2016 Acura RDX

Routine

Owners filed 41 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 2 times.

Not among the Acura RDX years to avoid. Which Acura RDX years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
27,000 milesMedian miles at failure

26 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 0–10,000 miles.

Most common 2016 Acura RDX problems

7 of the 41 complaints (17%) are about the electrical system.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System7
010
Service Brakes · brakes6
100
Power Train · transmission5
000
Engine5
010
Unknown or Other3
000
Structure › Body · body and frame2
000
Steering2
000
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system2
000
Air Bags · airbags2
203
Wheels1
000

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
2015: 2 complaints, 0 about the electrical system'152016: 7 complaints, 3 about the electrical system'162017: 6 complaints, 0 about the electrical system'172018: 3 complaints, 0 about the electrical system'182019: 4 complaints, 2 about the electrical system'192020: 3 complaints, 0 about the electrical system'202021: 4 complaints, 1 about the electrical system'212022: 1 complaints, 0 about the electrical system'222023: 3 complaints, 0 about the electrical system'232024: 1 complaints, 0 about the electrical system'242025: 4 complaints, 0 about the electrical system'252026: 3 complaints, 1 about the electrical system'26Recall 16V061000 (airbags)Recall 19V182000 (airbags)NHTSA investigation EA21002
All complaintsAbout the electrical systemRecall (red: the electrical system)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 2016 RDX peaked in 2016, with 7 filed that year. In 2026 owners filed 3 so far.

2 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module19V182000
Filed Mar 6, 20191,101,534 vehiclesHonda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Defect. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode.

Risk. An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is O41. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is U40.

Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module16V061000
Filed Feb 3, 20162,232,187 vehiclesHonda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Defect. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Honda CR-V, 2011-2015 CR-Z, 2010-2014 FCX, and Insight, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013-2014 Fit EV, 2007-2014 Ridgeline, 2013-2016 Acura ILX, 2013-2014 Acura ILX Hybrid, 2007-2016 RDX, 2005-2012 Acura RL, 2009-2014 Acura TL, and 2010-2013 Acura ZDX vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.

Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are JY0, JY1, and JY2.

All 2 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. One names the 2016 RDX.

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureEngineering analysis EA21002Open
Opened Sep 17, 2021airbags

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at …

Technical service bulletins

157 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2016 RDX. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

airbags 28fuel system 24equipment 23body and frame 20brakes 13electrical system 11steering 9backup camera 7
B18-021Warranty extensionFeb 28, 2026airbags

Service Bulletin - Warranty Extension: Customer Support Program For Driver's Airbag Inflator for 2016 ILX and 2016 RDX.

B18-029Warranty extensionJun 15, 2018airbags

Service bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement front passengers airbag inflator only.

B18-021Warranty extensionMay 31, 2018airbags

Service bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement driver's airbag inflator only.

BBOM05242018901Warranty extensionMay 24, 2018airbags

Dealer message - Today, May 24, 2018, Acura is announcing a warranty extension for 2002-17 Acura vehicles. This warranty extension applies in cases where any of the replacement driver?s and/or front passenger?s airbag inflators have failed internally.

BTI&01212022902Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJan 21, 2022electrical system

Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2016-2020 MDXs, RDXs & TLXs with a client complaint of the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) on with the DTC P030X (Cylinder Misfire Detected), P0171 & P0174 (Rear/Front Bank Fuel System Too Lean), or P219A&B (Air-Fuel Ratio Variation of Cylinder) stored. To better understand the …

BPaS09272021Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSep 27, 2021electrical system

Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2016-2020 MDXs, RDXs & TLXs with a client complaint of the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) on with the DTC P030X (Cylinder Misfire Detected), P0171 & P0174 (Rear/Front Bank Fuel System Too Lean), or P219A&B (Air-Fuel Ratio Variation of Cylinder) stored. To better understand the …

BPaS08302021Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsAug 30, 2021electrical system

Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2016-2020 MDXs, RDXs & TLXs with a client complaint of the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) on with the DTC P030X (Cylinder Misfire Detected), P0171 & P0174 (Rear/Front Bank Fuel System Too Lean), or P219A&B (Air-Fuel Ratio Variation of Cylinder) stored. To better understand the …

BTS180203Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsFeb 15, 2018electrical system

Tech line summary article - We?re currently looking at an issue that when connected to Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® using an iPhone with iOS 11, there?s no phonebook showing up on the On Demand Multi-Use Display? (ODMD). If the phonebook doesn?t download, clients will have trouble accessing phonebook contacts using the voice control system.

B17015Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSep 6, 2017electrical system

Service bulletin - Clients receive excessive notifications for a low power mode through AcuraLink®. There is a false CAN signal transmitted through the telematics control unit.

B17020DService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsFeb 14, 2017electrical system

Service news article - We?ve made an important change to the AcuraLink telematics unit that you need to be aware of. This change switches the coverage of the internal cellular module from Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) to Long Term Evolution (LTE).

Showing the newest 6 of 11 bulletins about the electrical system, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA 5-star safety ratings
Version testedOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
2016 Acura RDX SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★15.5%
2016 Acura RDX SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★16.4%

New Car Assessment Program results for this model year. Ratings compare cars of similar size and weight only.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control
Filed Sep 26, 2026VA

UNKNOWN LKAS SYTEM LIGHTS CAME ON AND WILL NOT GO OUT. ALL OF THEM. 3 WEEKS AGO EVERYTHING LOCKED UP AND I HAD TO TAKE TO A DEALER, THEY REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR BUT THE SYSTEM STILL MALFUCTIONING AND NOW THE EMISSIONS CONTROL LIGHTS STAY ON WITH A P0443 CODE, REPLACED THE EVAP CONTROL VALVE AND THE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON..

Engine
Filed Jun 16, 2026KY

On May 25, 2026, while driving my 2016 Acura RDX AWD on the interstate at highway speed, it suddenly began running rough and felt as if I was driving over low, spaced-out speed bumps. The check engine light started flashing, and multiple safety-system warnings appeared, including AWD System Problem, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) Problem, Hill Start Assist Problem, Electric Power Steering (EPS) Problem, and lane-keeping warnings. The vehicle lost normal performance, and I was concerned about safely continuing in interstate traffic. The interstate shoulder was narrow, and the shoulder was ending where traffic was merging onto another busy interstate. I pulled over as soon as I could safely do so. The vehicle was then towed to the dealership for diagnosis. The Acura dealership diagnosed internal engine damage, cylinder misfires, and broken piston rings and advised that the engine required replacement. The vehicle had approximately 170,526 miles at the time of failure. Prior to this incident, the vehicle was operating normally, had been regularly maintained, and had not been involved in any collision. There was no indication that an engine failure was imminent. After researching the issue, I learned that Acura and Honda have issued technical service bulletins and warranty extensions involving certain J35 V6 engines equipped with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM), addressing conditions including excessive oil consumption, piston ring problems, spark plug fouling, and cylinder mi

Electrical System
Filed May 11, 2026NH

On several occasions, the car alarm starts randomly sounding. When my son went to the vehicle, the lights on the dash board were flashing on and off and there was a clicking sound. We replaced the batteries in the key fobs. The battery was low so we had that recharged but the problem continued. We replaced the car battery and that appeared to solve the problem for about 6 months. The same problem occurred again. The only way to stop the alarm from going off is to disconnect the battery. Leaving the door unlocked does not stop this from happening. When we searched online, it is clear this is a common problem with this car, but there have been no recalls or TSB issued. This is a safety issue because we need to disconnect the battery and leave the car unlocked when we leave the vehicle. This has not been inspected by any service center. Based on our research, Acura will recommend replacing the smart power control unit at a cost of up to $1500 or more. We are hoping that others have reported this as well.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Sep 19, 2025MA

The driver side airbag. And yes, it can be inspected. I was involved in a low impact accident, where I struck a minor curb. The airbag deployed in my face, causing a loss of consciousness and ongoing concussion. No warning signs at all. Not yet, the vehicle is being looked at on Monday. The vehicle was inspected by the police.

Steering
Filed May 29, 2025NJ

The contact owns a 2016 Acura RDX. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle while turning to the left or the right. The contact stated that the steering wheel failed to function as intended. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering gear and suspension had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Power Train › Axle Assembly
Filed Jan 16, 202555,495 milesDE

The contact owns a 2016 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 25 MPH, there was a loud clicking sound coming from underneath the vehicle on the front passenger side of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact’s wife took the vehicle to the local independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the front passenger’s side axle was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 55,495.

Power Train
Filed Jan 9, 2025LA

A judder from the torque converter is felt when driving between 20 and 60 mph

Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness
Filed Dec 23, 2024NY

Please see attached photos regarding unsafe issue with our Britax 1 for life clicktight carseat purchased 2021 and utilized from the end of 2021 to Dec. 2024. The harness strap would not tighten with ease, so I tugged with light force and the bolts that held the button to loosen the harness popped out. The harness then would not tighten at all. We threw the seat away but wanted to report the issue to you out of concern for others who are still utilizing this seat.

Service BrakesCrash
Filed Nov 22, 2023100,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2016 Acura RDX. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH a deer had jumped in front of his vehicle. The contact stated that he depressed the brake pedal with force, however, the pedal did not respond and depressed to the floorboard with no resistance. The contact stated that he was pumping the brake pedal when he crashed into the deer. The contact stated that the vehicle continued forward for several hundred yards before he was able to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that he was able to drive the vehicle to a dealer, it was an out-of-state dealer since he had been traveling when he crashed into the deer. The contact stated that the damage was to the front bumper and to the hood of the vehicle which had been deformed due to the crash with the deer. The contact stated that the out-of-state dealer repaired the crash damage and replaced the brakes with new pads and rotors. The contact observed that the vehicle was having a failure of the tire pressure monitoring system light which was constantly illuminated, the windshield wiper motor was failing intermittently and the brakes continued to feel "mushy." The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer who determined that the vehicle failures described by the contact were not duplicated following a diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Power Train
Filed Jul 20, 2023GA

While driving in the left of I20 East's two lanes on a descending hill with 5 cars ahead and an unknown number of cars behind at 70+ mph and all cars packed in close to the car ahead, I saw the lane had no real shoulder before a drop-off and the right lane had a narrow shoulder before it dropped off into woods and brush. The right lane was packed with 18-wheelers. In order to avoid constantly breaking the full length of the hill, I shifted into manual mode and a lower gear, but the car ahead began to brake suddenly and hard. Just a second before that car broke, I unlocked the shifter and was moving it forward to Drive. As the car ahead was drastically slowing, I had to hit the brakes hard to avoid rear-ending him, and the momentum of sudden braking threw my hand and the shifter all the way forward into Park. The transmission immediately produced a harsh grinding sound, I no longer could disengage the transmission from Park, and the only controls I now had were brakes and steering. Alarmed I knew I had to get to the right shoulder but I couldn't look back to see how close trucks were behind the one to my immediate right, but by braking that truck slowly moved ahead of me, providing a brief opening behind him in the right lane. As I cautiously moved into that opening, I could see an 18 wheeler approaching but still a short distance back. I continued slowly drifting into the right lane with blinkers on, when suddenly the approaching truck behind veered partially into the right s

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 20, 2023NC

The transmission is Jerky and has a rough up and down shift. Vehicle has stalled and shut off without warning. My wife says the vehicle acts as though its about to die when ac compressor/blower kicks on.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 2, 2022CA

From the time purchased there has been a hesitation/sputtering during acceleration. I took the car in during the warranty period and they said nothing could be found. It has continued for 6 years. I have read of similar problems with this model and year.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 30, 2021TX

After getting my tires rotated, the Check emission sensor, check transmission light, and check blind spot system all came on at once and my transmission began jerking.

Power Train
Filed Aug 10, 2021TX

Vehicle constantly surges during acceleration, seems as if the transmission is bad however, it also feels as if the fuel filter is clogged. This sputter occurs at various speed. Vehicle has less than 64,000 miles. Is there a fix to this issue?

Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
Filed May 18, 202130,000 milesCA

THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 ACURA RDX. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE MOON ROOF SHATTERED WITHOUT IMPACT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000.

Engine
Filed Apr 19, 2021108,000 milesCA

WHILE ACCELERATING THE CAR STARTED STUTTERING AND LOST POWER. IT SEEMED LIKE IT WAS IN NEUTRAL. AT THE LIGHT I SHIFTED TO PARK AND BACK TO DRIVE AND THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED. I WAS ONLY 2 BLOCKS FROM HOME SO I CHECKED ALL FLUID LEVELS AND THEY ARE ALL OK. I DROVE THE CAR AROUND THE BLOCK SEVERAL TIMES AND THE PROBLEM WENT AWAY.

Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings
Filed Dec 25, 20203,000 milesMD

WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH I TRAVELED OVER A 50 TOOT, 2 LANE BRIDGE THE FCW AND BRAKE WARNING ENGAGED. THERE WAS NO OTHER CARS IN FRONT OF ME. THIS OCCURS EACH TIME I TRAVEL OVER THIS BRIDGE (APPROXIMATELY 20 TIMES). IT HAS ALSO HAPPENED WHEN TRAVELLING OVER SIMILAR BRIDGES. THE FIRST TIME WAS JUNE 2016. MOST RECENTLY, NOVEMBER 2020.

Engine
Filed Dec 15, 202040,000 milesTX

HAPPENED TWICE. PRESS ACCELERATOR AND ENGINE BOGS WAY DOWN, WARNING LIGHTS SEEM TO CYCLE THROUGH NUMEROUS ISSUES. DEALER COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. SOMEONE SAID THAT INTERNALLY THE ELECTRONICS SWITCHED IT TO HIGHWAY MODE WHERE THE ENGINE SWITCHES FROM 6 CYLINDERS TO 3 CYLINDERS IN ORDER TO PROVIDE BETTER MILEAGE. FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED I WAS 6 MILES FROM HOME SO I CAREFULLY DROVE IT SLOWLY HOME, CALLED THE DEALER, AND THEY HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. SECOND TIME I WAS 100+ MILES FROM HOME. KNOWING I WAS NOW DRIVING A 3 CYLINDER INSTEAD OF 6, I GAVE MYSELF PLENTY OF ROOM TO GET UP TO HIGHWAY SPEED SINCE ALL OF THE DRIVING WAS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS EXCEPT FOR TWO STOP SIGNS. I WAS VERY LUCKY THAT I WAS NOT DRIVING IN A SITUATION WHERE I NEEDED TO ACCELERATE RAPIDLY. THIS TIME I DROVE IT CAREFULLY TO THE DEALERSHIP AND AGAIN THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. SUSPECT THAT THEY RESET IT BY DISCONNECTING THE BATTERY TO RESET THE ENTIRE SYSTEM WHICH IS WHAT I WILL TRY WHEN IT HAPPENS NEXT TIME. (DO NOT WANT TO DRIVE A HUNDRED MILES AGAIN LIKE THAT. WOULD RATHER GET MY HANDS DIRTY AND RESET IT IN ORDER TO DRIVE SAFELY THAT FAR.) FIRST TIME AROUND 40,000 MILES. SECOND TIME AROUND 50,000. BOTH TIMES SPEED WAS AROUND 20-40 MPH, SLIGHT ACCELERATION, THEN IT BOGGED DOWN.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 14, 202040,000 milesCA

DEFECTIVE KNOCK SENSOR AFTER 40,000 MI.....4 YEARS

EngineFire
Filed Oct 17, 201931,000 milesCA

2016 ACURA RDX WITH APPROX 31,000 MILES. AFTER APPROX 1.5 MILE TRIP PARKED IT AT A SHOPPING CENTER, TURNED OFF THE ENGINE AND LOCKED THE CAR. WITHIN 3 MIN THE ENGINE SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED THE ENTIRE ENGINE COMPARTMENT BEFORE THE FIRE DEPT PUT IT OUT. CONTACTED HONDA AND TOLD THEM THEY SHOULD LOOK AT IT TO SEE IF IT WAS AN INHERANT SAFETY PROBLEM. HONDA SAID THEY WERE NOT INTERESTED IN LOOKING AT THE CAR AND TO LET MY INSURANCE HANDLE IT. TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED AFTER BEING TOLD BY THEM THAT THEY WOULD LOOK INTO IT AS IT STILL HAD A POWER TRAIN WARRANTY. DEALERSHIP FAILED TO PROVIDE AN INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE AND WAS TOLD BY HONDA NOT TO HONOR THE WARRANTY AND LET INSURANCE HANDLE IT. VEHICLE IS TOTALED AND IF THE INSURANCE CO SELLS IT AT AN AUCTION THERE WILL BE NO EVIDENCE LEFT OF WHAT CAUSED THE SPONTANEOUS FIRE TO ERUPT ON SUCH A LOW MILE ENGINE.

Engine
Filed Jun 10, 201988,000 milesSC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 ACURA RDX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, A BANGING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM UNDER THE SUBFRAME OF THE VEHICLE AND THE AIR CONDITIONING WOULD NO LONGER BLOW COOL AIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BRADSHAW ACURA (2450 LAURENS RD, GREENVILLE, SC) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM BOLT HAD ERRONEOUSLY DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000. THE VIN WAS INVALID.

Electrical System
Filed May 22, 2019GA

HANDS FREE LINK CAUSES BATTERY TO DRAIN AND THIS ISSUE IS WITH LOTS OF HONDA AND ACURA DIFFERENT MODELS AND HONDA KNOWS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND STILL CHOOSE TO IGNORE IT.CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT FILED IN CALIFORNIA ABOUT THIS ISSUE.

Electrical System
Filed May 8, 201932,000 milesMS

THE TALE LIGHTS, PARK LIGHTS HAVE DISCONTINUE TO WORK, THE BRAKE LIGHT ABOVE TRUCK DOOR IS NOT WORKING. THERE IS NOT BLOWN FUSE OR BULB. DID NOT REALIZE UNTIL MARCH 9TH, WHEN MY DAUGHTER PULLED ME OVER TO TURN ON MY LIGHTS AT NIGHT. I HAD HEAD LIGHTS BUT NO REAR LIGHTS AT ALL.

Structure › Body
Filed Nov 27, 201832,000 milesCA

I WAS DRIVING MY 2016 ACURA RDX DOWN A LOCAL CITY ROAD MIDDAY. THERE WERE NO CARS IN THE VICINITY. WHILE DRIVING (ABOUT 35 MPH), I SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING HEARD A LOUD NOISE OF GLASS SHATTERING. THERE WAS NO PRIOR SOUND OF ANY ANIMAL OR OBJECT HITTING THE CAR. I TURNED AROUND TO SEE MY REAR DRIVER SIDE WINDOW HAD SHATTERED IN ITS ENTIRETY INTO THE CAR. I STOPPED THE CAR TO ASSESS THE SITUATION. I DID NOT SEE ANY ANIMAL OR ROCK/DEBRIS - JUST THE GLASS SHATTERED ONTO THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT AND FLOOR.

Power Train
Filed Jul 10, 201829,592 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 ACURA RDX. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY, STALLED, AND VARIOUS WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (CURRY ACURA, 685 CENTRAL PARK AVE, SCARSDALE, NY 10583) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SPOOL VALVE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,592. **TR CONSUMER STATED THIRD ATTEMPT TO REPAIR THE CAR. UPDATED 11/19/18*JB

Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed Jan 8, 201820,500 milesCA

I WAS T-BONED ON THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR BY A FORD TAURUS SEDAN THAT RAN A RED LIGHT AT A RELATIVELY HIGH RATE OF SPEED (I WAS TAKING A LEFT HAND TURN BUT THE CAR WAS STOPPED AND I WAS YIELDING TO ONCOMING TRAFFIC THAT WAS GOING STRAIGHT). THE TAURUS HIT THE BACK-END OF A HONDA CRV AND THEN HIT ME. THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR COLLAPSED ONTO ME AND THE METAL FROM THE DOOR GOUGED MY BACK. THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW SHATTERED AND CUT ME WITH GLASS. THE SIDE AIR BAG CURTAIN AND THE DOOR AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. THE EMERGENCY PERSONNEL WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THIS AND LOOKED AT THE ISSUE AND TRYING TO DEPLOY THE BAGS, WHICH STILL DID NOT DEPLOY. THE AIRBAGS IN THE OTHER CARS DEPLOYED. I SAVED THE PIECES FOR ACURA FOR INVESTIGATE BUT THEY HAVE DECLINED. THEY WILL RUN A DIAGNOSTIC CHECK FOR ME ONCE THE CAR IS FULLY REPAIRED. ACURA HAS CONFIRMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND THERE WERE NO INDICATOR LIGHTS ON IN THE CAR TO INDICATE AN ISSUE. I HAVE MY CAR SERVICED AT ACRURA AND HAVE NOT BEEN INFORMED OF ANY AIRBAG REPAIRS.

Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 16, 201710,000 milesNC

SUNROOF EXPLODED AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY.

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 30, 201724,000 milesKY

THE AUTOMATIC BRAKE MITIGATION SYSTEM HAS DEPLOYED ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS FOR NO APPARENT REASON. EACH TIME I WAS DRIVING ON A CLEAR ROAD WITH NO OBSTRUCTIONS OR TRAFFIC IN FRONT OF MY VEHICLE WHEN THE SYSTEM ACTIVATED AND BEGAN BRAKING . THIS HAS NOT LET TO AN ACCIDENT YET BUT I THINK IT IS AN OBVIOUS SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE IT COULD CAUSE A DRIVER FOLLOWING BEHIND ME TO "REAR - END" ME OR IT COULD CAUSE ME TO HAVE A SINGLE CAR ACCIDENT IN MY OWN CAR BY UN-NECESSARILY BRAKING ON A ROADWAY COMPROMISED BY RAIN, SNOW OR ICE WHEN I WAS NOT PREPARED OR UNABLE TO MANAGE A BRAKING EPISODE. I HAVE REPORTED THIS TO THE DEALER BUT THE PROBLEM IS OBVIOUSLY VERY INTERMITTENT AND THEY COULD NOT REPRODUCE IT NOR DIAGNOSE IT. I FEEL THIS IS A CLEAR SAFETY ISSUE ON A PRIMARY SAFETY SYSTEM..

Steering
Filed Oct 17, 201723,000 milesMD

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 ACURA RDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED WHILE EXITING A FUEL SERVICE STATION. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT, THE STEERING WHEEL ABRUPTLY LOCKED AND THE VEHICLE DROVE INTO A DITCH. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE STEERING WHEEL REGAINED NORMAL OPERATION WHILE REVERSING THE VEHICLE OUT OF THE DITCH. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 26, 201728,000 milesSC

COLLISION MITIGATION BREAKING SYSTEM ENGAGES RANDOMLY WHEN NOT NECESSARY. SEEMS TO BE HEAT RELATED AS IT OCCURS DURING VERY HOT WEATHER. A SUDDEN STOP IS JARRING AND COULD BE DANGEROUS.

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 23, 2017OR

MY CAR HAD 9100 ON RDX I NEEDED TO HAVE MY PADS AND ROTOR REPLACED ON FROM BRAKES. I HAD PROBLEMS WITH BRAKES AT 5000 MILES. WHEN I PICK UP CAR I HEARD NOICE WHEN PUMPING BREAKS WHEN I WAS PICKING UP VEHICLE AND MECHANIC COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. I HAVE TALK TO ACURA CUSTOMER SERVICE WHICH WERE NOT HELPFUL. I SPOKE TO JIM BROWN GM AT RON TONKIN. HE STATED HE WOULD TALK TO HIS MANAGER OF REPAIRS AND ACURA REP ABOUT CAR. I HAVE ALREADY HAD THE RADIO AND BOARD REPLACED. LANE KEEP ASSIST WARNING LIGHT COME ON 2 TIMES AND RESET MY SOFTWARE RESET. THE MICROPHONE REPLACED. I HAVE HAD TERRIBLE CASE MILE I HAVE NEVER GONE ABOVE 19.6 MPG PER GAS TANK REFILL. DARREL SAID THAT IS EPA SUGGESTION. MY NAVIGATION KEEPS ALARMING 4 BLOCKS AWAY FROM MY HOME. SIRI DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY. I WILL TELL IT TO CALL SOMEONE SOMETIMES IT DOES SOMETIMES IT DOESNT EVEN WITH NEW MICROPHONE. I HAVE HAD THE CAR IN THE SHOP 4 TIMES CLOSE TO 4 WEEKS. I HAVE A LEMON AND WOULD NEVER TELL ANYONE TO BY AN ACURA.

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 4, 201727,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 ACURA RDX. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE TRUNK AND THE MOON ROOF INADVERTENTLY OPENED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 27,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Nov 10, 201610,000 milesIL

JUNE 18, 2016, I HAD A SERVICE APPOINTMENT FOR A ROAD TRIP SPECIAL. I WAS GOING ON A ROAD TRIP A FEW DAYS LATER. I ADVISED [XXX] MY STEERING WHEEL IS SHAKING A LITTLE WHEN BREAKING FROM HIGHER SPEEDS. WHEN I GOT MY CAR BACK, [XXX] STATED THEY REPLACED THE FRONT ROTORS AND PADS. ABOUT 2 WEEKS LATER, I BEGAN HEARING A NOISE SOUNDED LIKE A LITTLE GRIND. KEPT DRIVING DIDN'T HEAR IT AGAIN. AS I WENT ABOUT MY DAY, TIME AND TIME AGAIN I WOULD HEAR THIS SMALL GRIND. SOME DAYS WOULD GO BY AND I WOULD HEAR NOTHING, THEN SUDDENLY AS I AM DRIVING I WOULD HEAR IT AGAIN. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR BACK AND ADVISED I AM HEARING WHAT APPEARS TO BE A GRINDING NOISE. IN JULY I TOLD THEM I WAS GOING ON A ROAD TRIP AND WANTED MY BRAKES CHECKED BECAUSE I AM STILL HEARING THIS NOISE. WHEN I PICKED UP MY CAR THEY DID NOT HEAR ANYTHING. I TOLD THEM IF I HEAR ANY NOISES ON MY TRIP I WAS GOING TO BE PISSED. MY BRAKES WERE GRINDING WHILE I WAS ON MY TRIP. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP LEFT [XXX] A VOICEMAIL HE DID NOT RETURN MY CALL. I DIDN'T THINK THEN TO RECORD IT. I MADE A SERVICE APPOINTMENT FOR AUG 2, NOTHING CAME OF IT. I TOOK THE CAR IN, TOOK THE TECH ON A RIDE AND OF COURSE COULD NOT GET THE CAR TO MAKE THE GRINDING NOISE. AS A RESULT, [XXX] TOLD ME, [XXX], WE ALREADY CHANGED THE PADS AND ROTORS, IF WE CANNOT HEAR THE NOISE WE CANNOT FIX IT, WHEN IT MAKES THE NOISE TO BRING IT BACK. I WAS PISSED. NOT SATISFIED, I CONTACTED THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AGAIN SPOKE TO THE SERVICE MANAGER [XXX], HE OFFERED THAT HE

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 2, 2016OR

I HAD 5000 MILES ON CAR AND MY BRAKES STARTED MAKING NOISE LIKE THE PADS NEEDED REPLACEMENT. I WAS COMING TO A LIGHT AND PUTTING MY BRAKES ON AND ALSO DRIVING ON HIGHWAY I WAS SLOWING DOWN AND HEARD THE NOISE. TOOK MY CAR TO DEALER AND THEY STATED THIS CAN HAPPEN IF YOU ARE ON THE HILLS IN PORTLAND. I EXPLAIN THAT I DO NOT LIVE IN THE HILLS. THEY RESURFACE ROTORS BUT I AM CONCERN THERE IS SOMETHING ELSE IS GOING ON.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 2, 20165,018 milesOR

MY NAVIGATION SYSTEM STARTS ALARMING 3-4 BLOCKS FROM HOME STATING I HOME WHEN I AM NOT ON MY STREET. ALSO SYSTEMS SAYS I AM AT AN EXIT IN SEATTLE BUT IT IS INCORRECT. I SPOKE WITH ACURA AND THEY STATED THE MAPS ARE 5 YEARS OLD WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR I WOULD THINK MAPS WERE UP TO DATE. ALSO MY RADIO WOULD ERASE STATIONS THAT WERE PRESET AND SHOW ZZZZZ ON STATIONS. THEY NEEDED TO UPDATE SOFTWARE AND REPLACE COMPUTER BOARDS AND RADIO. ALSO WHEN ON A CALL IT WOULD DROP THE SOUND WHEN ON PHONE. I ALSO HAVE STATIC WHILE ON PHONE. ACURA STATED THAT THE SOFTWARE WOULD CORRECT THIS BUT IT CONTINUES THE ERROR. ALSO THE CAR WOULD BRAKE WHEN ON ITS OWN WHEN I AM A 100 FT AWAY FROM THE OTHER CAR. THEY UPATED SOFTWARE ON 9/27/2016

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 2, 20165,018 milesOR

GAS MILES IS TERRIBLE SOMETIMES I GET 0-7 AVERAGE GAS MILES WHEN I WAS DRIVING SLOW AND FAST ON FREEWAY AFTER RESETING MILES PER GALLON. I USE PREMIUM GAS AND I LET ACURA AWARE OF PROBLEMS. I FILLED MY GAS TANK UP AGAIN AND IT CONTINUES TO GET POOR GAS MILES.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 12, 20169,995 milesNE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 ACURA RDX. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE ODOMETER GAUGES FAILED. WITHIN A FIVE MILE DRIVE, THE ODOMETER READING JUMPED FROM 9,995 MILES TO 10,231 MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE MECHANIC THAT THE READING ON THE ODOMETER AND READING ON THE INTERNAL MEMORY WERE THE SAME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,995.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jun 15, 2016250 milesCA

THE 2016 ACURA RDX NEWLY PURCHASED ON 4/25/2016 FROM FRESNO ACURA HAD A SPONTANEOUS FIRE AND SUBSEQUENT IMMEDIATE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE DURING A TRIP FROM FRESNO (CALIFORNIA) TO MONTEREY (CALIFORNIA). THE VEHICLE HAD AN ESTIMATED 250 MILES ON THE ODOMETER AT THE TIME OF THE ENGINE AND ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NONOPERATIONAL AND WAS TOWED TO LOS GATOS ACURA AND WITH UNCLEAR CAUSE AS TO THE ELECTRICAL AND ENGINE FAILURE AND INITIAL INSPECTION SUGGESTED A "RESIDUE" AROUND THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND A SUBSEQUENT FACTORY SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND REPORTED, "NO FACTORY DEFECT." HOWEVER, THIS IS WITHOUT THE BENEFIT OF REMOVING AND INSPECTING ANY COMPONENTS OTHER THAN THE OPENING OF THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE AND REMOVAL OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT UNDER PANEL THAT PROTECTS OBJECTS FROM BEING DRAWN INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TOWED TO THE ORIGINAL DEALERSHIP OF PURCHASE, FRESNO ACURA, FOR REPAIR. ACURA HAS FAILED TO PROVIDE AN INSPECTION REPORT FOR THE BASIS OF THE DENIAL FOR WARRANTY REPAIR ON A NEW VEHICLE WITH LOW MILES, AN INADEQUATE INSPECTION, AND A HIGH SAFETY HAZARD IF A MANUFACTURER DEFECT ALLOWS FOR SPONTANEOUS FIRE WITHIN A PROTECTED ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

Power Train
Filed Apr 14, 20161,000 milesFL

I PURCHASED A 2016 ACURA RDX WITH 995 MILES ON 1/21/2016. ON THE DRIVE HOME, AND SEVERAL TIMES SINCE (THE LATEST BEING EARLIER THIS WEEK) WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AT SLOW SPEED (AFTER STOPPING OR SLOWING) THE VEHICLE "DIES" AND I KEEP PUSHING ON THE ACCELERATOR AND AFTER 20 SECONDS OR SO, IT "GRABS" AND I CAN CONTINUE ON. CURRENT MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE IS 1739. I CALLED GETTEL ACURA IN SARASOTA FL AND WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE HAS TO LEARN MY DRIVING HABITS AND MY DRIVING STYLE. PER GETTEL SERVICE MANAGER, THIS SHOULD BE SELF-CORRECTING AT ABOUT 2000 MILES. (?)

Seats
Filed Dec 3, 20154,000 milesIN

POWER DRIVER'S SEAT RANDOMLY AND WITHOUT WARNING MOVES FORWARD PUSHING ME INTO THE STEERING WHEEL MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE UNTIL I CAN STOP AND REACH THE SEAT MEMORY BUTTONS TO RESET THE SEAT OR PUSH THE SEAT ADJUSTMENT BUTTONS. IT HAS OCCURRED INFREQUENTLY WHEN I ENTER THE VEHICLE TO DRIVE. ED MARTIN ACURA HAS FAILED TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE AS I REQUESTED. THE DEALER IS NOT RESPONDING TO MY ASSISTANCE REQUEST TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE.

Wheels
Filed Oct 17, 2015500 milesTX

ACURA RDX HAS REMOVED THE MINI SPARE AND PROVIDED A SMALL AIR COMPRESSOR. THIS IS FINE IF YOU ARE LOW ON AIR. BUT IF YOU HAVE A BLOW OUT, SHRED THE TIRE, OR BREAK A RIM YOU ARE STRANDED INDEFINITELY. I BELIEVE THAT THIS CAUSES UNNECESSARY RISK TO DRIVERS AND A MINI SPARE SHOULD BE PROVIDED AS A MINIMUM. ALSO THE SPARE STORAGE SHOULD ACCOMMODATE THE FULL SIZE TIRE AND RIM FOR THOSE OF US THAT BELIEVE A MINI SPARE ALONE IS A DANGER TO TO THE DRIVER SAFETY BECAUSE DEGRADED BRAKING AND HANDLING DURING USE.

All 41 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2019
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20261000Routine
202530100Routine
202412210Routine
202324200Routine
202231200Routine
2021118300Routine
2020351510Above average
2019441500Above average
201878100Routine
201780111Fatalities reported
2016 — this page41220Routine
2015416300Above average
2014244310Above average
2013162320Routine
201215200Routine
201116200Routine
201022220Routine
200915200Routine
200833300Routine
200753310Routine

Compare every RDX year →

2016 Acura RDX: questions buyers ask

Is the 2016 Acura RDX a good car?

It is not among the RDX years to avoid. Owners filed 41 complaints, against about 99 for a typical RDX year. In NHTSA crash tests it scored 5 stars overall.

How many recalls does the 2016 Acura RDX have?

2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Mar 6, 2019. The largest, 16V061000, covered 2,232,187 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 2016 Acura RDX problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 27,000 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 2016 Acura RDX?

Yes, once. EA21002 ("Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture") was opened Sep 17, 2021 and is still open.

Are there service bulletins for the 2016 Acura RDX?

The manufacturer filed 157 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the airbags (28), the fuel system (24) and the body and frame (20). They include a warranty extension, B18-021, filed Feb 28, 2026. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Mar 6, 2019. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.