337 of the 441 complaints about the 2015 Acura RDX are about the lighting — 76% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 75,000 miles.
337
Complaints
3
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Headlights are dangerously dim, even with original equipment replacement bulbs.
NHTSA complaint #11712598 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The low beam headlights are dangerously low. Even after you replace the bulbs, the lights remain dim. The reflective coating in the assembly has degraded to the point where almost no light is visible while driving. I read where a recall was made for RDXs made during a specific timeframe in 2014, but mine was not one of them. I have ~97k miles on the 2015 RDX.
NHTSA complaint #11706829 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
015RDX owner reported low-beam headlights are incredibly dim, making night driving unsafe. The outer surface of the headlight is not hazy and I suspect that it’s the the inner reflective coating (aluminum film) of the headlight assembly that has degraded substantially if not entirely. Acura/Honda must begin a recall for RDXs sold in 2015 and perhaps earlier. Acura/honda did recall RlX headlight assembly for the same reason
NHTSA complaint #11706272 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The headlights on my car are very dim, impeding my ability to see the road at night. I sometimes resort to using my high beams when there is no oncoming traffic. I am afraid I will not see an obstacle in the road. I noticed this problem several years ago and told the service department at the dealership about it. They suggested that they clean a film off of the headlights, which they did and it temporarily brighten the lights. Over time the lights returned to their normal dimness. I also had a blown bulb replaced in the headlight and mentioned to the mechanic about my dim lights. After looking at the vehicle he said the entire pair of headlight assemblies would have to be replaced to adequately fix the problem. No warning lights in the car signified this problem, but it was obvious that the headlights were dim while driving at night.
NHTSA complaint #11704554 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I have not had an accident. The headlights on the vehicle are extremely dim. I drive with my bright lights on and they still are not very bright. I have changed the headlights out 3x since I bought the vehicle, in may 2025. They have been balanced by a repair shop owner and changed. I can not see more than 10ft ahead of me. I’m scared I will get into an accident is how dim they are. I read it has to do with the fillet or something on the inside of the headlight assembly and to buy new assembly is only wat to improve. Assembly’s cost $300 or more for just one side. This is a manufacture malfunction.
NHTSA complaint #11700056 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Gradually the low beam headlights on my 2015 Acura RDX became ineffective despite replacing the bulbs many times and cleaning the housings. I've taken the car to three different mechanics and none have been able to fix the problem. I can no longer drive at night with these headlights and will have replace the housings at significant cost. This seems like a manufacturer defect that should be recalled and replaced at their expense.
NHTSA complaint #11694381 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Low beam headlights became very dim, making it unsafe to drive at night. Only solution was to replace entire headlight housings, costing $2,285 (would have been $4,000 if purchased original vs aftermarket housings)
NHTSA complaint #11694275 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Headlights have become very dim, to the point where it is dangerous to drive at night and high beams need to be used for most of my nighttime driving. Exterior of the headlights have been cleaned, but the issue is with the lights themselves. It is a hazard, as I cannot see properly at night while driving. This has been a problem for at least one year.
NHTSA complaint #11693598 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
My 2015 Acura RDX has such dim headlights, that I feel that it is not safe to drive at night. The headlights have gotten so dim that I can't even tell if they are on, unless I drive by a building and see the lights in the reflection. The only way I can drive safely is to have my high beam headlights on, which is not safe for other drivers. Not to mention illegal in most areas. As I understand it, the 2015 Acura RLX has had recalls for a very similar headlight issue. Why hasn't this recall been extended to the 2015 RDX, which appears to be built off the same platform, and is having the same issue?
NHTSA complaint #11691307 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.