2013 Acura RDX
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.
- Complaints
- 162
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Exterior lighting
Campaigns on file for 2013
Opened by NHTSA
55% of complaints
Complaints per year
2013: 162 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2007 | 53 |
| 2008 | 33 |
| 2009 | 15 |
| 2010 | 22 |
| 2011 | 16 |
| 2012 | 15 |
| 2013 | 162 |
| 2014 | 244 |
| 2015 | 416 |
| 2016 | 41 |
| 2017 | 80 |
| 2018 | 78 |
| 2019 | 441 |
| 2020 | 350 |
| 2021 | 117 |
| 2022 | 31 |
| 2023 | 24 |
| 2024 | 11 |
| 2025 | 30 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Exterior lighting
55% · 89 reportsMost commonly citing headlights.
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, 2026-02-09
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, 2024-02-17
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, 2023-09-21
Air bags
22% · 36 reportsShow 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…
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-09
NHTSA Safety Complaint â Acura RDX Driver-Side Airbag Module Availability Vehicle: 2013 Acura RDX VIN: [XXX] Component: Driver-Side Airbag Module Part Number: 77810-TX4-A40ZA-MOD My 2013 Acura RDX was vandalized in January 2026, and the...
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-21
Visibility/wiper
5% · 8 reportsPower train
4% · 7 reportsElectrical system
4% · 7 reportsShow 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, 2012-11-23
Also filed under Seats and steering
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2013Complaint volume 162 complaints filed for this model year.
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2013-05-13Power train13V143000 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…
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…
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2017-02-22Air bags16V061000 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.
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2019-04-10Air bags19V182000 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.
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2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Buy-smart checklist
2013 Acura RDX — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Exterior lighting: 89 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 36 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility/wiper: 8 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 13V143000 · Power train
- Recall 16V061000 · Air bags
- Recall 19V182000 · Air bags
Other years of this model
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 55% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2013 Acura RDX have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.