2014 Acura RDX Exterior lighting Problems

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

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

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

I purchased this 2014 Acura RDX in 2016, a Certified Pre-Owned with original 28,000 miles, from Price Acura in Dover, DE. VIN # [XXX] . The car is very well maintained; garage kept and consistently follows the regular maintenance schedule. The current mileage is 143,968. I have voiced my concern to the Price Acura dealership regarding the ongoing issue with the headlights. The combination of heavy oxidation, internal condensation, and water seepage has gotten worse over time, causing very dim, unsafe low beams even after bulb/lens restoration. This issue is NOT normal wear and tear but is a defective seal or manufacturing issue. I’ve had to use my high beams to see while driving at night, but with oncoming traffic having to turn them off and on, not to impact other drivers, it is not safe. This issue has worsened, has negatively impacted my safety driving at night, most recent the driver side low beam headlight burnt out while I was traveling along back roads at night. After researching this issue, I learned this is a widespread problem and replacing the low beam headlight bulb is not the answer, and that the entire headlight assembly needs to be replaced, which I found is very costly. I am a loyal Acura customer with over 10 years of ownership. Given this widespread problem and my loyalty, I’m hoping for some manufacturer assistance, perhaps a covered repair, partial credit, or guidance getting help to cover this costly defect. Would you please advise of any cost effective service or potential solutions to resolve this known problem. As it stands, this issue has limited me to daylight driving only until this issue is properly fixed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11708282

Incident

Dec 31, 2025

The headlights are unsafe with dim low beam projectors even after trying a couple sets of new bulbs. Here are the Part Numbers for reference 33100-TX4-A12 33150-TX4-A12 There is a significant safety issue requiring replacement of components that should not need replacing.

NHTSA ID

11706858

Incident

Dec 23, 2025

Acura RDX headlight problem, dimming headlights, which is a known issue according to the Acura dealership service department in Brentwood, TN. The Acura technician stated that this is often caused by delaminating reflector film, and flickering headlights, which can result from faulty relays or wiring. The dimming makes it hard to see while driving during sundown. Driving with the high beam on causes problems for oncoming traffic. Acura acknowledged the issue, and a recall addressed the delamination issue for some models, but not the 2014 RDX. For my models, Acura stated the internal reflector is damaged, and replacing bulbs will not help. The most effective solution is to replace the headlight assembly or the entire projector housing, which can be a costly repair.

NHTSA ID

11700197

Incident

Dec 9, 2024

The low-beam projector headlights in our 2014 Acura RDX have become extremely dim over time, which is making the car very unsafe to drive at night because we cannot see well enough. The dealer inspected them in 2024, and stated the dim lighting is due to oxidation of the interior projector lenses. This sounds similar to other complaints that the internal reflective material in the low-beam headlight assembly delaminates or fogs up due to heat, significantly reducing light output. It also sounds similar to a recall issued for the 2013-2014 Acura ILX due to headlight problems. The dealer provided a $2500 quote to replace the headlight assemblies. They have not been inspected by anyone else. They have not been replaced yet and are available for further inspection. This defect has been particularly dangerous because our eyes adjusted to the gradually diminishing light output over time so we, and I suspect many other drivers, have been unaware of the danger we’ve been in until the problem became severely obvious and other drivers also began informing us.

NHTSA ID

11699679

Incident

Oct 1, 2021

The low beam is very dim at night regardless what bulb I've installed. The reflective material inside the projector housing is no longer working.

NHTSA ID

11699618

Incident

Oct 1, 2025

The drivers side headlight does not work. If it does work initially upon turning on, when the car brakes, the light flickers and then goes out. I have replaced the light bulb three times and it doesn't fix the problem. My mechanic said there is no way to fix it and sometimes this happens with the type of light bulbs this car uses. It seems to be electrical that the brake or motion of the stopping causes the light to shut off and I can't get it to turn back on so I either have to not drive at night or drive with my high beams on - both of which seem unsafe. Another reason i'm thinking it could be electrical is that the lock beep noise and lights flashing rarely works anymore and if it does, it's very faint.

NHTSA ID

11693586

Incident

May 1, 2025

Base model Halogen headlights project unsafe low light after defects in the projection reflector assembly delaminate. Light output at night is completely unsafe to drive. Acura knows it’s a defective part and will not offer fix other than full replacement of entire headlight assemblies at a cost of approximately $3,000. Major safety issue making a car unsafe to drive at night, all due to a poor design and defective reflective coating used on projector part of headlights.

NHTSA ID

11691707

Incident

Sep 20, 2025

Acura recalled 2014 vehicles for delamination of reflector film within headlights that results in decreased light output. The RDX was not included, but many - like mine - have experienced this issue. I purchased the RDX in 2017 from an Acura dealer as a certified, lease return vehicle. I began to notice dimming of the low beams within the first year. I had the plastic outside of the headlights restored. No change. The low beams became unsafe. The dealer’s service department was aware of a recall on other models when I mentioned it. They provided me with a number to call American Honda. When I called they acknowledged the issue, but refused to help or provide any financial assistance to purchase new headlight assemblies. I was advised by my mechanic to use my high beams as they were brighter. The low beams barely light up the bumper - no projection. @12 lumens or = 3-5 watt nightlight bulb.

NHTSA ID

11685081

Incident

Jan 1, 2018

I came close to striking certian low lining dividers, etc.... It is very well known That RDX around my build date Main headlight projector reflector burns out. I found out that Acura had a mandatory NHTSA recall to that era ILX for this same issue and Nissan has just settled a class action lawsuit for the same issue. The headlights were all manufactured by National Automotive Lighting (NAL). and the reflective coating inside the projector lens burns in time due to high lightbulb heat. When will this be recalled?

NHTSA ID

11682459

Incident

Jul 8, 2025

Vehicle Make/Model/Year: 2014 Acura RDX Component: Exterior Lighting – Headlights (Low Beam) Summary of the Problem: My wife drives a 2014 Acura RDX. A few years ago, she mentioned that the low beam headlights seemed unusually dim at night. I didn’t think much of it at the time, but after driving the vehicle myself more recently, I confirmed the issue—the low beams provide very poor visibility, making night driving hazardous. To address this, I replaced the bulbs with new ones, but it made no noticeable improvement. After researching online, I discovered that many other owners of the 2013–2014 Acura RDX have reported the same issue. It appears this may be a widespread defect with the headlight housing or reflector design, rather than just a bulb issue. I also found articles and forum posts online where some people resolved the issue only by replacing the entire headlight assembly, which is a costly fix. This suggests the problem may lie in a design flaw rather than normal wear and tear. Given the safety implications of limited nighttime visibility, I believe this deserves further investigation.

NHTSA ID

11667065

Incident

Jul 30, 2022

While driving I have no headlights. Had bulbs replaced but still doesn’t work. Can’t drive at night since purchased. Have only high beams but very low. While driving almost got in accident. Complaints are numerous on social media for 2014 Acura RDX. No one does anything to fix problems. Acura dealer charged 129.00 for headlights still not working and said no recall. This is extremely dangerous. Thank you for your help in this matter

NHTSA ID

11665502

Incident

Jun 6, 2025

The vehicle's low beam headlights are getting progressively weaker. They are now dangerous, because they do not illuminate the road ahead at night. I have replaced the bulbs and it does not help. This is a safety issue. I am the original owner and have owned 10 cars in my life and have never had this issue. There is something wrong with the headlights.

NHTSA ID

11662856

Incident

Jan 1, 2021

Over time, I noticed the low beam headlights seemed dimmer and attributed it to my older eyes and night driving. (the high beams work great) Yes, it's available for inspection Currently it's nearly impossible to drive at night without using the high beams. This is only an option when there's no oncoming traffic. There have been times when I've had to use the high beams with an oncoming car (safety issue) or stop driving until I can safely use the high beams again. We don't use the car at night! The above issue makes it unsafe for us to drive in the dark. While we haven't had any accidents, the possibility is extremely high under these conditions. I had the car evaluated for the issue, they suggested calling an Acura dealer. Their cost to replace the headlights is $3145.71. I've read all over the internet and on this site, the number of drivers with the same issue. Similar years and other models have been recalled for this issue. Please address this concern. Thank you

NHTSA ID

11660615

Incident

Oct 29, 2024

Low beam headlights are very dim, making it difficult to see at night. I believe this puts me, as well as other drivers at serious risk of injury. I see many other reported issues with the low beam headlights being too dim, but evidently Honda/Acura has not recalled my car (yet).

NHTSA ID

11655190

Incident

Apr 17, 2025

Headlights do not put out enough light to see anything at night. Replacing light bulbs, and ensuring that headlight housing was clear ( not cloudy ) does not fixt the issue. Without using high beams it is difficult to see, but that would also cause hazard for oncoming traffic.

NHTSA ID

11650255

Incident

Mar 1, 2024

I am the original owner of my 2014 Acura RDX. The main headlights are failing and not emitting enough light making it extremely unsafe to drive. I installed brand new Sylvania H11 Xtravision bulbs. There was no change to the light emitted from the headlight. There is no damage or leakage to the headlights. I believe the headlight assembly reflector is failing inside the headlight and is defective. The vehicle is available for inspection. I have not contacted the dealer since there is no known recall at this time. There are no other indicators or warning message on the vehicle. The vehicle is stored in a garage and headlights are clear and not hazing. I have read many reports on the internet regarding owners having the same issue with the 2014 Acura RDX.

NHTSA ID

11649627

Incident

Oct 1, 2024

The low beam headlights are so dim they cause me to practically stop when faced with an oncoming car because I am not able to see. I am not able to drive this vehicle at night because of this. I have had the bulbs replaced but there is no improvement. From all I have read online it is a defective reflector. Please do something about this. It is an extreme safety issue to drive a car without headlights or to be blinding oncomers with high beams. Thank you.

NHTSA ID

11645467

Incident

Dec 7, 2024

The headlights, especially the low beam lights, are very dim. When driving with the low beams on at night, they barely light up the road. It is dangerous; I can't see anything when these light are on. There are no warning lights on in the car. This is a known problem; I have found numerous complaints from other owners on the internet. This car has not been inspected by anyone. From reading the complaints of other owners who have had the vehicles inspected at the dealerships, I see they have received no help from the manufacturer or dealership to correct the problem.

NHTSA ID

11643652

Incident

Jan 10, 2024

The headlights are failing. They are very dim. I am no longer driving this car at night if I can avoid it. If I do drive at night, I have to have the brights on 100% of the time to see the road effectively. It became more serious 2 nights ago when I could not see a median in the road and ran over it. I had three teens in the car with me. I had driven as a chaperone to a school competition. We were at the beginning of a 4 hour drive home in the rain. I have not taking any action to repair or replace anything at this time. There are no vehicle warnings to indicate the problem.

NHTSA ID

11643280

Incident

Feb 15, 2025