Acura RDX: best & worst years

2024 Acura RDX Recommended

Mature 3rd-gen RDX with a strong 272-hp turbo, standard SH-AWD and very few owner complaints; class-leading low repair costs make it a safe luxury-SUV buy.

2023 Acura RDX Recommended

Reliable late 3rd-gen RDX with the post-refresh fixes settled in; minimal complaints, top-of-class RepairPal reliability and reasonable running costs.

2022 Acura RDX Recommended

Refreshed 3rd-gen year that cleared up the early-build engine troubles; quiet, well-equipped and dependable, with premium fuel the main ownership cost.

2021 Acura RDX Recommended

Last pre-refresh 3rd-gen year but the head-gasket and power-loss complaints had largely subsided; solid reliability and strong resale, premium fuel required.

2020 Acura RDX Caution

Early 3rd-gen 2.0T saw repeated head-gasket/overheating and limp-mode power-loss reports; have the cooling system and engine inspected, and confirm the fuel-pump recall is done.

• Head-gasket failure with coolant loss and engine overheating on the 2.0L turbo, sometimes at moderate mileage
• Sudden loss of engine power / limp mode, in some cases linked to water entering the intercooler
• Harsh or jerky low-speed shifting from the 10-speed automatic

2019 Acura RDX Caution

Launch 3rd-gen year with the most owner complaints: head-gasket failures at moderate mileage, sudden power loss/limp mode and spontaneous rear-glass breakage; inspect carefully and verify recall work.

• Head-gasket failure with coolant loss and engine overheating on the 2.0L turbo, sometimes at moderate mileage
• Sudden loss of engine power / limp mode, in some cases linked to water entering the intercooler
• Harsh or jerky low-speed shifting from the 10-speed automatic

2018 Acura RDX Recommended

Final 2nd-gen year with the smooth, reliable 3.5L V6 and LED headlights; only real flag is the Denso fuel-pump recall, confirm it was completed.

• Low-pressure fuel-pump can fail and cause stalling or no-start; addressed by the Denso fuel-pump recall (23V858000)
• Occasional sudden loss of power with a transmission warning light

2017 Acura RDX Caution

Dependable 2nd-gen V6 but with a cluster of sudden power-loss/transmission-warning complaints; otherwise low running costs and good resale.

• Low-pressure fuel-pump can fail and cause stalling or no-start; addressed by the Denso fuel-pump recall (23V858000)
• Occasional sudden loss of power with a transmission warning light

2016 Acura RDX Caution

Facelifted 2nd-gen V6 flagged for brake-squeal and occasional engine stall/limp-mode reports plus lingering Takata airbag recall; verify the airbag fix.

• Low-pressure fuel-pump can fail and cause stalling or no-start; addressed by the Denso fuel-pump recall (23V858000)
• Occasional sudden loss of power with a transmission warning light

2015 Acura RDX Caution

Strong V6 powertrain undermined by widespread dim/delaminating low-beam headlights (a night-driving hazard) and the Takata airbag recall; budget for headlights, confirm recalls.

• Dim low-beam headlights from reflector/projector delamination, making night driving unsafe (not recalled)
• Takata airbag inflator recall affecting these model years

2014 Acura RDX Caution

Reliable 3.5L V6 but affected by the dim-headlight reflector defect and Takata airbag recall; mechanically sound otherwise with cheap upkeep.

• Dim low-beam headlights from reflector/projector delamination, making night driving unsafe (not recalled)
• Takata airbag inflator recall affecting these model years

2013 Acura RDX Caution

First 2nd-gen year: refined V6 and roomy cabin, but dim projector headlights and Takata airbags are the headline concerns to inspect and confirm fixed.

• Dim low-beam headlights from reflector/projector delamination, making night driving unsafe (not recalled)
• Takata airbag inflator recall affecting these model years

2012 Acura RDX Recommended

One of the best 1st-gen RDX years, turbo quirks largely sorted and very few complaints; just verify the Takata airbag recall and budget for premium fuel.

• Takata airbag inflator recall (driver and/or passenger) affecting first-generation cars
• Turbocharger wastegate-actuator wear causing boost-control faults and reduced power (DTC P2263)
• HandsFreeLink module parasitic battery drain leading to a dead battery

2011 Acura RDX Recommended

Well-regarded late 1st-gen year with sporty turbo handling and few owner issues; Takata airbag recall is the main item to confirm.

• Takata airbag inflator recall (driver and/or passenger) affecting first-generation cars
• Turbocharger wastegate-actuator wear causing boost-control faults and reduced power (DTC P2263)
• HandsFreeLink module parasitic battery drain leading to a dead battery

2010 Acura RDX Recommended

Among the most reliable 1st-gen RDX years; punchy turbo, standard SH-AWD and low complaint counts, with the Takata recall to verify and premium fuel required.

• Takata airbag inflator recall (driver and/or passenger) affecting first-generation cars
• Turbocharger wastegate-actuator wear causing boost-control faults and reduced power (DTC P2263)
• HandsFreeLink module parasitic battery drain leading to a dead battery

2009 Acura RDX Caution

Solid mid-cycle 1st-gen turbo but aging hardware, Takata airbag recall and premium-fuel thirst warrant a careful inspection.

• Takata airbag inflator recall (driver and/or passenger) affecting first-generation cars
• Turbocharger wastegate-actuator wear causing boost-control faults and reduced power (DTC P2263)
• HandsFreeLink module parasitic battery drain leading to a dead battery

2008 Acura RDX Caution

Early 1st-gen RDX with turbo wastegate-actuator complaints (boost-control faults) and the Takata airbag recall; inspect the turbo system and confirm recall work.

• Takata airbag inflator recall (driver and/or passenger) affecting first-generation cars
• Turbocharger wastegate-actuator wear causing boost-control faults and reduced power (DTC P2263)
• HandsFreeLink module parasitic battery drain leading to a dead battery

2007 Acura RDX Caution

Launch 1st-gen year with the most complaints: turbo wastegate/boost faults, HandsFreeLink parasitic battery drain and the Takata airbag recall; thorough inspection advised.

• Takata airbag inflator recall (driver and/or passenger) affecting first-generation cars
• Turbocharger wastegate-actuator wear causing boost-control faults and reduced power (DTC P2263)
• HandsFreeLink module parasitic battery drain leading to a dead battery