Owners have filed 108 complaints
about the 2017 Acura RDX with NHTSA between 2017 and 2026.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 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 — 39
Against the median year of the Acura RDX. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 86
16.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
71% 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.
Under 1,000 miles
614.6%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
1331.7%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
922.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
614.6%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
24.9%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
12.4%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
37.3%
150,000+ miles
12.4%
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.
Feb 2017peak 6Aug 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2017 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 2017 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
17V256000
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017 CR-V and Acura RDX vehicles. The Certification Labels on the affected vehicles were printed with ink that may be inadvertently wiped away with an alcohol solvent. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."
Risk: If the label information can be wiped away, the operator may not be able to refer to the information, possibly resulting in the vehicle being overloaded, which can increase the risk of a crash.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2019323222,662 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. If the airbag inflator ruptures, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants or cause damage to the airbag assembly, preventing its proper function. Note: This is a new recall campaign that includes vehicles that had an airbag inflator replaced under a previous recall or had a replacement airbag installed. The previous recall provided an interim (short-term) repair. Interim repair parts must be replaced with the final repair parts provided in this recall. Safety Risk: If the vehicle is involved in a crash requiring an airbag deployment, the airbag inflator could rupture and create a risk of injury. Corrective Action: Owners will be notified by mail and instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to replace the driver and/or passenger-front airbag inflator. Note: The Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. This recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk. It is expected that all airbag inflators will be replaced before their function would be affected.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 91,000 milesFletcher, NCCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2017 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH and attempting to avoid a second vehicle the husband lost control of the steering and crashed into a tree. During the crash the front end of the vehicle was severely damaged but the front driver's side air bag did not deploy. The front passenger side curtain air bag did deploy although no passenger was seated in the vehicle. The vehicle was destroyed and towed away. A police report was taken at the scene. The driver sustained a right hand abrasion that did not required medical treatment. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified. The failure mileage was 91,000.
NHTSA complaint #11590516 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Roanoke, TXCrash1 injured
SEAT BELTS
Rear ended other vehicle going about 40 plus miles per hour, then another vehicle rear ended me. Upon impact ( which I have pictures of) my driver side seatbelt released completely unbuckled & dangling , my dash lit up & said airbags deployed. But no airbags deployed. In turn upon impact my sternum hit my steering wheel. It busted the radiator so now my car will not even turn on. It is at a Collision Center awaiting adjuster inspection. Since the radiator busted the other vehicle & myself couldn’t tell if it was steam or smoke coming from the engine. So I turned the car off, it has never turned back on since.
NHTSA complaint #11588985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Roanoke, TXCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
Rear ended other vehicle going about 40 plus miles per hour, then another vehicle rear ended me. Upon impact ( which I have pictures of) my driver side seatbelt released completely unbuckled & dangling , my dash lit up & said airbags deployed. But no airbags deployed. In turn upon impact my sternum hit my steering wheel. It busted the radiator so now my car will not even turn on. It is at a Collision Center awaiting adjuster inspection. Since the radiator busted the other vehicle & myself couldn’t tell if it was steam or smoke coming from the engine. So I turned the car off, it has never turned back on since.
NHTSA complaint #11588985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Penn Valley, Ca, CACrash
POWER TRAIN
The car accelerated rapidly when I came to a stop. When I brought it to, the dealership they found 3 problems with the transmission. First, the transmission had overheated, there were problems in the clutch assembly, and I don't know the third.
NHTSA complaint #11489112 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bethel, MECrashFire1 killed
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The contact called on behalf of her mother who was the owner of a 2017 Acura RDX. The contact was reporting the complaint based on verbal information she received from a police officer. The contact stated her mother was driving out of her driveway when she drove into an embankment and the vehicle was stuck. The contact stated the police officers informed her, that the cause of the fire was due to the driver attempting to drive out of the embankment and reverse out of the embankment several times. The vehicle had caught on fire and the driver passed away in the vehicle as she was unable to exit the vehicle. The fire department was called and extinguished the fire. The contact stated she was awaiting the police department and fire department report. The vehicle was towed to the police towing lot. The failure caused was not determined by the insurance company, independent mechanic, or dealer. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11486854 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bethel, MECrashFire1 killed
FIRERELATED
The contact called on behalf of her mother who was the owner of a 2017 Acura RDX. The contact was reporting the complaint based on verbal information she received from a police officer. The contact stated her mother was driving out of her driveway when she drove into an embankment and the vehicle was stuck. The contact stated the police officers informed her, that the cause of the fire was due to the driver attempting to drive out of the embankment and reverse out of the embankment several times. The vehicle had caught on fire and the driver passed away in the vehicle as she was unable to exit the vehicle. The fire department was called and extinguished the fire. The contact stated she was awaiting the police department and fire department report. The vehicle was towed to the police towing lot. The failure caused was not determined by the insurance company, independent mechanic, or dealer. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11486854 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Baltimore, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I have been experiencing issues with the alarm system when I lock the car the alarm randomly goes off. I have had my battery replaced and it still happens. There is nothing touching the handles during these times, it happens randomly, something internal going on. The only way to be sure it won’t disturb my neighbors is to leave my door unlocked which is unsafe.
NHTSA complaint #11755243 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesRockwall, TX
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER
The contact owns a 2017 Acura RDX. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle loss automotive power while the accelerator pedal was depressed. No warning lights were illuminated. The failure occurred on several different occasions. A dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure and stated that the failure was possibly caused by the torque converter however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
NHTSA complaint #11737421 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 143,500 milesGlenside, PA
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2017 Acura RDX. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact's wife enabled the parking brake. The contact stated that at a later while, the vehicle independently accelerated. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the vehicle was repaired an unknown recall was associated with the turbocharger repair. The contact researched and discovered that the failure was a known failure with similar vehicles. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 143,500.
NHTSA complaint #11734021 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 143,500 milesGlenside, PA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owns a 2017 Acura RDX. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact's wife enabled the parking brake. The contact stated that at a later while, the vehicle independently accelerated. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the vehicle was repaired an unknown recall was associated with the turbocharger repair. The contact researched and discovered that the failure was a known failure with similar vehicles. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 143,500.
NHTSA complaint #11734021 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 138,477 milesSt Charles, MO
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2017 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly sputtered, and the transmission warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and DTC: P0741 was retrieved. The mechanic determined that the torque converter clutch had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer, where the same diagnostic results were provided. The contact was informed that the torque converter clutch had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,477.
NHTSA complaint #11726756 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Worth, TX
POWER TRAIN
I was at a stop light, car was stopped, the electronics on the vehicle looked like it went through a reboot, a/c blower fluctuated (turned off then back on), all displays went out and restarted like it does when you start the car. When the traffic light turned green, and I stepped on the gas, the car shuddered and hesitated, like the transmission, abs and traction control were all going haywire. Then the car drove fine. As long as I do not slow down too much or stop. Once I got home and had to back up into the garage, it went through that haywire cycle again. This was the 3rd time this has happened on this car. But after I shut off the engine, wait a little while and start it again, symptom seems to go away, until it decides to happen again. I have had this car since July of 2024, and since that time, I have had this happen to me 3 times and 2 times to my wife. I have read on the net and one of the possibilities talked about if the abs control unit, where soldered wires seems to be melting off of the circuit boards and causing intermittent connection, therefore exhibiting erratic behavior. There are even services on ebay where you can send in your whole abs unit and they will open them up, clean and re-solder the wires. This seems to be scary and concerning from a safety perspective. Please investigate the issue for us who are affected. Occurrences are getting more frequent (almost every other day) and it just happened again today 3/3/26.
NHTSA complaint #11721875 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Worth, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I was at a stop light, car was stopped, the electronics on the vehicle looked like it went through a reboot, a/c blower fluctuated (turned off then back on), all displays went out and restarted like it does when you start the car. When the traffic light turned green, and I stepped on the gas, the car shuddered and hesitated, like the transmission, abs and traction control were all going haywire. Then the car drove fine. As long as I do not slow down too much or stop. Once I got home and had to back up into the garage, it went through that haywire cycle again. This was the 3rd time this has happened on this car. But after I shut off the engine, wait a little while and start it again, symptom seems to go away, until it decides to happen again. I have had this car since July of 2024, and since that time, I have had this happen to me 3 times and 2 times to my wife. I have read on the net and one of the possibilities talked about if the abs control unit, where soldered wires seems to be melting off of the circuit boards and causing intermittent connection, therefore exhibiting erratic behavior. There are even services on ebay where you can send in your whole abs unit and they will open them up, clean and re-solder the wires. This seems to be scary and concerning from a safety perspective. Please investigate the issue for us who are affected. Occurrences are getting more frequent (almost every other day) and it just happened again today 3/3/26.
NHTSA complaint #11721875 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glenview, IL
ENGINE
ENGINEN BRAKE DON
NHTSA complaint #11713107 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lauderhill, FL
ENGINE
The engine upper magnesium intake manifold is spider cracked around several mating half bolts causing an engine emission warning light to illuminate for bank #2 lean code. I believe the part number for the upper intake manifold is P/N 17160-5G0-A00. 2017 Acura RDX with 84,000 miles. The Acura mechanic knew what the issue was right away stating that it’s known problem with the magnesium intake manifold, but Acura doesn’t have a recall.
NHTSA complaint #11694335 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chatham, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Acura RDX alarm keeps going off; smart power control unit (keyless access/tpms) is faulty.
NHTSA complaint #11689483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New Orleans, LA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Locked Acura RDX alarm goes off randomly for no reason. When the alarm is turned off all the lights on the dash are flashing on and off and ticking. The most recent is 8/14/25. But has happened on several occasions especially if locked with the key fob or the lock on exterior of door. On 8/14/2025 it was lock by the inside door lock.
NHTSA complaint #11680584 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Boynton Beach, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Pearl white paint peeling on trunk of car, same issue as with MDX models.
NHTSA complaint #11677038 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Worth, TX
POWER TRAIN
I was at a stop light, car was stopped, the electronics on the vehicle looked like it went through a reboot, A/C blower fluctuated (turned off then back on), all displays went out and restarted like it does when you start the car. When the traffic light turned green, and I stepped on the gas, the car shuddered and hesitated, like the transmission, ABS and traction control were all going haywire. Then the car drove fine. As long as I do not slow down too much or stop. Once I got home and had to back up into the garage, it went through that haywire cycle again. This was the 3rd time this has happened on this car. But after I shut off the engine, wait a little while and start it again, symptom seems to go away, until it decides to happen again. I have had this car since July of 2024, and since that time, I have had this happen to me 3 times and 2 times to my wife. I have read on the net and one of the possibilities talked about if the ABS control unit, where soldered wires seems to be melting off of the circuit boards and causing intermittent connection, therefore exhibiting erratic behavior. There are even services on eBay where you can send in your whole ABS unit and they will open them up, clean and re-solder the wires. This seems to be scary and concerning from a safety perspective. Please investigate the issue for us who are affected. It is not just my year model car, but it includes Honda branded and different Acura and Honda model cars too. Thank you.
NHTSA complaint #11675782 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Worth, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
I was at a stop light, car was stopped, the electronics on the vehicle looked like it went through a reboot, A/C blower fluctuated (turned off then back on), all displays went out and restarted like it does when you start the car. When the traffic light turned green, and I stepped on the gas, the car shuddered and hesitated, like the transmission, ABS and traction control were all going haywire. Then the car drove fine. As long as I do not slow down too much or stop. Once I got home and had to back up into the garage, it went through that haywire cycle again. This was the 3rd time this has happened on this car. But after I shut off the engine, wait a little while and start it again, symptom seems to go away, until it decides to happen again. I have had this car since July of 2024, and since that time, I have had this happen to me 3 times and 2 times to my wife. I have read on the net and one of the possibilities talked about if the ABS control unit, where soldered wires seems to be melting off of the circuit boards and causing intermittent connection, therefore exhibiting erratic behavior. There are even services on eBay where you can send in your whole ABS unit and they will open them up, clean and re-solder the wires. This seems to be scary and concerning from a safety perspective. Please investigate the issue for us who are affected. It is not just my year model car, but it includes Honda branded and different Acura and Honda model cars too. Thank you.
NHTSA complaint #11675782 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Las Vegas, NV
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My car alarm starting going off at random throughout the night, last night and day today. The car also started flickering all the dashboard lights while the car was turned off completely. This seems like it’s the keyless access unit. I don’t know how the battery is not dead yet but seems like it will be tomorrow. The car has not been diagnosed by a dealership or independent service center but I’m seeing many people say they’ve had this same issue happen to them with the same year, make and model. There was no warning lights or symptoms instead I was woke up in the middle of the night to my car alarm going off. After turning the alarm off it happened again after about 5 minutes. My neighbor was outside and told me that it had actually been going off all night. I am now the villain of the neighborhood. This will definitely kill my battery as I’m watching and hearing electrical components turning on when I haven’t touched the key fob or door.
NHTSA complaint #11670941 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Searcy, AR
POWER TRAIN
The RDX has been experiencing stalls when trying to accelerate, shaking/vibrations when accelerating uphill or around curves in roads. I received a letter about the Torque Converter having its warrantee extended. The letter stated if you are experiences issues related to the torque converter to contact the dealership. I took my RDX to the Acura dealership in which they stated the car did not show the code to have the Torque Converter replaced but instead I needed a transmission flush. I have stated that I am experiencing problems related to the Torque Converter and after replacing it a transmission flush is part of the process. The dealership is refusing to replace the torque converter but charging me $500 for a transmission flush.
NHTSA complaint #11667859 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Piscataway, NJ
POWER TRAIN
Drive Train labor rear driver cv halfshaft axle could not locate axle part anywhere for repair, sold out and on back order! clear indication that other drivers are having same issue with this part. should be looked into and recalled!
NHTSA complaint #11664600 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Piscataway, NJ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Drive Train labor rear driver cv halfshaft axle could not locate axle part anywhere for repair, sold out and on back order! clear indication that other drivers are having same issue with this part. should be looked into and recalled!
NHTSA complaint #11664600 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
ENGINE
If the vehicle goes over 65 mph the transmission light starts blinking on the dashboard.
NHTSA complaint #11658415 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
South Bend, IN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I have a 2017 Acura rdx all wash lights on ( Check emissions, abs, brake, brake system, power steering, tpms, and hill start assist, air bags, no seatbelt). Been to 3 different dealerships nobody can figure out what's wrong because the car does not communicate with itself anymore. Unsafe to drive because some is majorly wrong. Losses acceleration and beeps at you that the whole vehicle is not working.
NHTSA complaint #11655952 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stockton, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Keyless access unit and security system. Random ignition flickering and alarm going on and off numerous times with or without key nearby. Said to be commonly known issue for similar years for various Acura models including RDX.
NHTSA complaint #11637542 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Richmond, VA
POWER TRAIN
Vehicle has ONLY around 83,000 miles on it and needed a whole new torque converter. The vehicle was displaying problems in delay in shifting so I was planing an inspection. However, before the date reached my a check transmission light displayed on my dash so I had to move the inspection date up. No one was harmed but it was concerning to me when I was driving on the highway and saw my check transmission light was on. The dealership I bought it from (CarMax) is currently repairing it and luckily I had an extended warranty. I know other models of Acura have had problems with torque converters but this one was not reported to have recall.
NHTSA complaint #11634506 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Estero, FL
ENGINE
Premature defective hydraulic timing belt tensioner similarly to the 2018 and 2019 RDX under recall. The seal in the tensioner prematurely aged causing hydraulic leakage making it unable to maintain timing belt tension. If the tensioner fail at highway speed causing the timing belt to skip leading to out of timing and major engine malfunction.
NHTSA complaint #11625027 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
El Paso, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Dashboard warning lights all light up at once. Flickering on and off. Lights turn on and off inside car, it unlocks and locks car on it’s own. Says key is not close to car when trying to turn on car. Alarm goes off randomly once parked and locked.
NHTSA complaint #11621839 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Louisville, TN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The alarm and lights keep going off for No reason. The doors can be locked and Armed. Goes off even when not locked.
NHTSA complaint #11617157 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.