2017 Acura RDX Problems & Owner Complaints

Power Train 21 1 crash

“The car accelerated rapidly when I came to a stop. When I brought it to, the dealership they found 3 problems with the transmission. First, the transmission had overheated, there were problems in the clutch assembly, and I don't know the third.”
NHTSA complaint #11489112, 2022 · crash

“The contact owns a 2017 Acura RDX. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact's wife enabled the parking brake. The contact stated that at a later while, the vehicle independently accelerated. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the vehicle was repaired an unknown recall was associate…”
NHTSA complaint #11734021, 2026

“The contact owns a 2017 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly sputtered, and the transmission warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and DTC: P0741 was retrieved. The mechanic determined that the torque converter clutch had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer, where the same diagnostic results were provided. The contact was informed that the torque converter clutch had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired…”
NHTSA complaint #11726756, 2026

Electrical System 17

“I was at a stop light, car was stopped, the electronics on the vehicle looked like it went through a reboot, a/c blower fluctuated (turned off then back on), all displays went out and restarted like it does when you start the car. When the traffic light turned green, and I stepped on the gas, the car shuddered and hesitated, like the transmission, abs and traction control were all going haywire. Then the car drove fine. As long as I do not slow down too much or stop. Once I got home and had to back up into the garage, it went through that haywire cycle again. This was the 3rd time this has hap…”
NHTSA complaint #11721875, 2026

“Acura RDX alarm keeps going off; smart power control unit (keyless access/tpms) is faulty.”
NHTSA complaint #11689483, 2025

“My car alarm starting going off at random throughout the night, last night and day today. The car also started flickering all the dashboard lights while the car was turned off completely. This seems like it’s the keyless access unit. I don’t know how the battery is not dead yet but seems like it will be tomorrow. The car has not been diagnosed by a dealership or independent service center but I’m seeing many people say they’ve had this same issue happen to them with the same year, make and model. There was no warning lights or symptoms instead I was woke up in the middle of the night to my car…”
NHTSA complaint #11670941, 2025

Engine 11

“The engine upper magnesium intake manifold is spider cracked around several mating half bolts causing an engine emission warning light to illuminate for bank #2 lean code. I believe the part number for the upper intake manifold is P/N 17160-5G0-A00. 2017 Acura RDX with 84,000 miles. The Acura mechanic knew what the issue was right away stating that it’s known problem with the magnesium intake manifold, but Acura doesn’t have a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #11694335, 2025

“If the vehicle goes over 65 mph the transmission light starts blinking on the dashboard.”
NHTSA complaint #11658415, 2025

“Premature defective hydraulic timing belt tensioner similarly to the 2018 and 2019 RDX under recall. The seal in the tensioner prematurely aged causing hydraulic leakage making it unable to maintain timing belt tension. If the tensioner fail at highway speed causing the timing belt to skip leading to out of timing and major engine malfunction.”
NHTSA complaint #11625027, 2024

Service Brakes 11 3 crash 4 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 ACURA RDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SHE WAS DRIVING, THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL WAS SET TO 25 MPH, WHEN SHE DEPRESSED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AT THE STOPLIGHT, BUT THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND, WHICH RESULTED IN HER VEHICLE REAR-ENDING SIX OTHER VEHICLES. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED AS THE CONTACT AND HER HUSBAND WERE TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL FOR THE INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE CONTACT BELIEVED ONE OF THE DRIVER, WAS ALSO TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL, BUT SHE WAS UNCERTAIN. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOWING LOT AND THE CONTAC…”
NHTSA complaint #11413566, 2021 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AND I WANTED TO SLOW MY CAR DOWN BECAUSE I WAS APPROACHING A CONSTRUCTION AREA. WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES THE BREAK PEDAL WENT RIGHT DOWN TO THE FLOOR. THIS TOTAL BREAK FAILURE DID NOT ALLOW ME TO STOP MY CAR.”
NHTSA complaint #11096578, 2018 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“I was at a stop light, car was stopped, the electronics on the vehicle looked like it went through a reboot, A/C blower fluctuated (turned off then back on), all displays went out and restarted like it does when you start the car. When the traffic light turned green, and I stepped on the gas, the car shuddered and hesitated, like the transmission, ABS and traction control were all going haywire. Then the car drove fine. As long as I do not slow down too much or stop. Once I got home and had to back up into the garage, it went through that haywire cycle again. This was the 3rd time this has ha…”
NHTSA complaint #11675782, 2025

Unknown Or Other 8 1 crash 1 fire 1 death

“The contact called on behalf of her mother who was the owner of a 2017 Acura RDX. The contact was reporting the complaint based on verbal information she received from a police officer. The contact stated her mother was driving out of her driveway when she drove into an embankment and the vehicle was stuck. The contact stated the police officers informed her, that the cause of the fire was due to the driver attempting to drive out of the embankment and reverse out of the embankment several times. The vehicle had caught on fire and the driver passed away in the vehicle as she was unable to exit…”
NHTSA complaint #11486854, 2022 · crash · fire · 1 death(s)

“Locked Acura RDX alarm goes off randomly for no reason. When the alarm is turned off all the lights on the dash are flashing on and off and ticking. The most recent is 8/14/25. But has happened on several occasions especially if locked with the key fob or the lock on exterior of door. On 8/14/2025 it was lock by the inside door lock.”
NHTSA complaint #11680584, 2025

“Pearl white paint peeling on trunk of car, same issue as with MDX models.”
NHTSA complaint #11677038, 2025

Vehicle Speed Control 8

“The contact owns a 2017 Acura RDX. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact's wife enabled the parking brake. The contact stated that at a later while, the vehicle independently accelerated. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the vehicle was repaired an unknown recall was associate…”
NHTSA complaint #11734021, 2026

“I am writing to report a concerning issue with my Acura RDX 2017, which I believe poses a significant safety risk and requires immediate attention from your organization. The problem I encountered while driving jeopardizes the safety of both myself and others on the road. About five days ago, while driving at approximately 20 mph, my vehicle began emitting loud, thunderous sounds, accompanied by intense vibrations that shook the entire car. Additionally, it seemed to struggle when shifting gears, particularly into second or third gear. Despite my careful and gradual acceleration, the car exhi…”
NHTSA complaint #11579723, 2024

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 ACURA RDX. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE AND LOSS MOTIVE POWER. THE VEHICLE COASTED TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND OPERATED AS DESIGNED FOR LESS THAN ONE MINUTE BEFORE THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO SCHALLER ACURA (345 CENTER ST, MANCHESTER, CT 06040, (860) 647-7077) WHO WERE UNABLE TO IDENTIFY THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE REOCCURRED AT 35-40 MPH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND A CASE WAS OPENED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,800.”
NHTSA complaint #11365183, 2020

Forward Collision Avoidance 4

“Part - Control Unit, Smart Power - Acura 38320-TX4-A31 has been diagnosed as defective causing major electrical issues. Dealer says it affects the safety features of the car yet they can't get a replacment part. Afraid to allow my wife to drive not knowing if the safety features we paid for actually work. Air bags? Electrical breakdown during operation? A simple search finds it is a common problem with Acura and Hondas of this time period.”
NHTSA complaint #11519097, 2023

“While driving, all ADAS and Emmision System malfunctioned AND went offline (errors appear on main control panel and these features were no longer working). Fortunately, the car was otherwise still drivable without these features. It was brought to a local Acura dealer and they performed a software update which fixed the problem (at least so far after a week of driving).”
NHTSA complaint #11509543, 2023

“WHILE USING THE CRUISE CONTROL, VEHICLE WILL AUTOMATICALLY SLAM ON THE BRAKES WITHOUT REASON. THIS TYPICALLY OCCURS ON HIGHWAY WHERE VEHICLE WILL AUTOMATICALLY BRAKE REDUCING SPEED DRAMATICALLY. VEHICLE WILL GO FROM 70MPH TO 55 MPH IN A FEW SECONDS CAUSING THE VEHICLES BEHIND TO HAVE TO BRAKE FAST TO AVOID COLLISION. ACURA HAS WORKED ON VEHICLE 4 TIMES AND CLAIMS THEY CANNOT FIX THE SYSTEM. I WAS TOLD TO HOLD MY FOOT OVER THE ACCELERATOR TO INCREASE SPEED WHEN THIS HAPPENS. THEY ALSO TOLD ME THAT THEY ARE VERY AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM BUT OFFERED NO CORRECTION FOR THIS UNSAFE CONDITION. IT…”
NHTSA complaint #11396930, 2021

Air Bags 3 2 crash 2 injury

“The contact owns a 2017 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH and attempting to avoid a second vehicle the husband lost control of the steering and crashed into a tree. During the crash the front end of the vehicle was severely damaged but the front driver's side air bag did not deploy. The front passenger side curtain air bag did deploy although no passenger was seated in the vehicle. The vehicle was destroyed and towed away. A police report was taken at the scene. The driver sustained a right hand abrasion that did not required medical treatment. The cause of…”
NHTSA complaint #11590516, 2024 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Rear ended other vehicle going about 40 plus miles per hour, then another vehicle rear ended me. Upon impact ( which I have pictures of) my driver side seatbelt released completely unbuckled & dangling , my dash lit up & said airbags deployed. But no airbags deployed. In turn upon impact my sternum hit my steering wheel. It busted the radiator so now my car will not even turn on. It is at a Collision Center awaiting adjuster inspection. Since the radiator busted the other vehicle & myself couldn’t tell if it was steam or smoke coming from the engine. So I turned the car off, it has never…”
NHTSA complaint #11588985, 2024 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“MY VEHICLE HAD TWO RECALLS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM . IT WAS SERVICED BY THE FIRST RECALL , HOWEVER THE SAME PROBLEM RETURNED WITH ANOTHER AIRBAG NOTIFICATION . WHEN I CONTACTED ACURA AND MY DEALER THEY ARE TELLING ME THAT DESPITE THE LATEST RECALL MY VEHICLE IS NOT ON THE LIST. I BELIEVE IT HAS TO BE RELATED ,BUT THEY CANNOT TELL ME WHY VEHICLE IS EXEMPT FROM THE SECOND RECALL. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE OF THE IMMINENT DANGER . I NEED YOUR HELP. I NEED TO KNOW WHY VEHICLE IS EXEMPT .”
NHTSA complaint #11209546, 2018

Fuel/Propulsion System 3

“THIS CAR HAS JUST 10,000 MILES. WHEN THE CAR STARTED IT SUDDENLY OVER ACCELERATED OVER 5800 RPM AND THE ENGINE HAD TO BE TURNED OFF. EVERY TIME THE ENGINE WAS STARTED THE MOTOR OVER RUNNING ABOVE THE 5800RPM. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE ACURA REPAIR SHOP. THE ACURA'S MECHANIC DO NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. I WILL LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE ARE OTHER ACURA' VEHICLES THAT HAVE HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM AND HOE WILL BE FIXED.”
NHTSA complaint #11386470, 2020

“ON THE DAY 10/27/2016 I PURCHASED A ZERO MILE ACURA RDX 2017 VEHICLE FROM BELLA GROUP AT KENNEDY SAN JUAN WITH TRANSMISSION ISSUES. IT JUMPS MOSTLY WHEN IT PASSES 20 MHP AND WHEN IT BRAKES SHE JUMPED AS IF LOWERING CHANGES. DURING THE PAST 3 YEARS I WENT TO ACURA SERVICE IN GUAYNABO AND I TOLD ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION AND THEY ALWAYS TOLD ME THAT IT WAS FINE. ON 9/3/2020 I TOOK THE CAR AND TOLD ACURA SERVICE EVERY TIME ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION, IT WAS DELIVERED TO ME AS EVERYTHING WAS FINE WHICH BOTHERED ME AND I ASKED FOR A MANAGER. THE MANAGER CAME AND WE GAVE A TEST DRIVE AND IN 5 MINUTES HE F…”
NHTSA complaint #11317957, 2020

“I REQUESTED FREE DIAGNOSTIC FROM ACURA AND THEY DENIED DUE TO INVOLVEMENT OF ACCIDENT ON 2/27/2018(REAR-END). BUT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED IN THE BODY SHOP CERTIFIED BY ACURA AND I MADE CLAIM AGAIN TO GEICO INSURANCE COMPANY TO FIGURE OUT. THE SUBJECT VEHICLE HAVE THE FUEL CONSUMPTION DROPPED FROM 25 MILES/GALLON TO 20 MILES/GALLON AND SMELL GASOLINE WHEN TURN ON THE ENGINE. ACURA CASE# IS 09121073 AND MR. AMARY TALKED ME ABOUT THEIR WAY TO DEAL WITH CUSTOMER. THE SUBJECT VEHICLE IS LEASED AND WE HAVE STILL 2 YEARS TERM LEFT ON IT. ACURA IS TRYING TO IGNORE A POTENTIAL HAZARD AND SAFETY ISS…”
NHTSA complaint #11151490, 2018

Lane Departure 3

“While driving, all ADAS and Emmision System malfunctioned AND went offline (errors appear on main control panel and these features were no longer working). Fortunately, the car was otherwise still drivable without these features. It was brought to a local Acura dealer and they performed a software update which fixed the problem (at least so far after a week of driving).”
NHTSA complaint #11509543, 2023

“Since we have had the car we have had multiple issues with the car jerking and shifting hard after driving in S mode then going to standard mode. Dealership told us the transmission is "sensitive" in our model year and if we go 1 mile overdue for a transmission fluid flush we will have shudder/jerking/ hard shifting. (we have changed the transmission fluid 1-2x since have had the car, which is within range of recommended). Last episode- battery was dead, jumpstarted and car jerking at low speeds to the point I did not drive it and had it told. We were also told their was a short in the circu…”
NHTSA complaint #11499553, 2022

“While driving on the freeway we experienced 2 conditions 1 The steering wheel jerks back and forth by about an inch in each direction 5 or 6 times 2 when changing lanes the steering wheel moved the car back from the lane we were coming from. It took force to keep the car in the lane A message came up in the dashboard COLLISION MITIGATION SYSTEM PROBLEM Acura Of Roseville CA denies there is a problem, as they can’t get the message to come up and supposedly the computer didn’t record the message. ADDITIONALLY the lane keeper assist goes off unexpectedly”
NHTSA complaint #11445858, 2021

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 2

“DURING MORNING COMMUTE ON HIGHWAY MULTIPLE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON, INCLUDING ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EMISSIONS, LANE DEPARTURE, AND POWER STEERING. ON RAPID ACCELERATION VEHICLE HAD PRONOUNCED POWER LOSS, WHICH OBVIOUSLY COULD BE DANGEROUS. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS VERY THING HAS HAPPENED TO THE VEHICLE. IT'S AT LEAST THE 4TH TIME MULTIPLE WARNING LIGHTS HAVE COME ON, AND THE SECOND FOR THE LOSS OF POWER ON ACCELERATION. THE DEALERSHIP CONSULTED ACURA TECHNICAL SUPPORT THE LAST TIME AND SAID THEY HAD IDENTIFIED AND FIXED THE PROBLEM.”
NHTSA complaint #11257617, 2019

“9,249 MILES ON A 2017 ACURA RDX. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE IN MOTION ON A HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH WITH NOTABLE LOSS OF POWER (ONCE STOPPED IT TOOK A FULL 30 SECONDS TO GET TO 15 MPH). LET CAR SIT FOR 2 HOURS AS MANUAL STATED. ONCE RESTARTED AND DRIVEN FOR APPROXIMATELY 20 FEET ALL LIGHTS ON DASHBOARD WHERE FLASHING AND AGAIN VIRTUALLY NO POWER. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. TECH PERFORMED HDS SCAN AND RETRIEVED ERROR CODES: P0304, P0 05, AND P0306...4/5/6. DEALERSHIP CLAIMS WAS ALL DUE TO NEEDING A SOFTWARE UPDATE. OF WHICH I NEVER WOULD HAVE BEEN AWARE OF UNLESS I EXPERI…”
NHTSA complaint #11000156, 2017

Seat Belts 2 1 crash 1 injury

“Rear ended other vehicle going about 40 plus miles per hour, then another vehicle rear ended me. Upon impact ( which I have pictures of) my driver side seatbelt released completely unbuckled & dangling , my dash lit up & said airbags deployed. But no airbags deployed. In turn upon impact my sternum hit my steering wheel. It busted the radiator so now my car will not even turn on. It is at a Collision Center awaiting adjuster inspection. Since the radiator busted the other vehicle & myself couldn’t tell if it was steam or smoke coming from the engine. So I turned the car off, it has never…”
NHTSA complaint #11588985, 2024 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Structure 2

“The sunroof exploded with no outside impact. I drive to the office in the morning and as soon as I put the car in park the sunroof exploded with a huge noise. Nothing fell on the sunroof and there was nothing wrong with the sunroof until then. I had opened and closed the sunroof the day before with no issues. The sunroof exploded and shattered the glass in thousands of pieces. Fortunately the sunshade was closed which protected the shattered glass from falling on me.”
NHTSA complaint #11435206, 2021

“CURRENT PAINT: WHITE DIAMOND PEARL. REAR OF VEHICLE, BELOW THE REAR WINDOW GLASS, THE PAINT IS CHIPPING. CHIPPING SIZE CURRENTLY IS APPROXIMATELY 3X3". VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY.”
NHTSA complaint #11387607, 2021

Suspension 2

“I PURCHASED THE 2017 ACURA RDX, ON MARCH 20, 2017 WITH 20 MILES. I NOTICED THIS PAST SATURDAY, JUNE 24, 2017, THAT IS RUST IN THE EXHAUST AREA, AROUND THE WHEELS AND OTHER AREAS UNDERNEATH THE AUTO.”
NHTSA complaint #11001501, 2017

Visibility/Wiper 2

“FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW REGULATOR FAILURE AFTER JUST 2 YEARS OF SERVICE”
NHTSA complaint #11254022, 2019

“DRIVER MIRROR,SPLIT SCREEN. AS VEHICLE APPROACHES FROM THE REAR DRIVER SIDE, VEHICLE APPEARS IN SPLIT SCREEN AND AS IT APPROACHES IT APPEARS TO VEER INTO YOUR CAR. FIRST REACTION IS TO TURN RIGHT, AS IT SEEMS THE APPROACHING VEHICLE IS GOING TO HIT MY REAR SIDE. GUT REACTION CAUSES ME ME TURN SHARPLY TO THE RIGHT, INDANGERING TRAFFIC IN RIGHT LANE( IF I AM IN MIDDLE LANE OF THREE LANE HIGHWAY) OR VEER INTO DITCH ON RIGHT. THIS MIRROR SHOULD BE REPLACED WITH NORMAL VIEW, IT ALMOST KILLED ME.”
NHTSA complaint #11024736, 2017

Back Over Prevention 1

“Part - Control Unit, Smart Power - Acura 38320-TX4-A31 has been diagnosed as defective causing major electrical issues. Dealer says it affects the safety features of the car yet they can't get a replacment part. Afraid to allow my wife to drive not knowing if the safety features we paid for actually work. Air bags? Electrical breakdown during operation? A simple search finds it is a common problem with Acura and Hondas of this time period.”
NHTSA complaint #11519097, 2023

Exterior Lighting 1

“I own a 2017 Acura RDX that I purchased new in 2017. My vehicle only has 45587 miles on it. I've noticed in this last year, that it is very hard to see at night. When driving at night I have to use my high beams to be able to see ahead and drive safely. Yesterday(10/16/2023) when driving home around 8:30 at night I was pulled over by a state trooper for driving with my high beams on. Luckily enough I only received a warning to get my headlights fixed and not a ticket. This incident prompted me to call the dealership to see how much it would cost to have my headlights replaced. I was told it wo…”
NHTSA complaint #11550557, 2023

Firerelated 1 1 crash 1 fire 1 death

“The contact called on behalf of her mother who was the owner of a 2017 Acura RDX. The contact was reporting the complaint based on verbal information she received from a police officer. The contact stated her mother was driving out of her driveway when she drove into an embankment and the vehicle was stuck. The contact stated the police officers informed her, that the cause of the fire was due to the driver attempting to drive out of the embankment and reverse out of the embankment several times. The vehicle had caught on fire and the driver passed away in the vehicle as she was unable to exit…”
NHTSA complaint #11486854, 2022 · crash · fire · 1 death(s)

Steering 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 ACURA RDX. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DUNCAN ACURA (2032 PETERS CREEK RD, ROANOKE, VA 24017) WHERE THE FAILURE WAS DIAGNOSED AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE OF THE DIAGNOSIS OR REPAIRS THAT WERE COMPLETED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOR FURTHER DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,500.”
NHTSA complaint #11111895, 2018

Wheels 1

“I PURCHASED THE 2017 ACURA RDX, ON MARCH 20, 2017 WITH 20 MILES. I NOTICED THIS PAST SATURDAY, JUNE 24, 2017, THAT IS RUST IN THE EXHAUST AREA, AROUND THE WHEELS AND OTHER AREAS UNDERNEATH THE AUTO.”
NHTSA complaint #11001501, 2017