2021 Acura RDX

Head Gasket blown known problem with Honda and Acura 2.0T I didn’t know of this issue until it occurred to Loi Me in 2025 My Acura dealership told me it’s a huge problem with the Acura RDXand it should be a warranty extension similar to the warranty extension for other Honda products done in August 27, 2026 I was lucky and my head gasket didn’t blow while I was driving I’m also concerned that it’s gonna happen again I’m not sure if the problem was resolved with the new head gasket or it’s a stomach problem with the motor that has not been addressed yet

NHTSA ID

11766372

Incident

Sep 1, 2025

Two low-speed sudden unintended acceleration events while parking a 2021 Acura RDX. Incident 1 (July 2026): While parking at low speed, the car unexpectedly surged forward. Flew up the curb and hit a restaurant window, causing massive undercarriage damage. Active braking did not help and seemed to make acceleration worse. It only stopped when it wanted to. Incident 2 (August 2026): Two weeks after getting the car back from repairs, under identical low-speed parking conditions, a second sudden acceleration event occurred. Slamming on the brakes did nothing. It stopped after scraping a car wash vacuum pole, destroying the entire passenger side. Prior to these, the car exhibited erratic safety software behavior, including multiple phantom braking incidents where it slammed on its brakes violently with no obstacles present. I bought the car Certified Pre-Owned two years ago. The dealership repaired a known "popping sound" from the panoramic sunroof frame three times. This required extensive cabin/pillar teardown work, which may have disturbed internal wiring harnesses or grounding points linked to the electronic throttle control system. In both events, it felt like an uncontrolled amusement park ride—the engine loudly revving and taking over with zero driver control. I initially assumed pedal confusion during the first crash, but since it happened again under identical circumstances, there is clearly a systemic electronic/software defect in the Throttle Actuator or Powertrain Control Module. The vehicle is at an insurance network body shop awaiting forensic evaluation of the throttle system, pedal sensors, and a Bosch EDR black box download.

NHTSA ID

11758797

Incident

Aug 19, 2026

Fuel Pump is having to be replaced. I have had issues accelerating and my car also stalled once on the freeway. It put me in a dangerous situation and I almost got in an accident because my speed quickly decreased. The same part was recalled on the previous year’s model.

NHTSA ID

11758394

Incident

Jul 6, 2026

I own an Acura RDX that experienced a sudden failure of the transfer case. Prior to the failure, there was little or no warning that a major drivetrain component was about to fail. When the transfer case failed, the vehicle lost its normal all-wheel-drive operation and required expensive repairs. I believe this is a safety defect because the transfer case is a critical drivetrain component. A sudden failure can reduce traction and vehicle control, especially when driving at highway speeds or on wet, snowy, or icy roads. Drivers may not expect the loss of power to the rear wheels, which could increase the risk of skidding, loss of stability, or being unable to safely accelerate into traffic or avoid a hazard. In addition, there are numerous reports from other Acura RDX owners describing similar transfer case failures, suggesting this may not be an isolated incident but a recurring problem. A critical drivetrain component should not fail prematurely under normal use without adequate warning. I believe this issue warrants investigation because it has the potential to affect vehicle safety and place drivers and passengers at unnecessary risk.

NHTSA ID

11753867

Incident

Jul 9, 2026

I own an Acura RDX that experienced a sudden failure of the transfer case. Prior to the failure, there was little or no warning that a major drivetrain component was about to fail. When the transfer case failed, the vehicle lost its normal all-wheel-drive operation and required expensive repairs. I believe this is a safety defect because the transfer case is a critical drivetrain component. A sudden failure can reduce traction and vehicle control, especially when driving at highway speeds or on wet, snowy, or icy roads. Drivers may not expect the loss of power to the rear wheels, which could increase the risk of skidding, loss of stability, or being unable to safely accelerate into traffic or avoid a hazard. In addition, there are numerous reports from other Acura RDX owners describing similar transfer case failures, suggesting this may not be an isolated incident but a recurring problem. A critical drivetrain component should not fail prematurely under normal use without adequate warning. I believe this issue warrants investigation because it has the potential to affect vehicle safety and place drivers and passengers at unnecessary risk.

NHTSA ID

11753866

Incident

Jul 9, 2026

I own an Acura RDX that experienced a sudden failure of the transfer case. Prior to the failure, there was little or no warning that a major drivetrain component was about to fail. When the transfer case failed, the vehicle lost its normal all-wheel-drive operation and required expensive repairs. I believe this is a safety defect because the transfer case is a critical drivetrain component. A sudden failure can reduce traction and vehicle control, especially when driving at highway speeds or on wet, snowy, or icy roads. Drivers may not expect the loss of power to the rear wheels, which could increase the risk of skidding, loss of stability, or being unable to safely accelerate into traffic or avoid a hazard. In addition, there are numerous reports from other Acura RDX owners describing similar transfer case failures, suggesting this may not be an isolated incident but a recurring problem. A critical drivetrain component should not fail prematurely under normal use without adequate warning. I believe this issue warrants investigation because it has the potential to affect vehicle safety and place drivers and passengers at unnecessary risk.

NHTSA ID

11753865

Incident

Jul 9, 2026

I own an Acura RDX that experienced a sudden failure of the transfer case. Prior to the failure, there was little or no warning that a major drivetrain component was about to fail. When the transfer case failed, the vehicle lost its normal all-wheel-drive operation and required expensive repairs. I believe this is a safety defect because the transfer case is a critical drivetrain component. A sudden failure can reduce traction and vehicle control, especially when driving at highway speeds or on wet, snowy, or icy roads. Drivers may not expect the loss of power to the rear wheels, which could increase the risk of skidding, loss of stability, or being unable to safely accelerate into traffic or avoid a hazard. In addition, there are numerous reports from other Acura RDX owners describing similar transfer case failures, suggesting this may not be an isolated incident but a recurring problem. A critical drivetrain component should not fail prematurely under normal use without adequate warning. I believe this issue warrants investigation because it has the potential to affect vehicle safety and place drivers and passengers at unnecessary risk.

NHTSA ID

11753864

Incident

Jul 9, 2026

While driving only at 35 miles per hour down the XXX in [XXX] my panoramic sunroof suddenly bursts. A loud pop sound. This would have popped all over my body if I didn’t have cover up. This is an extreme problem as someone can die from this. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11751315

Incident

Jul 18, 2026

Over The Air Update - Vehicles equipped with the System Updates application are capable of downloading and installing Over the Air System Updates. System Updates contain upgrades that fix a variety of operational errors and/or enhancements that add new functionality. Information for the various software releases can be found in this document. Software version: D.1.6.4

"Service Bulletin - A pop noise can occur from the rear roof area when turning into driveways, bumps, or on an incline due to, in some cases, the panoramic roof frame mounting bolts are unable to maintain the necessary clamp force. This can allow shifting, which may lead to a pop noise."

Service Bulletin - Oil leak at the cam chain tensioner inspection cover due to and insufficient sealant adhesion on the inspection cover.

Service Bulletin - The front and/or rear brakes make a high-pitched squeal when the brakes are lightly applied at 24 km/h (15 mph) or less, with ambient temperatures below 10°C (50°F).

Service Bulletin - The front and/or rear brakes make a high-pitched squeal when the brakes are lightly applied at 24 km/h (15 mph) or less, with ambient temperatures below 10°C (50°F).

Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2019-2025 RDXs and 2022-2025 MDXs with a client complaint of a pop noise in the rear sunroof area. Clients may describe a single pop noise heard while driving over a bump or turning in and out of driveways. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to inspect the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.