2018 Acura RDX Owner Complaints

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

I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious transmission defect on my 2018 Acura RDX that materially worsened after an Acura-authorized warranty repair addressing a known torque converter defect. Acura issued a warranty extension / service campaign for the torque converter on certain 2017–2018 RDX vehicles. Prior to this repair, my vehicle did not exhibit any severe jerking, slipping, or unsafe shifting behavior. After the Acura dealer replaced the torque converter under this program, the vehicle immediately began experiencing violent and unpredictable jerking during gear changes, worsening over time. These behaviors create an unsafe driving condition, particularly in stop-and-go traffic, intersections, and merging situations. I returned the vehicle to the dealer multiple times after the repair. As the problem worsened, I provided video documentation clearly showing the abnormal transmission behavior. After further evaluation, the dealer acknowledged the issue and determined that the transmission requires replacement. Acura Corporate declined coverage, stating the vehicle was no longer under standard warranty, despite: -The issue beginning immediately after Acura’s warranty repair -The torque converter being an integral component of the transmission system -The vehicle being in a worse and unsafe condition after Acura’s work I am requesting that NHTSA: -Review whether Acura’s torque converter warranty extension repair fails to adequately address associated transmission damage -Determine whether Acura vehicles repaired under this program are being returned to consumers in an unsafe operating condition -Assess whether Acura is improperly denying responsibility for post-repair transmission failures directly related to related to the covered defect

NHTSA ID

11716752

Incident

Jun 15, 2025

The vehicle has developed a serious transmission defect involving harsh shifting, delayed engagement, and repeated slipping into neutral while driving. Since picking the vehicle up from Key Acura after an inspection, the condition has worsened significantly. The “Check Engine” light, the flashing “D” indicator, and the transmission warning light are now consistently illuminated. Prior to the dealer visit, these warning lights were intermittent; they are now on at all times. The vehicle can unexpectedly lose propulsion or fail to accelerate, which creates a safety risk during normal driving, especially when merging, crossing intersections, or turning. The symptoms are consistent with the known torque converter and transmission issues documented in Acura Service Bulletin 23‑029, which applies to 2017–2018 RDX models. The dealer inspected the vehicle but did not perform repairs, and the drivability and safety concerns have become more severe since the visit. Acura/Honda Client Relations has been contacted and a case is open, but no resolution has been provided. This defect poses a significant safety concern due to the sudden loss of power while the vehicle is in motion.

NHTSA ID

11715553

Incident

Nov 12, 2025

I have been experiencing unintended acceleration when I press on my brakes. Fortunately, there hasn't been any accidents yet but it's a very dangerous situation.

NHTSA ID

11708677

Incident

Jan 4, 2026

My car's original security alarm goes off randomly without any reason. When parked and locked in a parking lot next to a street, the alarm goes off intermittently. After unlocking using FOB, the alarm will turn off and then goes off again in a few minutes. This will go on for hours at a time until it stops for a few days and then reoccurs again! Very stressful and frustrating. The mechanic says it's caused by faulty Body Control Module and will cost over $1,000 to fix. I see that many people are having the same issue and have to pay over $1,000 to repair. This faulty reequipment should be recalled so owners can recoup their damage.

NHTSA ID

11706350

Incident

Dec 18, 2025

The torque converter is defective in my 2018 Acura RDX. I have received flashing warning lights on my dashboard in Red " Check Transmission." This warning light is due to Acura's defective torque converter. The torque converter affects the shifting of power during driving and cause hesitance or shuddering when attempting to accelerate.which causes my vehicle to sometimes to have a decrease in power . This affects my safety while driving my 2018 Acura RDX. Acura is aware of this defect and safety risk. Acura Client Relations informed me that Acura was mandated by the government to provide a Warranty Extension for the 2017-2018 Torque Converter. I received one of these notices and took my car for the repair. I left my car with the dealership for 6 days. The dealership decided that they will not repair my car because they have determined my car has a "branded title." I purchased my vehicle used from an Auto Body Shop. My vehicle was declared to be salvaged. My engine/transmission/torque converter is the original on my Acura RDX. and was never damaged or repaired. My RDX torque defect should be a safety recall because it affects my safety.

NHTSA ID

11689762

Incident

Sep 1, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Acura RDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11664353

Incident

Jun 2, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Acura RDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle started sputtering and almost stalled. The contact stated that there was a yellow exclamation mark on the instrument cluster. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11659351

Incident

Apr 21, 2025

Mileage

85,000 mi

[XXX] on [XXX], traveling 70mph on busy highway, blind spot monitoring failed, gear display failed, and check transmission message flashed across display. Had to guide car safety off road and into parking lot. This was first time ever happened. Did not know what was going on or what was happening; safety features like blind spot monitoring (especially after becoming accustomed to) failing all of sudden could have caused a major accident by inadvertently cutting someone off, decrease in speed, etc. Turned vehicle off and all lights disappeared. Had car looked at by Honda Dealership next morning; notified it was a P0741 code and failed torque converter. These systems apparently always go down with this code. Told it was associated with known issue of SB23-029 after they consulted with a local Acura dealership. They were told Acura sees this all the time and a torque converter would repair issues I had. Stuck with almost $5k repair bill for a global issue because out of mileage extended warranty. Spoke with Honda representative Naomi (claim#[XXX]) advised of situation, was asked to provide a bunch of personal information not containing to claim over nearly two weeks, and then told I was denied assistance because system wouldn't take, I was not original owner, and out of mileage. This should not be a SB; THIS NEEDS TO BE A RECALL! I'm seeking legal representation and looking at options to recover losses from Honda negligence. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11657039

Incident

Apr 9, 2025

Received a recall notice in December 2023 about the fuel Acura Fuel Pump Motor Recall. Since then I have received several notices from Acura but the parts are not available when I contact the dealership to schedule service. They claim the parts have not been made available to the dealerships. However the OEM part is available for purchase from several parts suppliers. This is not acceptable.

NHTSA ID

11637038

Incident

Dec 18, 2023

The contact owns a 2018 Acura RDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel system, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and reached out to the dealer and was informed that the dealer had no part for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11636053

Incident

Dec 21, 2023

About About a year ago I received notification that The fuel pump impeller was improperly moulded and this could cause the car to shut down. This could cause accidents. Well, I have called Acura and Honda dealerships a multiple times and they give me the run around. Some say wait for mail stating that I should schedule an appointment. I never received such letter. Other dealers didn’t even look up my vin number and said that the one I was giving them was wrong. It is imperative that this gets repaired because I drive about 144 miles a day Monday to Friday and Honda is not helping. My vin number is [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11635004

Incident

Jan 9, 2025

The car jerks right at 20mph in traffic every time as long as you continue to drive. When you pull over, turn the car off, restart the car the problem stops. I’ve had this problem off and on for the last two years and it’s getting worse.

NHTSA ID

11631161

Incident

Dec 17, 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Acura RDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11629847

Incident

Jan 5, 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Acura RDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11629688

Incident

Dec 18, 2023

The contact owns a 2018 Acura RDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to start. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11629648

Incident

Oct 9, 2024

I have received the recall notice from American Honda Motor company regarding the recall number 23V-858 for my Acura RDX 2018 fuel pump recall. My car had symptoms described by the recall: could not start the engine as well as losing drive power. I didn't record the exact days the incident occurred but it was early in 2024. Acura told me the fuel pump replacements were available and sent to their dealers but it was not the case. I have contact local Acura dealers in San Diego and they said they have not received the Acura RDX fuel pumps from manufacture. I also contacted the Acura dealer in Tustin where I bought the vehicle. The service manager, Jennifer Flores, told me they have never received the Acura RDX fuel pumps replacements as promised from American Honda Motor. Please help me to ask American Honda Motor why they said fuel pumps are available but none of their dealers received it. I called the American Honda Motor and they said the fuel pumps are available but dealers said otherwise. What is going on with American Honda Motor? They are putting their customer lives in jeopardy. Please help me as well as other American fellows too.

NHTSA ID

11629638

Incident

Dec 9, 2024

I am unable to find a dealership that will perform the repair, please help. They all say they are short or parts and are only fixing vehicles experiencing issues. I lose power when accelerating all the time but this apparently is not enough.

NHTSA ID

11628999

Incident

Dec 5, 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Acura RDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11628759

Incident

Dec 4, 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Acura RDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that several local dealers were contacted and confirmed that parts were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11627975

Incident

Nov 29, 2024