2018 Acura RDX

This is a supplemental report to document a severe, recurring safety hazard involving an uncommanded loss of motive power and delayed acceleration from a complete stop. The vehicle is a 2018 Acura RDX with approximately 75,000 miles. The automatic transmission 4th clutch fluid pressure switch (diagnostic trouble code P0873) has failed twice in less than a six-month period. The switch was initially replaced in early July using a brand-new OEM dealership part. The vehicle had also previously undergone a full transmission fluid flush. Despite verified wiring and clean fluid, the replacement OEM component has prematurely degraded and failed yet again under identical driving conditions. The failure manifests intermittently while the vehicle is at a complete stop, such as at an intersection. Upon attempting to accelerate from the stop--specifically during critical driving maneuvers like executing a left turn across oncoming traffic--the vehicle experiences a sudden, severe lag in acceleration, harsh shifting, and drops into an uncommanded limp mode/protection state. This unpredictable, delayed acceleration leaves the vehicle lagging directly in the path of oncoming traffic, creating an imminent and severe risk of a broadside collision. Because an official OEM dealership replacement part failed in less than six months, this represents a severe component reliability defect that creates a sudden, unexpected safety hazard during normal driving conditions.

NHTSA ID

11773319

Incident

Oct 22, 2026

The light comes on due to an emission system warning, shaking, and a lack of power; the engine is severely misfiring. This is the second time I have complained about this to the NHTSA

NHTSA ID

11757690

Incident

Aug 18, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light was intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the driver’s side air bag needed to be replaced; however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact researched and was made aware of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.

NHTSA ID

11750607

Incident

Feb 15, 2026

Mileage

89,000 mi

Vehicle Information: 2018 Acura RDX AWDAffected System: Power Train / Automatic Transmission / Torque ConverterAssociated Code/Bulletin: DTC P0741 / Acura TSB B23-029Complaint Description:The vehicle is experiencing a documented manufacturer defect covered under Acura Warranty Extension TSB B23-029, where the internal torque converter lock-up piston cracks, causing hydraulic fluid pressure to bleed down. A professional diagnostic scan confirmed active Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0741 alongside a flashing transmission "D" indicator on the dashboard.This mechanical component failure creates a severe, immediate safety hazard. Because the cracked piston allows the torque converter clutch to continuously slip under load, operating the vehicle at sustained highway speeds generates extreme internal friction and excessive hydraulic heat. This thermal buildup presents a high risk of sudden, catastrophic transmission failure, fluid vaporization, or powertrain lock-up while operating on public roadways.The manufacturer is actively exacerbating this safety hazard. Because there is no Acura dealership within a 90-mile radius, Acura Corporate Client Relations (Case #164446080) and the nearest authorized Acura dealership service manager have explicitly instructed me to drive the malfunctioning vehicle over 90 miles on the highway to reach their facility for service. The manufacturer is refusing to provide safe flatbed transport for this all-wheel-drive vehicle, forcing the consumer to choose between incurring massive private towing expenses or operating a vehicle with a known transmission overheating hazard on high-speed interstate systems. I am requesting an investigation into the unsafe logistical barriers the manufacturer is enforcing to avoid safely honoring this powertrain defect campaign.

NHTSA ID

11746842

Incident

Jun 23, 2026

The transmission went into limp mode one day after coming to a stop. When I safely got home, I turned the car off. Upon restarting, the issue was gone, but this has now happened several times. Each time, putting the car into park, shutting it off, and restarting it "resets" whatever was going on. Eventually the CE light came on, got the code, and it came back as P0873. The CE light was off after once again shutting the engine off and then restarting. I've purchased the necessary materials to complete the repair, but I've read on many forums this is a common issue, with some even reporting it recurring even after replacing the pressure switch. Acura should issue a recall and absolve all consumers of costs incurred. URLs provided below from Reddit threads and an Acura discussion forum regarding similar issues all over. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11746062

Incident

Jun 17, 2026

Was driving down the hwy with the sunroof open tucked inside the headliner when a loud sound startled me and when I shut the sunroof glass rained down All over me

NHTSA ID

11741418

Incident

May 28, 2026

When steady idle at 65 on the freeway the blind spot and check transmission light goes on flashes and stays on but when I shut off the vehicle and start it back up the light goes away.

NHTSA ID

11739120

Incident

May 19, 2026

UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WHILE BRAKING ON MORE THAN 1 OCCASSION

NHTSA ID

11717517

Incident

Jan 5, 2026

Owner Notification Letter - Under certain circumstances, the torque converter lock-up clutch cannot provide adequate holding force due to pressure bleeding down through a crack in the lock-up piston. The reduced lock-up clutch capacity results in the transmission indicator flashing “D” and sets DTC P0741 Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance or Stuck Off.

Owner Notification Letter - Under certain circumstances, the torque converter lock-up clutch cannot provide adequate holding force due to pressure bleeding down through a crack in the lock-up piston. The reduced lock-up clutch capacity results in the transmission indicator flashing “D” and sets DTC P0741 Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance or Stuck Off.

Dealer Message - Torque converters may not have been manufactured to proper specifications. As a result, the torque converter lock-up clutch cannot provide adequate holding force due to pressure bleeding down through a crack in the lock-up piston. The reduced lock-up clutch capacity results in the MIL not illuminating. “D” flashes and “Transmission Overheat” message appears setting DTC P0741 Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance or Stuck OFF.

Service Bulletin - The lock-up clutch cannot provide adequate holding force due to pressure bleeding down through a crack in the lock up piston. The reduced lock-up clutch capacity results in the transmission indicator flashing “D” and set DTC P0741 Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance or Stuck OFF.

Service Bulletin - The lock-up clutch cannot provide adequate holding force due to pressure bleeding down through a crack in the lock up piston. The reduced lock-up clutch capacity results in the transmission indicator flashing “D” and set DTC P0741 Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance or Stuck OFF.

Service Bulletin - The MIL comes on during vehicle operation due to variations in the purge control solenoid valve spring, the valve wears unevenly and intermittently sticks. This may result in setting DTC P0441 (Evaporative Emission (EVAP) System Purge Flow Malfunction).