2021 Acura RDX
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than 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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2007 | 53 |
| 2008 | 33 |
| 2009 | 15 |
| 2010 | 22 |
| 2011 | 16 |
| 2012 | 15 |
| 2013 | 162 |
| 2014 | 242 |
| 2015 | 410 |
| 2016 | 40 |
| 2017 | 75 |
| 2018 | 77 |
| 2019 | 437 |
| 2020 | 345 |
| 2021 | 111 |
| 2022 | 31 |
| 2023 | 21 |
| 2024 | 11 |
| 2025 | 30 |
| 2026 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
18% of complaints: engine — 20 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
While sitting in a long row of stopped vehicles at a traffic light for an extended amount of time due to an accident I had the Automatic Brake Hold feature activated { I did not have to have my foot on the brake while sitting still) as well as the...
NHTSA ODI report, 20230408
Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES
On or about XXX, my 2021 Acura RDX, with approximately 121,078 miles, suddenly displayed multiple dashboard warning lights and system-failure messages while I was driving.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260716
Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES and VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
14% of complaints: service brakes — 16 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing air.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
Two low-speed sudden unintended acceleration events while parking a 2021 Acura RDX. Incident 1 (July 2026): While parking at low speed, the car unexpectedly surged forward.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260822
Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and UNKNOWN OR OTHER
12% of complaints: power train — 13 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
I own an Acura RDX that experienced a sudden failure of the transfer case. Prior to the failure, there was little or no warning that a major drivetrain component was about to fail.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260730
I own an Acura RDX that experienced a sudden failure of the transfer case. Prior to the failure, there was little or no warning that a major drivetrain component was about to fail.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260730
10% of complaints: air bags — 11 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: structure — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
The panoramic sunroof exploded on our Acura RDX model 2021. Me, my wife and our 3 month old son were returning from dinner, we took the ramp and about to merge on a highway then we heard a loud and sudden explosive noise which scared all of us.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231030
Also filed under UNKNOWN OR OTHER
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the right or left front driveshaft as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 24, 2022. Owners may contact Honda customer service 1-888-234-2138.
Campaign 21V939000 — check if this car was fixed
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,...
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024, October 18, 2024, and August 2025. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.
Campaign 24V064000 — check if this car was fixed
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021...
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138.
Campaign 26V332000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2021 Acura RDX — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (20 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (16 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 21V939000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V064000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 26V332000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2021 Acura RDX reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2021 Acura RDX is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Acura RDX?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 18% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 Acura RDX have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.