RDX (TC)
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Reliability Overview
The third-generation RDX, Acura's TC-platform compact SUV built from 2019, carries 924 NHTSA complaints, but the character of that record is milder than the raw number suggests. Every one of the top five complaint groups is filed at moderate severity rather than critical, and the generation logs only two fire reports and 14 crashes across seven model years. The rating lands at caution, driven more by complaint volume on a popular vehicle than by any severe or safety-critical pattern.
The RDX uses a single powertrain: the 2.0-liter K20C4 turbocharged four rated at 272 horsepower, paired with a ten-speed automatic. That removes the engine decision and ties every buyer to the same drivetrain. The engine bucket is the largest complaint group at 158, though at moderate severity these skew toward driveability and component wear rather than catastrophic failure.
Below the engine, the complaints spread evenly: fuel system at 82, brakes at 79, electrical at 78, and the safety-systems suite at 70. The recall record is light for the class at nine campaigns, most of them shared across Honda and Acura models, including Denso fuel-pump recalls (20V314, 21V215) and a pair of recent steering software recalls on 2024-2025 cars (24V114, 25V582). None points to a systemic mechanical weakness.
The steadiest read on the RDX is that its complaint record looks like a popular vehicle's should: high in raw count, low in severity. The recurring owner frustration that does not show up in the crash data is the True Touchpad infotainment interface, which many drivers find awkward. That is a usability gripe rather than a reliability defect, but it shapes the ownership experience more than any mechanical issue here.
The RDX suits a buyer who wants a premium-badged compact SUV with a turbocharged engine and is comfortable with that touchpad interface. Its reliability profile is unremarkable in the good sense, and a well-maintained example carries less mechanical risk than most of its high-volume rivals.
Engine Reliability Ratings
Acura RDX Unidentified Engine
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Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
K20C4
2.0L 4-cyl Turbo / 272 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Acura RDX regardless of engine variant.
Buyer's Guide
With one engine across the generation, the RDX buying decision is about model year and history. The 2019 launch cars drew the most early complaints as Acura sorted out the new platform and its ten-speed automatic; the 2021-and-later cars are more settled. Confirm the Denso fuel-pump recall is closed on 2019-2020 cars, and check the steering software recalls on the newest 2024-2025 examples.
Focus the inspection on the turbocharged engine and the transmission. Check for smooth, prompt shifts from the ten-speed under load, and scan for stored codes. Test the infotainment touchpad and every electronic feature, since electrical complaints, while moderate, are a meaningful share of the record. Verify open recalls through the NHTSA VIN lookup, most of which are quick software or fuel-system fixes.
Acura's reliability reputation and the RDX's low-severity complaint record make a well-kept example a reasonable used buy. The larger risk here is expensive out-of-warranty electronics and infotainment repairs rather than drivetrain failure, so a remaining factory warranty adds real value.
Recalls (9)
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2025 Acura RDX vehicles. The software for the electric power steering (EPS) assist may not be calibrated properly, which can cause the EPS system to enter a failsafe mode, resulting in a loss of power steering assist.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Odyssey and 2024 Acura RDX vehicles. The steering gear box assembly may not have been tightened properly, allowing water to enter the assembly and cause corrosion and binding gears.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Honda (America Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023 Civic, Acura RDX, Acura Integra, and 2022 Honda Accord vehicles. A ball valve in the vehicle stability assist (VSA) modulator may leak brake fluid, which can result in unintended vehicle movement when the brake hold feature is engaged or an unexpected increase in brake pedal travel.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2020 CR-V, 2018-2019 Accord and Accord Hybrid, 2018-2020 Odyssey, 2019 Insight, and 2019-2020 Acura RDX vehicles. A manufacturing issue with the front seat belts may cause the seat belt buckle channel to interfere with the release button, preventing the seat belt buckle from latching.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Acura MDX, MDX Sport Hybrid, RDX, TLX, Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Insight, 2019 Acura ILX, Honda Accord Hybrid, Civic Coupe, Civic Coupe Si, Civic Sedan, Civic Sedan Si, Civic Type R, Fit, HR-V, Odyssey, Passport, Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 CR-V vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021 Acura RDX and 2022 CR-V Hybrid vehicles. A component in the right or left front driveshaft may have been improperly heat-treated, which could result in driveshaft failure.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Acura NSX, 2019 Acura RDX, RLX and RLX Sport Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R and HR-V, 2019-2020 Insight and 2019 Fit vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2019-2025 Acura RDX problems?
The 2019-2025 Acura RDX has accumulated 924 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Engine, Fuel System, Brakes. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Acura RDX engine is most reliable?
The 2019-2025 Acura RDX was offered with 2 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.0L Turbo 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2019-2025 Acura RDX a good used car?
The 2019-2025 Acura RDX can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 924 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2019-2025 Acura RDX have?
The 2019-2025 Acura RDX has 924 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2019-2025 Acura RDX?
There are 9 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2019-2025 Acura RDX vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Acura RDX?
Before buying a used Acura RDX, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Engine, Fuel System, Brakes, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the RDX?
The 2025 Acura RDX received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 4 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (15.0% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Standard. Lane Departure Warning: Standard. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 924 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.