MYRModel Year Report

2013 Acura RDX

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2013 Acura RDX
RENDERED 2026-08-02T11:34:50.800Z

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Acura RDX Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2013 highlighted. 2007: 53 complaints 2007 2008: 33 complaints 2009: 15 complaints 2010: 22 complaints 2010 2011: 16 complaints 2012: 15 complaints 2013: 161 complaints 2013 2014: 239 complaints 2015: 405 complaints 2016: 40 complaints 2016 2017: 73 complaints 2018: 75 complaints 2019: 431 complaints 2019 2020: 338 complaints 2021: 102 complaints 2022: 30 complaints 2022 2023: 19 complaints 2024: 10 complaints 2025: 29 complaints 2025
2013: 161 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
200753
200833
200915
201022
201116
201215
2013161
2014239
2015405
201640
201773
201875
2019431
2020338
2021102
202230
202319
202410
202529

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 52%

52% of complaints: exterior lighting — 84 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

Low beam headlight projector reflectors deteriorate making the low beam headlights unusable for safe driving. Entire assembly has to be replaced to remedy. Extremely common in this generation of Acura RDX based on internet searches.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260209

Exterior Lighting. Low beam headlights/assy. are too dim. Due to the flawed design the reflective film backing material inside the projector lens for the low beam, the headlights delaminates.

NHTSA ODI report, 20240217

The headlights are soo dim that you cannot see anything at all at nighttime unless you drive with the brights on. The headlight bulbs blow out super fast, within a few months, and need to constantly be replaced over and over again.

NHTSA ODI report, 20230921

AIR BAGS 22%

22% of complaints: air bags — 35 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

TAKATA RECALL. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AFTER A FRONT END COLLISION BY HITTING A CONCRETE BLOCK LIGHT POST WHICH OCCURRED ON A CITY STREET WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. RESULTING IN SEVERE DAMAGE TO VEHICLE

NHTSA ODI report, 20171109

VISIBILITY/WIPER 5%

5% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 8 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
POWER TRAIN 4%

4% of complaints: power train — 7 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 4%

4% of complaints: electrical system — 7 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

MY NEW 2013 RDX CAUGHT ON FIRE AT MY GARAGE IN THE DAY AFTER HURRICANE SANDY. ACURA AND AUTO INSURANCE COMPANY(PROGRESSIVE) INSISTS THAT THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE BY FLOODING. HOWEVER, CAR BATTERY AND ENGINE ARE FINE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20121123

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2013 — complaint volume: 161
R 20130513 — power train

Honda is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 CR-V, Odyssey, and model year 2013 Acura RDX vehicles. During sub-freezing temperatures, the brake-shift interlock blocking mechanism may become slow a

Remedy: Honda will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicle to a Honda or Acura dealer. The dealer will install an updated brake shift interlock blocking mechanism free of charge. The recall be

Campaign 13V143000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20170222 — air bags

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Honda CR-V, 2011-2015 CR-Z, 2010-2014 FCX, and Insight, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013-2014 Fit EV, 2007-2014 Ridgeline, 2013-2016 Acura ILX, 2013-2014 Acura ILX Hybrid, 2007-2016 RDX,...

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are JY0, JY1, and JY2.

Campaign 16V061000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20190410 — air bags

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005...

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138.

Campaign 19V182000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20210917 — EA (open)

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2013 Acura RDX — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (84 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (35 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for visibility/wiper issues (8 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 13V143000 (power train) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 16V061000 (air bags) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 19V182000 (air bags) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2022 ▲ 2008 ▲ 2016

WORST YEARS

■ 2019 ■ 2015 ■ 2020

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2013 Acura RDX reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2013 Acura RDX is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Acura RDX?

The most-reported component is exterior lighting, accounting for 52% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2013 Acura RDX have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.