2015 Acura RDX complaints

The headlights on this vehicle are completely inadequate for driving at night. I believe this is a manufacturing defect, as the only solution is to replace the entire headlamp assemblies. The vehicle is equipped with HID headlamps. The bulbs work, but no light is projected from the lamps.

I have been noticing over the past few months that my visibility is diminished at night and have to turn my bright lights on even when there are overhead lights. While stopped at light, I noticed the headlights of the car next to me projected out substantially farther than mine. Yesterday I took my car to the dealer to presumably replace the headlight bulbs. But I learned that the bulbs are fine, and the wiring is fine. The problem is that the lens covering the light bulbs has darkened so badly that very little light can escape to project out onto the street in front of me. I was told that the whole lens assembly is a sealed unit and must be replaced on the right and left side. They showed me the darkened lens cover that blocks the light. I regard this as a safety hazard. I could miss a kid riding a bicycle at night. I was not aware that this is a common problem with 2015 Acura RDXs. This is absolutely dangerous to me, my passengers and the public. I have an estimate from the dealer of $2,537.85 to replace the headlight assemblies. I feel this is a significant safety issue.

Headlights are extremely dim and concerning to drive at night. I have seen several reports about this being an issue on RDX models (2015) but no recall. I am requesting Acura to recall this defect, or at least consider reimbursing me for the repair, which has been quoted at $1800. Please advise. Thank you, [XXX] [XXX]

An electrical keyless part in the vehicle drains the battery causing it to stall wherever or whenever you are on the road. It has been confirmed by the dealer(Courtesy Acura) that the vehicle needs a new part that they are unable to manufacture in a timely manner. It has been almost a year since the incident, and Honda is still not supporting a product that was faulty the day the car rolled off the assembly line. I was told by a representative of Honda that my car, 2015 Acura RDX, is the only vehicle with that VIN number to have this problem, and I know that not to be true.

The headlights on my car have dimmed substantially in the last couple of years, to the point I don't feel comfortable driving at night or in unclear conditions. When I do drive at night I am forced to put my hi-beams on to see in front of me. Oncoming cars will flash their lights at me trying to tell me I don't have my headlights on when I do. I have asked Acura about but they say there is nothing that can be done. This is very disappointing and will make me question ever buying another Acura in the future. I can't, in good conscience, pass this car on to my child.

Headlight low beams have gradually became so dim that the car is unsafe to drive at night or in adverse weather conditions. The bulbs were replaced at an Honda dealership despite the dealership technicians stating there was nothing wrong with the existing bulbs' lumination. The new bulbs did not improve visibility and the headlights are getting worse. The last time the car was driven at night, the lights were so dim that I had to use the light from passing cars on the highway to make it home. This is extremely dangerous for the driver and passengers and other people on the road. It seems the headlight housings will need to be fully replaced to make the car drivable.

Headlights a very dim when on. This was not an issue at first but has become noticeable as I’ve driven it more. It is almost impossible to drive at night on a non-city road unless it is empty enough that I can use my brights instead. Very dangerous. If you look online, many people have had this same issue and it’s a known problem with this car. Acura should replace these headlights for these cars

The headlights were getting dimmer and dimmer after a few years and they are so dim now it’s not even safe to drive at night in low beam. I tried to clean the glass many times but the cause in fact is the reflector. I was advised to change the housing which could cost up to $1k for parts and labor

Low beam headlights on my 2015 Acura RDX are extremely dim, despite the bulbs being replaced within the past few years. It is absolutely dangerous to be driving at night with the low beams on; I'm fearful that others may not see me coming or I may not see obstacles ahead, potentially leading to major injury or death to me and others. It is ridiculous that they hasn't been a recall yet for these.

This vehicle was purchased used on 5-25-24 from Carvana. The vehicle was delivered during the daytime. The vehicle was also inspected by the dealer prior to purchase. After purchase the vehicle was driven at night. However, after driving in the dark, at night, it was also discovered that the headlights did not provide adequate light to see whether on the highway or side streets. On dimly lit roads it appeared as if the headlights weren't even turned on. Upon further research, we learned that there is a problem with Acura RDX 2015 models in which the headlamps become dimmer over time due to the reflector malfunction and eventually emit no light and as a result cannot be driven at night. Since this is a 9 year old car, the headlamps are very dim because the reflector is failing and will either need to be replaced due to the defect or the car cannot be driven at night unless the high beams are used, which is also unsafe to other drivers. The bottom line is that driving the car at night with very dim headlights is a serious safety issue that must be addressed by Acura to ensure no one gets in an accident or is injured as the result of not being able to see properly while driving at night. 2015 Acura RDX Headlights have dramatically dimmed over time, to the point of jeopardizing safety of self, passengers and others: it's not discernible they're on unless there's no external lighting/street lamps. Problem potentially confirmed via excess reporting online for a range of RDX years i

Low beams do not work, they are deficient, cannot see in the dark, dangerous

The headlights of my 2015 Acura RDX have degraded to the point where driving at night is near impossible, but definitely dangerous. The bulbs are relatively new, but the light output only extends a few feet in front of the car. This deterioration has been identified by the dealer as a known issue, but is requiring a substantial replacement cost. The issue is not due to driver negligence. One can find many similar instances of this issue when searching the internet. There are no indicators, warning messages, etc., as the lights are still functional.

Acura RDX vehicles’ headlights anre extremely dim, to the point where we cannot see the road and where drivers have even described the vehicles as “undrivable” at nighttime.

Headlights are incredibly dim and unsafe. I’ve now almost been in two accidents at night. My passengers always comment turn on your lights and I have to say they are already on.

Headlights are very dim. Seems like a well known problem, with recalls to other models. Very expensive to fix correctly.

Low-beam headlights are dangerously dim, almost unusable at night. Replaced bulbs, no difference in light output. Dealer has confirmed issue. Obviously a safety issue, if the road can't be lighted, potential for crashes. No signal/notification in cab, as the headlights work.

RECALL ON MANY 201-2015 RDX BECAUSE THE HEADLIGHTS BECAME DANGEROUSLY DIM AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. SAME THING HAPPENED TO MINE, HAD IT CHECKED BY THE DEALER TODAY WHO CONFIRMED. HOWEVER, THERE IS NOT A RECALL ON MINE BUT I ASSUME MANY OTHERS ARE AFFECTED.

The contact owns a 2015 Acura RDX. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed during the evening hours, the contact noticed that the front headlights were not functioning properly. The contact replaced the headlight bulbs, but the failure occurred. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage is unknown.

My 2015 RDX lowbeam headlight getting dimmer gradually. It is too dim to the level of undrivable at night. I replaced the light bulb, but it doesn't help. It almost cause a collison that the opponent car from side of road can not see the light.

This vehicle was purchased used on [XXX]. The vehicle was test driven during the day time. The vehicle was also inspected by the dealer prior to purchase and a state inspection sticker was issued. After purchase the vehicle was driven at night, in the dark, upon which it was discovered a headlight was out. It was subsequently replaced by the dealer. However, after continued driving in the dark, at night, it was also discovered that the headlights did not provide adequate light to see whether on the highway or side streets. On dimly lit roads it appeared as if the headlights weren't even turned on. Upon further research, we learned that there is a problem with Acura RDX 2015 models in which the headlamps become dimmer over time due to the reflector malfunction and eventually emit no light and as a result cannot be driven at night. Since this is a 9 year old car, the headlamps are very dim because the reflector is failing and will either need to be replaced due to the defect or the car cannot be driven at night unless the high beams are used, which is also unsafe to other drivers. The bottom line is that driving the car at night with very dim headlights is a serious safety issue that must be addressed by Acura to ensure no one gets in an accident or is injured as the result of not being able to see properly while driving at night. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

2015 Acura RDX Headlights have dramatically dimmed over time, to the point of jeopardizing safety of self, passengers and others: it's not discernible they're on unless there's no external lighting/street lamps. Problem potentially confirmed via excess reporting online for a range of RDX years inclusive of 2015. Also seeing a relevant, potentially related headlight recall from late 2014.

The headlights are very dim. Provides limited viewing at night. I see this is a well known issue with similar models, but not this one. I did call for repair and it is extremely expensive for what I feel should be a safety recall. This unfortunately will impact but future decisions and thoughts about the Acura. I love everything else about my experience with this car, but this major safety issue not being recalled is of great concern. Is there anything I can do about getting this covered? Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The headlights of the vehicle are extremely dim. It is dangerous to drive at night or in the rain because of how dim the headlights are. The headlights have been restored, but they are still dim

The headlights have become exceptionally dim in my 2015 RDX and they no longer illuminate the roadway at night time. The condition is even worse and more dangerous when the roadway is wet and/or there is an oncoming car. Note: the bulbs work and replacing them with new bulbs make NO difference in the light being projected from the assemblies. There is something wrong with the headlight assemblies themselves. This is very unsafe. I see recalls for other Acura models / years with similarly designed headlights.

The headlights in this model of the RDX are extremely dim making driving at night impossible. The headlights do not illuminate the roadway in front of the vehicle. I had 1% lux reading as measured by an automotive illumination engineer. After further research into this issue I learned that the low-beam reflector itself oxidizes, is not reflective at all, and no amount of brighter bulbs or clean outside lenses will help with a reflector that doesn’t reflect. This has been an ongoing problem for the 2013-2015 Acura RDX models. Acura did a recall on the RLX of the same years for the exact issue and the manufacturer of the headlights for the RLX subsequently manufactured the same headlights for the RDX. Phone calls to Acura from many RDX owners have proved unsuccessful with Acura stating they would only issue a recall if they were forced to do so by NHTSA.

My 2015 Acura RDX has shockingly dim headlights on low beam. The bulbs were replaced within the past year, but the light output is still dangerously bad. Very unsafe to drive at night or in inclement weather. My dealer has confirmed this is a known issue, yet there has been no recall. There has been a recall of the same model year for a different Acura model, the RLX sedan, for headlight issues. Why is the RDX not included?

Low beam light is extremely dim. Dealership replaced the bulb but there is no improvement. I was explained that reflector is defective- burned out due to original Acura design using halogen bulb which caused reflector oxidation. It is a major safety issue as driving at night within required light is hazardous

I just got this 2015Acura RDX And went to drive it at night the lights are absolutely horrendous. I actually almost got into a couple of accident, I also couldn't see the island in the middle of the road or the sidewalks. Trying to turn right Into a driveway I went over a curve because I couldn't even see where I was going, because of these lights. If I would have known this was a problem, I would have not purchased an Acura. This should be Addressed and definitely fixed by the company. Also, I was not Advised of this problem from the dealer That is uncalled for. So, now I am afraid to drive at night. What does this mean? I can't drive at night?

Over time, the halogen headlights have dimmed to the point where night-time driving and driving in rain/fog/snow are unsafe. This is not due to the halogen bulb itself, nor clarity of the lens housing, but rather the reflector. This appears to be a very common problem, confirmed by many other RDX owners. NHTSA should issue a recall for this part as they have done for similar issues facing the 2014-15 Acura RLX.

I drove my wife’s car (this Acura RDX) the other night and was surprised how poorly I could see with the dim lights. When I was approaching on coming traffic on a rural two line road in the rain and at night, I could not see the center or edge of road line at all. Basically had to look for the elevation or texture difference of the road and grass on the side of the road. It was a very unsafe and scary situation. With passing of on-coming traffic, the return to the bright lights was like night and day. Even with no on-coming traffic, the lighting with dim lights was too dim to drive with. I am so thankful my wife have not been in an accident, but so frustrated that she has been put in that situation without any warning or notification from the manufacture or other. Apparently from what I have read on the web, this situation is well know, but unaddressed. Shame on the industry.

I only feel that it is right I complain about the Acura Rdx headlights I really fear I will only end up hurting my self and/or others. The low beam headlight are dangerous at night I barely see the headlight on and when it’s snowing and the night time with no street lights I’m scared for my life. I can only drive my Acura rdx during the daytime. Please investigate this problem. Thank you

Low beam lights at night are so dim that one can hardly tell they are even on almost. It is unsafe to drive at night and particularly rainy conditions at night without using the high beams. Bulbs have been replaced to the brightest available on the market and the plastic lenses of the headlights have had any oxidation removed. It appears as though the reflector in which the low beam bulbs mount into are completely hazed over. Yet there is no way to clean or replace these individual parts without replacing the entire headlight assembly. It is available for inspection if desired and I have not yet consulted a dealer. Vehicle currently has 120k miles and the issue started to be noticeable before hitting 100k miles. It is at the point now where I will need to personally replace the headlight assemblies or have a dealer or body shop perform this work.

The headlight reflector has become so foggy that it does not illuminate anything further than 5 feet in front of it. The light does not spill onto the road. This has caused other drivers to be unaware of my presence at night, and lead to one turning into my lane and running me off of the road, popping my tires and ruining my car’s alignment.

Low beams headlights are very dim .Very dangerous to drive in to drive at night.

Low beam reflector has failed and the low beams do do not provide safe/adequate lighting making it nearly impossible to see while driving at night creating danger for the driver as well as others on the road. This seems to be a known issue that Acura will not address

Air bag sensors turning on and off. Malfunction.

Vehicle has 80k miles. Low beam headlights are VERY dim, making it dangerous to drive at night. I haven't taken it anywhere to be inspected. Based on some searches on the Internet this is a very common issue for RDX Base models from years 2013 - 2015.

The contact owns a 2015 Acura RDX. The contact stated that on several occasions while the vehicle was started, the headlamps were extremely dim, making it difficult to see the roadway while driving. The contact stated that both headlight bulbs were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

I cant see if my headlight is on at night. I have HID and it is not working so well. daytime is fine but when i need it when its raining or dark, it is very hard to see.

Dim headlights due to projector housing malfunctions. Original headlights have burned reflective coating. Vision at night is non existent and driving safely at night is not possible. This seems to be a common problem Acura refuses to acknowledge. The vehicle supposedly was checked by caravan before I purchased it. Led headlights have not helped.

Low beam headlights are extremely dim and dangerous. Cannot see the lines on the road at night especially if it’s raining there seems to be a common complaint based on an Internet search.

My 2015 Acura RDX headlights are so dim it is dangerous to drive at night, especially with rain on the road. This affects my ability to drive safely at all times, on any roads, at night. I've tried replacing the bulbs, but the problem is inside the headlight assembly on the reflector and the lens. In order to be safe, I must perform a complete replacement of the headlight assembly, which costs over $1000 for each side.

The headlights are so dim that we can no longer drive it safely at night. The only apparent fix is to replace the entire headlight assemblies for about$2000.

My headlights are EXTREMELY DIM. I contacted the dealership 4 days after I purchased my Acura RDX to only be told my warranty doesn't cover the headlights and I would have to pay out of pocket to get them fixed. My headlights are so dim it looks like I'm driving with my running lights on. I have to drive with my high beams at night because I have almost hit a pedestrian and run into a ditch not being able to see 2 feet in front of me. I have video of how bad they are. Acura needs to take responsibility and fix this issue ASAP! I will not stop until they do. I don't want anyone to get hit or even killed because Acura wants to turn a blind eye regarding this major issue we are ALL having!

The contact owns a 2015 Acura RDX. The contact stated that the headlights failed to produce adequate lighting while driving at night. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to the local dealer, who replaced the bulbs however, the failure persisted. The dealer stated that the headlight assemblies needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 79,990.

The 2015 Acura RDX has a problem with the exterior headlamps making it a safety hazard when driving at night. Over time, the auto or all electric light options have not been fully functioning. The standard lighting on the headlights is very dim, whether using Auto or "turn on all" electric light options. Poor visibility from the regular lights is so low that the high beams need to be used regularly, even on local streets with lampposts. I tried cleaning the exterior of the lights with an at-home cleaner (oxidizer) and it helped the exterior but not the lighting. I recently took the RDX into the dealership; they replaced the bulbs but this did not resolve the issue. The service department said there was no recall for the headlights on the 2015 RDX. A similar headlight issue was addressed on a 2014-15 Acura RLX vehicles (based on Consumer Affairs online report). My option is now to replace both headlamps. The cost to replace the headlamps - with halogen lights only - is approximately $3,100. That is a huge expense to address a manufacturer standard safety function for a vehicle. My car has been serviced by Acura dealerships (and primarily the one where I bought my car) so the manufacturer knows that there certified technicians have handled all maintenance associated with this vehicle. I request that NHTSA investigate this issue with the Acura 2015 RDX headlights. This safety violation should result in Acura providing a recall option for all Acura 2015 RDX with known headlamp is

Low beams are so dim that you cannot tell if the vehicle has its lights on at all. This forces me to use my high beams when driving at night blinding other drivers. Acura has stated that the whole headlight assembly must be replaced. There are no warnings or light bulbs out on the vehicle.

Ballast/Reflector in headlightz started dimming at 80,000 miles, now unable to produce light at all. This is a known factory defect that acura has been too cheap to recall. I can only see with my highbeams at night and even they barely produce light.

Low beam headlamps are very dim and unsafe to drive with at night. Changing bulbs does not help as the interior of the unit is defective. This is very unsafe to drive at night.

The headlights on this vehicle have deteriorated over time to the point where it is 100% a safety issue. I have had all of the bulbs replaced, but it is not the bulbs and this is a known issue with this model of vehicle. I am baffled that there hasn't been a recall for this vehicle for this KNOWN issue. It would be pretty easy to look across multiple forums and find numerous people with the same issue. The biggest challenge with this issue is that it doesn't occur all at once. It's kind of a slow burn over time, which makes it somewhat difficult to notice. There have been a number of times where there is something in the road and I've had to swerve at the last second to avoid it because the headlights were not projecting as they should.