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2021
New 2026
Used 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007

Acura RDX

EPA MPG: 23 mpg
RECALL ALERT:
There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
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Reliability

Overall Reliability

The 2021 RDX has about average reliability compared to other cars from the same model year.

The 2021 Acura RDX has been recalled 2 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot
See all 2021 Potential Trouble Spots

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2021 Acura RDX owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

What Owners Say

Apple CarPlay

"Does not always connect with Waze"

Anonymous A., CT (2021 Acura RDX Unsure 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Display screen goes blank

"Display screen went blank but the car was okay"

Anonymous, GA (2021 Acura RDX Advance 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Infotainment screen will randomly go black and can only be reset by restarting car."

Anonymous, IN (2021 Acura RDX Advance 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
External music device interface (e.g., smart phone, MP3 player)

"Recall for stereo noise addressed somewhat by dealer. Better but not completely. UI clunky and irritating."

Anonymous, TX (2021 Acura RDX Tech 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Heads-up display

""Lens in the dashboard that projects the display has melted from direct sunlight heat. We live in Ohio, so its not as bad as other places, but it is made the display very hard to read.""

Anonymous, OH (2021 Acura RDX Unsure 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
In-dash navigation system (GPS)

"We paid for a system thats supposed to get an update every year. We have not been able to upload a single update and the dealer will not do the update for us."

Anonymous, OH (2021 Acura RDX Unsure 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"The built in navigation system won't update to the new version. Neither the service dept or their online support can figure it out."

Anonymous, ID (2021 Acura RDX Advance 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Radio

"Audio goes out without any warning. Only way to restart is to stop and shut off car, open door and wait 2 minutes, and then restart engine. Usually works but not always. Dealership unable to fix issues and resolve. It has been to service 3 times in less than a year with no resolution and then wont acknowledge it is an issue."

Anonymous, IN (2021 Acura RDX Advance 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Load more

Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Air or water leaks

"Water got into the right rear panel pocket that holds a radio receiver. It rusted the receiver such that the radio did not work. Acura determined it was extremely rare and due to a faulty seal during manufacture. They repaired it and paid 90% of the cost as customer hood will."

Anonymous, UT (2021 Acura RDX Advance 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Squeaks or rattles

""I had a 2014 Acura RDX which was quite well built and this one has developed a squeaky under the dash, a rattle around the entertainment system and around the door panel.""

Anonymous, TX (2021 Acura RDX Advance 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

"Navigation problems. Directing to a wrong location."

Anonymous, OR (2021 Acura RDX Advance 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

""Sun roof problem fully closing, repair covered by warranty""

Anonymous, ON (2021 Acura RDX Tech 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

What Owners Say

Rotors

"Brake vibration on the front rotors due to normal use. Replaced the front linings and rotors to solve the problem."

Anonymous, VA (2021 Acura RDX A-Spec 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Squeaking

"Rear routers and pads replaced under warranty"

Anonymous, MD (2021 Acura RDX Advance 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

What Owners Say

Keyless entry

"the keyfob for the keyless entry eats CR2032 batteries like candy. The keyless entry and start only seems to work consistantly right after the battery is replaced. And then it only lasts about three months, with the last month working intermittently before the battery needs to be replace. I have never had a vehicle that consumes keyfob batteries at the pace this vehicle does."

Anonymous A., NC (2021 Acura RDX Tech 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

What Owners Say

Rough shifting

"The car has started shifting very roughly at times almost like I have hit a bump"

Anonymous, TX (2021 Acura RDX Advance 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

What Owners Say

Blower (fan) motor

"I bought my Acura RDX into the dealership 4 or 5 times indicating that there was a problem with the AC system. It worked intermittently and was still under warranty. Each time the service department said they could not find the problem. The final time, I brought the car into the dealership immediately when it happened and spoke to the GM who checked it out. He hit the blower with his hand, and it started working. GM said that they own the problem if they acknowledge that there is a problem. That is why they didn't find anything wrong with the AC when previously brought in. Living in the desert, I find that this is inexcusable. This is the second Acura that I've owned that one of their dealerships refused to acknowledge the issue. My first Acura was a 1999 TL. The problem was with the transmission. I had it replaced twice. I found that this was an ongoing issue with other TL's that were recalled but the dealership refused to deal with it saying it was not recalled. I traded that car in for a new MERCEDES-BENZ and got a recall notice for the Acura TL 6 months later. It seems that Acura dealerships are trained not to admit there is a problem with their vehicles when something goes wrong. Hence, I will NEVER own another Acura/Honda product."

Anonymous, CA (2021 Acura RDX Unsure 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

What Owners Say

Fuel pump

"High pressure fuel pump failed. Was repaired under warranty"

Anonymous, MD (2021 Acura RDX Advance 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

What Owners Say

Timing belt or chain

"Timing chain had stretched resulting in rattling noise upon startup up and then subsiding after a few minutes. Repair was covered under warranty. There was a recall/service bulletin associated with the problem."

Anonymous A., MI (2021 Acura RDX Tech 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

Suspension/Steering

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

2021 SUVs Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Acura vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

See How Other Brands Stack up
Reliability History
* Redesign year
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04
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Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.

Learn more about car Reliability.

Recalls
PROVIDED BY
AIR BAGS
Feb 01, 2024
An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
What should you do:
Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024, October 18, 2024, and August 2025. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 24V064000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 750114
Hide Recall Details
POWER TRAIN
Dec 02, 2021
Driveshaft failure can cause a sudden loss of drive power, or cause the vehicle to roll away when parked if the parking brake is not applied. Either condition can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021 Acura RDX and 2022 CR-V Hybrid vehicles. A component in the right or left front driveshaft may have been improperly heat-treated, which could result in driveshaft failure.
What should you do:
Dealers will replace the right or left front driveshaft as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 24, 2022. Owners may contact Honda customer service 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BBY, NBW, and OBX.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 21V939000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 279
Hide Recall Details
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