2021 Acura RDX Brakes Problems

On or about XXX, my 2021 Acura RDX, with approximately 121,078 miles, suddenly displayed multiple dashboard warning lights and system-failure messages while I was driving. These included the check-engine light, Road Departure Mitigation System Problem, steering, stability-control, braking-assistance and other driver-assistance warnings. Earlier, the tire-pressure monitoring system had also indicated a malfunction even though the tire pressures were correct. The vehicle initially continued to drive and the conventional brakes appeared to function normally. However, it then began hesitating when I attempted to accelerate. The vehicle would eventually gain speed, but the initial hesitation created a serious safety concern when pulling into traffic or attempting to accelerate. The check-engine light remained solid while the vehicle was stopped but flashed whenever I began driving and accelerating again. No crash, fire or injury occurred. The vehicle had undergone a full diagnostic inspection approximately two weeks earlier, and I was informed that everything checked out properly. There were no known drivability problems before this incident, and the vehicle has been maintained according to the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule. The vehicle was subsequently inspected by Elite Acura, an authorized Acura dealership in [XXX]. The dealership confirmed a head-gasket failure and a problem with the rear differential left-side actuator. The dealer recommended replacing the head gasket, four spark plugs, coolant, oil and filter, as well as replacing the rear differential left-side actuator and changing the differential fluid. The estimated head-gasket repair was $5,391.46, and the estimated rear differential actuator and fluid service was $813.85. The dealer also recommended rear brake pads and rotors. The head-gasket and rear differential actuator problems were confirmed by the authorized Acura dealership. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11750876

Incident

Jul 15, 2026

After dealer (worldwide motors Ltd also call (Paragon Acura) 33-40 57th street, Woodside, NY 11377)replaced front and rear brake pads and rotors, my vehicle experienced unintended acceleration while stopped. While idling at a red light with my foot firmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle suddenly moved forward approximately 10 feet on its own. This was a serious safety concern and nearly caused a collision or pedestrian injury. I immediately returned the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer stated they could not duplicate the issue and said the vehicle was operating normally. No warning lights were present. The incident occurred immediately after brake service. I am concerned this may involve the braking system, brake booster, brake switch, or electronic throttle interaction. This behavior is not normal and poses a safety risk.

NHTSA ID

11705948

Incident

Dec 16, 2025

I have a 2021 Acura RDX A-spec AW and ever since I had a brakes problem, when applying brakes will not take break promptly kept slipping like going I address this to the dealer numerous time and what they said is that they haven’t had a recall in order to know what really the problem is I think is due to my calipers and probably rotors, but I think is the cut for defect on these 2021 Acura RDX . Also my engine been leaking oil from the top rear side and rear the valve cover this need to be addressed and I have made a complaint to Acura Honda The Corp. and they said they haven’t been a recall for this. Also, I would like someone to look at this matter break And engine problem due to a leak that could cost a fire.

NHTSA ID

11664195

Incident

May 30, 2025

It was raining and I was sat at a stop light. The brakes started to slip a little no matter how much I pressed then all of a sudden the entire car started shutting down. Engine, Transmission, Power Steering, Lane Keep Assist, Collision warning, all the lights started flashing. The car was put into Limp mode.

NHTSA ID

11659951

Incident

May 5, 2025

The front brakes and possibly the rear as well judder when applied at moderate and higher speeds. The sensation is disconcerting as though the brakes are prematurely failing. Malfunctioning brakes are obviously a safety issue. This is an ongoing problem and shouldn't be happening on a gently used, well maintained vehicle. It has been happening consistently and worsening for at least the past year. It is very reproducible but when I contacted the closest Acura dealer, they denied any known issues affecting this vehicle. No warning lamps or other errors were set but I doubt this issue is monitored by the vehicle's sensors.

NHTSA ID

11639629

Incident

Jan 1, 2024

On July 21st, 2024, the electronic parking brake on our 2021 Acura RDX seized and would not release. The vehicle had not sustained any damage and only had 63,270 miles on the odometer. The vehicle was in the garage but the brake seizure rendered the otherwise functioning vehicle unusable. The vehicle is available for inspection. There was nothing to indicate a problem prior to failure on the 21st. An Acura dealer replaced the gear unit motor that actuates the parking brake but the brake did not disengage as per the repair invoice attached. It was determined the parking brake switch circuit connection did not match specs and the parking brake switch was replaced. The parking brake worked at the time we retrieved the vehicle from the dealership but currently do not engage the brake as we are unsure if this will fail again. This issue put us and owners of like vehicles in danger due to the fact that a simple switch malfunction seizes the rear brakes of the car. Fortunately the vehicle was in our garage at the time but if failure occurs at speed, rear locked brake(s) could no doubt lead to a serious crash. At best, a parked disabled vehicle leads to very costly inconvenience as it did for us. Whether a failed switch or a poor connection my concern is the problem replicates while in motion while driving and losing control of the vehicle. From internet searches it appears failed switches are a growing problem with Honda vehicles equipped with electronic parking brakes. There exists no override ability to disengage the parking brake apart from the electronic switch. Again, an otherwise functioning vehicle can be disabled as the rear wheel(s) are seized.

NHTSA ID

11637752

Incident

Jul 21, 2024

I bought this car from a Honda dealership 1 month ago and my brakes are squeaking very loud when reversing my car. It happens every morning and is very frustrating. I would like this fixed for it being such an expensive car.

NHTSA ID

11630484

Incident

Dec 2, 2024

While driving on a freeway for about 15 minutes at 65 MPH, the MIL indicator started blinking. The vehicle began to rapidly shake, while the engine power decreased significantly. The engine dramatically went from 65 mph to 35 mph causing a safety hazard while driving on the freeway as we attempted to exit and pull over safely. The vehicle is a 2021 Acura RDX and is driven approximately 10,000 miles per year. All maintenance has been performed in accordance with the manufacturer's schedule. It has not been involved in any collisions or other user risk other than normal driving in accordance with the approved use of the vehicles. Upon trying to restart the vehicle, the vehicle continues to violently shake while in park. Notification lights indicating Brake Failure, AWD failure, Check Emissions System, etc. There were no other indicators that there was an issue with the vehicle prior to this instance on 4/20/2024. In fact, the vehicle was viewed by Cerritos Acura for its regularly schedule service on 4/10/2024 and no issues were identified by the dealer. As far as safety, we were traveling with two young children and the location of the freeway did not have a safe place to pull over. The sudden reduction in speed also put us in risk with surrounding vehicles. This appears to be related to TSB 20-053, however, no communication have been identified or communicated by the dealers to the the owner/operator of the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11584313

Incident

Apr 20, 2024

Since buying this car I’ve had a few occasions where the car has not slowed down and feels like the transmission is pushing the car more than it should under hard breaking.

NHTSA ID

11532587

Incident

Jul 8, 2023

While sitting in a long row of stopped vehicles at a traffic light for an extended amount of time due to an accident I had the Automatic Brake Hold feature activated { I did not have to have my foot on the brake while sitting still) as well as the Auto Idle Stop OFF button meaning {the engine shuts down when you come to a stop.} Apparently, the Brake Hold feature timed out with no warning whatsoever and because the vehicle moved forward the Auto Start Stop feature activated at the same time and the vehicle lurched forward rear ending a new expensive SUV in front of me. The impact was hard due to the quick lurch of my vehicle. I have damage to the front of my vehicle and all of the electronic features started flashing including the emission control. The driver advised she was very shaken up and if a pedestrian or bicyclist had been in front of us it could have been very tragic.The vehicle is being towed to A local Acura dealer for evaluation and I have a Case number assigned by Honda with no case manager assigned yet. There were no warning lights/lamps at all prior to the vehicle Brake Hold timing out and further searching through the manual only says it times out after 10 minutes but does not advise what happens when that happens or what warning will be used.

NHTSA ID

11516100

Incident

Apr 5, 2023

Rear brakes: Rear brakes and rotors make odd noise or extraordinarily high pitched screeching sounds coming from outside the car when your brakes are applied. When using brakes in reverse the noise is very load. This happens when all the time wither the vehicle is cold or warm. Driver must use additional force to stop vehicle while in reverse. I have made numerous complaints to the dealership, they are aware of the ingoing problem with the 2021, but they currently do not have fix for the problem. I have concerns that the brakes will fail while reversing out of parking spaces and leaving my home daily.

NHTSA ID

11510123

Incident

Aug 6, 2022

2021 Acura Rdx Sh-awd purchased brand new. Rear brakes squeak very bad. Have taken car back to the dealer and contacted Acura several times, but still have yet to receive any resolve/resolution. Brakes started squeaking very loud when car was moving @ low speeds. & when vehicle was coming to a stop. Brakes started squeaking when the car was only a few weeks old and continue to presently squeak. Afraid this is compromising wear of the brakes. I, as a consumer don't want to be financially responsible for a manufacturer's error that they won't resolve.

NHTSA ID

11488883

Incident

Oct 7, 2022

All software systems failed, disabling the vehicle. Error messages included failure in braking, steering, and other vital systems. Acura roadside assistance determined that the car had to be towed to the nearest dealer. The dealer confirmed the issue was a "DTC P061B PCM internal malfunction" and performed a "PGM-FI software update to correct the issue." The vehicle was completely disabled, and we were 4 1/2 hours from the nearest dealership. There were no warnings or communications prior to the incident.

NHTSA ID

11478200

Incident

Jul 12, 2022

Brakes are squeaking very bad

NHTSA ID

11470070

Incident

Jun 20, 2022

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 ACURA RDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, SHE HEARD A CLUNKING AND RATTLING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL WELL AREA. DURING ACCELERATION AND STOPPING, THE CONTACT HEARD A POPPING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR WHEELS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JENKINS ACURA (2025 SW COLLEGE ROAD, OCALA, FL 34471, (352) 414-4588). THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ROTORS WERE MAKING THE SOUND AND NEEDED TO BE ADJUSTED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A CALLBACK AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE BALL JOINTS AND ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, ALONG WITH THE AXLE AND WHEEL BEARINGS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200.*DT THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER REPLACED RF ROCKER ARM AND RF BALL JOINT ELIMINATING THE PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ID

11383623

Incident

Dec 14, 2020

Mileage

200 mi