On May 25, 2026, while driving my 2016 Acura RDX AWD on the interstate at highway speed, it suddenly began running rough and felt as if I was driving over low, spaced-out speed bumps. The check engine light started flashing, and multiple safety-system warnings appeared, including AWD System Problem, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) Problem, Hill Start Assist Problem, Electric Power Steering (EPS) Problem, and lane-keeping warnings. The vehicle lost normal performance, and I was concerned about safely continuing in interstate traffic. The interstate shoulder was narrow, and the shoulder was ending where traffic was merging onto another busy interstate. I pulled over as soon as I could safely do so. The vehicle was then towed to the dealership for diagnosis. The Acura dealership diagnosed internal engine damage, cylinder misfires, and broken piston rings and advised that the engine required replacement. The vehicle had approximately 170,526 miles at the time of failure. Prior to this incident, the vehicle was operating normally, had been regularly maintained, and had not been involved in any collision. There was no indication that an engine failure was imminent. After researching the issue, I learned that Acura and Honda have issued technical service bulletins and warranty extensions involving certain J35 V6 engines equipped with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM), addressing conditions including excessive oil consumption, piston ring problems, spark plug fouling, and cylinder misfires. I am submitting this complaint because a sudden engine failure while operating at highway speed presents a potential safety risk. The failure also caused multiple vehicle systems and warning messages to activate simultaneously. The vehicle is currently available for inspection.
NHTSA complaint #11744363 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I own a 2025 Acura RDX with an open EPS recall involving potential loss of power steering assist due to improper software calibration. I live in Bozeman, Montana, far from the nearest Acura dealer. Acura customer care and escalated supervisor offered no reasonable accommodation. Completing this safety recall requires substantial long-distance travel and lease mileage to repair a manufacturer defect. I am submitting this complaint regarding recall remedy access and owner burden.
NHTSA complaint #11733113 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2025 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70-75 MPH, the steering wheel was pulling to the right, and the vehicle unintendedly attempted to switch lanes. The contact swerved to avoid another vehicle. Several unknown lights were illuminated. The Lane Departure/Lane Keep Assist feature was previously turned off by the owner. While driving around a curve, the vehicle began to change lanes unintendedly. The vehicle continued to pull in the opposite direction. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but it was unclear if the vehicle was diagnosed or repaired. The Smart App indicated that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V582000 (Steering). The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the tires were rotated, but the recall was not completed. The failure mileage was approximately 6,800.
NHTSA complaint #11731619 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The problem I am reporting I found reported on the internet. My dashboard lite up with power steering and brake warning lights and told me to contact the dealer. Power steering was lost and braking power diminished. Pulled over and restarted the car several times and steering and braking came back but the warning lights still on. After sitting for an hour while we ate the car started with no warnings and brakes and steering functioning. From what I saw on the internet the problem stems from when the LKAS system is turned on. I found on your site my VIN has the issue I described above. Why hasn't Acura contacted me about the problem ? Seems irresponsible.
NHTSA complaint #11694373 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving on a congested highway, my steering wheel lost power making it impossible to control the truck's steering. The truck spun around multiple times before crossing lanes of traffic and hitting a guardrail head on. Thankfully, others avoided hitting my vehicle which would have caused more serious injuries. As of yet, the issue hasn't been reproduced or confirmed. The insurance company will conduct the Inspection. There were no warning lamps, alerts or symptoms prior to the steering wheel losing power. The insurance company has possession of the truck.
NHTSA complaint #11693705 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
exiting interstate 270 onto highway 40/64 when the dashboard lit. up and there was no power steering. Tuning the steering wheel very difficult. Luckily no accident occurred however in a different situation or location the results would have been disastrous. Wife was able to exit the interstate and get to a parking lot.
NHTSA complaint #11692436 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Was driving the car then all of the sudden all these error messages came up on the dash and my power steering turned off. Car became very hard to steer. Almost went off the road. Luckily I was able to stop. After restarting the engine error messages went away and car was driveble again. This car is a loaner acura of milford gave me while my car was being serviced
NHTSA complaint #11687847 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
August & September 2025 The power steering stopped while driving and without warning, causing the car to be almost impossible to steer. I happened about 3 weeks ago and the dealer replaced the power steering unit after consulting with the Acura techline. Then after the power steering unit was replaced, it happened again, the same problem. Both times the Lane Keeping Assistance was engaged, so it might be related. The first time I was on a curve and it forced the car into the oncoming lane at night. Fortunately, there was no oncoming traffic or a could have a head-on collision. The second time I was on a highway and moving into the Exit lane, so I was able to pull off the road. Both times, when I stopped the car and turned the engine off and back on, the problem went away, but I got a brake warning that did not seem to affect the driving or the brakes. This is a serious safety problem that is very dangerous and must be fixed by Acura immediately. The local dealer seems to know nothing about the problem. Online there are multiple customer complaints being reported of the same problem. See: [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] Steering INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11685583 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving at highway speed, all of a sudden I lost all power steering and multiple system failure warning lights appeared on the center dashboard including power steering failure, brake system failure and collision mitigation system failure, among others. With great difficulty I was able to steer the car off the highway and was towed to an Acura dealer. The car was 5 months old with just over 3000 miles at the time and there were no prior issues and no advanced warning when this happened. The dealer (Acura of Berlin in CT) stated they have seen this issues several times. The battery voltage was low (11.98-12.09 volts), although the car was being driven at highway speeds for at least 45 minutes before the incident. They charged and tested the battery, and their diagnostics said the battery was good. They also found a code "DTC U3000-49 EPS CONTROL UNIT INTERNAL CIRCUIT MALFUNCTION". The dealer opened an incident with the Acura Tech line, who indicated that if the problem happens again they should replace the steering rack. No repair other than battery charging was performed. This is an unacceptable safety risk waiting for it to happen again. There are many reports of this exact problem online from 2025 Acura RDX owners. We need an immediate recall.
NHTSA complaint #11684284 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Automatic braking system came on when the vehicle sensed another vehicle. As the breaking system turned on, the steering wheel locked and did not allow for the driver to steer in order to not avoid a collision. This happened in the streets. It is currently under investigation with insurance. The vehicle had applied the emergency breaks system a few days before, in the highway, while the driver already had the foot on the break and the steering wheel had locked, preventing the driver to change lanes. No collision on this day.
NHTSA complaint #11684165 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving my 2025 Acura RDX A-Spec Advance (approx. 5,000 miles) at about 40 mph through a light curve, the vehicle suddenly lost power steering mid-turn. The dash displayed: “Electric Power Steering System Problem. Steering Assist Not Available. Do Not Drive.” This was not just a loss of assist. The wheel felt like it was resisting input and was nearly impossible to turn, locking the car into an off-road path. I narrowly missed a curb and a large tree by inches, only avoiding collision by forcing the wheel with maximum effort while applying heavy brakes. If this had occurred at higher speed or on a mountain road, the result could have been catastrophic. Once stopped, five additional warnings appeared: Brake System Problem, Lane Keeping Assist System Problem, Collision Mitigation Braking System Problem, Road Departure Mitigation System Problem, and Low Speed Braking Control Problem. After restarting, most warnings remained, though steering assist and brakes seemed temporarily normal. I cautiously drove to a nearby lot, then to the dealership. At the service center, the errors cleared only after shutting down the engine. Staff first suggested a “loose battery cable.” When I mentioned that other 2025 RDX owners have reported the same issue, I was told not to trust the internet. They kept the vehicle overnight under warranty. Initially no loaner vehicle was available, which forced my wife to leave work for daycare pickup. After she called management directly, a loaner was provided. At the time of this report, no diagnosis has been given. Service staff speculated it could be nothing or it could be a failed steering column, which matches reports from other owners. This sudden steering failure, combined with simultaneous warnings across multiple safety systems, created an immediate risk of serious crash. The incident occurred only two days after routine service at the same dealership.
NHTSA complaint #11682123 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Started vehicle in the morning and had driven about 5 miles. LKAS, Adaptive Cruise Control and all other collision avoidance systems turned on. ACC Speed set, but disengaged due to prior braking for the curve. Weather overcast but dry. While turning left around a sweeping curve at about 40mph the vehicle suddenly started emergency braking and trying to turn right into the guardrail on the side of the road. Major force required to keep vehicle in the lane and under control. Power steering went out. Collision braking warning, Power steering warning, LKAS warning, Road departure mitigation warning, Low speed braking control problem, also power steering icon glowed orange, safety system icon glowed orange, Lane keeping icon glowed orange, Brake system icon glowed orange. No place to pull off, continued several miles to a parking lot. Took photos of dash warnings (provided to dealer). Cycled engine power to no effect. Cycled again waiting about 1 minute and opening door to turn off nav display. Upon restart warnings all remain, power steering returned. Drove home and parked for about 1 hour. Upon restart all errors gone and functioning normally. Noted Acura Link sent CMBS Problem! notification. Car now at Acura of Brookfield (WI) for evaluation. All notification on vehicle and Acural Link cleared by time I arrived at dealer. Note vehicle defaulted back to "Normal" drive mode after this event. Had been set on "Comfort" which is normally retained at power cycle.
NHTSA complaint #11674488 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2025 Acura RDX. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the steering wheel seized, causing the vehicle to veer into another lane. The contact was unable to move the steering wheel more than half an inch to the left or the right. The contact was able to reach the nearest exit and pulled over to the side of the road. The contact stated that after pulling over to the side of the road, the “Steering Wheel Lock” and “Stop Driving” warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 2,200. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11673877 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When slowing as I exited freeway the steering locked up and forced me into right lane. There were lots of warning lights, STOP when safe, steering assist problem, brake system problem, low speed braking problem. I had no power steering but was able to get car into a parking lot. I turned the car off and back on. The warning message said it was a brake system problem and to see dealer. Acura Link showed it was a CMBS problem. After turning the car off and on a couple more times the warnings went away and I was able to drive car to dealership. There were no warnings prior to steering lockup. Dealer told me it was a power steering malfunction. The vehicle is available for inspection at the dealership in Fresno, CA. This happened on [XXX]. Parts have been ordered but not expected to arrive until Monday, Jul 7th, 2025. If there had been a car in the right lane this would have caused an accident. I researched this issue on the internet and have found several reports of the same problem. Some people have had it happen multiple times. I purchased the car [XXX] and there were 4,523 miles on the odometer. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11670937 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
As this car was being driven by my mother, she was going approximately 40 mph around a turn on a road she drives every day and for now reason the car starting saying she had been in a crash, the steering stopped working and the brakes locked and she was no longer in the car. She was able to manuever it into a ditch, which fortunately wasn't very deep to avoid any other cars. We took this to the dealership who indicated they had never seen this type of issue there however when I researched, there had been several reports of this type of incident, 4 in VA alone. The car was at the dealership for over two weeks to be repaired as the dealership had to work with technicians at Acura to determine cause/replacement; however they indicated they can not guarantee it won't happen again. My mother lost my father two years ago and this was the first car she purchased on her own and now she is terrified. We asked Acura to help assist changing her out of this car and they simply refused through the manager of the dealership indicating they did nothing wrong and they have replaced the $8k part. Since she bought the vehicle in April 2025 and this happened just 6 weeks later, that does not give us comfort. The dealership was helpful and we were able to get her into a different kind of vehicle although she had to pay $8k more and she is on a fixed income. She has had multiple Acuras however this is a safety issue and likely a potential recall simply from numbers I have seen from research and the potential harm this could cause occupents of the car and anyone else that may be near them on the road. We are very disappointed in Acura. We may have to go back to dealership to get repair info as we didn't accept this car back, they gave my mother a loaner and then we bought a new one. Crown Acura of Richmond is where it was repaired.
NHTSA complaint #11670438 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving approximately 35 MPH and exiting the highway, the brakes locked up and the power steering became inoperable. The steering wheel was difficult to turn. The power steering, low brake speed, and Lane Keep Assist warning lights were illuminated. The message “Do Not Drive Vehicle – See Dealer” was displayed. If a vehicle had been behind me it definitely would have hit me. I got to a parking lot and shut off the car. I turned it on and the messages were still there. I called for roadside assistance for a tow. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure; because there were no warning lights illuminated upon arrival. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and has no concerns. I am afraid to drive this car as it is on the highway every day.
NHTSA complaint #11670527 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
For the third time now, my steering has locked up and sent my 2025 Acura RDX into limp mode. It is a major safety concern because the car steering locks up and or tries to turn. The first time it occured I almost went into a field because the car was trying to turn right while in the middle of a LH corner at 55mph. The second time was on a country road at around 40-50mph with no shoulder, and this most recent time on a straight country road at 50mph. Two times it has been towed to the nearest dealer and Acura has made major component replacements, including the engine wiring harness, and steering system twice now. I have opened a case with Acura stating the severity of safety concerns I have for myself, my family and other drivers on the road. If someone is not prepared to fight the steering and or strong enough it could very likely cause a crash and injuries. At this point, I don't believe Acura knows exactly what the issue is, since they are making the same repair as they did the first time. There are also other reports of this exact issue being reported online, specific to the 2025 model year.
NHTSA complaint #11669601 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2025 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30-35 MPH and exiting the interstate, the power steering became inoperable. The steering wheel was difficult to turn. The power steering, low brake speed, and Lane Keep Assist warning lights were illuminated. The message “Do Not Drive Vehicle – See Dealer” was displayed. The driver pulled over safely. The vehicle was restarted, and the contact continued driving. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure; because there were no warning lights illuminated upon arrival. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.
NHTSA complaint #11668862 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving around a curve with the LKAS system engaged the steering wheel locked up causing me to move into the next lane. Many warning lights came on, e.g., Stop brake system malfunction. LKAS malfunction etc. My safety was compromised and I had to pull over and shut the car off. My car is currently at the dealer. They said the power steering mechanism malfunctioned and needs replacing. They had to order the parts.
NHTSA complaint #11668957 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
At start up, my car displayed 4 errors: Lane Keeping Assist System, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation System, and Electric Power Steering. As a result, my car could not steer and had to get it towed to the dealership.
NHTSA complaint #11667398 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.