Owners have filed 21 complaints
about the 2011 Acura RDX with NHTSA between 2015 and 2022.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 15 of 19 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 8
Against the median year of the Acura RDX. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 74
14.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 46
27% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
25,000 – 49,999 miles
436.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
218.2%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
327.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
218.2%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Nov 2015peak 4Aug 2022
Recalls on the 2011 Acura RDX
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2016046269,201 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the driver frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment. Failure of the airbag to fully deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will inspect/replace the driver's frontal airbag inflator. Note: Honda Canada has created a special Airbag Inflator Hotline for immediate assistance. For more information, please contact: For Honda Owners: 1-877-445-7754 For Acura Owners: 1-877-445-9844
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 30,100 milesSUN City Center, FLCrash
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 ACURA RDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A TURN AT AN EXTREMELY LOW SPEED WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT DROVE OVER A CURB AND CRASHED INTO AN EMBANKMENT AS THE VEHICLE TILTED TO THE RIGHT SIDE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO REVV AFTER IT WAS SHIFTED INTO THE PARK AND NEUTRAL POSITION. THE VEHICLE STOPPED REVVING AFTER THE IT WAS SHUT OFF. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. NO POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,100.
NHTSA complaint #10946965 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,100 milesSUN City Center, FLCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 ACURA RDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A TURN AT AN EXTREMELY LOW SPEED WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT DROVE OVER A CURB AND CRASHED INTO AN EMBANKMENT AS THE VEHICLE TILTED TO THE RIGHT SIDE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO REVV AFTER IT WAS SHIFTED INTO THE PARK AND NEUTRAL POSITION. THE VEHICLE STOPPED REVVING AFTER THE IT WAS SHUT OFF. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. NO POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,100.
NHTSA complaint #10946965 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,100 milesSUN City Center, FLCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 ACURA RDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A TURN AT AN EXTREMELY LOW SPEED WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT DROVE OVER A CURB AND CRASHED INTO AN EMBANKMENT AS THE VEHICLE TILTED TO THE RIGHT SIDE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO REVV AFTER IT WAS SHIFTED INTO THE PARK AND NEUTRAL POSITION. THE VEHICLE STOPPED REVVING AFTER THE IT WAS SHUT OFF. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. NO POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,100.
NHTSA complaint #10946965 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Fort Smith, AR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER
Turbo went out at 109230 miles. No warning lamps or anything prior. Unknown on other questions. Just know mil had a turbo go out and ended up being apart of recall
NHTSA complaint #11482327 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 119,500 milesMorrow, GA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CONDENSATION FORMS INSIDE THE HEADLIGHTS CAUSING THE LIGHTS NOT TO WORK.
NHTSA complaint #11361238 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 119,500 milesMorrow, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CONDENSATION FORMS INSIDE THE HEADLIGHTS CAUSING THE LIGHTS NOT TO WORK.
NHTSA complaint #11361238 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 79,000 milesBrooklyn, NY
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT CONTACT OWNS A 2011 ACURA RDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER LEVER FAILED TO SHIFT OUT OF GEARS AND THE KEY FAILED TO RELEASE FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH. NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHIFTER CABLE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OF THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 79,000.
NHTSA complaint #11306973 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 79,000 milesBrooklyn, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT CONTACT OWNS A 2011 ACURA RDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER LEVER FAILED TO SHIFT OUT OF GEARS AND THE KEY FAILED TO RELEASE FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH. NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHIFTER CABLE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OF THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 79,000.
NHTSA complaint #11306973 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Panama City Beach, FL
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 ACURA RDX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V061000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALER (HONDA OF BAY COUNTY LOCATED AT 3601 E 15TH ST PANAMA CITY, FL 32404) WHO STATED THAT AUTHORIZATION WAS NEEDED TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND OPENED CASE NUMBER: 05970305. NO ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #11006175 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Willow, AL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
4141
NHTSA complaint #10992821 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbia, MD
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 ACURA RDX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V061000 (AIR BAGS). THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED NUMEROUS TIMES TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR, BUT THEY WERE UNRESPONSIVE. THE DEALER FAILED TO RESPOND IN A REASONABLE TIMEFRAME. THE MANUFACTURER COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT WAS NOT EXPERIENCING A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #10981574 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,100 milesSUN City Center, FLCrash
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 ACURA RDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A TURN AT AN EXTREMELY LOW SPEED WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT DROVE OVER A CURB AND CRASHED INTO AN EMBANKMENT AS THE VEHICLE TILTED TO THE RIGHT SIDE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO REVV AFTER IT WAS SHIFTED INTO THE PARK AND NEUTRAL POSITION. THE VEHICLE STOPPED REVVING AFTER THE IT WAS SHUT OFF. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. NO POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,100.
NHTSA complaint #10946965 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,100 milesSUN City Center, FLCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 ACURA RDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A TURN AT AN EXTREMELY LOW SPEED WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT DROVE OVER A CURB AND CRASHED INTO AN EMBANKMENT AS THE VEHICLE TILTED TO THE RIGHT SIDE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO REVV AFTER IT WAS SHIFTED INTO THE PARK AND NEUTRAL POSITION. THE VEHICLE STOPPED REVVING AFTER THE IT WAS SHUT OFF. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. NO POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,100.
NHTSA complaint #10946965 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,100 milesSUN City Center, FLCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 ACURA RDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A TURN AT AN EXTREMELY LOW SPEED WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT DROVE OVER A CURB AND CRASHED INTO AN EMBANKMENT AS THE VEHICLE TILTED TO THE RIGHT SIDE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO REVV AFTER IT WAS SHIFTED INTO THE PARK AND NEUTRAL POSITION. THE VEHICLE STOPPED REVVING AFTER THE IT WAS SHUT OFF. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. NO POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,100.
NHTSA complaint #10946965 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,498 milesInglewood, CA
POWER TRAIN
LOW GROWL, OR VIBRATION/SHUDDER STARTING AROUND 40-50 MPH AND CONTINUES IF YOU GO FASTER OR ACCELERATE QUICKLY. ALREADY CHANGED 2 AXLES AND HAD MOUNTS CHECK AND MULTIPLE ALLIGNMENTS. ALL OPEN SOURCE AND FORUM RESEARCH POINT VERY HEAVILY TO TORQUE CONVERTER AND POWERPOINT CONTROL MODULE.
NHTSA complaint #10946857 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Medfield, MA
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 ACURA RDX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V061000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE RECALL REMEDY WERE STILL NOT AVAILABLE AND THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10929976 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Newton, MA
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL- I HAVE CONTACTED DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES OVER SEVEN MONTHS - THEY DONT HAVE PARTS TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. THIS IS A SEVERE SAFETY ISSUE THAT DEMANDS REAL DATES FOR REPAIR.
NHTSA complaint #10915883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lantana, TX
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 ACURA RDX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V061000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10908795 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Phoenix, AZ
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL I HAVE CONTACTED DEALERSHIP TWICE AND THEY KEEP TELLING ME THEY DONT HAVE PARTS TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. CONTACTED IN APRIL 2016 AND AUGUST 2016. IS THIS A SAFTEY ISSUE FRO MY WIFE WHILE DRIVING THIS CAR?
NHTSA complaint #10907336 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesSanta FE, NM
AIR BAGS
I RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE FOR MY CAR AIRBAGS IN MARCH OF 2016. I HAVE CONTACTED MY DEALER SEVERAL TIME TO ASK FOR THE REPLACEMENT REQUIRED BY THIS RECALL AND STILL HAVE HAD NO RESPONSE. MEANWHILE, MY FAMILY AND I ARE DRIVING IN WHAT COULD BE A DANGEROUS VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10884304 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Santa FE, NM
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 ACURA RDX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V061000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10884308 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
South SAN Francisco, CA
AIR BAGS
2011 ACURA RDX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO REPLACEMENT PARTS NOT AVAILABLE TO REPAIR DEFECTIVE AIRBAG RECALL. *SMD
NHTSA complaint #10873073 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 51,670 milesYonkers, NY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT FLICKERS GOES ON FOR SOME TIME, THEN TURNS OFF BY ITSELF AFTER TURN LIGHT BACK OFF AND TURNING BACK ON THEY DO THE SAME THING OVER AGAIN SAFETY ISSUE AT NIGHT STATIONARY AND IN MOTION
NHTSA complaint #10787544 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 51,670 milesYonkers, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT FLICKERS GOES ON FOR SOME TIME, THEN TURNS OFF BY ITSELF AFTER TURN LIGHT BACK OFF AND TURNING BACK ON THEY DO THE SAME THING OVER AGAIN SAFETY ISSUE AT NIGHT STATIONARY AND IN MOTION
NHTSA complaint #10787544 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.