2018 Acura RDX Driver assistance Problems

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

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

[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

I had minor accident on [XXX] in my 2018 Acura RDX. The front crash sensor was damaged, so the car cannot be returned to me without a new one because the air bags and other safety equipment will not deploy in front crash. The repair shop ordered the part (no. 77930-TX4-A11) from Acura on 5/28, along with other parts needed. Acura's delivery date for this part has changed from 6/24, to 7/2, to 7/11, and 7/18. However, my Acura dealer indicates they've had this part on order since April, and Acura has provided no estimated delivery date. I filed a claim directly with Acura a week ago (case no. XXXX), demanding that they provide me with a comparable vehicle until they can provide this part, and no one has even returned my calls. American Honda is in violation of federal law, which requires companies that sell automobiles in the US to provide parts for them for 10 years from the date of manufacture, and to compensate consumers for failure to do so. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11601506

Incident

May 24, 2024

Unintended acceleration, hesitation, and transmission issues. When accelerating from first gear to second gear, hesitates and then suddenly lurching forward.

NHTSA ID

11543405

Incident

Sep 8, 2023

My car lurches when I put it into gear, 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.

NHTSA ID

11541845

Incident

Aug 28, 2023

The vehicles adaptive cruise control is unreliable. Guidance system goes haywire and cannot stay on track to destination. Carplay becomes inoperable. Have had Tameron Eastern Shore Honda who sold car to me check problem on multiple occasions and they cannot find problem.

NHTSA ID

11515283

Incident

Feb 1, 2023

When I am stopped the vehicle routinely lurches as I touch the gas. I’ve complained to the dealer about it and they can’t reproduce the problem. It does lurch for my husband also. It hasn’t caused any injuries or damage, so far.

NHTSA ID

11506678

Incident

Feb 10, 2023

The car kept stalling while I was trying to accelerate on the highway. I pulled over and turned it off and the problem resolved itself

NHTSA ID

11460877

Incident

Apr 14, 2022

Automatic emergency braking would not release…this occurred in the rain…it caused the vehicle to hydroplane, spin out, and hit a barricade.

NHTSA ID

11422538

Incident

Jun 24, 2021

A WESTBOUND DISTRACTED DRIVER SWERVED INTO MY LANE AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED AND MY AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM SLOWED ME TO THE POINT THAT I COULD NOT GET OUT OF THE WAY OF THE ONCOMING VEHICLE CAUSING MY VEHICLE TO ROLL OVER FOLLOWING IMPACT (SEE ATTACHED HSMV CRASH REPORT NUMBER 87263383).

NHTSA ID

11175016

Incident

Jan 22, 2019

Mileage

10,000 mi

WHILE CORNERING THE CAR STALLS/HESITATES WITH NO POWER. OCCURS AT LOW SPEED.HAS OCCURRED NUMEROUS TIMES ON CITY STREET SINCE PURCHASE OCT.5,2017. DEALERSHIP COULD NOT SIMULATE BUT FAILED TO DO ANY TESTING ?

NHTSA ID

11120380

Incident

Oct 10, 2017

Mileage

50 mi

I WAS PULLING IN TO A PARKING SPACE AT WORK, MILDLY STEPPED ON GAS AS I PULLED IN AND PLACED FOOT ON BRAKE TO STOP CAR WHEN I PARK BUT THE CAR ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN, TIRES SCREECHED AND CAR WENT OVER CURB AND ALMOST RAN INTO TREE. SEE PICTURE ATTACHED. I SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES AND THE CAR STOPPED. THE SOUND FROM THE INSIDE SEEMED I DAMAGED MY BUMPER FOR SURE BUT WHEN I INSPECTED, NO DAMAGE TO THE CAR (AT LEASE VISIBLY). BUT SURE IS SCARY TO DRIVE THE CAR NOW. I LEASED THE CAR ABOUT A MONTH AGO AND I CONTACTED THE DEALER VIA PHONE AND ON EMAIL AWAITING RESPONSE.

NHTSA ID

11111644

Incident

Jul 16, 2018

Mileage

550 mi