Owners have filed 10 complaints
about the 2016 Acura RLX with NHTSA between 2016 and 2026.
The largest single group is the body & structure.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 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 — 9
Against the median year of the Acura RLX. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
60% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
89% 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 2016 Acura RLX
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Other & Unspecified
220.0%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 8,192 mi
Body & Structure
220.0%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 10,342 mi
Wheels
110.0%
Median failure at 15,400 miles
Fuel & Propulsion
110.0%
Suspension
110.0%
Median failure at 15,400 miles
Steering
110.0%
Median failure at 70,000 miles
Airbags
110.0%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 985 mi
Electrical System
110.0%
Median failure at 19,700 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
333.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
555.6%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
111.1%
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.
Jul 2016peak 3Jul 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2016 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...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 985 milesChattanooga, GACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
I WAS INVOLVED IN A MODERATE TO SEVERE FRONTAL CRASH DRIVING DOWN A ROAD AND A LEFT TURNING DRIVER STRUCK MY CAR THE KNEE AIRBAG WAS THE ONLY AIRBAG TO DEPLOY CAUSING LEG.PAIN DUE TO THE AIR BAG IN THE STEERING WHEEL NOT GOING OFF CAUSED NECK, BACK PAIN WITH HEADACHES ALONG WITH PAIN GOING INTO MY LEGS. THE CAR IS SHOWING TWO AIR BAG CODES CAR IS A 2016 ACURA RLX
NHTSA complaint #10883170 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 985 milesChattanooga, GACrash1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I WAS INVOLVED IN A MODERATE TO SEVERE FRONTAL CRASH DRIVING DOWN A ROAD AND A LEFT TURNING DRIVER STRUCK MY CAR THE KNEE AIRBAG WAS THE ONLY AIRBAG TO DEPLOY CAUSING LEG.PAIN DUE TO THE AIR BAG IN THE STEERING WHEEL NOT GOING OFF CAUSED NECK, BACK PAIN WITH HEADACHES ALONG WITH PAIN GOING INTO MY LEGS. THE CAR IS SHOWING TWO AIR BAG CODES CAR IS A 2016 ACURA RLX
NHTSA complaint #10883170 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 985 milesChattanooga, GACrash1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
I WAS INVOLVED IN A MODERATE TO SEVERE FRONTAL CRASH DRIVING DOWN A ROAD AND A LEFT TURNING DRIVER STRUCK MY CAR THE KNEE AIRBAG WAS THE ONLY AIRBAG TO DEPLOY CAUSING LEG.PAIN DUE TO THE AIR BAG IN THE STEERING WHEEL NOT GOING OFF CAUSED NECK, BACK PAIN WITH HEADACHES ALONG WITH PAIN GOING INTO MY LEGS. THE CAR IS SHOWING TWO AIR BAG CODES CAR IS A 2016 ACURA RLX
NHTSA complaint #10883170 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Oakland, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The car died on the freeway, tow truck towed contacted mechanic next day and they came and diagnosed the car and needed a crank shaft sensor and change was complete. Car is still showing the same issues stalls approximately 30 to 40 mins of idle I had mechanic pull live data stream from scanner upon monitoring short term fuel trim bank 1 still shows that the fuel pump is seizing one warm, causing the car to stall, which is a huge safety issue I have a 5 month old and 8 year old in the car when she stalled on the freeway. Pump is seizing when it’s hot.
NHTSA complaint #11753577 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesJacksonville, FL
STEERING
THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH 4 WHEEL STEERING. THE REAR WHEELS ARE CONTROLED BY THE COMPUTER. WHILE MANEUVERING IN A PARKING LOT OR AFTER SHARP TURNS THE REAR WHEELS DO NOT RESPOND TO DRIVER INPUT. THE WHEELS GET STUCK IN THE WRONG DIRECTION AND THE DRIVER MUST CORRECT DIRECTION OF TRAVEL TO COMPENSATE. THE STEERING ACTUATORS WERE REPLACED BY DEALERSHIP AND THE ISSUES IS STILL HAPPENING
NHTSA complaint #11413818 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 19,700 milesFiouxsalls, SD
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 ACURA RLX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER LOADING GROCERIES INTO THE TRUNK OF THE VEHICLE, THE TRUNK TO WAS MANUALLY CLOSED HOWEVER, THE TRUNK UNLOCKED INDEPENDENTLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS NO FIX FOR THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER ADMITTED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW. A CASE NUMBER WAS PROVIDED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VERN EIDE ACURA (4030 S GRANGE AVE, SIOUX FALLS, SD 57105, WHERE THE DEALER REPLACED TWO NEW ANTENNAS FOR THE REMOTE USED TO UNLOCKED THE TRUNK, AND A NEW BATTERY IN THE KEY FOB. THE ANTENNA AND BATTERY REPLACEMENT FAILED TO FIX THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,700.*DT CONSUMER WAS TOLD NOTHING COULD BE DONE ABOUT IT BY CUSTOMER SERVICE.*JB*DT
NHTSA complaint #11362194 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 19,700 milesFiouxsalls, SD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 ACURA RLX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER LOADING GROCERIES INTO THE TRUNK OF THE VEHICLE, THE TRUNK TO WAS MANUALLY CLOSED HOWEVER, THE TRUNK UNLOCKED INDEPENDENTLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS NO FIX FOR THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER ADMITTED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW. A CASE NUMBER WAS PROVIDED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VERN EIDE ACURA (4030 S GRANGE AVE, SIOUX FALLS, SD 57105, WHERE THE DEALER REPLACED TWO NEW ANTENNAS FOR THE REMOTE USED TO UNLOCKED THE TRUNK, AND A NEW BATTERY IN THE KEY FOB. THE ANTENNA AND BATTERY REPLACEMENT FAILED TO FIX THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,700.*DT CONSUMER WAS TOLD NOTHING COULD BE DONE ABOUT IT BY CUSTOMER SERVICE.*JB*DT
NHTSA complaint #11362194 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15,400 milesCherry Hill, NJ
WHEELS
3 SIDEWALL SEPARATIONS ON 3 DIFFERENT WHEEL LOCATIONS IN NORMAL DRIVING AFTER HITTING MODERATE POTHOLES AT BETWEEN 30-40 MPH. THE MID PROFILE MICHELIN PRIMACY OEM TIRES, 19 INCH WHEELS, AND SUSPENSION DO NOT FUNCTION SAFELY ON THIS HEAVY SEDAN. THE RISK OF EVEN A SMALL POTHOLE, EXPANSION JOINT, OR MANHOLE IS A DANGER SINCE THE SIDEWALLS GET CUT WITHOUT ACTUALLY BLOWING OUT, SO A BLOWOUT COULD HAPPEN AT ANY TIME. IT IS NOTEWORTHY THAT I HAVE NEVER HAD THIS ISSUE WITH A TIRE IN A MILLION MILES OF DRIVING OVER 35+ YEARS. TO HAVE 3 IN 5 MONTHS SCREAMS OF A SAFETY ISSUE WHICH MICHELIN DENIES AND ACURA WON'T ADDRESS. 1. TURNING RIGHT ON AN ENTRANCE RAMP AT ABOUT 35MPH, SEPARATED DRIVER FRONT TIRE WHEN I HIT A POTHOLE IN THE DARK. 8,000 MILES ON TIRE. (FEB 2016) 2. SLOWING FOR A TRAFFIC LIGHT AT ABOUT 20MPH, SEPARATED PASSENGER REAR TIRE WHEN I HIT A POTHOLE IN THE DRIVING LANE. 15,000 MILES ON TIRE. (JUNE 2016) 3. JUST AFTER TURNING RIGHT ONTO AN ENTRANCE RAMP TO A HIGHWAY, HIT A POTHOLE AT 15-20MPH. PASSENGER FRONT TIRE SEPARATED. 15,400 MILES ON TIRE. (JUNE 2016)
NHTSA complaint #10893778 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15,400 milesCherry Hill, NJ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 SIDEWALL SEPARATIONS ON 3 DIFFERENT WHEEL LOCATIONS IN NORMAL DRIVING AFTER HITTING MODERATE POTHOLES AT BETWEEN 30-40 MPH. THE MID PROFILE MICHELIN PRIMACY OEM TIRES, 19 INCH WHEELS, AND SUSPENSION DO NOT FUNCTION SAFELY ON THIS HEAVY SEDAN. THE RISK OF EVEN A SMALL POTHOLE, EXPANSION JOINT, OR MANHOLE IS A DANGER SINCE THE SIDEWALLS GET CUT WITHOUT ACTUALLY BLOWING OUT, SO A BLOWOUT COULD HAPPEN AT ANY TIME. IT IS NOTEWORTHY THAT I HAVE NEVER HAD THIS ISSUE WITH A TIRE IN A MILLION MILES OF DRIVING OVER 35+ YEARS. TO HAVE 3 IN 5 MONTHS SCREAMS OF A SAFETY ISSUE WHICH MICHELIN DENIES AND ACURA WON'T ADDRESS. 1. TURNING RIGHT ON AN ENTRANCE RAMP AT ABOUT 35MPH, SEPARATED DRIVER FRONT TIRE WHEN I HIT A POTHOLE IN THE DARK. 8,000 MILES ON TIRE. (FEB 2016) 2. SLOWING FOR A TRAFFIC LIGHT AT ABOUT 20MPH, SEPARATED PASSENGER REAR TIRE WHEN I HIT A POTHOLE IN THE DRIVING LANE. 15,000 MILES ON TIRE. (JUNE 2016) 3. JUST AFTER TURNING RIGHT ONTO AN ENTRANCE RAMP TO A HIGHWAY, HIT A POTHOLE AT 15-20MPH. PASSENGER FRONT TIRE SEPARATED. 15,400 MILES ON TIRE. (JUNE 2016)
NHTSA complaint #10893778 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15,400 milesCherry Hill, NJ
SUSPENSION
3 SIDEWALL SEPARATIONS ON 3 DIFFERENT WHEEL LOCATIONS IN NORMAL DRIVING AFTER HITTING MODERATE POTHOLES AT BETWEEN 30-40 MPH. THE MID PROFILE MICHELIN PRIMACY OEM TIRES, 19 INCH WHEELS, AND SUSPENSION DO NOT FUNCTION SAFELY ON THIS HEAVY SEDAN. THE RISK OF EVEN A SMALL POTHOLE, EXPANSION JOINT, OR MANHOLE IS A DANGER SINCE THE SIDEWALLS GET CUT WITHOUT ACTUALLY BLOWING OUT, SO A BLOWOUT COULD HAPPEN AT ANY TIME. IT IS NOTEWORTHY THAT I HAVE NEVER HAD THIS ISSUE WITH A TIRE IN A MILLION MILES OF DRIVING OVER 35+ YEARS. TO HAVE 3 IN 5 MONTHS SCREAMS OF A SAFETY ISSUE WHICH MICHELIN DENIES AND ACURA WON'T ADDRESS. 1. TURNING RIGHT ON AN ENTRANCE RAMP AT ABOUT 35MPH, SEPARATED DRIVER FRONT TIRE WHEN I HIT A POTHOLE IN THE DARK. 8,000 MILES ON TIRE. (FEB 2016) 2. SLOWING FOR A TRAFFIC LIGHT AT ABOUT 20MPH, SEPARATED PASSENGER REAR TIRE WHEN I HIT A POTHOLE IN THE DRIVING LANE. 15,000 MILES ON TIRE. (JUNE 2016) 3. JUST AFTER TURNING RIGHT ONTO AN ENTRANCE RAMP TO A HIGHWAY, HIT A POTHOLE AT 15-20MPH. PASSENGER FRONT TIRE SEPARATED. 15,400 MILES ON TIRE. (JUNE 2016)
NHTSA complaint #10893778 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 985 milesChattanooga, GACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
I WAS INVOLVED IN A MODERATE TO SEVERE FRONTAL CRASH DRIVING DOWN A ROAD AND A LEFT TURNING DRIVER STRUCK MY CAR THE KNEE AIRBAG WAS THE ONLY AIRBAG TO DEPLOY CAUSING LEG.PAIN DUE TO THE AIR BAG IN THE STEERING WHEEL NOT GOING OFF CAUSED NECK, BACK PAIN WITH HEADACHES ALONG WITH PAIN GOING INTO MY LEGS. THE CAR IS SHOWING TWO AIR BAG CODES CAR IS A 2016 ACURA RLX
NHTSA complaint #10883170 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 985 milesChattanooga, GACrash1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I WAS INVOLVED IN A MODERATE TO SEVERE FRONTAL CRASH DRIVING DOWN A ROAD AND A LEFT TURNING DRIVER STRUCK MY CAR THE KNEE AIRBAG WAS THE ONLY AIRBAG TO DEPLOY CAUSING LEG.PAIN DUE TO THE AIR BAG IN THE STEERING WHEEL NOT GOING OFF CAUSED NECK, BACK PAIN WITH HEADACHES ALONG WITH PAIN GOING INTO MY LEGS. THE CAR IS SHOWING TWO AIR BAG CODES CAR IS A 2016 ACURA RLX
NHTSA complaint #10883170 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 985 milesChattanooga, GACrash1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
I WAS INVOLVED IN A MODERATE TO SEVERE FRONTAL CRASH DRIVING DOWN A ROAD AND A LEFT TURNING DRIVER STRUCK MY CAR THE KNEE AIRBAG WAS THE ONLY AIRBAG TO DEPLOY CAUSING LEG.PAIN DUE TO THE AIR BAG IN THE STEERING WHEEL NOT GOING OFF CAUSED NECK, BACK PAIN WITH HEADACHES ALONG WITH PAIN GOING INTO MY LEGS. THE CAR IS SHOWING TWO AIR BAG CODES CAR IS A 2016 ACURA RLX
NHTSA complaint #10883170 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.