Owners have filed 441 complaints
about the 2015 Acura RDX with NHTSA between 2014 and 2026.
The largest single group is the lights.
Across this model's run it ranks 5 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 — 100
Against the median year of the Acura RDX. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 15
2.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 41
24% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Headlights
1144.0%
Body
1040.0%
Bulbs
28.0%
Rear
14.0%
Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
14.0%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
810.8%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
22.7%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
810.8%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
912.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1723.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1723.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1317.6%
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.
Dec 2014peak 21Aug 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2015 Acura RDX
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
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 www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C...
Recalls on the 2015 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.
United States — NHTSA
19V500000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013 Acura ILX, 2015 RDX, 2005-2010 and 2012 RL, 2009-2014 TL, 2010 and 2012 ZDX, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2011-2013 and 2015 CR-Z, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013 Fit EV, 2010-2011 and 2013 Insight and 2007-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
19V182000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
16V061000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
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.
Fort Worth, TXCrash
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11569609 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greenville, SCCrash1 injured
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
My 16 year old son was at a church function until after dark because daylight savings time means it is dark earlier. When he began to drive home he could not see the roadway because the low beam headlights provided close to zero illumination. He lost visibility and drove off the road into someone’s yard. There were children outside and they could have been killed. Only minor damage to the grass and yard occurred and fortunately no damage to the vehicle. He called me and I instructed him to engage the high beams and drive home which caused several oncoming vehicles to swerve and react menacingly because he didn’t dim his lights. The oxidation of the reflective coating is a known defect that was recalled in the Acura ILX and I expect that they should be required to take the same corrective action for the base model RDXs. Please take action
NHTSA complaint #11556158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fredericksbrg, VACrash
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The headlights are horrible. I am unable to drive safely without using my bright lights. When I dim my headlights before approaching an oncoming car it is dangerous. On October 28, 2023 I did just that and missed seeing a deer due to the lack of visibility due to the defective headlights and hit the deer damaging my vehicle's right headlights. Prior to the accident, I invested in installing fog lights to remedy the situation, but it still did not help. I am holding Acura responsible for my accident which was due to defective headlights.
NHTSA complaint #11552543 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 78,000 milesFlushing, NYCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 ACURA RDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING IN THE MIDDLE LANE ON THE HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE WAS REAR-ENDED WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A CONCERT DIVIDER. THE VEHICLE ENDED UP IN THE LEFT LANE, WHERE IT WAS HIT HEAD-ON BY A BUS. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN UNKNOWN LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DRIVER AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED NECK, BACK AND LEG PAINS THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND THERE NO DECISION ON THE STATUS OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURE WERE NOT CALLED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 78,000.
NHTSA complaint #11337663 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesWayne, NJCrash
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 ACURA RDX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE CONTACT INADVERTENTLY LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND COLLIDED WITH A TREE. THE CONTACT DID NOT KNOW HOW CONTROL WAS LOST, BUT BELIEVED IT WAS DUE TO A MECHANICAL FAILURE WITH THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (OPEN ROAD ACURA, 1425 ROUTE 23, WAYNE, NEW JERSEY 07470) WHERE IT WAS AWAITING DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
NHTSA complaint #11088609 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesWayne, NJCrash
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 ACURA RDX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE CONTACT INADVERTENTLY LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND COLLIDED WITH A TREE. THE CONTACT DID NOT KNOW HOW CONTROL WAS LOST, BUT BELIEVED IT WAS DUE TO A MECHANICAL FAILURE WITH THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (OPEN ROAD ACURA, 1425 ROUTE 23, WAYNE, NEW JERSEY 07470) WHERE IT WAS AWAITING DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
NHTSA complaint #11088609 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Plantation, FL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Reflectors on low beam headlights have completely failed. Provides almost no illumination and is very dangerous to drive at night. Changing bulbs, cleaning outer lens makes no difference, the entire housing needs to be replaced.
NHTSA complaint #11755291 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Plantation, FL
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Reflectors on low beam headlights have completely failed. Provides almost no illumination and is very dangerous to drive at night. Changing bulbs, cleaning outer lens makes no difference, the entire housing needs to be replaced.
NHTSA complaint #11755291 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Berea, OH
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The HID low beam headlamps are not putting out enough light to drive the vehicle at night. This is dangerous, and I drive home from work at night. The inner low beam lens has degraded and become hazy. This would require the entire headlight housing to be replaced, which are very expensive - about $1,700. I believe this is the same problem that 2015 Acura RLX are experiencing, and recall JN2 was created. I don't understand why the 2015 Acura RDX models weren't included in that recall.
NHTSA complaint #11754106 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mansfield, TX
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
There is a defect in my headlights, too dim to drive at night, have to engage high beams to see. This is a safety hazard. I believe this should be repaired by the manufacturer
NHTSA complaint #11751826 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Prattville, AL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Headlight reflector assemblies have delaminated causing headlight output to be very dim to the point that driving at night is not safe.
NHTSA complaint #11750714 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Downers Grove, IL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Low beam headlights are very dim after installing new bulbs. It appears the reflective capsule is not working properly. My car headlights have not been damaged in the past.
NHTSA complaint #11739860 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kailua, HI
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Headlights are so dim and cannot operate at night driving thru the mountains. It seems like a repetitive issue that affects many owners.
NHTSA complaint #11739101 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Traverse City, MI
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Headlights are so dim that it is a safety risk. Literally cannot see to drive at night. I see reports online from many Acura owners that say this is a known defect yet to be recalled by Acura. There were no warning signs.
NHTSA complaint #11733288 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kelso, WA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Low Beam head lamp assembly is defective and no longer focuses light forward. Delamination of reflector material is a common issue according to internet searches.
NHTSA complaint #11733444 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Minneapolis, MN
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Low beam headlights are very dim and nighttime driving visibility is very low. Both headlights appear to have degraded over time and fail to produce adequate light for driving. This vehicle has been brought to the dealer for repair to address this issue, and has had two related repairs that did not solve the problem. The bulbs have been replaced with new low-beam lamps. The headlight lens has also been restored by the dealer to reduce haze on the headlight cover. These repairs have not fixed the dim lights and the problem seems to be internal to the light. The high-beams are rarely used and do not appear to be affected by the same dim output.
NHTSA complaint #11731329 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waukee, IA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The low beam headlights have degraded over time and are now barely providing any light, making driving at night unsafe. This appears to be due to the degradation of the low beam assembly reflector. Replacing the low beam headlights with higher quality lights did not make any noticeable difference. This issue has been reported in numerous online chats for the 2015 Acura RDX.
NHTSA complaint #11731371 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Woodland Park, NJ
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Exterior lighting - HID low beams have become extremely dim and very difficult to see at night. Reading other complaints, seems like this is a very common problem with this vehicle. The manufacturer should address as this is a safety issue.
NHTSA complaint #11730859 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Casselberry, FL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Common problem with the headlights of this model. The regular headlights become too dim, causing danger to driver at night. Using brights is mandatory during night time driving. Entire light housing must be replaced due to dimming. Replacing bulbs does not solve issue.
NHTSA complaint #11730124 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wesetfield, IN
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Low beam halogen headlights are dangerously dim. It is not possible to see in darkness without the high beams on. New factory bulbs have been replaced. Lens cleaning restoration has been performed. This widely known flaw will cause accidents if it hasn't already. Hundreds of complains have been filed with the NHTSA. There are dozens of forums highlighting this important design flaw. The issue lies with the headlight assembly reflector becoming oxidized in a relatively short period of time. Based on research, the degradation of light emittance takes about 5-6 years to reach a dangerous visibility issue. Owners are not interested in spending $1,600 every ~6 years just to have minimum visibility while driving. This is dangerous. This is serious. This is consistent across all 2013-2015 RDX models. Sadly, my father's 1999 Ford F150 with 250K miles has original headlights which shine about 10 times brighter than this "current day" Acura. I attached a .pdf with comments from a certified Acura technician who also owns one of these vehicles. I own (2) RDX vehicles that my daughters both drive. I am considering not allowing them to drive at night in the rain because there is literally ZERO visibility. Turning the lights to the off position or on position while driving at night makes ZERO difference in visibility. The brights are fantastic and have no issue.
NHTSA complaint #11729175 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 74,000 milesBensalem, PA
VISIBILITY
The contact owns a 2015 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the sunroof unexpectedly shattered. There was no impact on the sunroof to cause it to shatter. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 74,000.
NHTSA complaint #11728912 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pewaukee, WI
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Headlights are extremely dim even when replaced with new bulbs. Issue has progressively worsened over years. Vehicle is unsafe to drive in the dark. Was informed I need new headlights housings from my local mechanic due to internal reflector failure.
NHTSA complaint #11727346 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Florham Park, NJ
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The low beam headlights are very dim and this causes reduced / no visibility while driving at night. While driving in the dark, it is impossible to see anything on the road ahead
NHTSA complaint #11723244 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Old Lyme, CT
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The low beam headlights have degraded over time and are now barely providing any light, making driving at night unsafe. This appears to be due to the degradation of the low beam assembly reflector. Replacing the low beam headlights with higher quality lights did not make any noticeable difference. This issue has been reported in numerous online chats for the 2015 Acura RDX.
NHTSA complaint #11717178 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
De Graff, OH
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Bought this used on February 5th 2026 Low beam headlights so dim barely illuminating driving surface
NHTSA complaint #11716676 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 109,573 milesColchester, CT
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
The contact owns a 2015 Acura RDX. The contact stated that after purchasing the vehicle, it was discovered that the front low beam headlights failed to adequately illuminate the roadway while driving at night, causing a visibility hazard for the driver. The low beam headlights eventually became inoperable, and only the high beam headlights were operational. Later, the high beam headlights became inoperable. The contact stated that the headlights no longer operated as needed, and the vehicle could not be driven at night. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the headlight assemblies needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 109,573.
NHTSA complaint #11715787 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Indianapolis, IN
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The headlights on the vehicle are incredibly dim. I have tried replacing the bulbs; however, it does not fix the problem. When I ask Acura about it, they say, "you're just going to have to live with it." It is incredible dangerous driving when it is dark outside because you cannot see anything unless you utilize your high beams.
NHTSA complaint #11712867 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hermitage, PA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Headlights are dangerously dim, even with original equipment replacement bulbs.
NHTSA complaint #11712598 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Richland, WA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Common problem with this year and model is the low beam projector headlight assembly dims. This is a huge hazard and makes it impossible to see at night with low beam lights. I cannot see more than 30 feet in front of the vehicle at night making the reaction time to any potential threat non-existent at freeway speed and severely reduced in neighborhoods. All options investigated are to replace assembly, not lightbulb. This is a manufacturer fault and cost should be bourn by the manufacturer. Same problem with the RLX and Acura voluntarily recalled those headlights for replacement. They should be required to do the same for these.
NHTSA complaint #11711530 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rowlett, TX
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The low beam headlights on my 2015 Acura RDX have become dangerously dim, to the point where nighttime driving is unsafe. The issue is not related to the bulbs. I replaced the bulbs with new, higher output units, but the light output did not improve. The problem appears to be caused by deterioration of the internal reflector bowls inside the projector housing. The reflective coating has degraded, resulting in extremely poor forward illumination and very limited projection distance
NHTSA complaint #11710262 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gardner, KS
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Low beam headlights are so dim it is very difficult to see at night.
NHTSA complaint #11709848 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.