2014 Acura RDX Problems & Owner Complaints

Exterior Lighting 160 1 crash 2 injury

“See attached letter for details. Incident date below reflects the VIN I currently own, when testing identified the safety-related defect. Accident details from previous same model. The same headlamps were the subject of the July 14, 2014 NHTSA Acura ILX Electrical & Lights Recall: 14V323000 on the 2013-2014 Acura ILX model. Yet, Acura continued to use these headlamps and failed to rectify the defect across its model lineup. Instead, the inherently faulty engineering, material, and manufacturing was destined to slowly degrade the reflective surface of the projector cup and lens under the heat…”
NHTSA complaint #11451614, 2021 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“Low beam headlights degrading. Car is unsafe to drive at night! Tried changing light bulbs but does not improve light quality. Dealer said it was an Acura issue. The problem has been getting progressively worse.”
NHTSA complaint #11716721, 2026

“Low beam Headlights degrading from reflector delamination. Car is unsafe to drive at night. Changing lightbulbs does not improve light quality. Issue has been getting progressively worst each year to a point where the car is not drivable at night”
NHTSA complaint #11710273, 2026

Air Bags 41

“Dear National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, I am submitting a formal safety complaint regarding an unresolved airbag system failure in my Acura vehicle, and the lack of a timely or safe remedy despite the issue being acknowledged and covered under a manufacturer warranty extension. The airbag system in my vehicle was first diagnosed as failed in September 2025 by my local mechanic and shortly thereafter confirmed by an authorized Acura dealership. The defective component (part number 77810TX4-A40ZA) is currently on backorder and has been unavailable for several months. I have been p…”
NHTSA complaint #11734419, 2025

“My 2014 RDX does not show to have an open recall based on my VIN but I am receiving an airbag warning and the make and model of my vehicle is included in the recall. I called the dealer where I purchased the vehicle and they said they don't have to honor the recall to replace the airbags. When I look up the warning message, my safety could be in jeopardy and this is my only vehicle. Please confirm who to contact or what options I have to pursue this complaint since the dealership confirms they did not perform a replacement of the airbags before I purchased this vehicle and I have never recei…”
NHTSA complaint #11433568, 2021

“TAKATA RECALL ACURA RDX 2014 WAS NOTIFIED OF DEFECTIVE PART AND RECALL ISSUE BY ACURA DEALER SHIP, THEY STATED IT WOULD BE SIX TO EIGHT WEEKS TILL PARTS WERE AVAILABLE AND THOSE THAT CONTINUE TO DRIVE THEIR CAR INSTEAD OF A RENTAL OR PARKING IT DUE TO RISK WOULD BE FIRST TO GET PARTS. ELECTED TO KEEP DRIVING AT THE TIME. NOW IT HAS BEEN EIGHT MONTHS LATER DEC 2016 I HAVE NOT BEEN CONTACTED FURTHER. WHEN CONTACTING DEALER I ONLY GET ANOTHER OFFER FOR A RENTAL CAR. I STILL HAVE TO PAY FULL PRICE ON MY LEASE. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10934951, 2016

Unknown Or Other 12 1 crash 1 fire 1 injury

“ACURA RDX TECH PURCHASED 30 DAYS AGO, UP-SHIFTED WHILE PARKING INTO A PARKING SPOT IN A PARKING GARAGE. THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY AND VIOLENTLY ACCELERATED WHEN PUSHING ON THE BRAKE BEFORE A COMPLETE STOP AND RAN INTO THE CHAIN LINKED FENCE. THE DRIVER GOT A SEAT BELT BURN ON THE LEFT UPPER CHEST AND SOFT TISSUE INJURY TO THE NECK. THE FRONT PART OF THE VEHICLE GOT SIGNIFICANT BODY DAMAGE. A COUPLE INCIDENCES OF THE CAR VIOLENTLY UPSHIFTED WHEN MOVING FROM A STOP WERE ALSO NOTED BEFORE THIS ACCIDENT HAPPENED. THE CAR WAS BOUGHT BRAND NEW A MONTH AGO. THIS IS THE EXACT SIMILAR INCIDENCE TO THE…”
NHTSA complaint #10537816, 2013 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“WE HAVE TWO 2014 RDX'S. WIFE HIT A DEER WITH DAMAGE TO THE RIGHT FRONT LIGHT AND RIGHT FRONT QUARTER PANEL. SUPPOSE TO BE A 3700.00 REPAIR BUT WHEN BODY SHOP DROVE RDX INTO THEIR BUILDING IT CAUGHT FIRE AND NOW WE HAVE A TOTALED 40,000 RDX. EVERYBODY HAS SAID THEY CAN'T EVER REMEMBER A ACURA EVER CATCHING ON FIRE. IN TALKING WITH A ACURA MECHANIC HE MENTIONED SOMETHING ABOUT THEY HAD SOME ELECTRICAL ISSUES ON THESE VEHICLES BUT NOTHING WAS PROVEN. WE ARE WAITING ON THE RESULTS FROM THE ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS THAT THE INSURANCE PEOPLE HAVE HIRED TO TRY TO DETERMINE IF THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH IT'S…”
NHTSA complaint #10790137, 2015 · fire

“We are noticing what many others are with similar age RDX models - the headlamp assemblies are terribly dim leading to low visibility without using the high beams (not always possible). We have replaced the headlamps with really high output ones, with no real difference. The faulty inside of the headlamp assemblies are making it much harder to see at night, especially in rain or other bad weather. At highway speeds, we rarely see obstacles until we're right on top of them.”
NHTSA complaint #11703941, 2025

Visibility/Wiper 10

“We are noticing what many others are with similar age RDX models - the headlamp assemblies are terribly dim leading to low visibility without using the high beams (not always possible). We have replaced the headlamps with really high output ones, with no real difference. The faulty inside of the headlamp assemblies are making it much harder to see at night, especially in rain or other bad weather. At highway speeds, we rarely see obstacles until we're right on top of them.”
NHTSA complaint #11703941, 2025

“Low beam headlights do not reflect. I can barely see when driving at night due to the low beams. I replaced the bulbs with a high grade brand and restored the lenses to the housing unit and they are very clear. The Reflector or Housing is degraded so the bulbs do not shine bright enough. This is a serious safety issue. I almost hit a deer that I couldn’t see in my neighborhood. We have great street lighting and it was 7:50pm so not very dark.”
NHTSA complaint #11691408, 2025

“Low beam halogen headlight are dangerously dim. New bulbs haven’t helped, and no, my headlight housings aren’t chalky nor crazed. I’ve found myself in many scenarios, even one dark roads, where I get very little light.”
NHTSA complaint #11590853, 2024

Electrical System 8 1 fire

“WE HAVE TWO 2014 RDX'S. WIFE HIT A DEER WITH DAMAGE TO THE RIGHT FRONT LIGHT AND RIGHT FRONT QUARTER PANEL. SUPPOSE TO BE A 3700.00 REPAIR BUT WHEN BODY SHOP DROVE RDX INTO THEIR BUILDING IT CAUGHT FIRE AND NOW WE HAVE A TOTALED 40,000 RDX. EVERYBODY HAS SAID THEY CAN'T EVER REMEMBER A ACURA EVER CATCHING ON FIRE. IN TALKING WITH A ACURA MECHANIC HE MENTIONED SOMETHING ABOUT THEY HAD SOME ELECTRICAL ISSUES ON THESE VEHICLES BUT NOTHING WAS PROVEN. WE ARE WAITING ON THE RESULTS FROM THE ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS THAT THE INSURANCE PEOPLE HAVE HIRED TO TRY TO DETERMINE IF THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH IT'S…”
NHTSA complaint #10790137, 2015 · fire

“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2014 Acura RDX. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of the purchase, the mileage was 92,551. The Carfax Report sent from the dealer indicated that the mileage was 93,000. After retrieving a Carfax Report, the mileage was 162,551.”
NHTSA complaint #11723690, 2026

“Acura RDX headlight problem, dimming headlights, which is a known issue according to the Acura dealership service department in Brentwood, TN. The Acura technician stated that this is often caused by delaminating reflector film, and flickering headlights, which can result from faulty relays or wiring. The dimming makes it hard to see while driving during sundown. Driving with the high beam on causes problems for oncoming traffic. Acura acknowledged the issue, and a recall addressed the delamination issue for some models, but not the 2014 RDX. For my models, Acura stated the internal reflect…”
NHTSA complaint #11700197, 2024

Suspension 8

“REAR ROOF BODY PAINT IS PEELING NEAR THE TAIL GATE. REAR SUSPENSION IS CLUNKING WHEN DRIVING OVER MINOR ROAD IMPERFECTIONS.”
NHTSA complaint #11372427, 2019

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 ACURA RDX. WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS ON UNEVEN PAVEMENT, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL CLUCKING NOISE EMERGING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ACURA OF LIMERICK (77 AUTOPARK BLVD, LIMERICK, PA 19468, (610) 495-5888) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION SHOCKS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 09313264. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD SPLIT THE COST OF THE REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000. THE VIN WAS…”
NHTSA complaint #11181146, 2019

“ACURA HAS A REAR SUSPENSION ISSUE WITH MANY OF THEIR SUV'S BUT IS TRYING TO AVOID ISSUING A RECALL BECAUSE THEY'RE TOO CHEAP TO DO THE RIGHT THING. THE REAR SHOCKS HAVE A DEFECT WHICH RESULTS IN A CLUNKING NOISE IN THE REAR OF THE CAR. ACURA HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THE PROBLEM BUT WON'T GET OFF THEIR REAR ENDS AND FIX THE ISSUE. MY CAR HAS BEEN SITTING AT ACURA IN DENVER COLORADO FOR OVER THREE MONTHS AND THEIR HANDS ARE TIED BECAUSE ACURA DOESN'T SEEM MOTIVATED TO FIX THE PROBLEM PROMPTLY. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF THESE CARS WAITING FOR REPLACEMENTS ALL OVER THE USA AND OTHERS ACURA OWNERS THAT DO…”
NHTSA complaint #11174753, 2018

Service Brakes 4

“1. FAULTY SHOCK ABSORBERS. THIS IS KNOWN THE PROBLEM WITH ACURA'S. MANY RDXS FRONT AND REAR SHOCKS MUST REPLACED, BEFORE 50,000 MILES 2. ABNORMALLY CORRODING BRAKE ROTORS. 3. FAULTY BUSHING ON SHOCK ABSORBERS. THIS CAR CLUNKS LIKE THE JUNK PILE IT IS. 4. DEALERSHIP REQUESTING TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE FLUID CHANGE, ON A 28,000-MILE VEHICLE”
NHTSA complaint #10985539, 2017

“THE FRONT BRAKES ON MY 2014 ACURA RDX WORE OUT AFTER ONLY 15,000 MILES. THIS IS TWO TO THREE TIMES FASTER THAN ANY PREVIOUS VEHICLE. THEY WORE OUT SO QUICKLY THAT THE BRAKES WORE ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE ROTOR CAUSING METAL TO RUB. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10661043, 2014

“ACCORDING TO DEALER AND ACURA FACTORY REPRESENTATIVE, RDX HAS FLOATING BRAKE PADS INSIDE CALIPER CLIPS. THE BRAKE PADS MAKE A VERY LOUD METAL ON METAL SOUND AGAINST CALIPER CLIPS OVER BUMPS, POT HOLES AND LANE DIVIDERS. ACURA CLAIMS THIS IS A CHARACTERISTIC OF THE CAR. PHYSICS TELLS ME THAT METAL ON METAL WILL EVENTUALLY WEAR CAUSING BRAKE PAD FAILURE. DEALER IS CONCERNED AND FEELS EXPLANATION FROM ACURA IS UNSATISFACTORY. ACURA REPRESENTATIVE WILL WRITE A REPORT TO MANUFACTURER. ALL 2014 RDX MODELS HAVE SAME PROBLEM. DEALER CAN NOT SAY THAT THERE IS NOT A SAFETY PROBLEM. DEALER SAYS, "I DON…”
NHTSA complaint #10619617, 2014

Structure 3

“Certain areas of the roof and tailgate are peeling off, exposing bare metal. This is a one owner Car that has been garage since new.”
NHTSA complaint #11442941, 2021

“REAR ROOF BODY PAINT IS PEELING NEAR THE TAIL GATE. REAR SUSPENSION IS CLUNKING WHEN DRIVING OVER MINOR ROAD IMPERFECTIONS.”
NHTSA complaint #11372427, 2019

“THE EXTERIOR BLACK PLASTIC GARNISH PILLARS (BETWEEN THE WINDOWS) HAS SEVERELY DEFORMED FROM THE HEAT OF THE SUN. I HAVE REPLACED THEM TWICE, AS THEY HAVE DEFORMED AND WARPED SO MUCH THAT IT IS CAUSING FRICTION ON THE WINDOW OPERATION AND PREVENTS NORMAL WINDOW OPENING AND CLOSING. THE BLACK PLASTIC PART HAS A FLAT BLACK FINISH AND BECOMES EXTREMELY HOT FROM THE DIRECT SUNLIGHT OR REFLECTION OFF OTHER WINDOWS OF MY HOUSE OR OTHER CARS. THEY HAVE WARPED SO BADLY THAT I HAD TO REPLACED THEM TWICE. THE FIRST TIME AT THE DEALERS EXPENSE AND THE SECOND TIME AT MY EXPENSE. I HAVE NOTED THAT THE NEWER…”
NHTSA complaint #11306493, 2019

Vehicle Speed Control 3 1 crash 1 injury

“ACURA RDX TECH PURCHASED 30 DAYS AGO, UP-SHIFTED WHILE PARKING INTO A PARKING SPOT IN A PARKING GARAGE. THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY AND VIOLENTLY ACCELERATED WHEN PUSHING ON THE BRAKE BEFORE A COMPLETE STOP AND RAN INTO THE CHAIN LINKED FENCE. THE DRIVER GOT A SEAT BELT BURN ON THE LEFT UPPER CHEST AND SOFT TISSUE INJURY TO THE NECK. THE FRONT PART OF THE VEHICLE GOT SIGNIFICANT BODY DAMAGE. A COUPLE INCIDENCES OF THE CAR VIOLENTLY UPSHIFTED WHEN MOVING FROM A STOP WERE ALSO NOTED BEFORE THIS ACCIDENT HAPPENED. THE CAR WAS BOUGHT BRAND NEW A MONTH AGO. THIS IS THE EXACT SIMILAR INCIDENCE TO THE…”
NHTSA complaint #10537816, 2013 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“THE BRAKES DO NOT STOP THE VEHICLE CONSISTENTLY. THE STORY OF MY INCIDENT GOES AS FOLLOWS: I WAS DRIVING IN DRY CONDITIONS AS I APPROACHED A STOP LIGHT AND BEGAN TO APPLY THE BRAKES. ONCE THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP THE CAR THEN BEGAN TO SLIDE INTO A BUSY INTERSECTION. THE ONLY WAY I WAS ABLE TO STOP WAS BY PUTTING THE CAR IN PARK. LUCKILY THE OTHER DRIVERS WERE ABLE TO SEE SOMETHING WAS WRONG AND DID NOT PROCEED TO DRIVE THROUGH ME. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME TWICE! THE OTHER TIME I WAS DRIVING UNDER WET CONDITIONS AND THE CAR DID NOT EVEN COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. IT JUST CONTINUED T…”
NHTSA complaint #10568587, 2014

“RDX AWD UNDER ICY CONDITIONS CAN KILL TORQUE TO ALL 4 WHEELS. IN MY CASE AS SOON AS ALL TORQUE WAS LOST THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY STARTED SLIDING DOWN THE INCLINE. I WAS ABLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE IN A 180 DEG TURN AND SLIDE FORWARD DOWN THE HILL UNTIL TORQUE TO THE WHEELS WAS FINALLY RESTORED. THERE IS NO MENTION OF LOSS OF TORQUE IN ANY ACURA LITERATURE AVAILABLE TO ME AND ACURA REFUSED TO PROVIDE INFORMATION AFTER THE INCIDENT WAS REPORTED. I CONSIDER THIS A SERIOUS DESIGN FLAW. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10567073, 2014

Engine 2 1 fire

“WE HAVE TWO 2014 RDX'S. WIFE HIT A DEER WITH DAMAGE TO THE RIGHT FRONT LIGHT AND RIGHT FRONT QUARTER PANEL. SUPPOSE TO BE A 3700.00 REPAIR BUT WHEN BODY SHOP DROVE RDX INTO THEIR BUILDING IT CAUGHT FIRE AND NOW WE HAVE A TOTALED 40,000 RDX. EVERYBODY HAS SAID THEY CAN'T EVER REMEMBER A ACURA EVER CATCHING ON FIRE. IN TALKING WITH A ACURA MECHANIC HE MENTIONED SOMETHING ABOUT THEY HAD SOME ELECTRICAL ISSUES ON THESE VEHICLES BUT NOTHING WAS PROVEN. WE ARE WAITING ON THE RESULTS FROM THE ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS THAT THE INSURANCE PEOPLE HAVE HIRED TO TRY TO DETERMINE IF THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH IT'S…”
NHTSA complaint #10790137, 2015 · fire

“The contact owns a 2014 Acura RDX. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that moments later the vehicle re-started independently and the operated normally. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated that the failure recurred; however, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence. During the failure, the contact stated that the "Charging System" warning light continued to…”
NHTSA complaint #11528285, 2023

Power Train 2

“WHEN COLD THE TRANSMISSION APPEARS TO SLIP AND THEN HARD SHIFT FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR. CITY STREETS AND STARTING FROM A FULL STOP. THIS HAS HAPPENED FROM PURCHASE DATE IN DECEMBER 2014. THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED AGAIN TODAY 11/26/2018.”
NHTSA complaint #11154086, 2018

“RDX AWD UNDER ICY CONDITIONS CAN KILL TORQUE TO ALL 4 WHEELS. IN MY CASE AS SOON AS ALL TORQUE WAS LOST THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY STARTED SLIDING DOWN THE INCLINE. I WAS ABLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE IN A 180 DEG TURN AND SLIDE FORWARD DOWN THE HILL UNTIL TORQUE TO THE WHEELS WAS FINALLY RESTORED. THERE IS NO MENTION OF LOSS OF TORQUE IN ANY ACURA LITERATURE AVAILABLE TO ME AND ACURA REFUSED TO PROVIDE INFORMATION AFTER THE INCIDENT WAS REPORTED. I CONSIDER THIS A SERIOUS DESIGN FLAW. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10567073, 2014

Seat Belts 2 1 injury

“I PARKED AND SHUT MY CAR OFF AT OUR LOCAL SHOPRITE PARKING LOT. I GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND MY SON WAS YELLING THAT HE COULDN'T GET OUT.THE SEATBELT HAD HIM TANGLED UP. I TOOK THE LATCH OFF AND TRIED TO LOOSEN THE SEAT BELT. HE TRIED PULLING THE SEAT BELT TO LOOSEN IT NOTHING. I TURNED THE CAR ON TO SEE IF IT WOULD LOOSEN THAT WAY NOTHING. I DROVE HOME. EVERYTHING WE ATTEMPTED THE SEAT BELT KEPT TIGHTENING. I TRIED PULLING IT OVER HIM UNDER HIM TOOK OFF HIS SHOES AND JEANS. REMEMBER IT WAS UNBUCKLED ALREADY. I GOT HOME AND TRIED TO UNSCREW THE BOLT THAT ATTACHED THE SEAT BELT TO THE CAR. UNFORTUN…”
NHTSA complaint #11210809, 2018 · 1 injury(ies)

“WHILE PARKED WITH THE ENGINE OFF AT THE GAS STATION MY CHILD ATTEMPTED TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. UPON RELEASING THE DRIVER SIDE BACK SEAT, THE SEAT BELT HAD MY CHILD ENTANGLED TRYING TO GET OUT OF THE CAR. THE SEAT BELT WAS UNBUCKLED/UNLATCHED YET IT SOMEHOW ENTRAPPED MY CHILD . I WAS UNABLE TO LOOSEN THE SEAT BELT AND IT CONTINUED TO RETRACT AND TIGHTEN ON MY CHILD. MY CHILD WAS ALSO UNABLE TO LOOSEN THE SEAT BELT WHICH WAS WRAPPED AROUND BACK AND STOMACH CAUSING PAIN AND DISCOMFORT. MY CHILD WAS UNABLE TO SIT OR STAND UPRIGHT AS I ATTEMPTED TO PULL THE SEAT BELT OVERHEAD OR BELOW STOMACH; CHILD W…”
NHTSA complaint #11129481, 2018

Steering 2

“the steering wheel sticks and got stuck while driving”
NHTSA complaint #11654007, 2025

“THE POWER STEERING JAMMED UP ABOUT 11 TIMES DURING A 1 MILE STRETCH OF ROAD - THE DRIVING CONDITIONS WERE PERFECTLY NORMAL - TRAFFIC AND I HAD TO RESTART THE VEHICLE 11 TIMES! THEN ON THE HIGHWAY IT AGAIN JAMMED UP AND I ALMOST GOT HIT BY A TRUCK SINCE I WAS TAKING AN EXIT. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10586603, 2014

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 1

“RDX AWD UNDER ICY CONDITIONS CAN KILL TORQUE TO ALL 4 WHEELS. IN MY CASE AS SOON AS ALL TORQUE WAS LOST THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY STARTED SLIDING DOWN THE INCLINE. I WAS ABLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE IN A 180 DEG TURN AND SLIDE FORWARD DOWN THE HILL UNTIL TORQUE TO THE WHEELS WAS FINALLY RESTORED. THERE IS NO MENTION OF LOSS OF TORQUE IN ANY ACURA LITERATURE AVAILABLE TO ME AND ACURA REFUSED TO PROVIDE INFORMATION AFTER THE INCIDENT WAS REPORTED. I CONSIDER THIS A SERIOUS DESIGN FLAW. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10567073, 2014

Fuel System 1

“RDX AWD UNDER ICY CONDITIONS CAN KILL TORQUE TO ALL 4 WHEELS. IN MY CASE AS SOON AS ALL TORQUE WAS LOST THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY STARTED SLIDING DOWN THE INCLINE. I WAS ABLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE IN A 180 DEG TURN AND SLIDE FORWARD DOWN THE HILL UNTIL TORQUE TO THE WHEELS WAS FINALLY RESTORED. THERE IS NO MENTION OF LOSS OF TORQUE IN ANY ACURA LITERATURE AVAILABLE TO ME AND ACURA REFUSED TO PROVIDE INFORMATION AFTER THE INCIDENT WAS REPORTED. I CONSIDER THIS A SERIOUS DESIGN FLAW. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10567073, 2014