Owners have filed 14 complaints
about the 2015 Acura RLX with NHTSA between 2019 and 2025.
The largest single group is the steering.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 3 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 — 13
Against the median year of the Acura RLX. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 0
0% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 0
0% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2015 Acura RLX
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Steering
750.0%
Median failure at 121,000 miles
Suspension
214.3%
Median failure at 63,000 miles
Stability & Traction Control
17.1%
Median failure at 80,000 miles
Lights
17.1%
Body & Structure
17.1%
Electrical System
17.1%
Median failure at 80,000 miles
Engine & Cooling
17.1%
Median failure at 129,600 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
50,000 – 74,999 miles
114.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
342.9%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
342.9%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Side pole crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2015 Acura RLX 4 DR FWD
9.7% risk
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.
Aug 2019peak 5Aug 2025
NHTSA investigations into the 2015 Acura RLX
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...
EA19001Opened 19 Apr 2019Closed 19 Sep 2024AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
Electrical overstress
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect. During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events. The subject vehicles may be equipped with an airbag control unit (ACU) for the supplemental restraint system (SRS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) manufactured by ZF-TRW. The ECU receives signals from crash sensors mount...
Recalls on the 2015 Acura RLX
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 2015427121 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
Certain vehicles may not comply with the requirements of Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108 - Lighting System and Retro reflective Devices. An incorrect lighting sub-harness was installed for the right side headlight. When the lighting master switch is in the parking light position, there is insufficient lighting output from the right side daytime running light, which fails to meet the requirements of the standard. This could reduce vehicle conspicuity, which could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will install an updated right side headlight sub-harness. Note: This recall only affects RLX hybrid models.
Recall 20152013,387 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles, the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) could unexpectedly activate while operating the vehicle. In rare cases, the system may interpret certain roadside objects, such as metal fences or metal guardrails, as obstacles and apply emergency braking through the CMBS. If the CMBS applies unexpected emergency braking force during normal operation, it could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will update the vehicle sofware for the system.
Recall 2014565633 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
Certain vehicles may not comply with the requirements of Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108 - Lighting System and Retroreflective Devices. The aluminum film applied to the inner reflector of the headlight may delaminate, potentially diminishing the output of the headlight. This could cause the vehicle to fail to comply with the requirements of CMVSS 108, and decrease driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will replace the headlights.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Cordele, GA
STRUCTURE:BODY
The paint job on my car is fading on the hood, roof top and tail gate.
NHTSA complaint #11684182 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbia, SC
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Component: Headlight Light blew out probably due to the moisture in the headlight assembly The Exterior lighting on 2014-2015 Acura RLX has a recall NHTSA ID Number 10106777, 10108484 & 10115754 for film backing material inside the headlights may delaminate, which may result in the vehicle no longer conforming to Federal Motor vehicle safety standards. However, my vehicle VIN number is not showing up as a recall. I believe that it should be. Manufactured 09/14
NHTSA complaint #11664973 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brunswick, GA
STEERING
I have a 2015 Acura RLX equipped with precision all wheel steer(PAWS). According to Acura, PAWS allows the rear wheels to move independently of the front wheels for better control and handling. The system often malfunctions and moves the vehicle in a path other than what is intended based on my steering wheel input. It is very dangerous as I do not know when the system will malfunction and I have to quickly adjust the steering wheel to correct the PAWS malfunctioning. I have brought this to the attention of my local Acura dealer and American Honda. I now understand there is a known defect with the PAWS systems but Honda does not deem this a safety issue. There is a national backorder to have the appropriate part(s) in to remedy the issue. I do not feel safe driving the vehicle due to it's unpredictable nature and risk of causing a collision.
NHTSA complaint #11539084 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Denham Springs, LA
STEERING
When you are driving the steering wheel is jerked out of your hand causing the vehicle to change lanes. The problem happens intermintently. Date the issue started was around 7/15/2022 and has continued since. Our vehicle has been taken to Acura of Baton Rouge but they are unable to get a fault code on the computer to know what to fix. Please note this is note the first issue with this so called all wheel steering system. See Acura service bulletin 13-041. Your agency has addressed this issue in the past but did not go far enough. We have contacted Acura customer service and have been advised that without a diagnosis code, they cannot help. In my research it appears there is a constant issue with this "all wheel steering system". Most can be seen at: https://www.carproblemzoo.com/acura/rlx/steering-problems.php and https://www.cars.com/articles/2014-16-acura-rlx-steering-wheel-issue-1420682714078/d There are numerous complaints about this all wheel steering system and as most have posted, Acura/Honda has refused to address the issue. These vehicles are a hazard to drive and are going to get someone seriously injured. My wife nearly missed a head on collision the other day. Time to re-open the investigation on all of Acura's "all wheel drive systems" before deaths occur.
NHTSA complaint #11480309 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 63,000 milesPascagoula, MS
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2015 Acura RLX. The contact stated while switching lanes to the left, the vehicle started fishtailing. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated the failure recurred and the vehicle was taken to the dealer a second time. The contact was informed that the RTC actuators needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle could not be repaired under Technical Service Bulletin: 13-041 because the vehicle was over the mileage. The failure mileage was 63,000. The consumer stated the vehicle was repaired on 7/28/2022 at the cost of $4821.79, and requesting reimbursement for the repairs.
NHTSA complaint #11475973 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,386 milesJacksonville, FL
STEERING
The contact owns a 2015 Acura RLX. The contact stated while driving 38 MPH, the rear-end of the vehicle was fishtailing and the steering wheel was turning towards the left. The contact stated that the vehicle would not accelerate above 50 MPH. Several unknown warning lights illuminated and remained illuminated. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road and called and informed the local dealer about the failure. The contact stated that the steering was previously repaired by the dealer. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the driver’s and passenger’s side rear tow actuator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 145,386.
NHTSA complaint #11431979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mckinney, TX
STEERING
I have 2014 built, 2015 registered Acura rlx. Problem is when I make left turn all warning yellow lights on, like X-mas trees and shows all faults like traction control, brake, steering ...etc. Around 45 degrees angle to my right hand side on steering wheel if I control my car to go straight. (Cars tail swings to right hand side line) Max speed is around 50mph. This problem disappears after turns off engine and wait for while. It have happened for several times since 2019. I believe this is related with rear steering or actuator. Bad PAWS (rear steering) system. ):
NHTSA complaint #11420323 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 121,000 milesPonchatoula, LA
STEERING
I HAVE HAD THE EXACT SAME EXPERIENCE AS #11246196. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN, MY CAR STEERING LOSES CONTROL, FISH TAILS, THEN ALL DASHBOARD ERRORS LIGHT UP. THIS HAS HAPPENED WHEN CHANGING LANES ON A HIGHWAY AND ON CITY STREETS ALSO. THE CAR GOES INTO LIMP MODE, WITH ALL ERRORS FLASHING. STEERING WHEEL IS IN A TURNED POSITION WHEN MOVING FORWARD, BROUGHT IT TO A FRIEND WHO HAD A CODE READER, TWO CODES WERE FOUND, 27-21 STEERING ANGLE SENSOR INTERNAL FAILURE AND 86-23 F-CAN COMMUNICATION WITH ACC (ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL) MALFUNCTION. THIS CAN ONLY BE CLEARED IF BATTERY IS DISCONNECTED FOR A FEW MINUTES, THEN THE CAR RETURNS TO NORMAL AS IF NOTHING HAPPENED. I HAVE RESEARCHED THE INTERNET ON THIS SUBJECT AND HAVE FOUND MANY OTHERS WITH THIS SAME ISSUE INCLUDING #11246196. SEE ATTACHED ERROR CODES. THIS HAS OCCURRED ON 7 OR 8 OCCASIONS. THE FISHTAILING THAT OCCURS CAN BE SCARY ON THE HIGHWAY!
NHTSA complaint #11396056 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 129,600 milesJacksonville, FL
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 ACURA RLX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THERE WAS A KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT PRIOR TO THE VEHICLE STALLING. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DUVAL ACURA LOCATED AT 11225 ATLANTIC BLVD, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32225; WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIMING TENSIONER FAILED, CAUSING THE ENGINE TO SEIZE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT YET NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,600.
NHTSA complaint #11374818 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jackson, MS
STEERING
A MOANING OR RUBBING NOISE IS HEARD FROM THE REAR WHEN DRIVING STRAIGHT AND MAKIN SMALL SIDE-TO-SIDE TURNING MOVEMENTS AND WHEN YOU MAKE A SMALL TURN IT FISH TAIL SO U HAVE TO SLOW DOWN AND LET THE WHEELS CATCH UP. WITH THE REAR P-AWS ACTUATORS. I FELL THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR 2015 ACURA RLX. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP IN JACKSON MS AND THEY SAY THE ACTUATORS IS BAD. THEY TOLD ME THAT EVERYONE IS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS. HOW CAN I GET THE DEALERSHIP TO FIX MY CAR. HOW CAN I SEND YOU MY COPY.
NHTSA complaint #11252353 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jackson, MS
SUSPENSION
A MOANING OR RUBBING NOISE IS HEARD FROM THE REAR WHEN DRIVING STRAIGHT AND MAKIN SMALL SIDE-TO-SIDE TURNING MOVEMENTS AND WHEN YOU MAKE A SMALL TURN IT FISH TAIL SO U HAVE TO SLOW DOWN AND LET THE WHEELS CATCH UP. WITH THE REAR P-AWS ACTUATORS. I FELL THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR 2015 ACURA RLX. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP IN JACKSON MS AND THEY SAY THE ACTUATORS IS BAD. THEY TOLD ME THAT EVERYONE IS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS. HOW CAN I GET THE DEALERSHIP TO FIX MY CAR. HOW CAN I SEND YOU MY COPY.
NHTSA complaint #11252353 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesHarvest, AL
STEERING
WHEN I MAKE A LEFT TURN, MY WHEELS AND STEERING WHEEL GET OUT OF SYNC AND THIS CAUSES THE CAR TO TEMPORARILY BECOME HARD TO STEER. AT THIS POINT, THE CAR DOESN'T RESPOND TO NORMAL STEERING GESTURES. IT FEELS AS IF THE CAR IS GOING TO VEER OUT OF THE LANE AND IT DOESN'T RESPOND FOR ME TO CORRECT IT FROM VEERING OFF UNLESS I TURN THE STEERING WHEEL COMPLETELY TOWARDS THE LEFT HAND TRAFFIC WHICH IS VERY UNUSUAL AND VERY SCARY. WHEN TO CORRECT ITSELF, THE CAR JERKS ITSELF AS THE STEERING WHEEL AND TIRES RE-ALLIGN THEMSELVES. THIS MAKES THE CAR SWERVE TOWARDS THE OTHER LANE AND I THEN HAVE TO VIOLENTLY TURN THE STEERING WHEEL WITH THE OPPOSITE WAY TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE CAR. JUST SEEM TO ONLY HAPPEN WHEN I MAKE LEFT TURNS. THE DEEPER THE LEFT TURN THE MORE NOTICEABLE IT IS. I HAVE NOT SEEM TO NOTICE IT WHEN I MAKE RIGHT TURNS. THIS SEEMS TO BE WEARING OUT THE TREAD ON THE LEFT REAR TIRE. I AM NOT SURE IF THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING, THE ALL-WHEEL STEERING OR COMPUTER CALCULATIONS. I'M GOING TO TAKE IT TO YOU LOOKED AT THIS WEEK. THIS JUST BECAME MORE NOTICEABLE THIS PAST WEEK. PRIORITY IS I ASSUMED THAT THERE WERE SOME IMPERFECTIONS ON THE STREET THAT CAUSES THIS LIKE A SMALL SINKHOLE OR AN UNEVEN SECTION OF THE ROAD. I'VE OWNED TWO TLS, AND I OWN A RL AND THIS RLX, AND I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS ISSUE OR ANYTHING LIKE THIS.
NHTSA complaint #11246196 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesHarvest, AL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHEN I MAKE A LEFT TURN, MY WHEELS AND STEERING WHEEL GET OUT OF SYNC AND THIS CAUSES THE CAR TO TEMPORARILY BECOME HARD TO STEER. AT THIS POINT, THE CAR DOESN'T RESPOND TO NORMAL STEERING GESTURES. IT FEELS AS IF THE CAR IS GOING TO VEER OUT OF THE LANE AND IT DOESN'T RESPOND FOR ME TO CORRECT IT FROM VEERING OFF UNLESS I TURN THE STEERING WHEEL COMPLETELY TOWARDS THE LEFT HAND TRAFFIC WHICH IS VERY UNUSUAL AND VERY SCARY. WHEN TO CORRECT ITSELF, THE CAR JERKS ITSELF AS THE STEERING WHEEL AND TIRES RE-ALLIGN THEMSELVES. THIS MAKES THE CAR SWERVE TOWARDS THE OTHER LANE AND I THEN HAVE TO VIOLENTLY TURN THE STEERING WHEEL WITH THE OPPOSITE WAY TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE CAR. JUST SEEM TO ONLY HAPPEN WHEN I MAKE LEFT TURNS. THE DEEPER THE LEFT TURN THE MORE NOTICEABLE IT IS. I HAVE NOT SEEM TO NOTICE IT WHEN I MAKE RIGHT TURNS. THIS SEEMS TO BE WEARING OUT THE TREAD ON THE LEFT REAR TIRE. I AM NOT SURE IF THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING, THE ALL-WHEEL STEERING OR COMPUTER CALCULATIONS. I'M GOING TO TAKE IT TO YOU LOOKED AT THIS WEEK. THIS JUST BECAME MORE NOTICEABLE THIS PAST WEEK. PRIORITY IS I ASSUMED THAT THERE WERE SOME IMPERFECTIONS ON THE STREET THAT CAUSES THIS LIKE A SMALL SINKHOLE OR AN UNEVEN SECTION OF THE ROAD. I'VE OWNED TWO TLS, AND I OWN A RL AND THIS RLX, AND I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS ISSUE OR ANYTHING LIKE THIS.
NHTSA complaint #11246196 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesHarvest, AL
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
WHEN I MAKE A LEFT TURN, MY WHEELS AND STEERING WHEEL GET OUT OF SYNC AND THIS CAUSES THE CAR TO TEMPORARILY BECOME HARD TO STEER. AT THIS POINT, THE CAR DOESN'T RESPOND TO NORMAL STEERING GESTURES. IT FEELS AS IF THE CAR IS GOING TO VEER OUT OF THE LANE AND IT DOESN'T RESPOND FOR ME TO CORRECT IT FROM VEERING OFF UNLESS I TURN THE STEERING WHEEL COMPLETELY TOWARDS THE LEFT HAND TRAFFIC WHICH IS VERY UNUSUAL AND VERY SCARY. WHEN TO CORRECT ITSELF, THE CAR JERKS ITSELF AS THE STEERING WHEEL AND TIRES RE-ALLIGN THEMSELVES. THIS MAKES THE CAR SWERVE TOWARDS THE OTHER LANE AND I THEN HAVE TO VIOLENTLY TURN THE STEERING WHEEL WITH THE OPPOSITE WAY TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE CAR. JUST SEEM TO ONLY HAPPEN WHEN I MAKE LEFT TURNS. THE DEEPER THE LEFT TURN THE MORE NOTICEABLE IT IS. I HAVE NOT SEEM TO NOTICE IT WHEN I MAKE RIGHT TURNS. THIS SEEMS TO BE WEARING OUT THE TREAD ON THE LEFT REAR TIRE. I AM NOT SURE IF THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING, THE ALL-WHEEL STEERING OR COMPUTER CALCULATIONS. I'M GOING TO TAKE IT TO YOU LOOKED AT THIS WEEK. THIS JUST BECAME MORE NOTICEABLE THIS PAST WEEK. PRIORITY IS I ASSUMED THAT THERE WERE SOME IMPERFECTIONS ON THE STREET THAT CAUSES THIS LIKE A SMALL SINKHOLE OR AN UNEVEN SECTION OF THE ROAD. I'VE OWNED TWO TLS, AND I OWN A RL AND THIS RLX, AND I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS ISSUE OR ANYTHING LIKE THIS.
NHTSA complaint #11246196 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
