2021 Acura RDX Powertrain (other) Problems

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

A transmission fluid leak has been identified emanating from the passenger side output shaft seal, located between the transmission and the transfer case. This issue pertains to 2019–2023 Acura RDX and TLX models equipped with SH-AWD, specifically at the interface where the transmission connects to the front transfer case, which is responsible for power distribution to the rear wheels. It appears that the fitment tolerances at this connection point are problematic, suggesting a potential engineering deficiency that warrants a manufacturer-funded resolution..

NHTSA ID

11746061

Incident

Nov 1, 2025

The transfer case began leaking between the transmission and transfer case. Upon taking it to a mechanic I’ve been told the entire transfer case needs replacement because it has prematurely failed. The repair cost is $5533.00. Through research I’ve seen there are many failing transfer cases on acuras with the SH all wheel drive systems. I believe Acura has a design flaw in the system and should be responsible for the repair.

NHTSA ID

11697855

Incident

Nov 1, 2025

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

This is my second complaint to NHTSA. I purchased my certified pre owned Acura on 01/06/2024 After I added my Acura to my Car Insurance. They notified me and told me that there is an open Recall Associated with my vin number. That recall is for a (seat weight sensor) RECALL # 24v-064000 RECALL DATE 02/01/24 -- REMEDY NOT AVAILABLE. I filed a complaint with NHTSA ID# 11572570. After I filed my first complaint I found another unrepaired recall for my vin number Recall date 02/12/2021 NHTSA # 21v93900 For the power train drive shaft I'm not sure exactly what happened with this specific recall. I also wanted to add to my complaint that since my vehicle is a certified pre owend. I never received a complete inspection report indicating all the components inspected prior to selling me the vehicle. Now that I'm searching through all my paperwork. I also am hesitant with the interest rate. I put $20000 down on the vehicle. And I have excellent credit and my interest rate is 8.99% I also had to pay for the warranty.

NHTSA ID

11573454

Incident

Jan 6, 2024

The contact owns a 2021 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, he entered and started the vehicle; the contact then shifted from park(P) to drive(D) and the gear shifter independently shifted back into park(P). The contact stated that the failure had occurred three times within several months. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated the vehicle had been taken to two Acura dealers however, the failure could not be duplicated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000. The VIN was unavailable.

NHTSA ID

11553240

Incident

Sep 11, 2023

Mileage

128,000 mi

I have a 2021 RDX. Was on the interstate moving at about 70 MPH coming back from Missouri. Raining. Lots of semis creating huge following misty, hard to see rain. Decided to accelerate to pass a couple. Car nearly stalled and acted like it had lost a cylinder's worth of power. Turned on hazards, slowed, pulled over and lifted the hood hearing all kinds of unusual noises. Shut the car off and restarted. All was well. Turned all lane-keeping, etc. off including cruise. Drove the last 100 miles or so without incident. Called dealer and was told likely didn't pull a code. Don't worry and keep driving. Said to make sure front of car was clean. Duh!! I keep my ride spotless (unless driving in the rain). Called CA's Acura line. Absolutely no help. 2 different females had no idea what limp mode was. Read quite a bit since then finding out it could be the result of many things including problems that could damage the motor and/or tranny. WOW!!! Had never heard of "limp mode" before. Nice that no info on this possible problem was anywhere in any user manual. Car has performed flawlessly ever since. So far, I guess the rain had interfered with the "radar" system and confused the computer. I'm thinking about buying a 40 year old car that doesn't have any of the modern computers etc. Later found info regarding TSB 20-053 which explains the problem and proposed solution. 06-26-2022 06:52 PM

NHTSA ID

11495022

Incident

Oct 30, 2022

I was accelerating up a hill on a WV highway in a steady rain, the engine cut power, the check engine light flashed on and off, further throttle input did nothing, the car slowed on its own. I had to pull over from the left lane dangerously cutting in front of vehicles in the right lane as I could no longer maintain highway speed. Shut the car down and waited to rekey. Vehicle has operated fine ever since. The dealer has not been able to duplicated the issue (two weeks afterwards)

NHTSA ID

11484165

Incident

Sep 5, 2022

Driving at night in rain on interstate 81N in southern Virginia. I pressed accelerator all the way to pass and the car downshifted and then lost power. The engine light was flashing. I did not have enough power to maintain adequate highway speed while in the midst of a passing maneuver. While car was decelerating (with foot on accel pedal with no apparent response) I activated hazard lights and made my way across traffic to the shoulder. 70mph speed limit. I dropped to 50mph or so rather quickly amid traffic that put me and the traffic around me in a dangerous situation. Once stopped on shoulder (again in a dangerous situation that I'd prefer to avoid), i turned ignition off for 10 seconds and then restarted car. Situation seems to have cleared up; no engine light flashing and full? power. It did not happen again when I pressed accelerator to floor to recreate situation. This vehicle has 3800 miles on it.

NHTSA ID

11429814

Incident

Aug 19, 2021

Brand new 2021 RDX - bought 3 days ago, only 128 miles. Driving on highway and it suddenly loses power. Was able to get to shoulder, but unable to get enough power to exit the highway to find a safer place to park. Check engine light and several transmission warnings indicating I should see dealer immediately. As vehicle came close to a stop, it shuddered and clunked so badly it seemed like I ran something over, but nothing was there. Tried to shut vehicle down and restart, but constant error messages and would only lurch a little. Had to have vehicle towed to dealership, but of course they said they never heard of this happening before.

NHTSA ID

11421931

Incident

Jun 22, 2021