2016 Acura RDX Problems & Owner Complaints

Power Train 9

“On May 25, 2026, while driving my 2016 Acura RDX AWD on the interstate at highway speed, it suddenly began running rough and felt as if I was driving over low, spaced-out speed bumps. The check engine light started flashing, and multiple safety-system warnings appeared, including AWD System Problem, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) Problem, Hill Start Assist Problem, Electric Power Steering (EPS) Problem, and lane-keeping warnings. The vehicle lost normal performance, and I was concerned about safely continuing in interstate traffic. The interstate shoulder was narrow, and the shoulder was end…”
NHTSA complaint #11744363, 2026

“The contact owns a 2016 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 25 MPH, there was a loud clicking sound coming from underneath the vehicle on the front passenger side of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact’s wife took the vehicle to the local independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the front passenger’s side axle was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 55,495.”
NHTSA complaint #11636287, 2024

“A judder from the torque converter is felt when driving between 20 and 60 mph”
NHTSA complaint #11635085, 2024

Electrical System 8 1 fire

“THE 2016 ACURA RDX NEWLY PURCHASED ON 4/25/2016 FROM FRESNO ACURA HAD A SPONTANEOUS FIRE AND SUBSEQUENT IMMEDIATE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE DURING A TRIP FROM FRESNO (CALIFORNIA) TO MONTEREY (CALIFORNIA). THE VEHICLE HAD AN ESTIMATED 250 MILES ON THE ODOMETER AT THE TIME OF THE ENGINE AND ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NONOPERATIONAL AND WAS TOWED TO LOS GATOS ACURA AND WITH UNCLEAR CAUSE AS TO THE ELECTRICAL AND ENGINE FAILURE AND INITIAL INSPECTION SUGGESTED A "RESIDUE" AROUND THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND A SUBSEQUENT FACTORY SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND REPORTED, "…”
NHTSA complaint #10874431, 2016 · fire

“On several occasions, the car alarm starts randomly sounding. When my son went to the vehicle, the lights on the dash board were flashing on and off and there was a clicking sound. We replaced the batteries in the key fobs. The battery was low so we had that recharged but the problem continued. We replaced the car battery and that appeared to solve the problem for about 6 months. The same problem occurred again. The only way to stop the alarm from going off is to disconnect the battery. Leaving the door unlocked does not stop this from happening. When we searched online, it is clear this is a…”
NHTSA complaint #11737153, 2026

“After getting my tires rotated, the Check emission sensor, check transmission light, and check blind spot system all came on at once and my transmission began jerking.”
NHTSA complaint #11438737, 2021

Engine 7 2 fire

“2016 ACURA RDX WITH APPROX 31,000 MILES. AFTER APPROX 1.5 MILE TRIP PARKED IT AT A SHOPPING CENTER, TURNED OFF THE ENGINE AND LOCKED THE CAR. WITHIN 3 MIN THE ENGINE SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED THE ENTIRE ENGINE COMPARTMENT BEFORE THE FIRE DEPT PUT IT OUT. CONTACTED HONDA AND TOLD THEM THEY SHOULD LOOK AT IT TO SEE IF IT WAS AN INHERANT SAFETY PROBLEM. HONDA SAID THEY WERE NOT INTERESTED IN LOOKING AT THE CAR AND TO LET MY INSURANCE HANDLE IT. TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED AFTER BEING TOLD BY THEM THAT THEY WOULD LOOK INTO IT AS IT STILL HAD A POWER TRAIN WARRANTY.…”
NHTSA complaint #11269262, 2019 · fire

“THE 2016 ACURA RDX NEWLY PURCHASED ON 4/25/2016 FROM FRESNO ACURA HAD A SPONTANEOUS FIRE AND SUBSEQUENT IMMEDIATE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE DURING A TRIP FROM FRESNO (CALIFORNIA) TO MONTEREY (CALIFORNIA). THE VEHICLE HAD AN ESTIMATED 250 MILES ON THE ODOMETER AT THE TIME OF THE ENGINE AND ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NONOPERATIONAL AND WAS TOWED TO LOS GATOS ACURA AND WITH UNCLEAR CAUSE AS TO THE ELECTRICAL AND ENGINE FAILURE AND INITIAL INSPECTION SUGGESTED A "RESIDUE" AROUND THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND A SUBSEQUENT FACTORY SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND REPORTED, "…”
NHTSA complaint #10874431, 2016 · fire

“On May 25, 2026, while driving my 2016 Acura RDX AWD on the interstate at highway speed, it suddenly began running rough and felt as if I was driving over low, spaced-out speed bumps. The check engine light started flashing, and multiple safety-system warnings appeared, including AWD System Problem, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) Problem, Hill Start Assist Problem, Electric Power Steering (EPS) Problem, and lane-keeping warnings. The vehicle lost normal performance, and I was concerned about safely continuing in interstate traffic. The interstate shoulder was narrow, and the shoulder was end…”
NHTSA complaint #11744363, 2026

Service Brakes 6 1 crash

“The contact owns a 2016 Acura RDX. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH a deer had jumped in front of his vehicle. The contact stated that he depressed the brake pedal with force, however, the pedal did not respond and depressed to the floorboard with no resistance. The contact stated that he was pumping the brake pedal when he crashed into the deer. The contact stated that the vehicle continued forward for several hundred yards before he was able to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that he was able to drive the vehicle to a dealer, it was an out-of-state dealer since he h…”
NHTSA complaint #11556426, 2022 · crash

“THE AUTOMATIC BRAKE MITIGATION SYSTEM HAS DEPLOYED ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS FOR NO APPARENT REASON. EACH TIME I WAS DRIVING ON A CLEAR ROAD WITH NO OBSTRUCTIONS OR TRAFFIC IN FRONT OF MY VEHICLE WHEN THE SYSTEM ACTIVATED AND BEGAN BRAKING . THIS HAS NOT LET TO AN ACCIDENT YET BUT I THINK IT IS AN OBVIOUS SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE IT COULD CAUSE A DRIVER FOLLOWING BEHIND ME TO "REAR - END" ME OR IT COULD CAUSE ME TO HAVE A SINGLE CAR ACCIDENT IN MY OWN CAR BY UN-NECESSARILY BRAKING ON A ROADWAY COMPROMISED BY RAIN, SNOW OR ICE WHEN I WAS NOT PREPARED OR UNABLE TO MANAGE A BRAKING EPISODE. I HAVE…”
NHTSA complaint #11041039, 2017

“COLLISION MITIGATION BREAKING SYSTEM ENGAGES RANDOMLY WHEN NOT NECESSARY. SEEMS TO BE HEAT RELATED AS IT OCCURS DURING VERY HOT WEATHER. A SUDDEN STOP IS JARRING AND COULD BE DANGEROUS.”
NHTSA complaint #11010810, 2017

Fuel/Propulsion System 4

“Vehicle constantly surges during acceleration, seems as if the transmission is bad however, it also feels as if the fuel filter is clogged. This sputter occurs at various speed. Vehicle has less than 64,000 miles. Is there a fix to this issue?”
NHTSA complaint #11428505, 2021

“MY CAR HAD 9100 ON RDX I NEEDED TO HAVE MY PADS AND ROTOR REPLACED ON FROM BRAKES. I HAD PROBLEMS WITH BRAKES AT 5000 MILES. WHEN I PICK UP CAR I HEARD NOICE WHEN PUMPING BREAKS WHEN I WAS PICKING UP VEHICLE AND MECHANIC COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. I HAVE TALK TO ACURA CUSTOMER SERVICE WHICH WERE NOT HELPFUL. I SPOKE TO JIM BROWN GM AT RON TONKIN. HE STATED HE WOULD TALK TO HIS MANAGER OF REPAIRS AND ACURA REP ABOUT CAR. I HAVE ALREADY HAD THE RADIO AND BOARD REPLACED. LANE KEEP ASSIST WARNING LIGHT COME ON 2 TIMES AND RESET MY SOFTWARE RESET. THE MICROPHONE REPLACED. I HAVE HAD TERR…”
NHTSA complaint #10968227, 2017

“From the time purchased there has been a hesitation/sputtering during acceleration. I took the car in during the warranty period and they said nothing could be found. It has continued for 6 years. I have read of similar problems with this model and year.”
NHTSA complaint #11472142, 2016

Steering 4

“On May 25, 2026, while driving my 2016 Acura RDX AWD on the interstate at highway speed, it suddenly began running rough and felt as if I was driving over low, spaced-out speed bumps. The check engine light started flashing, and multiple safety-system warnings appeared, including AWD System Problem, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) Problem, Hill Start Assist Problem, Electric Power Steering (EPS) Problem, and lane-keeping warnings. The vehicle lost normal performance, and I was concerned about safely continuing in interstate traffic. The interstate shoulder was narrow, and the shoulder was end…”
NHTSA complaint #11744363, 2026

“The contact owns a 2016 Acura RDX. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle while turning to the left or the right. The contact stated that the steering wheel failed to function as intended. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering gear and suspension had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was…”
NHTSA complaint #11663715, 2024

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 ACURA RDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED WHILE EXITING A FUEL SERVICE STATION. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT, THE STEERING WHEEL ABRUPTLY LOCKED AND THE VEHICLE DROVE INTO A DITCH. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE STEERING WHEEL REGAINED NORMAL OPERATION WHILE REVERSING THE VEHICLE OUT OF THE DITCH. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11034116, 2017

Unknown Or Other 4

“The transmission is Jerky and has a rough up and down shift. Vehicle has stalled and shut off without warning. My wife says the vehicle acts as though its about to die when ac compressor/blower kicks on.”
NHTSA complaint #11533499, 2023

“DEFECTIVE KNOCK SENSOR AFTER 40,000 MI.....4 YEARS”
NHTSA complaint #11339420, 2020

“I WAS DRIVING MY 2016 ACURA RDX DOWN A LOCAL CITY ROAD MIDDAY. THERE WERE NO CARS IN THE VICINITY. WHILE DRIVING (ABOUT 35 MPH), I SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING HEARD A LOUD NOISE OF GLASS SHATTERING. THERE WAS NO PRIOR SOUND OF ANY ANIMAL OR OBJECT HITTING THE CAR. I TURNED AROUND TO SEE MY REAR DRIVER SIDE WINDOW HAD SHATTERED IN ITS ENTIRETY INTO THE CAR. I STOPPED THE CAR TO ASSESS THE SITUATION. I DID NOT SEE ANY ANIMAL OR ROCK/DEBRIS - JUST THE GLASS SHATTERED ONTO THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT AND FLOOR.”
NHTSA complaint #11154137, 2018

Structure 3

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 ACURA RDX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, A BANGING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM UNDER THE SUBFRAME OF THE VEHICLE AND THE AIR CONDITIONING WOULD NO LONGER BLOW COOL AIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BRADSHAW ACURA (2450 LAURENS RD, GREENVILLE, SC) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM BOLT HAD ERRONEOUSLY DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000. THE VIN WAS INVALID.”
NHTSA complaint #11218870, 2019

“I WAS DRIVING MY 2016 ACURA RDX DOWN A LOCAL CITY ROAD MIDDAY. THERE WERE NO CARS IN THE VICINITY. WHILE DRIVING (ABOUT 35 MPH), I SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING HEARD A LOUD NOISE OF GLASS SHATTERING. THERE WAS NO PRIOR SOUND OF ANY ANIMAL OR OBJECT HITTING THE CAR. I TURNED AROUND TO SEE MY REAR DRIVER SIDE WINDOW HAD SHATTERED IN ITS ENTIRETY INTO THE CAR. I STOPPED THE CAR TO ASSESS THE SITUATION. I DID NOT SEE ANY ANIMAL OR ROCK/DEBRIS - JUST THE GLASS SHATTERED ONTO THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT AND FLOOR.”
NHTSA complaint #11154137, 2018

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 ACURA RDX. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE TRUNK AND THE MOON ROOF INADVERTENTLY OPENED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 27,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10939768, 2016

Air Bags 2 2 crash 3 injury

“I WAS T-BONED ON THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR BY A FORD TAURUS SEDAN THAT RAN A RED LIGHT AT A RELATIVELY HIGH RATE OF SPEED (I WAS TAKING A LEFT HAND TURN BUT THE CAR WAS STOPPED AND I WAS YIELDING TO ONCOMING TRAFFIC THAT WAS GOING STRAIGHT). THE TAURUS HIT THE BACK-END OF A HONDA CRV AND THEN HIT ME. THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR COLLAPSED ONTO ME AND THE METAL FROM THE DOOR GOUGED MY BACK. THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW SHATTERED AND CUT ME WITH GLASS. THE SIDE AIR BAG CURTAIN AND THE DOOR AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. THE EMERGENCY PERSONNEL WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THIS AND LOOKED AT THE ISSUE AND TRYING TO DEPLOY THE…”
NHTSA complaint #11061221, 2017 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“The driver side airbag. And yes, it can be inspected. I was involved in a low impact accident, where I struck a minor curb. The airbag deployed in my face, causing a loss of consciousness and ongoing concussion. No warning signs at all. Not yet, the vehicle is being looked at on Monday. The vehicle was inspected by the police.”
NHTSA complaint #11688510, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Suspension 2

“The contact owns a 2016 Acura RDX. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle while turning to the left or the right. The contact stated that the steering wheel failed to function as intended. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering gear and suspension had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was…”
NHTSA complaint #11663715, 2024

“The contact owns a 2016 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 25 MPH, there was a loud clicking sound coming from underneath the vehicle on the front passenger side of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact’s wife took the vehicle to the local independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the front passenger’s side axle was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 55,495.”
NHTSA complaint #11636287, 2024

Visibility 2 1 crash

“The contact owns a 2016 Acura RDX. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH a deer had jumped in front of his vehicle. The contact stated that he depressed the brake pedal with force, however, the pedal did not respond and depressed to the floorboard with no resistance. The contact stated that he was pumping the brake pedal when he crashed into the deer. The contact stated that the vehicle continued forward for several hundred yards before he was able to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that he was able to drive the vehicle to a dealer, it was an out-of-state dealer since he h…”
NHTSA complaint #11556426, 2022 · crash

“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 ACURA RDX. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE MOON ROOF SHATTERED WITHOUT IMPACT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11417657, 2021

Chest Clip 1

“Please see attached photos regarding unsafe issue with our Britax 1 for life clicktight carseat purchased 2021 and utilized from the end of 2021 to Dec. 2024. The harness strap would not tighten with ease, so I tugged with light force and the bolts that held the button to loosen the harness popped out. The harness then would not tighten at all. We threw the seat away but wanted to report the issue to you out of concern for others who are still utilizing this seat.”
NHTSA complaint #11632077, 2024

Forward Collision Avoidance 1

“WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH I TRAVELED OVER A 50 TOOT, 2 LANE BRIDGE THE FCW AND BRAKE WARNING ENGAGED. THERE WAS NO OTHER CARS IN FRONT OF ME. THIS OCCURS EACH TIME I TRAVEL OVER THIS BRIDGE (APPROXIMATELY 20 TIMES). IT HAS ALSO HAPPENED WHEN TRAVELLING OVER SIMILAR BRIDGES. THE FIRST TIME WAS JUNE 2016. MOST RECENTLY, NOVEMBER 2020.”
NHTSA complaint #11384903, 2016

Seats 1

“POWER DRIVER'S SEAT RANDOMLY AND WITHOUT WARNING MOVES FORWARD PUSHING ME INTO THE STEERING WHEEL MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE UNTIL I CAN STOP AND REACH THE SEAT MEMORY BUTTONS TO RESET THE SEAT OR PUSH THE SEAT ADJUSTMENT BUTTONS. IT HAS OCCURRED INFREQUENTLY WHEN I ENTER THE VEHICLE TO DRIVE. ED MARTIN ACURA HAS FAILED TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE AS I REQUESTED. THE DEALER IS NOT RESPONDING TO MY ASSISTANCE REQUEST TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE.”
NHTSA complaint #10808195, 2015

Tires 1 1 crash

“The contact owns a 2016 Acura RDX. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH a deer had jumped in front of his vehicle. The contact stated that he depressed the brake pedal with force, however, the pedal did not respond and depressed to the floorboard with no resistance. The contact stated that he was pumping the brake pedal when he crashed into the deer. The contact stated that the vehicle continued forward for several hundred yards before he was able to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that he was able to drive the vehicle to a dealer, it was an out-of-state dealer since he h…”
NHTSA complaint #11556426, 2022 · crash

Wheels 1

“ACURA RDX HAS REMOVED THE MINI SPARE AND PROVIDED A SMALL AIR COMPRESSOR. THIS IS FINE IF YOU ARE LOW ON AIR. BUT IF YOU HAVE A BLOW OUT, SHRED THE TIRE, OR BREAK A RIM YOU ARE STRANDED INDEFINITELY. I BELIEVE THAT THIS CAUSES UNNECESSARY RISK TO DRIVERS AND A MINI SPARE SHOULD BE PROVIDED AS A MINIMUM. ALSO THE SPARE STORAGE SHOULD ACCOMMODATE THE FULL SIZE TIRE AND RIM FOR THOSE OF US THAT BELIEVE A MINI SPARE ALONE IS A DANGER TO TO THE DRIVER SAFETY BECAUSE DEGRADED BRAKING AND HANDLING DURING USE.”
NHTSA complaint #10783066, 2015