceleration In ‘Limp Mode’
- Infotainment System Failing
- Rear Windshield Inexplicably Shattering
The 2019 model had the highest number of recalls: four. Three of these are related to the fuel pump being at risk of failing, and the fourth recall pertains to the seat belt buckle not latching. In all, according to NHTSA, the 2019 Acura RDX has had 326 complaints to date.
An unusual complaint about the third-generation Acura RDX is the rear window imploding. One owner noted:
“The rear window spontaneously exploded while parked in our garage. This is the second time this has happened in two years.”
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Another noted that Acura should have recalled the SUV to replace the poor-quality product, given that it’s a safety concern. Though no injuries were reported, one structural failure saw the tailgate close on the owner, resulting in injury. He noted:
“While loading items in the rear of the SUV, while the vehicle was stationary, the tailgate activated and closed, pinning me between the body and the tailgate. Additionally, the tailgate on the car unexpectedly closed at a different time, striking my wife in the head. On both occasions, the tailgate failed to reverse its closing motion when encountering interference.”
Acura implemented a recall on its 2024 RDX, citing an issue with the steering gearbox assembly.
“Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Odyssey and 2024 Acura RDX vehicles. The steering gearbox assembly may not have been tightened properly, allowing water to enter the assembly and cause corrosion and binding gears.”
Due primarily to the high number of complaints for 2019 and 2020 models, the third-gen RDX ranks last.
Reliability Overview: Third-Gen RDX
- Highest J.D. Power Quality and Reliability Rating: 81/100 (2022, 2024, 2025 models)
- Highest No. of Recalls: 4 (2019, 2020 models)
- Highest NHTSA Complaints: 326 (2019 model)
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2
Second-Generation Acura RDX (2013 – 2018)
The second-generation Acura RDX arrived in 2012; however, the big news is the omission of the four-cylinder engine for a new 3.5-liter V6 gasoline unit. FWD and AWD options were still on the table, but the drive is now channeled to the road through a six-speed automatic transmission. The new engine’s power output was initially rated at 273 horsepower but increased to 276 hp when the facelifted model arrived. The engine now also features cylinder deactivation as a means to improve fuel economy.
Common Issues: Second-Gen RDX
- Lighting System Failing
- Battery Keeps Going Dead
- Rear Suspension Creaks
- Premature Brake Wear
- Engine Stalling/Misfiring
NHTSA notes 215 complaints for the 2014 Acura RDX, with the majority highlighting issues with the headlight system and airbags. On the former, one owner noted that the “headlights do not put out enough light to see anything at night, [and] replacing light bulbs and ensuring that headlight housing was clear (not cloudy) does not fix the issue.”
1:16
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A particular concern is the vehicle speed control. In 2014, an owner noted that the RDX would move even when at a complete standstill, and that, when in traffic, sliding the gearbox into Park would ‘remedy’ the situation. This suggests an issue with the braking system, which should be checked by a certified workshop or Acura dealership.
The flailing braking system is accompanied by another problem: a sudden surge of acceleration. In 2023, an owner noted that their 2018 Acura RDX lurches when engaging Drive or Reverse.
“When a red light turns green and I put my foot on the accelerator the car will lurch forward. I was in my garage when I started my car and my foot was firmly on the brake as I shifted into reverse with my foot on the brake the car violently lurched backwards.”
The sensitive throttle was a problematic area throughout the second-generation’s run. In addition to the myriad airbag recalls over the years, the 2018 Acura RDX was also recalled in December 2023 for a potential fuel pump failure.
Although the 2019 Acura RDX has the most overall complaints, we rate the 2016 model year as worse because of other possible factors such as higher repair cost or more problems at lower mileage. The most-reported problem is with the 2016 Acura RDX for brake squealing.
Though the second-gen RDX received a J.D. power quality and reliability score of 79/100 when it arrived for the 2013 model year, it fell to fourth that year behind the Mercedes-Benz GLK (85/100), BMW X3 (83/100), and Audi Q5 (80) – this after occupying the top spot when the first generation exited the market.
Reliability Overview: Second-Gen RDX
- Highest J.D. Power Quality and Reliability Rating: 85/100 (2018 model)
- Highest No. of Recalls: 3 (2013-2015 models)
- Highest NHTSA Complaints: 357 (2015 model)
1
First-Generation Acura RDX (2007 – 2012)
The first-generation Acura RDX arrived in late 2006 as a 2007 model and remained on sale until 2012. It came to market with a 2.3-liter four-cylinder turbo gas engine, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission that sent power to all four wheels. A facelifted model arrived in 2010, and the updates extended beyond just the exterior and interior.
Common Issues: First-Gen RDX
- Failing Turbo
- Failed Connecting Rod Bearing
- Cracked and Noisy Suspension
A new front-wheel-drive model arrived a few years later, but the five-speed automatic was retained. Turbo failures were reported and can be expensive to fix, but these do not appear to be too widespread.
The 2007 Acura RDX has had three recalls over the years; the first coming in November 2006 for a Trailer Hitch Separation. The findings were that the trailer hitch could separate from the vehicle while in use, resulting in a possible crash.
“Certain Honda accessory trailer hitches, P/N 08l92-stk-200, manufactured between June 26 and July 8, 2006, and sold as aftermarket equipment for use on 2007 model year Acura RDX vehicles. The hitches may have been improperly welded during installation.”
In February 2016 and March 2019, the 2007 RDX was recalled again for driver’s frontal airbag inflator issues, with the impending results being serious injury or death. Other issues with the first-generation RDX include electrical system failure pertaining to the engine, as well as a parts recall to Acura dealerships in May 2022. The message to dealers read:
“American Honda is investigating a potential quality concern with the RDX Accessory Cross Bar kit. Due to this investigation, American Honda is requesting all dealers to return any uninstalled inventory to American Honda for investigation and validation by the supplier.”
The first-gen RDX arrived and immediately earned an impressive 84/100 quality and reliability rating from JD Power. It continued to lead the class by the time it was discontinued. This, together with its low overall number of complaints and recalls (despite its age), places the first-gen RDX at number 1 on our list. The only thing counting against this RDX is its age, but if you can find a well-maintained example with low miles, this Acura RDX’s reliability record indicates that it has the potential to last for a long time.
Reliability Overview: First-Gen RDX
- Highest J.D. Power Quality and Reliability Rating: 86/100 (2011 model)
- Highest No. of Recalls: 3 (2007, 2008 models)
- Highest NHTSA Complaints: 53 (2007 model)
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Sources: Acura, NHTSA, J.D. Power, Car Complaints
