2015 Acura RDX Problems & Owner Complaints

Exterior Lighting 336 3 crash 1 injury

“My 16 year old son was at a church function until after dark because daylight savings time means it is dark earlier. When he began to drive home he could not see the roadway because the low beam headlights provided close to zero illumination. He lost visibility and drove off the road into someone’s yard. There were children outside and they could have been killed. Only minor damage to the grass and yard occurred and fortunately no damage to the vehicle. He called me and I instructed him to engage the high beams and drive home which caused several oncoming vehicles to swerve and react menacingl…”
NHTSA complaint #11556158, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The headlight reflector has become so foggy that it does not illuminate anything further than 5 feet in front of it. The light does not spill onto the road. This has caused other drivers to be unaware of my presence at night, and lead to one turning into my lane and running me off of the road, popping my tires and ruining my car’s alignment.”
NHTSA complaint #11569609, 2023 · crash

“The headlights are horrible. I am unable to drive safely without using my bright lights. When I dim my headlights before approaching an oncoming car it is dangerous. On October 28, 2023 I did just that and missed seeing a deer due to the lack of visibility due to the defective headlights and hit the deer damaging my vehicle's right headlights. Prior to the accident, I invested in installing fog lights to remedy the situation, but it still did not help. I am holding Acura responsible for my accident which was due to defective headlights.”
NHTSA complaint #11552543, 2023 · crash

Air Bags 33 2 crash 3 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 ACURA RDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING IN THE MIDDLE LANE ON THE HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE WAS REAR-ENDED WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A CONCERT DIVIDER. THE VEHICLE ENDED UP IN THE LEFT LANE, WHERE IT WAS HIT HEAD-ON BY A BUS. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN UNKNOWN LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DRIVER AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED NECK, BACK AND LEG PAINS THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND THERE NO DECISION ON THE STATUS OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURE WERE NOT CA…”
NHTSA complaint #11337663, 2020 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“TAKATA RECALL. THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED WHILE MY RIGHT HAND WAS ON THE 2 O'CLOCK POSITION. I WAS GOING ABOUT 30 MPH ON A CITY STREET, AND HIT A CAR THAT STOPPED SUDDENLY IN FRONT OF ME. IT WAS LIKE A BOMB BLAST ONTO MY WRIST, FORCEFULLY BLASTING OUT ACID AND AIR OR WHATEVER'S IN THAT AIRBAG. I HAVE A TRAUMA INJURY AND CHEMICAL BURNS ON MY WRIST. THERE ARE CHEMICAL BURN HOLES ALL OVER THE DASHBOARD AS WELL. AT FIRST I THOUGHT MY BEADED BRACELET HAD PUNCTURED MY WRIST. ONE BURN LOOKED LIKE A CIGARETTE BURN, AND WITHIN 2 HOURS THE BURN HOLE SKIN TURNED PITCH BLACK. OTHER BLISTERS FORMED AS THE HOURS W…”
NHTSA complaint #10928053, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The Airbag is coming on off every day . 12/15/2925 Acura John Eagle dealer want me to pay the repair they said I don’t have the recall . I may bring car to home without repairing airbag. Please help me.with the recall letter for airbag I apreaciate. Ha”
NHTSA complaint #11705099, 2025

Visibility/Wiper 19

“Near miss of deer at night due to incredibly poor visibility of low beam headlights. Brightest bulb replacements installed and no change in visibility. Low beam internal reflection is defective”
NHTSA complaint #11654015, 2025

“My regular headlights are so dim. When driving at night I have to use my high beams or I cannot see the road. Acura has admitted that there is a problem for the 2015 RDX but has not issued a recall. The original halogen headlight bulbs have damaged the reflective casing that the bulb reflects from. I have tried to improve the beam by replacing the bulbs but nothing works. It is a HUGE safety concern and a flaw in the Acura 2015 RDX headlight assemblies over time.”
NHTSA complaint #11613824, 2024

“I have been noticing over the past few months that my visibility is diminished at night and have to turn my bright lights on even when there are overhead lights. While stopped at light, I noticed the headlights of the car next to me projected out substantially farther than mine. Yesterday I took my car to the dealer to presumably replace the headlight bulbs. But I learned that the bulbs are fine, and the wiring is fine. The problem is that the lens covering the light bulbs has darkened so badly that very little light can escape to project out onto the street in front of me. I was told that the…”
NHTSA complaint #11595904, 2024

Structure 10 1 crash 1 injury

“TAKATA RECALL. THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED WHILE MY RIGHT HAND WAS ON THE 2 O'CLOCK POSITION. I WAS GOING ABOUT 30 MPH ON A CITY STREET, AND HIT A CAR THAT STOPPED SUDDENLY IN FRONT OF ME. IT WAS LIKE A BOMB BLAST ONTO MY WRIST, FORCEFULLY BLASTING OUT ACID AND AIR OR WHATEVER'S IN THAT AIRBAG. I HAVE A TRAUMA INJURY AND CHEMICAL BURNS ON MY WRIST. THERE ARE CHEMICAL BURN HOLES ALL OVER THE DASHBOARD AS WELL. AT FIRST I THOUGHT MY BEADED BRACELET HAD PUNCTURED MY WRIST. ONE BURN LOOKED LIKE A CIGARETTE BURN, AND WITHIN 2 HOURS THE BURN HOLE SKIN TURNED PITCH BLACK. OTHER BLISTERS FORMED AS THE HOURS W…”
NHTSA complaint #10928053, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The sunroof of the vehicle spontaneously shattered while driver was driving on I-5 South in Orange County, California. Driver’s safety was compromised due to the potential for glass to have entered the vehicle while vehicle was in motion. The safety of other motorists on the road was also compromised, as pieces of glass appear to have flown off the sunroof into traffic. The sudden shattering was also extremely loud and startling, which was also a safety hazard because driver could have panicked and lost control of vehicle. After calling to report the incident to Acura, owner was advised the ve…”
NHTSA complaint #11692759, 2025

“The sunroof spontaneously shattered while driving the car. No other vehicles were around and no debris caused the sunroof to shatter. Glass blew in to oncoming traffic and into the car while it was being operated, which posed a risk to myself and other drivers. Upon further investigation, this is a know issue by Honda/Acura and a class action lawsuit has been file, yet the company is unwilling to make repairs to effected cars. There were no warnings etc prior to the sunroof shattering. The car was taken directly to the dealership for repairs and photos are available.”
NHTSA complaint #11608980, 2024

Electrical System 8

“Common problem with this year and model is the low beam projector headlight assembly dims. This is a huge hazard and makes it impossible to see at night with low beam lights. I cannot see more than 30 feet in front of the vehicle at night making the reaction time to any potential threat non-existent at freeway speed and severely reduced in neighborhoods. All options investigated are to replace assembly, not lightbulb. This is a manufacturer fault and cost should be bourn by the manufacturer. Same problem with the RLX and Acura voluntarily recalled those headlights for replacement. They s…”
NHTSA complaint #11711530, 2026

“Headlights Due to the lack of brightness and deterioration over time, the driver is left with a lack of visibility. UNKNOWN if reproduced. No inspections. No warnings or messages.”
NHTSA complaint #11629602, 2024

“Drove vehicle home during daylight. At nite the low-beam lights are useless high-beam needed to be able to see. Carfax was unaware of a "safety recall" for this problem. I found numerous complaints about this on the web. There needs to be a "recall" to get this corrected. Should be addressed by mfg and not consumer.”
NHTSA complaint #11600509, 2024

Unknown Or Other 8 1 crash

“PUT MY CAR IN PARK IN DRIVEWAY WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING, STEPPED OUT OF MY VEHICLE AND IT STARTED MOVING FORWARD, HITTING THE GARAGE. THE CAR HIT THE GARAGE AND I TRIED TO PUSH IT BACKWARDS, IT MOVED BACKWARD AFTER HITTING THE GARAGE AND STARTED ROLLING AWAY FROM THE GARAGE. MY BABY WAS IN THE CAR, SO I GOT IN THE OPEN DOOR OF THE CAR AND ATTEMPTED TO MOVE THE GEAR SHIFT OUT OF P TOWARDS D, THINKING THIS WOULD HELP STOP THE CAR AS I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE PAD. DURING THIS ENTIRE PERIOD, THE CAR WAS MAKING A GRINDING SOUND, WHICH I ASSUME WAS THE BRAKES. THE CAR FINALLY STOPPED ROLLING AND CA…”
NHTSA complaint #11024543, 2017 · crash

“The sunroof of the vehicle spontaneously shattered while driver was driving on I-5 South in Orange County, California. Driver’s safety was compromised due to the potential for glass to have entered the vehicle while vehicle was in motion. The safety of other motorists on the road was also compromised, as pieces of glass appear to have flown off the sunroof into traffic. The sudden shattering was also extremely loud and startling, which was also a safety hazard because driver could have panicked and lost control of vehicle. After calling to report the incident to Acura, owner was advised the ve…”
NHTSA complaint #11692759, 2025

“The sunroof spontaneously shattered while driving the car. No other vehicles were around and no debris caused the sunroof to shatter. Glass blew in to oncoming traffic and into the car while it was being operated, which posed a risk to myself and other drivers. Upon further investigation, this is a know issue by Honda/Acura and a class action lawsuit has been file, yet the company is unwilling to make repairs to effected cars. There were no warnings etc prior to the sunroof shattering. The car was taken directly to the dealership for repairs and photos are available.”
NHTSA complaint #11608980, 2024

Fuel/Propulsion System 6

“My car is experiencing intermittent starting issues due to low fuel pressure from my fuel pump. I am able to start my car by cycling it into accessory mode and letting it set and pressure up before finally starting it. If I didn’t do this, I could eventually have issues with my starter. My mechanic informed me of a recall for Acura RDX models 2017-2019, my car is a 2015 BUT with the exact same fuel pump! Acura won’t release the sell of said pump because it is “currently under a recall”. The recall needs to be expanded to include earlier models of this car. I currently have a warranty on my veh…”
NHTSA complaint #11623906, 2024

“Re: Safety Concerns with 2015 Acura RDX Engine. My vehicle has experienced multiple serious engine failures beginning December 8, 2023, when it suddenly lost power while driving with a flashing check engine light. Despite multiple repair attempts by McDaniel's Acura dealership (timing belt replacement, spark plugs, front cylinder head replacement, pulley replacements), the issues have persisted and worsened. Technicians found oil in cylinders 1&3, metal debris in the oil filter, and diagnosed the engine as failing in May 2024. Current symptoms include white smoke from the tailpipe, engine ratt…”
NHTSA complaint #11659143, 2023

“1. On dash flashing air bag system off 2. Upon acceleration and getting up to speed it missing like bad gas but its not. I use required premium. 3. Not shifting properly upon acceleration of speed properly.”
NHTSA complaint #11477498, 2022

Power Train 4

“I've had the vehicle since around 44 k , Purchase and shortly months later technology lighting a battery issues, someone started hacking me saying they were a car warranty services , harassment in cybersecurity daily I've had over 6-8 electrical light replacements, 2-3 battery replacements, 3 alternator replacements, hacking is daily asking me to pay brides of 1000.00 which I have never participated in, someone talks the entire time stating they are getting my information, hacked my plates, tries to control the vehicle and using cyber security. Department of justice suggested to go to acura de…”
NHTSA complaint #11476731, 2022

“ON 12/4/2020 DURING THE LAST SERVICE ON MY 2015 ACURA RDX, THE MECHANIC NOTICED BADLY RUSTED FRONT DRIVE AXLE SHAFTS AND WARNED ME OF THE POSSIBILITY OF THEIR BREAKING ON THE ROAD. I JUST NOTICED THAT HONDA IS IN THE PROCESS OF ISSUING A RECALL FOR THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. HOWEVER, 2015 RDX IS NOT A PART OF THAT RECALL. 20V769 AND 20V770 ARE THE RECALL NUMBERS FOR THE RELATED ISSUE. I BELIEVE THAT HONDA SHOULD ALSO RECALL 2015 RDX SINCE THE THEIR DRIVE SHAFT AXLES ARE ALSO RUSTING.”
NHTSA complaint #11383885, 2020

“WHEN ACCELERATING OR BRAKING, THE CAR LURCHES FORWARD. IT OCCURS WHEN EVEN PRESSURE IS APPLIED AND IS MOST NOTICEABLE WHEN APPLYING BRAKES AND VEHICLE IS AT 1000 RPMS AND AROUND 20MPH. OFTEN THE DRIVER MUST PRESS HARD ON THE BRAKES IN ORDER TO COME TO COMPLETE STOP AND AVOID HITTING VEHICLE IN FRONT. THIS IS A RECURRING ISSUE. BRAKES WERE REPLACED AT 14,000 MILES IN 7/2016 BY DEALERSHIP AND OWNER FEELS BRAKES MAY HAVE PREMATURELY WORN DUE TO THE BRAKING ISSUE.”
NHTSA complaint #10924657, 2016

Engine 3

“Re: Safety Concerns with 2015 Acura RDX Engine. My vehicle has experienced multiple serious engine failures beginning December 8, 2023, when it suddenly lost power while driving with a flashing check engine light. Despite multiple repair attempts by McDaniel's Acura dealership (timing belt replacement, spark plugs, front cylinder head replacement, pulley replacements), the issues have persisted and worsened. Technicians found oil in cylinders 1&3, metal debris in the oil filter, and diagnosed the engine as failing in May 2024. Current symptoms include white smoke from the tailpipe, engine ratt…”
NHTSA complaint #11659143, 2023

“1. On dash flashing air bag system off 2. Upon acceleration and getting up to speed it missing like bad gas but its not. I use required premium. 3. Not shifting properly upon acceleration of speed properly.”
NHTSA complaint #11477498, 2022

“THE VEHICLE STALLS OUT (LIMP MODE) WHEN ACCELERATING PAST 60 MPH. IT WILL NOT GO ABOVE 3000 RPMS. ONCE THAT HAPPENS, IT IS DIFFICULT TO ACCELERATE AT ALL, EVEN AT VERY LOW SPEEDS. I CAN PRESS THE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR AND NOTHING HAPPENS. THE VEHICLE SHAKES CONSIDERABLY WHEN IDLE.”
NHTSA complaint #11349893, 2020

Steering 3 1 crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 ACURA RDX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE CONTACT INADVERTENTLY LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND COLLIDED WITH A TREE. THE CONTACT DID NOT KNOW HOW CONTROL WAS LOST, BUT BELIEVED IT WAS DUE TO A MECHANICAL FAILURE WITH THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (OPEN ROAD ACURA, 1425 ROUTE 23, WAYNE, NEW JERSEY 07470) WHERE IT WAS AWAITING DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11088609, 2018 · crash

“AFTER DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND THEN SLOWING DOWN, A CHECK VSA SYSTEM, CHECK HILL START ASSIST SYSTEM, AND CHECK POWER STEERING LIGHT COMES ON THE DASH. SOMETIMES AFTER A RESTART THE LIGHT DOESN'T COME ON. SOMETIMES IT TAKES MULTIPLE DRIVES AND RESTARTS TO CLEAR THE LIGHT.”
NHTSA complaint #11354937, 2020

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 ACURA RDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10810598, 2015

Suspension 3 1 crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 ACURA RDX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE CONTACT INADVERTENTLY LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND COLLIDED WITH A TREE. THE CONTACT DID NOT KNOW HOW CONTROL WAS LOST, BUT BELIEVED IT WAS DUE TO A MECHANICAL FAILURE WITH THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (OPEN ROAD ACURA, 1425 ROUTE 23, WAYNE, NEW JERSEY 07470) WHERE IT WAS AWAITING DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11088609, 2018 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 ACURA RDX. THE CONTACT NOTICED AN ABNORMAL CLUNKING NOISE IN THE REAR SUSPENSION. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WALSER ACURA OF WICHITA (10850 E 13TH ST N, WICHITA, KANSAS 67206, 316-341-2288) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR SHOCKS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ANOTHER TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE REAR AND UPPER DAMPERS NEEDED TO BE INSTALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11154703, 2017

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 (NA) ACURA RDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING UP A HILL, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE WHEELS WERE NOT ON THE ROAD. IT WAS UNCERTAIN WHICH WHEELS WERE IN THE AIR. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED WHEN MAKING A LEFT OR RIGHT, THE REAR WHEELS MOVED WHEN DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUSPENSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100. UPDATED 7/29/15*CN THE CONSUMER WOULD LIKE THE COMPLAINT REMOVED FROM THE DATABASE. UPDATED 08…”
NHTSA complaint #10732126, 2015

Vehicle Speed Control 2

“THE VEHICLE STALLS OUT (LIMP MODE) WHEN ACCELERATING PAST 60 MPH. IT WILL NOT GO ABOVE 3000 RPMS. ONCE THAT HAPPENS, IT IS DIFFICULT TO ACCELERATE AT ALL, EVEN AT VERY LOW SPEEDS. I CAN PRESS THE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR AND NOTHING HAPPENS. THE VEHICLE SHAKES CONSIDERABLY WHEN IDLE.”
NHTSA complaint #11349893, 2020

“2015 ACURA RDX THE ACCELERATION IS VERY TOUCHY IN THAT SLIGHT ACCELERATOR PRESSURE GENERATES AN UNEXPECTED INCREASE IN SPEED. THE VEHICLE ALSO TENDS TO HESITATE WHEN ACCELERATING WHILE THE TRANSMISSION IS SIMULTANEOUSLY SHIFTING GEARS. *MW ALSO, WHEN BRAKING AND APPLYING SLIGHT YET CONSTANT PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE, THE BRAKES OFTEN GRABBED MORE ABRUPTLY. WHEN COASTING/SLOWING DOWN, THE TRANSMISSION HAD A NOTICEABLE DECELERATION WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS DOWN SHIFTING. THE FEEL WAS SIMILAR TO DOWN SHIFTING OF A MANUAL TRANSMISSION. IT WAS MORE NOTICEABLE AT 20-30 MPH. THE ISSUES OCCURRED WHEN DRI…”
NHTSA complaint #10660623, 2014

Visibility 2

“The contact owns a 2015 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the sunroof unexpectedly shattered. There was no impact on the sunroof to cause it to shatter. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 74,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11728912, 2026

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 ACURA RDX. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,023.”
NHTSA complaint #11174469, 2019

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 1

“AFTER DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND THEN SLOWING DOWN, A CHECK VSA SYSTEM, CHECK HILL START ASSIST SYSTEM, AND CHECK POWER STEERING LIGHT COMES ON THE DASH. SOMETIMES AFTER A RESTART THE LIGHT DOESN'T COME ON. SOMETIMES IT TAKES MULTIPLE DRIVES AND RESTARTS TO CLEAR THE LIGHT.”
NHTSA complaint #11354937, 2020

Tires 1

“I HAVE REPEATED AND ONGOING PROBLEMS WITH BRAND NEW MICHELIN TIRES LOSING TRACTION, ESPECIALLY ON WET ROADS. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME I HAVE TO PULL OUT ONTO A HIGHWAY. IT ALSO HAPPENS LESS FREQUENTLY ON DRY ROADS. I HAVE SPOKEN WITH THE NEW CAR DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE AND WITH MICHELIN TIRE CUSTOMER SERVICE PEOPLE. THE TIRES ARE THE MICHELIN PRIMACY MXM4 P235/60R/18 ALL-SEASONTIRES. MICHELIN TOLD ME THAT "SLIPPAGE", (WHICH I CALL TRACTION,) IS NOT COVERED BY THEIR WARRANTY. IT IS EXTREMELY DISTURBING TO ME TO SEE A TIRE COMPANY, ESPECIALLY MICHELIN, TO SAY THAT THE TRACTIO…”
NHTSA complaint #10693320, 2015