2018 Acura RDX Problems & Owner Complaints

Fuel System 17

“The contact owns a 2018 Acura RDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”
NHTSA complaint #11664353, 2025

“The contact owns a 2018 Acura RDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle started sputtering and almost stalled. The contact stated that there was a yellow exclamation mark on the instrument cluster. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The conta…”
NHTSA complaint #11659351, 2025

“The contact owns a 2018 Acura RDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”
NHTSA complaint #11629847, 2024

Fuel/Propulsion System 16

“About About a year ago I received notification that The fuel pump impeller was improperly moulded and this could cause the car to shut down. This could cause accidents. Well, I have called Acura and Honda dealerships a multiple times and they give me the run around. Some say wait for mail stating that I should schedule an appointment. I never received such letter. Other dealers didn’t even look up my vin number and said that the one I was giving them was wrong. It is imperative that this gets repaired because I drive about 144 miles a day Monday to Friday and Honda is not helping. My vin numb…”
NHTSA complaint #11635004, 2025

“The car jerks right at 20mph in traffic every time as long as you continue to drive. When you pull over, turn the car off, restart the car the problem stops. I’ve had this problem off and on for the last two years and it’s getting worse.”
NHTSA complaint #11631161, 2024

“I have received the recall notice from American Honda Motor company regarding the recall number 23V-858 for my Acura RDX 2018 fuel pump recall. My car had symptoms described by the recall: could not start the engine as well as losing drive power. I didn't record the exact days the incident occurred but it was early in 2024. Acura told me the fuel pump replacements were available and sent to their dealers but it was not the case. I have contact local Acura dealers in San Diego and they said they have not received the Acura RDX fuel pumps from manufacture. I also contacted the Acura dealer in T…”
NHTSA complaint #11629638, 2024

Power Train 12 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 ACURA RDX. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING AND PARKED ON AN INCLINE, THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE, OPENED THE TAILGATE, AND THE ALARM SOUNDED. THE CONTACT WALKED OVER TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR, WHICH WAS AJAR, BUT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ROLL AND KNOCKED THE CONTACT OVER. THE VEHICLE STOPPED WHEN IT WAS ON LEVEL GROUND. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE RIBS AND A FRACTURED PELVIS, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER (PRIME ACURA, 395 PROVIDENCE HIGHWAY, WESTWOOD, MA 02090, (508) 921-1900), BUT THEY…”
NHTSA complaint #11111014, 2018 · 1 injury(ies)

“Vehicle Information: 2018 Acura RDX AWDAffected System: Power Train / Automatic Transmission / Torque ConverterAssociated Code/Bulletin: DTC P0741 / Acura TSB B23-029Complaint Description:The vehicle is experiencing a documented manufacturer defect covered under Acura Warranty Extension TSB B23-029, where the internal torque converter lock-up piston cracks, causing hydraulic fluid pressure to bleed down. A professional diagnostic scan confirmed active Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0741 alongside a flashing transmission "D" indicator on the dashboard.This mechanical component failure creates a…”
NHTSA complaint #11746842, 2026

“The transmission went into limp mode one day after coming to a stop. When I safely got home, I turned the car off. Upon restarting, the issue was gone, but this has now happened several times. Each time, putting the car into park, shutting it off, and restarting it "resets" whatever was going on. Eventually the CE light came on, got the code, and it came back as P0873. The CE light was off after once again shutting the engine off and then restarting. I've purchased the necessary materials to complete the repair, but I've read on many forums this is a common issue, with some even reporting it r…”
NHTSA complaint #11746062, 2026

Engine 10

“The torque converter is defective in my 2018 Acura RDX. I have received flashing warning lights on my dashboard in Red " Check Transmission." This warning light is due to Acura's defective torque converter. The torque converter affects the shifting of power during driving and cause hesitance or shuddering when attempting to accelerate.which causes my vehicle to sometimes to have a decrease in power . This affects my safety while driving my 2018 Acura RDX. Acura is aware of this defect and safety risk. Acura Client Relations informed me that Acura was mandated by the government to provid…”
NHTSA complaint #11689762, 2025

“[XXX] on [XXX], traveling 70mph on busy highway, blind spot monitoring failed, gear display failed, and check transmission message flashed across display. Had to guide car safety off road and into parking lot. This was first time ever happened. Did not know what was going on or what was happening; safety features like blind spot monitoring (especially after becoming accustomed to) failing all of sudden could have caused a major accident by inadvertently cutting someone off, decrease in speed, etc. Turned vehicle off and all lights disappeared. Had car looked at by Honda Dealership next mo…”
NHTSA complaint #11657039, 2025

“I am unable to find a dealership that will perform the repair, please help. They all say they are short or parts and are only fixing vehicles experiencing issues. I lose power when accelerating all the time but this apparently is not enough.”
NHTSA complaint #11628999, 2024

Electrical System 8

“The transmission went into limp mode one day after coming to a stop. When I safely got home, I turned the car off. Upon restarting, the issue was gone, but this has now happened several times. Each time, putting the car into park, shutting it off, and restarting it "resets" whatever was going on. Eventually the CE light came on, got the code, and it came back as P0873. The CE light was off after once again shutting the engine off and then restarting. I've purchased the necessary materials to complete the repair, but I've read on many forums this is a common issue, with some even reporting it r…”
NHTSA complaint #11746062, 2026

“My car's original security alarm goes off randomly without any reason. When parked and locked in a parking lot next to a street, the alarm goes off intermittently. After unlocking using FOB, the alarm will turn off and then goes off again in a few minutes. This will go on for hours at a time until it stops for a few days and then reoccurs again! Very stressful and frustrating. The mechanic says it's caused by faulty Body Control Module and will cost over $1,000 to fix. I see that many people are having the same issue and have to pay over $1,000 to repair. This faulty reequipment should be re…”
NHTSA complaint #11706350, 2025

“The car hesitates to start and while driving jerks at around 20mph. This happened a few times in the last year. When taken to dealer, because they could not reproduce incident, said it can’t be diagnosed. I told them it jerks when accelerating at around 20mph and keeps doing it every time I have to stop at light and go again.”
NHTSA complaint #11615565, 2024

Unknown Or Other 7

“Was driving down the hwy with the sunroof open tucked inside the headliner when a loud sound startled me and when I shut the sunroof glass rained down All over me”
NHTSA complaint #11741418, 2026

“On Thursday 27/7/2024 5:00PM-6:00PM, Acura RDX abruptly started to slow down. When I press the accelerator, the car will not accelerate. Finally, my car came to an complete stop. Then I turned on Hazard sign and changed the gear on P from D. After that I started car. The car started normally and then I drove to my destination. I also experienced the similar issue in May, 2024.”
NHTSA complaint #11597850, 2024

“On [XXX] while traveling around 70 mph on [XXX] approximately 30 miles south of Florence, SC, I heard vehicle glass explode. The loud pop nearly caused my wife, driving at the time, to veer violently to the left lane. I requested her to pull over slowly so I could determine what happened. I looked around the entire vehicle and finally found the sunroof glass had imploded. There were no vehicles around us at the time of the implosion and we didn't see or hear any objects hit the vehicle (i.e. rock). Also, I looked over the entire vehicle to see if a rock impact or something had hit the car…”
NHTSA complaint #11580914, 2024

Vehicle Speed Control 7 1 crash

“A WESTBOUND DISTRACTED DRIVER SWERVED INTO MY LANE AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED AND MY AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM SLOWED ME TO THE POINT THAT I COULD NOT GET OUT OF THE WAY OF THE ONCOMING VEHICLE CAUSING MY VEHICLE TO ROLL OVER FOLLOWING IMPACT (SEE ATTACHED HSMV CRASH REPORT NUMBER 87263383).”
NHTSA complaint #11175016, 2019 · crash

“Unintended acceleration, hesitation, and transmission issues. When accelerating from first gear to second gear, hesitates and then suddenly lurching forward.”
NHTSA complaint #11543405, 2023

“My car lurches when I put it into gear, drive or reverse. When a red light turns green and I put my foot on the accelerator the car will lurch forward. I was in my garage when I started my car and my foot was firmly on the brake as I shifted into reverse with my foot on the brake the car violently lurched backwards.”
NHTSA complaint #11541845, 2023

Forward Collision Avoidance 4 2 crash

“I had minor accident on [XXX] in my 2018 Acura RDX. The front crash sensor was damaged, so the car cannot be returned to me without a new one because the air bags and other safety equipment will not deploy in front crash. The repair shop ordered the part (no. 77930-TX4-A11) from Acura on 5/28, along with other parts needed. Acura's delivery date for this part has changed from 6/24, to 7/2, to 7/11, and 7/18. However, my Acura dealer indicates they've had this part on order since April, and Acura has provided no estimated delivery date. I filed a claim directly with Acura a week ago (case no. X…”
NHTSA complaint #11601506, 2024 · crash

“Automatic emergency braking would not release…this occurred in the rain…it caused the vehicle to hydroplane, spin out, and hit a barricade.”
NHTSA complaint #11422538, 2021 · crash

“Vehicle Information: 2018 Acura RDX AWDAffected System: Power Train / Automatic Transmission / Torque ConverterAssociated Code/Bulletin: DTC P0741 / Acura TSB B23-029Complaint Description:The vehicle is experiencing a documented manufacturer defect covered under Acura Warranty Extension TSB B23-029, where the internal torque converter lock-up piston cracks, causing hydraulic fluid pressure to bleed down. A professional diagnostic scan confirmed active Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0741 alongside a flashing transmission "D" indicator on the dashboard.This mechanical component failure creates a…”
NHTSA complaint #11746842, 2026

Service Brakes 4 1 crash

“A WESTBOUND DISTRACTED DRIVER SWERVED INTO MY LANE AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED AND MY AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM SLOWED ME TO THE POINT THAT I COULD NOT GET OUT OF THE WAY OF THE ONCOMING VEHICLE CAUSING MY VEHICLE TO ROLL OVER FOLLOWING IMPACT (SEE ATTACHED HSMV CRASH REPORT NUMBER 87263383).”
NHTSA complaint #11175016, 2019 · crash

“UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WHILE BRAKING ON MORE THAN 1 OCCASSION”
NHTSA complaint #11717517, 2026

“I have been experiencing unintended acceleration when I press on my brakes. Fortunately, there hasn't been any accidents yet but it's a very dangerous situation.”
NHTSA complaint #11708677, 2026

Air Bags 3 1 crash

“I had minor accident on [XXX] in my 2018 Acura RDX. The front crash sensor was damaged, so the car cannot be returned to me without a new one because the air bags and other safety equipment will not deploy in front crash. The repair shop ordered the part (no. 77930-TX4-A11) from Acura on 5/28, along with other parts needed. Acura's delivery date for this part has changed from 6/24, to 7/2, to 7/11, and 7/18. However, my Acura dealer indicates they've had this part on order since April, and Acura has provided no estimated delivery date. I filed a claim directly with Acura a week ago (case no. X…”
NHTSA complaint #11601506, 2024 · crash

“The contact owns a 2018 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light was intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the driver’s side air bag needed to be replaced; however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact researched and was made aware of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11750607, 2026

“I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN DEC 2017. SINCE DEC 2017, THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN THE SERVICE CENTER AT THE DEALER 3 TIMES FOR A TOTAL OF 2.5 MONTHS DUE TO SOUNDS WITH THE STEERING COLUMN - SPECIFICALLY THE LOCATION OF THE DRIVER AIRBAG WITHIN THE STEERING COLUMN UNDER THE HORN. THE SOUND WAS IDENTITIED WITHIN THE FIRST 2,000 MILES OF BEING A NEW VEHICLE. THE SOUND BECOMES PRONOUNCED WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS ROTATED 180 DEGREES AND FEELS LIKE IT IS PULLING ON AN ITEM UNDER THE PLASTIC COVER ABOVE THE AIRBAG. THE AIRBAG WAS REMOVED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AND WHEN THE AIRBAG WAS MOVED AROUND, THE…”
NHTSA complaint #11131086, 2018

Structure 3 1 crash 1 injury

“MY VEHICLE WAS PARKED, RUNNING AND UNOCCUPIED ON THE STREET. MY WIFE ENTERED FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE REACHING IN TO RETRIEVE SOMETHING FROM THE CENTER CONSOLE. SHE PRESSED THE START/STOP ENGINE BUTTON TO SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE. THE CAR STARTED ROLLING BACKWARDS DOWN A HILL, KNOCKING MY WIFE TO THE GROUND CAUSING INJURY. CAR CONTINUED TO ROLL UNTIL IT STRUCK A TREE.”
NHTSA complaint #11322456, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“HAVE HAD THIS CAR A YEAR. WITHING 6 MONTHS SHIFTER WOULD NOT SHIFT BACK TO PARK AND COULDNT TURN CAR OFF. DEALER FOUND ACORNS JAMMED IN TRANSMISSION SOMEWHERE FELT TO BE DUE TO SQUIRRELS OR OTHER RODENTS. THIS MONTH EMISSONS LIGHT CAME ON. FOUND FUEL LINE LEAKING DUE TO ANIMALS CHEWING ON IT. NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. $1100 TO FIX. I FEEL THE ENGINE HOUSING IS NOT WELL SEALED ALLOWING THIS TO HAPPEN HAVE NEVER HAD THIS ISSUE WITH ANY OTHER CARS WHICH HAVE BEEN PARKED IN SAME PLACE FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME. FEEL IT SHOULD BE FIXED UNDER WARRANTY TO PREVENT IT FROM HAPPENING AGAIN. VE…”
NHTSA complaint #11171119, 2019

“TODAY (12/30/18) OUR BRAND NEW 2018 ACURA RDX'S SUNROOF EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING ( STRAIGHT ROAD, NORMAL HIGHWAY SPEED, EXCELLENT WEATHER CONDITIONS AND LIGHT TO NO SUNDAY MORNING TRAFFIC). THE SOUND WAS A LOUD AND INTENSE POP OVERHEAD......THE GLASS SUNROOF WAS COMPLETELY SHATTERED. WE IMMEDIATELY CLOSED THE HEADLINER ROOF SHADE TO PROTECT US. WITHIN A MINUTE OR SO THE GLASS STARTED TO BREAK APART AND HIT THE HIGHWAY. WE GOT OFF THE HIGHWAY AS SOON AS WE COULD. THEN GOT OUT TO ACCESS THE DAMAGE. NO SIGN OF ANY EXTERNAL IMPACT! WE THOUGHT IT HAD TO BE A FREAK ENGINEERING DEFECT IN THE GLASS. WE…”
NHTSA complaint #11164132, 2018

Exterior Lighting 2

“The headlight assemblies are poorly designed and accumulate moisture. The water condenses on the inside of the headlight housing reducing lighting output. In sub zero temperatures the condensation freezes, further reducing light output. The reduced light output reduces the amount of usable light illuminating the roadway. The water/ice can also produce reflections/glare which may impair oncoming drivers' vision. The dealer has inspected the headlight but refuses to replace it under their factory warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #11449278, 2021

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 ACURA RDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WATER ENTERED THE HEADLAMPS OF THE VEHICLE DUE TO A STRESS FRACTURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER EXAMINATION IT WAS DETERMINED THAT NO IMPACT HAD OCCURRED TO CAUSE THE FRACTURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE HEADLAMPS WERE REPLACED HOWEVER THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR TURN LAMP INDICATOR BLINKED AT AN EXCESSIVE RATE DUE TO A SIMILAR FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11299945, 2020

Lane Departure 2

“When steady idle at 65 on the freeway the blind spot and check transmission light goes on flashes and stays on but when I shut off the vehicle and start it back up the light goes away.”
NHTSA complaint #11739120, 2026

“[XXX] on [XXX], traveling 70mph on busy highway, blind spot monitoring failed, gear display failed, and check transmission message flashed across display. Had to guide car safety off road and into parking lot. This was first time ever happened. Did not know what was going on or what was happening; safety features like blind spot monitoring (especially after becoming accustomed to) failing all of sudden could have caused a major accident by inadvertently cutting someone off, decrease in speed, etc. Turned vehicle off and all lights disappeared. Had car looked at by Honda Dealership next mo…”
NHTSA complaint #11657039, 2025

Seats 2 1 crash 1 injury

“1. I suffered a seatback failure in my 2018 Acura RDX when I was rear-ended at a high speed. The car is currently with my insurance company but I'm sure it's available for inspection. 2. The seatback failure made a big enough gap between my seat and seatbelt for me to slip completely under my seatbelt. I landed on the backseat floor after I smacked my head on the side rear airbag. I have multiple injuries from the seatback failure and my children would have been hurt from this failure had they been in the car with me. 3. N/A 4. The vehicle was totaled. The insurance adjuster said all seats "ha…”
NHTSA complaint #11420981, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“UPON ACQUIRING THE VEHICLE, I IMMEDIATELY NOTICED THAT THE CAR MAKES ME SICK. THE ISSUE WAS WITH THE STRONG FUMES CAUSED BY ARTIFICIAL LEATHER. ON FEW OCCASIONS I FELT SO DIZZY THAT I WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE, AS IT WOULD BE UNSAFE. AT LEAST ONE MORE PERSON ALSO FELT SICK IN THIS CAR. OBVIOUSLY, WHEN A VEHICLE MAKES A PERSON SICK, IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. THE DRIVER CANNOT PROPERLY OPERATE THE VEHICLE. ALL CONVECTIONAL METHODS, SUCH AS VENTILATION AND DEEP CLEANING, DID NOT IMPROVE THE TOXIC FUMES. I CONTACTED ACURA WITH NO AVAIL. THEY OPENED A CASE # 08920583. THE CASE MANAGER APRIL STATED THAT…”
NHTSA complaint #11190046, 2018

Steering 2 1 crash

“A WESTBOUND DISTRACTED DRIVER SWERVED INTO MY LANE AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED AND MY AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM SLOWED ME TO THE POINT THAT I COULD NOT GET OUT OF THE WAY OF THE ONCOMING VEHICLE CAUSING MY VEHICLE TO ROLL OVER FOLLOWING IMPACT (SEE ATTACHED HSMV CRASH REPORT NUMBER 87263383).”
NHTSA complaint #11175016, 2019 · crash

“I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN DEC 2017. SINCE DEC 2017, THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN THE SERVICE CENTER AT THE DEALER 3 TIMES FOR A TOTAL OF 2.5 MONTHS DUE TO SOUNDS WITH THE STEERING COLUMN - SPECIFICALLY THE LOCATION OF THE DRIVER AIRBAG WITHIN THE STEERING COLUMN UNDER THE HORN. THE SOUND WAS IDENTITIED WITHIN THE FIRST 2,000 MILES OF BEING A NEW VEHICLE. THE SOUND BECOMES PRONOUNCED WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS ROTATED 180 DEGREES AND FEELS LIKE IT IS PULLING ON AN ITEM UNDER THE PLASTIC COVER ABOVE THE AIRBAG. THE AIRBAG WAS REMOVED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AND WHEN THE AIRBAG WAS MOVED AROUND, THE…”
NHTSA complaint #11131086, 2018

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 1

“WHILE CORNERING THE CAR STALLS/HESITATES WITH NO POWER. OCCURS AT LOW SPEED.HAS OCCURRED NUMEROUS TIMES ON CITY STREET SINCE PURCHASE OCT.5,2017. DEALERSHIP COULD NOT SIMULATE BUT FAILED TO DO ANY TESTING ?”
NHTSA complaint #11120380, 2017

Seat Belts 1

“Not sure where to direct this, so please redirect if this is the wrong inbox.  I recently went into a local service appointment to have our passenger seat belt buckle replaced at Acura Concord.  We had noticed that the belt was not seating securely in the buckle, and could be removed with minimal-to-moderate effort (would guess 15-30 lbs of force) - certainly not safe in a collision.  It started to stick intermittently, and slowly got worse over time until it got to a point that it was clearly unsafe. We were concerned and I proactively paid to have it replaced.  The service technicians su…”
NHTSA complaint #11530052, 2023

Suspension 1

“Hearing a knocking noise when driving at slow speed over a bumpy road. Having it checked soon but read several complaints on this same issue. Owners have repaired vehicle but still have same issues. Is there going to be a recall soon?”
NHTSA complaint #11495162, 2022