2021 Acura RDX Problems & Owner Complaints

Unknown Or Other 29 1 crash 1 injury

“The panoramic sunroof exploded on our Acura RDX model 2021. Me, my wife and our 3 month old son were returning from dinner, we took the ramp and about to merge on a highway then we heard a loud and sudden explosive noise which scared all of us. Thank God we had the sunroof blind partially closed over the real infant seat, so the glass shatters left some minor cuts on my left forearm and back (glass pieces got between my back and driving seat). Also, the glass pieces did cut the sunroof blind/rolling cloth screen. We are glad that we made home safe and not sure what is the process of getting th…”
NHTSA complaint #11552681, 2023 · 1 injury(ies)

“Drove into parking lot and as I was pulling into the parking spot next to the building, the vehicle started to surge forward as if I had my foot on the gas instead of the brake. The sudden surge caused the vehicle to plow into a brick building causing about $10K damage to the vehicle and $5K to the building. This was not the first time this sudden surging occurred. It happened at least 3 times previously, and one time since. Fortunately, the other occurrences did not lead to any damages, but just some anxious moments. I took the vehicle to the dealership to get checked out after the last o…”
NHTSA complaint #11665825, 2024 · crash

“While driving only at 35 miles per hour down the XXX in [XXX] my panoramic sunroof suddenly bursts. A loud pop sound. This would have popped all over my body if I didn’t have cover up. This is an extreme problem as someone can die from this. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”
NHTSA complaint #11751315, 2026

Engine 20 2 crash

“Drove into parking lot and as I was pulling into the parking spot next to the building, the vehicle started to surge forward as if I had my foot on the gas instead of the brake. The sudden surge caused the vehicle to plow into a brick building causing about $10K damage to the vehicle and $5K to the building. This was not the first time this sudden surging occurred. It happened at least 3 times previously, and one time since. Fortunately, the other occurrences did not lead to any damages, but just some anxious moments. I took the vehicle to the dealership to get checked out after the last o…”
NHTSA complaint #11665825, 2024 · crash

“While sitting in a long row of stopped vehicles at a traffic light for an extended amount of time due to an accident I had the Automatic Brake Hold feature activated { I did not have to have my foot on the brake while sitting still) as well as the Auto Idle Stop OFF button meaning {the engine shuts down when you come to a stop.} Apparently, the Brake Hold feature timed out with no warning whatsoever and because the vehicle moved forward the Auto Start Stop feature activated at the same time and the vehicle lurched forward rear ending a new expensive SUV in front of me. The impact was hard du…”
NHTSA complaint #11516100, 2023 · crash

“Vehicle lost all coolant and could be smelled. Vehicle was towed to dealership before it could overheat. Diagnosed with a cracked cylinder head at 88,000 miles. Vehicle has never been modified, tracked, nor has it ever overheated. All service has been performed on time and at Acura dealership since I purchased the vehicle brand new. Vehicle is still at dealership. I've researched and found many other owners experiencing the same problem with the crack occurring in the exact same spot on the cylinder head.”
NHTSA complaint #11751130, 2026

Service Brakes 15 1 crash

“While sitting in a long row of stopped vehicles at a traffic light for an extended amount of time due to an accident I had the Automatic Brake Hold feature activated { I did not have to have my foot on the brake while sitting still) as well as the Auto Idle Stop OFF button meaning {the engine shuts down when you come to a stop.} Apparently, the Brake Hold feature timed out with no warning whatsoever and because the vehicle moved forward the Auto Start Stop feature activated at the same time and the vehicle lurched forward rear ending a new expensive SUV in front of me. The impact was hard du…”
NHTSA complaint #11516100, 2023 · crash

“On or about XXX, my 2021 Acura RDX, with approximately 121,078 miles, suddenly displayed multiple dashboard warning lights and system-failure messages while I was driving. These included the check-engine light, Road Departure Mitigation System Problem, steering, stability-control, braking-assistance and other driver-assistance warnings. Earlier, the tire-pressure monitoring system had also indicated a malfunction even though the tire pressures were correct. The vehicle initially continued to drive and the conventional brakes appeared to function normally. However, it then began hesitating whe…”
NHTSA complaint #11750876, 2026

“After dealer (worldwide motors Ltd also call (Paragon Acura) 33-40 57th street, Woodside, NY 11377)replaced front and rear brake pads and rotors, my vehicle experienced unintended acceleration while stopped. While idling at a red light with my foot firmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle suddenly moved forward approximately 10 feet on its own. This was a serious safety concern and nearly caused a collision or pedestrian injury. I immediately returned the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer stated they could not duplicate the issue and said the vehicle was operating normally. No warning lights we…”
NHTSA complaint #11705948, 2025

Power Train 13

“I own an Acura RDX that experienced a sudden failure of the transfer case. Prior to the failure, there was little or no warning that a major drivetrain component was about to fail. When the transfer case failed, the vehicle lost its normal all-wheel-drive operation and required expensive repairs. I believe this is a safety defect because the transfer case is a critical drivetrain component. A sudden failure can reduce traction and vehicle control, especially when driving at highway speeds or on wet, snowy, or icy roads. Drivers may not expect the loss of power to the rear wheels, which could…”
NHTSA complaint #11753864, 2026

“I own an Acura RDX that experienced a sudden failure of the transfer case. Prior to the failure, there was little or no warning that a major drivetrain component was about to fail. When the transfer case failed, the vehicle lost its normal all-wheel-drive operation and required expensive repairs. I believe this is a safety defect because the transfer case is a critical drivetrain component. A sudden failure can reduce traction and vehicle control, especially when driving at highway speeds or on wet, snowy, or icy roads. Drivers may not expect the loss of power to the rear wheels, which could…”
NHTSA complaint #11753865, 2026

“I own an Acura RDX that experienced a sudden failure of the transfer case. Prior to the failure, there was little or no warning that a major drivetrain component was about to fail. When the transfer case failed, the vehicle lost its normal all-wheel-drive operation and required expensive repairs. I believe this is a safety defect because the transfer case is a critical drivetrain component. A sudden failure can reduce traction and vehicle control, especially when driving at highway speeds or on wet, snowy, or icy roads. Drivers may not expect the loss of power to the rear wheels, which could…”
NHTSA complaint #11753866, 2026

Air Bags 11

“I have been trying to get my vehicle repaired for over a year in response to recall number 24V-064 with no success. The vehicle manufacturer is not providing the required parts to the dealership to address this recall from early 2024. I think additional action needs to be taken against the manufacturer to drive improved behaviour to address safety recall issues in a timely manner”
NHTSA complaint #11643177, 2025

“The contact owns a 2021 Acura RDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V064000 (AIR BAGS); 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 #11668941, 2024

“The contact owns a 2021 Acura RDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V064000 (Air Bags); 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 dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”
NHTSA complaint #11654551, 2024

Structure 10 1 injury

“The panoramic sunroof exploded on our Acura RDX model 2021. Me, my wife and our 3 month old son were returning from dinner, we took the ramp and about to merge on a highway then we heard a loud and sudden explosive noise which scared all of us. Thank God we had the sunroof blind partially closed over the real infant seat, so the glass shatters left some minor cuts on my left forearm and back (glass pieces got between my back and driving seat). Also, the glass pieces did cut the sunroof blind/rolling cloth screen. We are glad that we made home safe and not sure what is the process of getting th…”
NHTSA complaint #11552681, 2023 · 1 injury(ies)

“- Rear window shattered without impact or any signs of stress. - Safety at risk if driving and breakage occurs. In this case I was away from the parked vehicle when the shattering occurred. - There are quite a few reports of this issue online in Facebook Acura owner groups and in published news stories such as this: [XXX] - In my case, it was inspected by the repair company and confirmed to be a common occurrence they are called to repair. - There were no warning lights or any signs of damage or stress to the glass. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5…”
NHTSA complaint #11717087, 2026

“Sudden breaking of panoramic glass on sun/moon roof. I believe this is related to the clicking noise that is caused by the improper bolting in this model. There is an active service bulletin for the improper bolting/flexing in the panoramic glass. I called the Acura dealership where this was bought and they didn’t acknowledge that. I had my two children, toddler and infant, in the back. They like the panoramic open. If this broke on top of them this would be a very serious injury.”
NHTSA complaint #11713052, 2026

Electrical System 9

“The contact owns a 2021 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while at a complete stop at a stop sign or traffic light, the engine auto stop-start system was inoperable upon depression of the brake pedal. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the failure could not be duplicated. The dealer initially suggested that the battery might require replacement. However, another dealer determined that the battery was functioning properly and exhibited no defects upon inspection. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.”
NHTSA complaint #11743690, 2025

“AcuraLink App was used to attempt to remote start car while at a store, however, the app reported a failed notification and car was never started through the app and only turned on manually. Two hours later, when at home, the car remote started suddenly with no prompt while it was inside of a closed garage. Our dog heard the car go off and alerted us. Had he not heard it, the car would have been running in a closed garage putting us at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning. I have done no other reporting, but I did look this up and found threads online about the same issue and was recommended t…”
NHTSA complaint #11666634, 2025

“It was raining and I was sat at a stop light. The brakes started to slip a little no matter how much I pressed then all of a sudden the entire car started shutting down. Engine, Transmission, Power Steering, Lane Keep Assist, Collision warning, all the lights started flashing. The car was put into Limp mode.”
NHTSA complaint #11659951, 2025

Visibility/Wiper 9

“Got in my vehicle as usual, started the vehicle shortly after I heard cracking thought nothing of it and all of a sudden the rear tailgate window shattered completely.”
NHTSA complaint #11720321, 2026

“I closed my driver door and the back window just shattered. The glass just exploded.”
NHTSA complaint #11702647, 2025

“My car was parked in my driveway. After starting it up and closing my driver’s side door, the entire rear windshield spontaneously shattered without warning or any external manipulation/force. There was no way of knowing of whether or not this would happen. I fear that if I had my dogs in the car (or a child) someone could have been seriously hurt. Shards of glass went everywhere - in the trunk, all over the cargo area, and all over my driveway. I am now stuck without a car while I try to get this repair figured out. Acura/Honda needs to place a recall on this ASAP after seeing how common of a…”
NHTSA complaint #11702676, 2025

Vehicle Speed Control 7 1 crash

“Drove into parking lot and as I was pulling into the parking spot next to the building, the vehicle started to surge forward as if I had my foot on the gas instead of the brake. The sudden surge caused the vehicle to plow into a brick building causing about $10K damage to the vehicle and $5K to the building. This was not the first time this sudden surging occurred. It happened at least 3 times previously, and one time since. Fortunately, the other occurrences did not lead to any damages, but just some anxious moments. I took the vehicle to the dealership to get checked out after the last o…”
NHTSA complaint #11665825, 2024 · crash

“On or about XXX, my 2021 Acura RDX, with approximately 121,078 miles, suddenly displayed multiple dashboard warning lights and system-failure messages while I was driving. These included the check-engine light, Road Departure Mitigation System Problem, steering, stability-control, braking-assistance and other driver-assistance warnings. Earlier, the tire-pressure monitoring system had also indicated a malfunction even though the tire pressures were correct. The vehicle initially continued to drive and the conventional brakes appeared to function normally. However, it then began hesitating whe…”
NHTSA complaint #11750876, 2026

“On 2-10-2024 I was driving the 2021 RDX SH-AWD on I-40W in TN with my daughter in the passenger's seat. It was raining. After about 2 hours of driving, at about 3:00 pm, I took a break at a Rest Area near Buffalo Valley. After ~20-min rest, I restarted the car and tried to merge back onto I-40W. I was accelerating towards the speed limit of 70 m/h, but suddenly, at about 65m/h, I felt the car losing power. I could not speed up anymore: the car did not respond to the gas pedal and the speed dropped to about 40m/h. The orange engine light started to flash on the dashboard. A truck nearly piled…”
NHTSA complaint #11575647, 2024

Forward Collision Avoidance 6

“While accelerating off the entrance ramp onto the highway, The engine randomly slows down automatically…the car reduced speed drastically without applying brakes and without cars around me or in front of me.”
NHTSA complaint #11639766, 2025

“What component or system failed or malfunctioned? Car automatically applied brakes on several occasions, despite no obstacles in front of the car. Incident 1: While driving through an 3-way intersection, the car slammed on the brakes automatically. There was a van in the opposite lane waiting to turn left. There was 2-3 feet of space so there was no risk of collision, but the car slammed on the brakes causing me to come to a sudden stop in the middle of the intersection. Incident 2: I was changing lanes to go past a stopped car in the left lane (It was waiting to make a left turn) The car auto…”
NHTSA complaint #11481593, 2022

“All software systems failed, disabling the vehicle. Error messages included failure in braking, steering, and other vital systems. Acura roadside assistance determined that the car had to be towed to the nearest dealer. The dealer confirmed the issue was a "DTC P061B PCM internal malfunction" and performed a "PGM-FI software update to correct the issue." The vehicle was completely disabled, and we were 4 1/2 hours from the nearest dealership. There were no warnings or communications prior to the incident.”
NHTSA complaint #11478200, 2022

Seats 6

“Complaint about failure to execute recall and lack of solutions from the official dealer I, [XXX] , owner of a 2021 Acura RDX, VIN: [XXX] , am filing a complaint regarding the inadequate execution of a recall and the lack of solutions from the official dealer. What component or system failed or malfunctioned? The issue concerns the seat weight sensor, which is supposed to be replaced as part of the recall. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Due to the malfunction of the mentioned component, the safety of passengers could be compromised, especially in the case of an eme…”
NHTSA complaint #11635432, 2025

“Remedy is available for the recall, but Honda will not fix the recall on my 2 vehicle’s that I own with this open recall. They are saying 2025 maybe. Unacceptable.”
NHTSA complaint #11595398, 2024

“This is my second complaint to NHTSA. I purchased my certified pre owned Acura on 01/06/2024 After I added my Acura to my Car Insurance. They notified me and told me that there is an open Recall Associated with my vin number. That recall is for a (seat weight sensor) RECALL # 24v-064000 RECALL DATE 02/01/24 -- REMEDY NOT AVAILABLE. I filed a complaint with NHTSA ID# 11572570. After I filed my first complaint I found another unrepaired recall for my vin number Recall date 02/12/2021 NHTSA # 21v93900 For the power train drive shaft I'm not sure exactly what happened with this specific recall. I…”
NHTSA complaint #11573454, 2024

Visibility 5

“The contact owns a 2021 Acura RDX. While driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal gunshot sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact inspected the exterior of the vehicle but found no failure. The contact stated that the following day, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the panoramic roof glass shattered, and glass shards fell inside the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11725540, 2026

“The contact's sister owns a 2021 Acura RDX. The contact stated that the rear glass had shattered while the vehicle was parked in the driveway. The dealer was contacted and advised that the earliest availability to replace the glass was in 3-4 days. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened; however, the manufacturer later informed the contact that the model year was not covered under TSB: 22-014 (Rear Windshield Glass Shattering). The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11710918, 2025

“The contact owns a 2021 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while attempting to open the trunk, the rear window glass shattered. No warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the shattered glass was not covered under warranty and suggested that a local glass specialist be contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11630198, 2023

Seat Belts 4

“I have been trying to get my vehicle repaired for over a year in response to recall number 24V-064 with no success. The vehicle manufacturer is not providing the required parts to the dealership to address this recall from early 2024. I think additional action needs to be taken against the manufacturer to drive improved behaviour to address safety recall issues in a timely manner”
NHTSA complaint #11643177, 2025

“Complaint about failure to execute recall and lack of solutions from the official dealer I, [XXX] , owner of a 2021 Acura RDX, VIN: [XXX] , am filing a complaint regarding the inadequate execution of a recall and the lack of solutions from the official dealer. What component or system failed or malfunctioned? The issue concerns the seat weight sensor, which is supposed to be replaced as part of the recall. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Due to the malfunction of the mentioned component, the safety of passengers could be compromised, especially in the case of an eme…”
NHTSA complaint #11635432, 2025

“The contact owns a 2021 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while his son was in the car seat in the rear driver's side seat, he pulled the rear middle seat belt pretensioner and released it; however, the seat belt pretensioner retracted and tightened around his son's neck. The contact attempted to remove the seat belt, but the seat belt remained tightened. The contact stated that he used a utility knife to cut the seat belt. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11539229, 2023

Fuel/Propulsion System 3

“On 2-10-2024 I was driving the 2021 RDX SH-AWD on I-40W in TN with my daughter in the passenger's seat. It was raining. After about 2 hours of driving, at about 3:00 pm, I took a break at a Rest Area near Buffalo Valley. After ~20-min rest, I restarted the car and tried to merge back onto I-40W. I was accelerating towards the speed limit of 70 m/h, but suddenly, at about 65m/h, I felt the car losing power. I could not speed up anymore: the car did not respond to the gas pedal and the speed dropped to about 40m/h. The orange engine light started to flash on the dashboard. A truck nearly piled…”
NHTSA complaint #11575647, 2024

“On 12/22/22, I was driving in a 2021 RDX SH-AWD with my pregnant wife and 2 year old son from Media PA to Pittsburgh PA . It was rainy and 35-40 degrees F the whole drive. Approximately 4 hours into the drive we stopped at a rest stop on the PA turnpike to get gas. While attempting to merge back onto the turnpike from the service road to the right of the turnpike, a truck was coming up behind me in the right hand lane of the turnpike. I was traveling approximately 40mph on the service road, so I went to accelerate to safely complete the merge in front of the truck. Near the end of my accelerat…”
NHTSA complaint #11499336, 2022

“One week ago 6-20-22, my car started to ‘chug’ and slow down as I was accelerating up a hill on a highway. It was almost as if my car was losing power. When this happened about 10 warnings signs came up on my dash. I drove it directly to the dealership. They replaced my oil saying the pressure was low. All was well for the day after 6-21 when driving it home from dealership. On 6-22 I went to merge onto a local highway from a stop sign with traffic coming at 55-65 mph. My car would not accelerate over 25 and I was unable to pull of. Thankfully I pulled off onto the next exit. I could have easi…”
NHTSA complaint #11471260, 2022

Exterior Lighting 2

“The contact owns a 2021 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the front headlights and instrument panel lights started blinking off and on. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the body control module had malfunctioned due to water intrusion from the moon roof seals. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 30,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11653202, 2025

“The Auto High-Beam system activates the high beams inappropriately during operation. The system triggers the high beams directly into the eyes of oncoming traffic and activates during early dusk conditions. The sudden, intense illumination blinds oncoming drivers. This creates an immediate glare hazard and significantly increases the risk of a head-on collision. I reported this specific failure to the authorized dealership on three separate occasions, engaging three distinct service advisors during the active warranty period. The service department omitted these complaints from the formal rep…”
NHTSA complaint #11737515, 2021

Steering 2

“At start up, my car displayed 4 errors: Lane Keeping Assist System, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation System, and Electric Power Steering. As a result, my car could not steer and had to get it towed to the dealership.”
NHTSA complaint #11667398, 2025

“All software systems failed, disabling the vehicle. Error messages included failure in braking, steering, and other vital systems. Acura roadside assistance determined that the car had to be towed to the nearest dealer. The dealer confirmed the issue was a "DTC P061B PCM internal malfunction" and performed a "PGM-FI software update to correct the issue." The vehicle was completely disabled, and we were 4 1/2 hours from the nearest dealership. There were no warnings or communications prior to the incident.”
NHTSA complaint #11478200, 2022

Suspension 2

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 ACURA RDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, SHE HEARD A CLUNKING AND RATTLING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL WELL AREA. DURING ACCELERATION AND STOPPING, THE CONTACT HEARD A POPPING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR WHEELS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JENKINS ACURA (2025 SW COLLEGE ROAD, OCALA, FL 34471, (352) 414-4588). THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ROTORS WERE MAKING THE SOUND AND NEEDED TO BE ADJUSTED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A CALLBACK AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE BALL JOINTS AND ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, ALONG WITH THE AXLE AND WHEEL BEARINGS. THE VE…”
NHTSA complaint #11383623, 2020

“THERE IS A HORRIBLE CLUNKING NOISE COMING FROM FRONT WHEN DRIVING OR TURNING (POSSIBLE PASSENGER SIDE). IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT YOUR SPEED IS. IT SOUNDS LIKE IT MAY BE THE SUSPENSION OR STRUTS AND IT'S SO BAD THAT IT SOUNDS LIKE MY FRONT END IS FALLING APART. WITH ONLY 2400 MILES IT HAS GOTTEN WORSE AND WORSE. DROPPED IT OFF AT THE DEALERS THIS MORNING AND SERVICE TECH DROVE IT AROUND BUILDING TO COME BACK AND SAY HOW BAD IT SOUNDED. HE SAYS HE HASN'T EVER HEARD THIS NOISE. ALSO, THE REAR, WHEN BREAKING AND ACCELERATING HAS A POPPING NOISE DURING TAKE OFF AND STOPPING. BOTH NOISES ARE GETTING…”
NHTSA complaint #11383297, 2020

Back Over Prevention 1

“At start up, my car displayed 4 errors: Lane Keeping Assist System, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation System, and Electric Power Steering. As a result, my car could not steer and had to get it towed to the dealership.”
NHTSA complaint #11667398, 2025

Lane Departure 1

“At start up, my car displayed 4 errors: Lane Keeping Assist System, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation System, and Electric Power Steering. As a result, my car could not steer and had to get it towed to the dealership.”
NHTSA complaint #11667398, 2025

Wheels 1

“REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE. JUST BEFORE LEAVING THE HOUSE IT WAS INFLATED TO 35 PSI. AFTER GETTING ON INTERSTATE I RECEIVED A LOW TIRE PRESSURE INDICATION. INITIALLY IT SHOWED 17 PSI. I SLOWED DOWN AND BY THE TIME I GOT TO THE NEXT EXIT IT WENT DOWN TO 0. I PULLED UNTIL A PARKING LOT AND THE TIRE HAD SHREDDED OFF THE RIM. THERE WERE NO HOLES OR NAILS IN THE TIRE TREAD BUT APPEARS TO HAVE BLOWOUT HOLES IN THE SIDEWALL. THE TIRES ARE CONTINENTAL CROSSCONTACT.”
NHTSA complaint #11402789, 2021