2018 Acura RDX Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2018 Acura RDX, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Fuel system3335.1%
- Driver assistance1313.8%
- Powertrain (other)1212.8%
- Engine1010.6%
- Electrical88.5%
- Brakes44.3%
- Airbags33.2%
- Body & structure33.2%
- Exterior lighting22.1%
- Interior & seats22.1%
- Steering22.1%
- Seat belts11.1%
- Suspension11.1%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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)
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
[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)
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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)
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.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WHILE BRAKING ON MORE THAN 1 OCCASSION
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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)
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY VEHICLE WAS PARKED, RUNNING AND UNOCCUPIED ON THE STREET. MY WIFE ENTERED FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE REACHING IN TO RETRIEVE SOMETHING FROM THE CENTER CONSOLE. SHE PRESSED THE START/STOP ENGINE BUTTON TO SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE. THE CAR STARTED ROLLING BACKWARDS DOWN A HILL, KNOCKING MY WIFE TO THE GROUND CAUSING INJURY. CAR CONTINUED TO ROLL UNTIL IT STRUCK A TREE.
HAVE HAD THIS CAR A YEAR. WITHING 6 MONTHS SHIFTER WOULD NOT SHIFT BACK TO PARK AND COULDNT TURN CAR OFF. DEALER FOUND ACORNS JAMMED IN TRANSMISSION SOMEWHERE FELT TO BE DUE TO SQUIRRELS OR OTHER RODENTS. THIS MONTH EMISSONS LIGHT CAME ON. FOUND FUEL LINE LEAKING DUE TO ANIMALS CHEWING ON IT. NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. $1100 TO FIX. I FEEL THE ENGINE HOUSING IS NOT WELL SEALED ALLOWING THIS TO HAPPEN HAVE NEVER HAD THIS ISSUE WITH ANY OTHER CARS WHICH HAVE BEEN PARKED IN SAME PLACE FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME. FEEL IT SHOULD BE FIXED UNDER WARRANTY TO PREVENT IT FROM HAPPENING AGAIN. VEHICLE SITS OUTSIDE DRIVEN TWICE A WEEK.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
The headlight assemblies are poorly designed and accumulate moisture. The water condenses on the inside of the headlight housing reducing lighting output. In sub zero temperatures the condensation freezes, further reducing light output. The reduced light output reduces the amount of usable light illuminating the roadway. The water/ice can also produce reflections/glare which may impair oncoming drivers' vision. The dealer has inspected the headlight but refuses to replace it under their factory warranty.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 ACURA RDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WATER ENTERED THE HEADLAMPS OF THE VEHICLE DUE TO A STRESS FRACTURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER EXAMINATION IT WAS DETERMINED THAT NO IMPACT HAD OCCURRED TO CAUSE THE FRACTURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE HEADLAMPS WERE REPLACED HOWEVER THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR TURN LAMP INDICATOR BLINKED AT AN EXCESSIVE RATE DUE TO A SIMILAR FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
1. I suffered a seatback failure in my 2018 Acura RDX when I was rear-ended at a high speed. The car is currently with my insurance company but I'm sure it's available for inspection. 2. The seatback failure made a big enough gap between my seat and seatbelt for me to slip completely under my seatbelt. I landed on the backseat floor after I smacked my head on the side rear airbag. I have multiple injuries from the seatback failure and my children would have been hurt from this failure had they been in the car with me. 3. N/A 4. The vehicle was totaled. The insurance adjuster said all seats "had shifted". I asked if that was another word for "broken". He said "yes". 5. No warnings appeared. The car was in perfect working order.
UPON ACQUIRING THE VEHICLE, I IMMEDIATELY NOTICED THAT THE CAR MAKES ME SICK. THE ISSUE WAS WITH THE STRONG FUMES CAUSED BY ARTIFICIAL LEATHER. ON FEW OCCASIONS I FELT SO DIZZY THAT I WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE, AS IT WOULD BE UNSAFE. AT LEAST ONE MORE PERSON ALSO FELT SICK IN THIS CAR. OBVIOUSLY, WHEN A VEHICLE MAKES A PERSON SICK, IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. THE DRIVER CANNOT PROPERLY OPERATE THE VEHICLE. ALL CONVECTIONAL METHODS, SUCH AS VENTILATION AND DEEP CLEANING, DID NOT IMPROVE THE TOXIC FUMES. I CONTACTED ACURA WITH NO AVAIL. THEY OPENED A CASE # 08920583. THE CASE MANAGER APRIL STATED THAT THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO MAY GET SICK FROM THIS MATERIAL WAS VERY SMALL AND THEREFORE ACURA WAS NOT GOING TO MITIGATE THE PROBLEM. ACURA IS APPARENTLY AWARE THAT THERE ARE SOME PEOPLE, WHO MAY BECOME SICK WHILE DRIVING THEIR VEHICLES.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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).
I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN DEC 2017. SINCE DEC 2017, THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN THE SERVICE CENTER AT THE DEALER 3 TIMES FOR A TOTAL OF 2.5 MONTHS DUE TO SOUNDS WITH THE STEERING COLUMN - SPECIFICALLY THE LOCATION OF THE DRIVER AIRBAG WITHIN THE STEERING COLUMN UNDER THE HORN. THE SOUND WAS IDENTITIED WITHIN THE FIRST 2,000 MILES OF BEING A NEW VEHICLE. THE SOUND BECOMES PRONOUNCED WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS ROTATED 180 DEGREES AND FEELS LIKE IT IS PULLING ON AN ITEM UNDER THE PLASTIC COVER ABOVE THE AIRBAG. THE AIRBAG WAS REMOVED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AND WHEN THE AIRBAG WAS MOVED AROUND, THERE WAS A SOUND SIMILAR TO THE SOUND FROM THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN TURNED. THE ACURA TECH TEAM HAS BEEN INFORMED. THIS SOUND WAS EVIDENCED TO BE IN ACURA MODEL YEARS 2017 AND 2018. THE SOUND IN THE STEERING COLUMN/AIRBAG LOCATION BECOMES EVEN MORE PRONOUNCED AS MORE MILES ARE PUT ON THE VEHICLE. ACURA WILL NOT INVESTIGATE FURTHER AS THE MODEL HAS BEEN REDESIGNED AND THEY DO NOT WANT TO BE INVOLVED IN ADDITIONAL RECALLS. I HAVE DRIVEN NUMEROUS OTHER ACURA LOANER VEHICLES AND NO OTHER ACURA VEHICLES HAVE MADE THIS SOUND IN THE STEERING COLUMN/AIR BAG. THE SOUND STARTS TO OCCUR AFTER THE STEERING COLUMN HAS BEEN ROTATED TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT 180 DEGREES - SUCH AS GOING UP OR DOWN A PARKING RAMP. ONCE THE SOUND HAS STARTED, IT PERSISTS AND CONRINUES TO GET LOUDER OVER TIME. I HAVE ONLY 7800 MILES ON MY VEHICLE, BUT THE SOUND WAS ALSO RECORDED IN VEHICLES WITH OVER 20,000 MILES. I FEEL THIS SOUND COULD BE THE AIRBAG BEING CAUGHT IN THE ROTATION OF THE STEERING COLUMN. THE CONCERN IS THE AIRBAG WILL ARTIFICIALLY DEPLOY AFTER USE, AS THE SOUND BEING HEARD IS COMPARABLE TO A BAG BEING TWISTED OR AN ELEMENT WITHIN THE STEERING COLUMN RUBBING AGAINST ANOTHER ITEM.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
Not sure where to direct this, so please redirect if this is the wrong inbox. I recently went into a local service appointment to have our passenger seat belt buckle replaced at Acura Concord. We had noticed that the belt was not seating securely in the buckle, and could be removed with minimal-to-moderate effort (would guess 15-30 lbs of force) - certainly not safe in a collision. It started to stick intermittently, and slowly got worse over time until it got to a point that it was clearly unsafe. We were concerned and I proactively paid to have it replaced. The service technicians suspected that something might have entered the belt and was preventing the mechanism of working correctly. However, upon replacing the buckle, the service technician reported that the belt buckle had no foreign objects inside it, and appears to have been mechanically failing. This was alarming, and I quickly searched online to find the current seatbelt recall. However, my vehicle is not a part of that, but maybe should be given the technician's findings. The technician's report can be found through Acura of Concord, and has a reference number of RO#203423 / Tag# 172B. I asked the technician for the faulty belt and currently have it in my possession (pictures of it sticking are attached, this is the first and only time I've touched it since the appointment). Please let us know, we'd like to make sure these vehicles are as safe as they can be for all purchasers. Appreciate your time and attention here.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
Hearing a knocking noise when driving at slow speed over a bumpy road. Having it checked soon but read several complaints on this same issue. Owners have repaired vehicle but still have same issues. Is there going to be a recall soon?
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .