2014 Acura RDX

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

The contact owns a 2014 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver’s and passenger’s side headlights were very dim. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the headlight bulbs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.

NHTSA ID

11754763

Incident

Apr 4, 2026

Mileage

118,000 mi

The low beam headlight projector lens has degraded to the point of being extremely unsafe and therefore unable to drive at night. Repair for the defective headlight is costly and should be addressed by Honda/Acura as it is a HUGE safety concern. Acura recalled/replaced the defective lens on the 2014-2015 RLX model but has chose not to do so on the RDX with the exact same problem.

NHTSA ID

11748435

Incident

Nov 30, 2025

Dear National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, I am submitting a formal safety complaint regarding an unresolved airbag system failure in my Acura vehicle, and the lack of a timely or safe remedy despite the issue being acknowledged and covered under a manufacturer warranty extension. The airbag system in my vehicle was first diagnosed as failed in September 2025 by my local mechanic and shortly thereafter confirmed by an authorized Acura dealership. The defective component (part number 77810TX4-A40ZA) is currently on backorder and has been unavailable for several months. I have been placed on a priority waitlist, but no estimated timeline for repair has been provided. This issue is particularly concerning because it directly affects the vehicle’s safety systems. I have effectively been driving a vehicle without functioning airbags since the initial diagnosis. Despite the clear safety risk, Acura has not provided an adequate interim solution. Given the seriousness of the issue, I recently requested a loaner vehicle from Acura so that I would not have to continue operating an unsafe vehicle. This request was denied, and I was informed that I am not eligible for a loaner, despite the known safety defect and lack of available repair parts. Additional details: Case manager: [XXX] Acura case number: XXX Initial escalation email thread began: December 23, 2025 Ongoing communication: Weekly follow-ups with no resolution or part availability I believe this situation represents a significant safety concern and a lack of appropriate response from the manufacturer. Consumers should not be expected to operate vehicles with known, unresolved safety system failures for extended periods without access to safe alternatives. I respectfully request that this matter be reviewed and investigated to ensure accountability and to prevent potential harm to drivers and passengers. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11734419

Incident

Sep 19, 2025

My main headlights became DIM after 7 years of ownership. I have gone to the Dealership and had BOTH bulbs Replaced with No Visible Improvement in the Brightness. Given the age of my car, I've also had the Lenses Polished to ensure there's no significant Film on the Outside. Again... No Improvement in the Brightness of the lights. I asked the techs at the Shop about the problem and they said they haven't seen any systemic problems. I'm concerned as this is a Safety Issue and my work does have me driving at night on occasion.

NHTSA ID

11723739

Incident

Jun 25, 2021

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2014 Acura RDX. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of the purchase, the mileage was 92,551. The Carfax Report sent from the dealer indicated that the mileage was 93,000. After retrieving a Carfax Report, the mileage was 162,551.

NHTSA ID

11723690

Incident

Feb 18, 2026

Mileage

162,551 mi

The low beam headlights on my 2014 Acura RDX are too dim to allow safe night driving. An independent service provider confirmed the headlight coating is causing a "cataract" type effect on the inside of the lamp. The bulbs were switched to brighter LED lights, but there is no significant improvement. It seems the next step is to replace the entire headlight assembly which would be an out of pocket expense of at least $1000.00. This is a failure of the low beam head light manufacturing which has made my vehicle impossible to drive at night unless the high beams are used.

NHTSA ID

11720027

Incident

Aug 1, 2025

Low beam headlights degrading. Car is unsafe to drive at night! Tried changing light bulbs but does not improve light quality. Dealer said it was an Acura issue. The problem has been getting progressively worse.

NHTSA ID

11716721

Incident

Feb 6, 2026

Low beam Headlights degrading from reflector delamination. Car is unsafe to drive at night. Changing lightbulbs does not improve light quality. Issue has been getting progressively worst each year to a point where the car is not drivable at night

NHTSA ID

11710273

Incident

Jan 11, 2026

Service Bulletin - Warranty Extension: Customer Support Program For Driver's Airbag Inflator for 2013-14 ILX Hybrid and Other Listed Years and Models.

Dealer message - American Honda is investigating a potential quality concern with 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.

Service bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement driver's airbag inflator only.

Service Bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement driver's airbag inflator only.

Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2013-2017 RDXs with a client complaint of paint peeling on the rear roof panel. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect specific parts from the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.

Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2013-2017 RDXs with a client complaint of paint peeling on the rear roof panel. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect specific parts from the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.