2013 Acura RDX complaints

I, along with many others according to the internet, am experiencing very low, unsafe visibility at night due to poor low beam performance. New bulbs make no difference and most of the time the vehicle must be operated using the high beams, which is a safety issue for other drivers.

Hello, The projectors on the inside of the headlights on my 2013 Acura RDX have failed, creating a VERY dangerous condition in which the low beam headlights are extremely dim. It is to the point in which driving at night is dangerous, and no longer emits enough light to be considered legal by state and federal guidelines. This is occurring on both the driver side and passenger side headlights. The exterior lens on the headlights is completely clear. It would appear that I'm not alone, as a Google search reveals SEVERAL other drivers with 2013/14/15 RDX's that have extremely dim headlights as a result of projector failure. In addition, Honda recalled approximately 14,000 model year 2013 and 2014 Acura ILX's for this exact same issue. Source: https://hondanews.com/en-US/releases/statement-by-acura-regarding-headlight-recall-2013-2014-acura-ilx This vehicle is available for inspection upon request.

Low beam headlights are so dim. I cannot drive at night. I’ve had the bulbs replaced twice and within a month they are Still too dim to safely drive at night, particularly in the rain. I live in the PNW and that means half the year I can’t safely drive at night. It’s very dangerous and other drivers tell me they can’t see me. I’m over 55 and very concerned, and the cost to replace the headlight assemblies is nearly $2000 which is almost 3x the value of the car! Acura recalled 2013 ILX for same issue why not RDX?

The low beam lamps have become very dim. I replaced with new lamps, but no improvement. After having the bulbs replaced and outside lamp assembly polished I discovered the projector lens itself that the lamps are inserted into have become clouded, similar to having cataracts. On social media I have learned this is a problem shared by many owners. One night after returning home from work I was stopped by a deputy sheriff because he noticed I had my bright lights on too long and that my low beams were too dim. I explained the issue to him and what I was in the process of doing so he let me go. So next day I contacted the dealership and Acura too about this issue. Being denied any satisfaction to remedy the issue I found it necessary to search for and then purchase out of pocket new after market headlight assemblies. The dealership quoted me well over $1,400 to purchase and install. I went to a local auto/body shop and got it done for just under $600.00. I also purchased fog light assemblies to be added to the vehicle while the headlight assemblies were being installed. Total out of pocket was just over $900.

Headlights are very dim. Because of dimness of my headlights, others car were not able to see me and came in front of me, the lights are so dim that I can’t see at night, rain, snow and just simply can’t see the line. I’m going to take my car into to dealership to formally get diagnosed but apparently his is ongoing problem on this models

The contact owns a 2013 Acura RDX. The contact stated while driving at night at an undisclosed speed, the headlight bulbs illumination was extremely dim. The contact stated that the brightness of the headlight bulbs was not adequate for driving. The contact stated that after the second replacement of the headlight bulbs, the front passenger’s side headlight was dimmer than the driver’s side headlight. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and was diagnosed, and the mechanic determined that the daytime running light on the front passenger’s side of the vehicle needed to be replaced. The contact stated the headlights had been replaced twice. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that she was responsible for replacing the headlamps out of pocket. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Headlight housing has failed to where lights are so dim, the vehicle has become too unsafe to drive at night unless using high beams. This problem for my vehicle is known by Acura, with their only solution being to replace the entire headlight housing. Replacing the bulbs is not the issued. There is a manufacturing defect on the reflective coating for the light housing which deteriorates over time causing extremely dim headlights. Problem was first observed 2-3 years ago but dimming of lights have been happening over time.

Got a problem with dim headlights in my Acura RDX change the bulb and still not working properly. I can’t see at night. Dim headlights present a significant safety issue for drivers and pedestrians,

The OEM headlights assembly dims and overheat over prolonged use. The metal liner inside the headlights melts using a halogen bulb and overtime the liners reflective function goes away and produces a dim light beam. The light is no longer bright enough to drive in dark conditions. And it is hard for oncoming traffic to notice the lights.

The headlights are dangerously dim and getting worse. Replacing bulbs does not improve the situation. I've had two close calls where I didn't see pedestrians due to the poor light output.

The headlight projectors (not the bulbs) clouded and dimmed the lights over time, to the point where it became unsafe to drive at night, and I had to replace the headlight assemblies with new ones. Putting brighter bulbs in the headlight assemblies did not help. There is no warning indicator for this failure, and there is no exact date of the "incident." In fact, it occurred gradually over time, and at first I thought it was my eyes and night driving. My dealer, Criswell Acura of Annapolis MD during a phone call has acknowledged and confirmed this problem with several model year RDX's, and referred me to the national Acura customer service, who said there was nothing that they would do. I have seen in several online forums that this is a common problem among 2013-2016 RDX's.. I recently replaced the headlights with aftermarket replacements at a cost of about $1,000 installed, which was about half the price of OEM replacement parts, before installation. I kept the old, defective OEM headlights, and have them available for inspection.

The low beam headlights on our Acura RDX are so dim that they cannot be used at night and we are forced to drive with high beams on for safety.

Halogen headlights are dangerously dim. You almost cannot tell they are even on. We’ve had this car for years and we won’t drive it at night. According to a lot of other owners - they have the same problem. Dealer confirmed it is a known problem but the only way to fix it is to replace the entire housing at $3,000.

Headlight assembly units had to be replaced. Low beam light essentially non existent. As a 77 year old driver need bright lights. Truly a safety hazard issue . Replacement of bulbs 2 times with no improvement. Was told need new assembly. Same problem with Acuras in other years but recall not issued for 2013 RDX. Why not? A defect in manufacturing that will cost me several thousand dollars to fix.. That is not acceptable. Can't drivecar after dusk like this nor can I sell as is.

The contact owns a 2013 Acura RDX. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the low-beam headlights failed to function correctly. The contact replaced the light bulbs, but the failure persisted. The dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that there was no recall on the VIN for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 150,000. The consumer purchased new headlights and stated a tremendous difference.

A low-beam headlight is too dim to drive at night, especially during rain

The headlights are extremely dim making it very difficult to see at night. The bulbs have been replaced and are still very dim. They are available for inspection upon request. There were no messages regarding any failure. And it first was noticed upon purchasing the car and driving it at night.

In April 2022, Acura of Ellicott City diagnosed that my 2013 Acura RDX needed a new Tire Pressure Monitor Sensor, but has been unable to fix due to the part being on back ordered. And today Acura of Naples, Florida also diagnosed same issue (but different part) and same back order. Please investigate since lack of sensor affects safety of the vehicle. Thanks. ---------------------- PARTS Diagnosis per Acura of Ellicott City - need Part # 38320-TX4-A01 Diagnosis per Acura of Naples - need Part # 39350-TX4-A01

Exterior Lighting. Low beam headlights are too dim. Due to the flawed design the reflective film backing material inside the low beam headlights delaminates. The vehicle no longer conforms to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108. Please investigate.

Headlights are too dim to drive safely at night.

The contact owns a 2013 Acura RDX. The contact stated while driving at various speeds at night, the low beam headlights were significantly dim, affecting the visibility of the roadway and the side of the roadway. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed but no issues were found. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

The low beam headlights are very dim. Researching on the internet this is a known issue with this model from 2013-2015, but there is no recall for this obvious safety issue. My dealer states they cannot do anything about it without recall, and it is very expensive to replace the entire headlight assembly. Apparently the low beam reflector oxidizes over time. I am afraid to drive this vehicle at night.

The low beam headlights are so dim that night time driving is dangerous. The car has approximately 150K miles on it. I have tried changing bulbs thinking they were just getting old and it did not improve visibility. I have seen other complaints about this for the RDX 2013, '14, & '15 online so it is definitely a known issue. Acura needs to recall these vehicles and replace the headlight assembly with ones that work.

I was driving at low speed on a local street and the moon roof shattered suddenly with great explosive force. I wasn't injured because the carpeted moon roof shade was closed at the time. I was lucky because the kids were not in the vehicle. If the glass had rained down on the kids in the back seat, there would be injuries. There were no warning signs. Weather was nice partially sunny day at 70s on a Saturday. It was around 6 pm local time. Traffic was light. Nothing struck the vehicle. Dash camera recorded the sound on video. Road condition was good. I've done some research on the internet, and it seems like the moon roof glass shattering is common with Acura or Honda vehicles due to manufacturing or design defect.

The headlights are very dim to the point where I cannot see at night! It is very u safe driving this vehicle at night times due to the nonfunctioning headlight. I have been driving with my high beams just so I can see. It is sad when the high beams look like normal headlights! How and why Acura was allowed to produce and sell these vehicles is beyond me! Let alone pass any type of safety inspection! This is unsafe and hazardous when the driver cannot see the roads!

Low beams (both) became so dim as to be unsafe to drive at night due to reflector becoming very clouded. Many other owners have reported the same issue. FYI: low beam bulbs are good, high beam lights are fine, car has only 75k miles and is seldom driven at night

The headlights are extremely dim. I have replaced the bulbs 2x. After looking on line, see that owners of 2013 - 2015 Acuras report this dangerous problem - can’t see clearly at night and especially in the rain. Called Acura - they said no recall. From the hundreds of posts it is a visibility/safety problem. Has gotten worse over time.

Ofttimes when parking the car does not fully shut off because the accessory mode fails to shut off. I have to restart the car and put it in gear go forward or backward attempting to shut off everything several times before the car fully shuts off. I have had to purchase a new battery because the car failed to shut off when parked by an attendant. Sometimes it will take me at least six (6) attempts before the car finally shuts off. Thanks!

Low beam Head lights are so dim that is so hard to see the road or people when driving at night.

Headlights seem to be defective. So dim, you cannot see at night. This has been a problem with several years of RDX from what I am reading.

We purchased our 2013 Acura RDX new and have owned it since. After about 2 years, I noticed that the Low Beam lighting was not as bright as it use to be (it never seemed exceptionally bright in the first place). Over the next few years, it appeared to be getting worse. I replaced the bulbs with the appropriate aftermarket, higher lumen rated halogen bulbs, that improved it a little bit, but not very much. The low beam lighting was much worse than my 2004 Acura TL at time. I have also read the reports from other owners and my mechanic also received similar complaints from RDX customers. I am taking my car in today to have the headlight assemblies replaced and installing aftermarket halogen bulbs ($>1,000) to hopefully improve exterior lighting so we can drive the car safely at night. Note, we have not taken our 2013 Acura RDX out at night in over 5 years as it's just not safe.

Headlights are very dim and make it extremely difficult to drive in the dark. Can barely see a few feet in front. Auto shops have commented how dim the lights are and have changed to the brightest bulbs and still there is no change. This makes driving conditions dangerous

The low beam headlights on my 2013 Acura RDX have become so dim that it is dangerous to drive the vehicle at night. I am the original owner. The vehicle has been driven approximately 70,000 miles, has never been in an accident and is in excellent condition otherwise. A Honda dealership recently diagnosed the problem and advised that the headlight assemblies would need to be replaced at a cost of > $2,000. Other owners of this vehicle have reported experiencing the same problem on car forums and in reports to the NHTSA and identified the cause as deterioration of the reflective lining of the projector lens. This is a serious safety issue that the manufacturer should be held responsible for addressing.

Low beam headlights have gotten so weak it is dangerous to drive after dark. Lights are working, but ouput from the lamp is greatly diminished. This is NOT involving the clear exterior cover to the headlights. Dealership service department confirmed lights working and recommends replacement of both side headlight assemblies, at cost of $2,000 plus.

I purchased this vehicle used last April, 2020. Six months ago, I noticed while driving at the night that it seemed as if my headlights were not on. I even pulled over at one point to see if they WERE! I purchased a commercial lens cleaning kit to see if it helped the illumination. It did not. I purchased new bulbs with a higher lumen rating than the OEM bulbs. No change. I have spoken with a master mechanic and a parts supplier. They could offer no solutions. I have read several blogs that all have the same theme: the Acura RDX models from 2013-2015 all have terrible headlight components that truly compromise driving at night and could very possibly be a significant contribution to an accident. According to Acura, they don't regard this issue as a problem they should address and the dealers want a small fortune to replace the entire headlight assembly. To do the replacement myself would still cost between $500-$700. For the reputation of the brand and the price I paid - even for a USED vehicle - it seems unconscionable that Acura will take zero responsibility for inherently flawed components and design. It's all about the money...

Very poor visibility from low beam lights. The daytime running lights are brighter than my low beams. Had bulbs replaced with upgraded bulbs still unable to drive this vehicle at night. I'm the original owner purchased new no accidents. Acura has a recall or warranty enhancement for other models with the same problems. I was told by the dealer only way to correct my issues is by replacing the headlight assembly. Very disappointed with my last 2 Acura vehicles. Acura should have kept making the vehicles in Japan.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Headlight Assembly. Yes, it is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Visibility at night is significantly diminished. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. Car engine and body is in great shape. It is well maintained with approximately 101,019 miles. The low beam headlights have dimmed to the point the vehicle is almost undrivable at night. This is a well documented problem with other Acura RDX owners with the same model year. The manufacturer will not fix the issue and is recommending a replacement of the entire headlight assembly which is >$2,000. This is not a wear and tear item. I've never had to replace this type of equipment on any vehicle I've owned.

The headlights have become so dim that driving at night is unsafe. Replacing bulbs does not fix the problem. This is a design defect and is very unsafe.

Unfortunately, I am writing to report a dangerous situation that occurred while I was driving on November 3rd, 2021. This involved a safety issue that could have resulted in serious injury to me and other drivers on the road. As I was traveling on a very busy street in Miami, FL at a speed of 45 MPH, my steering wheel suddenly became very heavy and hard to turn which made me have no control over my vehicle. I eventually pulled to the side of the road almost hitting not only the car in front of me but a pedestrian on the sidewalk. I did not understand what was going on as I have never encountered this situation in my life. I then could not move my vehicle because my steering wheel was heavy, and then there were a lot of flashing indicator lights like “check power steering” and other codes. As I sat there, a bit in shock, I tried to move the steering wheel, but it would not move at all, so I had to have the vehicle towed because it was unsafe to drive. As I started to research what had happened to my vehicle, there were several reported cases re: the same issues with the electronic power steering (EPS) control unit failing while driving. There were several detailed customer complaints on Acura customer owners’ forums. In addition, I found several reported cases on Acura service bulletins, one of which was the service bulletin 19-021. This has been a frustrating and nerve wrecking experience. I maintain my vehicle by following the service/maintenance manual and have been a proac

The front headlights have failed and now hardly illuminate the roadway at night. I brought the vehicle to the dealer and they polished the outside housing of the headlamp assembly, but that failed to remedy the problem. I brought the vehicle to a local repair shop, and they report this is a common problem with Acuras and they state that the entire headlight assembly needs to be replaced. The headlights are available to be inspected on request. Without adequate headlight illumination, this puts the operator, passengers and pedestrians at risk as they cannot be seen at night.

Headlights (low beams) are way too dim making driving in the dark impossible. Replacing bulbs and aligning lights did not correct problem. Driver in another car said headlights were barely visible on their end.

Headlights are very dim. Sometimes need to use high beams to see at night. From what I read on line, it is a common problem with the headlight housing on 2013-2015 Acura RDX. This is a serious safety risk and Acura should repair. I purchased the car used about 2 years ago and the problem has gotten worse

The low-beam headlights are so dim at night that it is extremely dangerous to drive. One can only see several feet in front of the car. I understand other years of Acura RDX's have a defect, and were subject to a recall, involving the reflective material in the headlight assembly. That material would degrade over time, making the lights dim. I have replaced the bulbs themselves, but that has not improved the situation.

The front low beam headlights are extremely dim. Can typically only see approximately 30 feet in front while driving. Any speed in excess of 25mph is dangerous. High beams work fine. there are no fog lights on this vehicle.

The reflective surface inside the headlight assemblies has delaminated. This effectively makes the headlights useless and creates a very unsafe driving condition at night. I reported the issue to Acura's national customer service number but they did nothing but record the call. This is a known issue with Acura as they have done recalls on other year and model combinations. This is clearly a very serious latent manufacturing and safety issue that needs immediate attention. A simple Google search will reveal many owners talkin about this on internet forums.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 ACURA RDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE AT NIGHT, THE LOW-BEAM HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO PROPERLY ILLUMINATE THE ROADWAY AND WAS EXTREMELY DIM CAUSING A VISIBILITY HAZARD TO THE DRIVER. THE LIGHT BULBS WERE REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE PRIORITY ACURA LOCATED AT 1701 S MILITARY HWY, CHESAPEAKE, VA 23320 WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY REFLECTOR WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000.

IT IS A COMMONLY KNOWN (WITH CONSUMERS) PROBLEM, THAT MANUFACTURERS CHOOSE TO IGNORE. I HAVE A 2013 ACURA RDX, THAT I BOUGHT NEW IN DECEMBER 2012. THE VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN ANY TYPE OF ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE HAS ALWAYS BEEN MAINTAINED BY MYSELF, OR AN ACURA/HONDA DEALERSHIP. MY PROBLEM ARE THE HEADLIGHTS. I CAN NOT SEE MUCH WITH THEM ANYMORE. I HAVE NEVER PUT ANY AFTERMARKET LED TYPE OR OTHER BULBS, NOR HAVE THEY EVER BEEN ALTERED IN ANY WAY. I REPLACED THE BULBS (WITH OEM STYLE) THINKING IT WAS THE BULBS THEMSELVES, WITH THE SAME RESULTS. IN ANY INCLEMENT WEATHER, ESPECIALLY RAIN, OR WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC, I SEE LESS. I UNDERSTAND ONCOMING TRAFFIC WILL LESSEN WHAT A DRIVER SEES, BUT THIS IS BEYOND NORMAL. THE LENSES ON MY VEHICLE ARE ALSO CLEAR (NOT YELLOW FROM YEARS OF SUNLIGHT EXPOSURE). THE VEHICLE IS ALWAYS GARAGE-KEPT, WHEN AT HOME. FROM MY RESEARCH, THE HEADLIGHT REFLECTORS INSIDE THE HOUSING, DETERIORATE. THIS CAUSES VERY LITTLE LIGHT TO REFLECT IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. IF THIS IS CONSIDERED "WEAR AND TEAR", I WOULD FIX THIS ISSUE MYSELF. BUT TO ME, I FEEL THAT THIS A TERRIBLE DESIGN, THAT ACURA SHOULD FIX. MY INABILITY TO SEE WHILE DRIVING, IS A HAZARD. I CONTINUE TO MAINTAIN MY VEHICLE AS REQUIRED. I HAVE A DIFFERENT VEHICLE THAT WAS BOUGHT NEW, IN 2003 AND NOW HAS 230K MILES, NO PROBLEMS. I MAINTAIN MY VEHICLES WELL! I DON'T FEEL THAT I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY SEVERAL THOUSANDS TO HAVE THE HEADLIGHTS FIXED ON MY ACURA, OR TO TRADE THE ACURA IN, AS A REASON TO GET RID

BOTH HEADLIGHTS ARE TOO DIM TO SAFELY DRIVE AT NIGHT. I WAS PULLED OVER BY A STATE TROOPER FOR NOT HAVING MY LIGHTS ON WHEN THEY WERE ACTUALLY ON. ACURA HAS A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE ON THE 2014 ILX. THE 2013 RDX SHOULD ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL.

PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT WILL NOT LATCH INTO PLACE.

ON MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2020 I WAS DRIVING MY 2013 ACURA RDX AND EXPERIENCED AN ISSUE WITH THE POWER TRAIN. I CAME TO A RED LIGHT ON A TOWN STREET IN MIDDLEBURY, VT AND LET THE CAR NATURALLY DECELERATE. AS I APPROACHED THE CAR AHEAD OF ME, MY RDX VERY SUDDENLY SURGED FORWARD AND ACCELERATED. IT ACCELERATED VERY NOTICEABLY. FORTUNATELY, I BRAKED AND SWERVED IN TIME SO AS TO NOT REAR-END THE VEHICLE AHEAD OF ME. THIS IS THE 3RD TIME THAT MY CAR HAS DONE THIS. HOWEVER, THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THAT I WAS NEARLY IN AND JUST AVOIDED A COLLISION. I LOVE MY CAR. HOWEVER, I AM FRIGHTENED THAT I MAY INJURE MYSELF, A PASSENGER OR EVEN WORSE, ANOTHER DRIVER OR PEDESTRIAN. ALITTLE VEHICLE HISTORY ... I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM AN ACURA DEALER IN SOUTH BURLINGTON, VT ONLY 4 MONTHS AGO IN FEBRUARY 2020. THE VEHICLE HAD 65 THOUSAND MILES ON IT AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE. IN THE NEARLY 4 MONTHS THAT I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE, I HAVE PUT 3 THOUSAND MILES ON THE RDX. PRESENTLY, THE ACURA HAS 68 THOUSAND MILES ON IT. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP'S SERVICE MANAGER [XXX]. [XXX] INDICATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID -- OR AT LEAST 3 OR 4 QUARTS OF THE 8 TO 10 QUARTS IN THE TRANSMISSION -- SHOULD BE CHANGED. I SCHEDULED THE EARLIEST APPOINTMENT FOR TOMORROW, THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020. I AM 59 YEARS OLD AND HAVE OWNED A TOTAL OF 9 VEHICLES DURING MY LIFETIME. I HAVE NEVER, EVER EXPERIENCED A CAR SURGING FORWARD AND ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN. I DO NOT KNOW WHETHER OR NOT THIS IS NORMAL OR ACCEPTABLE, BUT I AM HOPEFUL THAT [XXX