Engine
3.5L 6-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 409 of 413 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 58 of 413 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Lighting
341 complaint records3 crash reports
"Headlights are very dim. Seems like a well known problem, with recalls to other models. Very expensive to fix correctly...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse lighting parts in the directory →
Air bags
33 complaint records2 crash reports
"2015 ACURA RDX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO REPLACEMENT PARTS NOT AVAILABLE TO REPAIR AIRBAG INFLATOR RECALL NOTICE. *SMD..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →
Glass & wipers
22 complaint records
"Headlights are dim. Visibility is very low. Acura acknowledges issue but says customer has to replace whole headlight system at a cost of approximately $2000..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse glass & wipers parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA21002 opened Sep 2021 | OPEN | Air Bags | Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19V500000 | Air Bags | Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013 Acura ILX, 2015 RDX, 2005-2010 and 2012 RL, 2009-2014 TL, 2010 and 2012 ZDX, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2011-2013 and 2015 CR-Z, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013 Fit EV, 2010-2011 and... | Normally free |
| 19V182000 | 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... | Normally free |
| 16V061000 | 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... | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016046 2016-02-01 | Airbag | 269,201 | On certain vehicles, the driver frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| B18-020 Feb 2026 | Air Bags | Service Bulletin - Warranty Extension: Customer Support Program For Driver's Airbag Inflator for 2013-14 ILX Hybrid and Other Listed Years and Models. | |
| BPO05022022901 May 2022 | Equipment | Dealer message - American Honda is investigating a potential quality concern with RDX Accessory Cross Bar kit. Due to this investigation, American Honda is requesting all dealers to return any uninstalled inventory to American Honda for investigation and validation by the... | |
| B18-020 Apr 2022 | Air Bags | Service bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement driver's airbag inflator only. | |
| B18-020 Mar 2022 | Air Bags | Service Bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement driver's airbag inflator only. | |
| BTI&09072021903 Sep 2021 | Structure | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2013-2017 RDXs with a client complaint of paint peeling on the rear roof panel. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| BTI&08192021903 Aug 2021 | Structure | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2013-2017 RDXs with a client complaint of paint peeling on the rear roof panel. | |
| BTI&07302021905 Jul 2021 | Structure | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2013-2017 RDXs with a client complaint of paint peeling on the rear roof panel. | |
| BTI&06012021901 Jun 2021 | Structure | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2013-2017 RDXs with a client complaint of paint peeling on the rear roof panel. | |
| BPaS03252021907 Mar 2021 | Equipment | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2013-2017 RDXs with a client complaint of paint peeling on the rear roof panel. | |
| BPaS02262021908 Feb 2021 | Structure | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2013-2017 RDXs with a client complaint of paint peeling on the rear roof panel. | |
| BPaS02102021908 Feb 2021 | Structure | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2013-2017 RDXs with a client complaint of paint peeling on the rear roof panel. | |
| BPaS01222021907 Jan 2021 | Structure | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2013-2017 RDXs with a client complaint of paint peeling on the rear roof panel. | |
| BPaS01062021906 Jan 2021 | Structure | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2013-2017 RDXs with a client complaint of paint peeling on the rear roof panel. | |
| BPaS12052020906 Dec 2020 | Structure | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2013-2017 RDXs with a client complaint of paint peeling on the rear roof panel. | |
| BPaS11042020905 Nov 2020 | Structure | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2013-2017 RDXs with a client complaint of paint peeling on the rear roof panel. | |
| BPaS10162020906 Oct 2020 | Equipment | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2013-2017 RDXs with a client complaint of paint peeling on the rear roof panel. | |
| BPaS09282020906 Sep 2020 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2013-2017 RDXs with a client complaint of paint peeling on the rear roof panel. | |
| BPaS09102020904 Sep 2020 | Structure | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2013-2017 RDXs with a client complaint of paint peeling on the rear roof panel. | |
| BPaS08242020903 Aug 2020 | Equipment | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2013-2017 RDXs with a client complaint of paint peeling on the rear roof panel. | |
| BPaS08072020903 Aug 2020 | Structure | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2013-2017 RDXs with a client complaint of paint peeling on the rear roof panel. | |
| BPaS07282020 Jul 2020 | Structure | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2013-2017 RDXs with a client complaint of paint peeling on the rear roof panel. | |
| BPaS07212020903 Jul 2020 | Structure | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2013-2017 RDXs with a client complaint of paint peeling on the rear roof panel. | |
| BPaS07062020904 Jul 2020 | Structure | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is investigating certain 2013-2017 RDXs with a client complaint of paint peeling on the rear roof panel. | |
| BPaS06222020901 Jun 2020 | Structure | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is investigating certain 2013-2017 RDXs with a client complaint of paint peeling on the rear roof panel. | |
| BPaS06052020904 Jun 2020 | Structure | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is investigating certain 2013-2017 RDXs with a client complaint of paint peeling on the rear roof panel. | |
| BPaS05182020 May 2020 | Structure | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is investigating certain 2013-2017 RDXs with a client complaint of paint peeling on the rear roof panel. | |
| BPP05122020 May 2020 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Dealer Message - The May episode of Tech2Tech is now posted. We've got some valuable information for you, so check it out! This month we're featuring "Replacing That Leaky Front Rocker Arm Oil Control Valve." | |
| BMV200501 May 2020 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | Video Message - It concerns how to replace a leaky front rocker arm oil control valve. Due to a deteriorated lower gasket or an out-of-spec gasket groove, the front rocker arm oil control valve can leak in certain V6 models with variable cylinder management. | |
| BMV200502 May 2020 | Engine | Video Message - It concerns how to replace a leaky front rocker arm oil control valve. Due to a deteriorated lower gasket or an out-of-spec gasket groove, the front rocker arm oil control valve can leak in certain V6 models with variable cylinder management. | |
| B20-006 Mar 2020 | Air Bags | Service Bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement driver's airbag inflator only. | |
| B20-014 Mar 2020 | Equipment | Service Bulletin - The front rocker arm oil control valve is leaking. | |
| B18-020 Dec 2019 | Air Bags | Service Bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement driver's airbag inflator only. | |
| B19050B May 2019 | Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | ServiceNews Article - When removing and installing a cable reel, you need to keep both the cable reel and the steering angle sensor in position. If you don't, the VSA indicator may come on along with one or more VSA DTCs. | |
| B17-049 Mar 2019 | Service Brakes | Service Bulletin - This bulletin replaces S/B 16-002, Front Brake Noise and/or Front Brake Judder (2013-16 RDX). This bulletin is replaced by S/B 19-009, Front Brake Noise and/or Front Brake Judder. | |
| B19-009 Mar 2019 | Service Brakes | Service Bulletin - The front brakes squeal when lightly applied. There may also be vibration through the steering wheel while braking. | |
| B17-049 Nov 2018 | Service Brakes | "Service bulletin - There is front brake noise during light brake pedal application. A vibration may also be felt through the steering wheel while braking. 2013-15 RDX and early 2016 RDX: Inspect the front brake discs for the proper date stamp. | |
| B18-028 Jun 2018 | Air Bags | Service bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement front passengers airbag inflator only. | |
| B18-020 May 2018 | Air Bags | Service bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement driver's airbag inflator only. | |
| BBOM05242018901 May 2018 | Air Bags | Dealer message - Today, May 24, 2018, Acura is announcing a warranty extension for 2002-17 Acura vehicles. This warranty extension applies in cases where any of the replacement driver?s and/or front passenger?s airbag inflators have failed internally. | |
| B17-017 Mar 2018 | Power Train | Service bulletin - A judder from the torque converter lock-up clutch may be felt while driving between 20 and 60 mph. The problem is typically diagnosed as a bad torque converter. | |
| B17-018 Mar 2018 | Power Train | Service bulletin - After the software update, some vehicles based on how they are driven (extreme conditions) may still experience ATF deterioration after updating the PGM-FI or A/T system and the shudder may return. | |
| BVE02142018901 Feb 2018 | Power Train | Dealer message - Every Service Bulletin requires you to take an HDS snap shot and use the job aid or Tech2Tech to confirm the judder/shudder is coming from the torque converter. | |
| B15060C Aug 2017 | Steering | Service news article - To prevent damage during shipping, leather-wrapped steering wheels come with a protective plastic covering. The easiest way to remove it during PDI is to grab the covering with both hands near the top of the steering wheel and pull | |
| B16-002 Apr 2017 | Service Brakes | SERVICE BULLETIN - THERE IS FRONT BRAKE NOISE DURING LIGHT BRAKE PEDAL APPLICATION. A VIBRATION MAY ALSO BE FELT THROUGH THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE BRAKING. | |
| B16-043 Apr 2017 | Power Train | SERVICE BULLETIN - THIS BULLETIN IS REPLACED BY 17-017, 2013-17 RDX: JUDDER FROM THE TORQUE CONVERTER LOCK-UP | |
| B17-017 Apr 2017 | Power Train | "SERVICE BULLETIN - A JUDDER FROM THE TORQUE CONVERTER LOCK-UP CLUTCH MAY BE FELT WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 20 AND 60 MPH. THE PROBLEM IS TYPICALLY DIAGNOSED AS A BAD TORQUE CONVERTER. | |
| B17-018 Apr 2017 | Power Train | "SERVICE BULLETIN - AFTER THE SOFTWARE UPDATE, SOME VEHICLES BASED ON HOW THEY ARE DRIVEN (EXTREME CONDITIONS) MAY STILL EXPERIENCE ATF DETERIORATION AFTER UPDATING THE A/T OR PGM-FI SYSTEM AND THE SHUDDER MAY RETURN. | |
| B16-002 Feb 2017 | Service Brakes | SERVICE BULLETIN - THERE IS FRONT BRAKE NOISE DURING LIGHT BRAKE PEDAL APPLICATION. A VIBRATION MAY ALSO BE FELT THROUGH THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE BRAKING. | |
| B16-059 Oct 2016 | Suspension | SERVICE BULLETIN - THERE IS A POP OR CLUNK FROM THE REAR SUSPENSION WHEN DRIVING ON A ROUGH ROAD IN COLD WEATHER WITH TEMPERATURES BELOW 50°F. THE REAR DAMPER UPPER MOUNT BUSHING MATERIAL IS TOO HARD. | |
| TAKATA_HAWAII FL Sep 2016 | Equipment | FLYER CIRCULATED TO THE RESIDENTS OF HAWAII TO REMIND OWNERS OF THE TAKATA RECALL AND TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT AT THEIR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE. | |
| TAKATA_HAWAII PO Sep 2016 | Equipment | POSTERS SENT TO HAWAIIAN INDEPENDENT REPAIR FACILITIES, AUTOMOTIVE PART STORES, CAR WASHES, AND GAS STATIONS TO REMIND OWNERS OF THE TAKATA RECALL AND TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT AT THEIR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE. | |
| TAKATA_FLORIDA D Aug 2016 | Air Bags | LETTER SENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE FLORIDA HIGHWAY SAFETY AND MOTOR VEHICLES DEPARTMENT TO REMIND FLORIDA OWNERS OF THE TAKATA RECALL AND TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT AT THEIR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE. | |
| TAKATA_TEXT MESS Aug 2016 | Equipment | TEXT MESSAGES SENT TO REMIND OWNERS OF THE TAKATA RECALL AND TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT AT THEIR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE. | |
| TAKATA_HAWAII NE Aug 2016 | Equipment | ADVERTISEMENT IN HAWAIIAN NEWSPAPERS TO REMIND OWNERS OF THE TAKATA RECALL AND TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT AT THEIR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE. | |
| BER16020A Aug 2016 | Fuel System | 2014-2016 RDX Leak from Fuel Pump Connection American Honda (AHM) is investigating certain 2014-2016 RDXs with evidence of fuel leak from the fuel tank to the fuel pump connection. | |
| B16043 Aug 2016 | Power Train | SERVICE BULLETIN - A JUDDER FROM THE TORQUE CONVERTER LOCK-UP CLUTCH MAY BE FELT WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 20 AND 60MPH. THE PROBLEM IS TYPICALLY DIAGNOSED AS A BAD TORQUE CONVERTER. | |
| B16060G Jun 2016 | Engine | SERVICE NEWS ARTICLE - WHILE DRIVING UNDER STEADY CRUISE (BETWEEN 30 AND 65 MPH) OR LIGHT ACCELERATION, DOES THE ENGINE INTERMITTENTLY RATTLE OR RUNS ROUGH WITH THE MIL BLINKING? | |
| B16-002 Apr 2016 | Service Brakes | SERVICE BULLETIN - REPLACE THE FRONT BRAKE DISCS AND PADS TO REMEDY FRONT BRAKE NOISE DURING LIGHT BRAKE PEDAL APPLICATION. | |
| B-PS-03312016-30 Mar 2016 | Air Bags | DEALER MESSAGE - THIS VIDEO FROM HONDA SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT BRUCE SMITH IS IN RESPONSE TO A RECALL EXPANSION THAT HONDA ANNOUNCED IN JANUARY WHICH APPLIES TO HONDA AND ACURA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CERTAIN TAKATA PSDI-5 DRIVER FRONT AIRBAG INFLATORS. | |
| BPS-03312016-302 Mar 2016 | Air Bags | VIDEO - THIS VIDEO FROM HONDA SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT BRUCE SMITH IS IN RESPONSE TO A RECALL EXPANSION THAT HONDA ANNOUNCED IN JANUARY WHICH APPLIES TO HONDA AND ACURA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CERTAIN TAKATA PSDI-5 DRIVER FRONT AIRBAG INFLATORS. |
Showing 60 of 108 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Do a full walk-around with every light on.Condensation inside a lens, a dim side, or a flickering tail light match this vehicle's lighting cluster.
- Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
- Run the wipers and washers, and test every window.Slow or stuck regulators, streaking wipers, and windshield cracks are this vehicle's visibility complaints.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 3 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Acura RDX →