RLX (KC)
- 117 NHTSA complaints
- 7 recalls
- 1 fire report
- 1 crash report
Data covers 2 NHTSA model names
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
Every complaint of any kind (brakes, airbags, electrical and the rest) whose VIN names the engine, across all model years. The score above counts only engine, transmission and drivetrain complaints, so its figures for the same engine are smaller. Fire, injury and death figures count complaints that report one.
J35Y4
3.5L 6-cyl / 310 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
JNB1
3.5L 6-cyl / 377 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
Acura RLX Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Acura RLX, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2014-2020 Acura RLX
On a used 2014-2020 Acura RLX, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the steering (59), the electrical system (26) and the suspension (23). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-08. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Turn the wheel from lock to lock while parked, then drive straight on a level road with a light grip.Safety. NHTSA has 59 owner complaints on the 2014-2020 Acura RLX about the steering.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 26 owner complaints on the 2014-2020 Acura RLX about the electrical system.
- Drive over a speed bump and a rough patch at 15 to 20 mph with the radio off.Safety. NHTSA has 23 owner complaints on the 2014-2020 Acura RLX about the suspension.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 15 owner complaints on the 2014-2020 Acura RLX about the engine, all engines combined.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 4 owner complaints on the 2014-2020 Acura RLX about the transmission and drivetrain, all engines combined.
Recalls (7)
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 (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.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Acura MDX and Honda Pilot vehicles and 2019 Acura RLX, RLX Sport Hybrid, TLX and Honda Odyssey and Ridgeline vehicles. The timing belt teeth may separate from the belt.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Acura MDX 2WD and AWD, RLX and 2014 Acura RLX Hybrid vehicles. In certain driving conditions, the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) may incorrectly interpret certain roadside objects such as metal fences or metal guardrails as obstacles and unexpectedly apply the brakes.
American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2014 Acura RLX vehicles manufactured November 22, 2012, to January 30, 2014, 2015 Acura RLX vehicles manufactured June 4, 2014, to November 18, 2014, and 2014 Acura RLX Hybrid vehicles manufactured November 5, 2013, to July 25, 2014. An aluminum film applied to the inner reflector of the headlight may experience adhesion issues causing the film to delaminate. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Show 2 older recalls
American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Acura MDX vehicles manufactured April 23, 2013, to August 25, 2014, and 2014 Acura RLX vehicles manufactured November 5, 2012, to November 25, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the driver and front passenger seat belt may not extend or retract in low temperatures.
American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2014 Acura RLX vehicles manufactured August 7, 2012, through November 5, 2013. The bolts that attach the rear lower control arms to the sub-frame of the vehicle may have loosened during transport to dealerships.
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Alternatives in Full-Size Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2014-2020 Acura RLX complaints?
Owners have filed 117 complaints with NHTSA about the 2014-2020 Acura RLX. The systems they name most often are the steering, the electrical system and the suspension.
Is the 2014-2020 Acura RLX a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 117 complaints with NHTSA about the 2014-2020 Acura RLX. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2014-2020 Acura RLX have?
NHTSA has 117 owner complaints on file for the 2014-2020 Acura RLX as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2014-2020 Acura RLX?
NHTSA lists 7 recalls covering some 2014-2020 Acura RLX vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Acura RLX?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the steering, the electrical system and the suspension, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the RLX?
The 2020 Acura RLX received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 5 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 5 stars (9.7% 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. 117 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-18.