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
- 117
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2021
None on file
21% of complaints
Complaints per year
2021: 117 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.
Engine
21% · 24 reportsShow 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, 2023-04-08
Also filed under Service brakes
Engine was replaced 12/13/25 due to cracked cylinder head causing oil to leak into exhaust and fill cylinder 2 and 3. 09/21/26 new engine replacement done in December 25, has now blown cylinder head gasket seal in under 12,000 Miles.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-25
Head Gasket blown known problem with Honda and Acura 2.0T I didnât know of this issue until it occurred to Loi Me in 2025 My Acura dealership told me itâs a huge problem with the Acura RDXand it should be a warranty extension similar to the...
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-23
Service brakes
14% · 16 reportsMost commonly citing air.
Show 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, 2026-08-22
Also filed under Electrical system
Power train
11% · 13 reportsShow 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, 2026-07-30
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, 2026-07-30
Air bags
9% · 11 reportsVisibility/wiper
9% · 10 reportsSafety timeline
3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2021Complaint volume 117 complaints filed for this model year.
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2022-01-24Power train21V939000 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.
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2024-03-28Air bags24V064000 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.
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2026-07-06Air bags26V332000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2021 Acura RDX — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 24 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 16 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 13 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 21V939000 · Power train
- Recall 24V064000 · Air bags
- Recall 26V332000 · Air bags
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 21% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2021 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.