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 78 of 78 complaints with a usable failure date.
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.
Power train
23 complaint records1 crash report
"TRANSMISION WARNING LIGHT COMES ON ALONG WITH SIDE WARNING INDICATOR , STAYS ON TILL VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF . THEN MAY OR MAYNOT COME BACK ON . VERY INTERMITENT...."- 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 power train parts in the directory →
Electrical system
18 complaint records
"Keyless access unit and security system. Random ignition flickering and alarm going on and off numerous times with or without key nearby. Said to be commonly known issue for similar years for various Acura models including RDX...."- 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 electrical system parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
11 complaint records
"Premature defective hydraulic timing belt tensioner similarly to the 2018 and 2019 RDX under recall. The seal in the tensioner prematurely aged causing hydraulic leakage making it unable to maintain timing belt tension...."- 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 engine & cooling 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17V256000 | Equipment | Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017 CR-V and Acura RDX vehicles. The Certification Labels on the affected vehicles were printed with ink that may be inadvertently wiped away with an alcohol... | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019323 2019-06-28 | Airbag | 222,662 | Issue: On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the airbag. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| ONL6T806032025 Acura Form Jun 2025 | Power Train | Owner Notification Letter - Under certain circumstances, the torque converter lock-up clutch cannot provide adequate holding force due to pressure bleeding down through a crack in the lock-up piston. | |
| ONL6T806032025 Acura Lett Jun 2025 | Power Train | Owner Notification Letter - Under certain circumstances, the torque converter lock-up clutch cannot provide adequate holding force due to pressure bleeding down through a crack in the lock-up piston. | |
| BEBM04182025901 Apr 2025 | Engine | Dealer Message - Torque converters may not have been manufactured to proper specifications. As a result, the torque converter lock-up clutch cannot provide adequate holding force due to pressure bleeding down through a crack in the lock-up piston. | |
| B23-029 Apr 2025 | Engine | Service Bulletin - The lock-up clutch cannot provide adequate holding force due to pressure bleeding down through a crack in the lock up piston. | |
| B23-029 Feb 2024 | Power Train | Service Bulletin - The lock-up clutch cannot provide adequate holding force due to pressure bleeding down through a crack in the lock up piston. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| B23-029 Nov 2023 | Power Train | Service Bulletin - The lock-up clutch cannot provide adequate holding force due to pressure bleeding down through a crack in the lock up piston. | |
| BBOM08312023901 Aug 2023 | Power Train | Dealer Message - Torque converters may not have been manufactured to proper specifications. As a result, the torque converter lock-up clutch cannot provide adequate holding force due to pressure bleeding down through a crack in the lock-up piston. | |
| B23-029 Aug 2023 | Power Train | Service Bulletin - The lock-up clutch cannot provide adequate holding force due to pressure bleeding down through a crack in the lock up piston. | |
| 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... | |
| BTI&04132022901 Apr 2022 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Dealer message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2016-2020 MDXs, RDXs & TLXs with a client complaint of the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) on with the DTC P030X (Cylinder Misfire Detected), P0171 & P0174 (Rear/Front Bank Fuel System Too Lean), or... | |
| BTI&03282022903 Mar 2022 | Electrical System | Dealer message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2016-2020 MDXs, RDXs & TLXs with a client complaint of the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) on with the DTC P030X (Cylinder Misfire Detected), P0171 & P0174 (Rear/Front Bank Fuel System Too Lean), or... | |
| BTI&03112022904 Mar 2022 | Fuel System | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2016-2020 MDXs, RDXs & TLXs with a client complaint of the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) on with the DTC P030X (Cylinder Misfire Detected), P0171 & P0174 (Rear/Front Bank Fuel System Too Lean), or... | |
| BTI&02222022902 Feb 2022 | Fuel System | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2016-2020 MDXs, RDXs & TLXs with a client complaint of the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) on with the DTC P030X (Cylinder Misfire Detected), P0171 & P0174 (Rear/Front Bank Fuel System Too Lean), or... | |
| BTI&02072022901 Feb 2022 | Fuel System | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2016-2020 MDXs, RDXs & TLXs with a client complaint of the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) on with the DTC P030X (Cylinder Misfire Detected), P0171 & P0174 (Rear/Front Bank Fuel System Too Lean), or... | |
| BTI&01212022902 Jan 2022 | Engine | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2016-2020 MDXs, RDXs & TLXs with a client complaint of the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) on with the DTC P030X (Cylinder Misfire Detected), P0171 & P0174 (Rear/Front Bank Fuel System Too Lean), or... | |
| BTI&01192022901 Jan 2022 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for 2017 MDXs, RDXs, RLXs & TLXs with a client complaint of the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) on with the DTC P2652 (Rocker Arm Oil Pressure Switch B [Bank 1] Stuck On) & P3400 (Valve Pause System [VPS] Stuck... | |
| BTI&01032022904 Jan 2022 | Fuel System | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2016-2020 MDXs, RDXs & TLXs with a client complaint of the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) on with the DTC P030X (Cylinder Misfire Detected), P0171 & P0174 (Rear/Front Bank Fuel System Too Lean), or... | |
| BTI&01032022912 Jan 2022 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for 2017 MDXs, RDXs, RLXs & TLXs with a client complaint of the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) on with the DTC P2652 (Rocker Arm Oil Pressure Switch B [Bank 1] Stuck On) & P3400 (Valve Pause System [VPS] Stuck... | |
| BTI&12152021902 Dec 2021 | Fuel System | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2016-2020 MDXs, RDXs & TLXs with a client complaint of the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) on with the DTC P030X (Cylinder Misfire Detected), P0171 & P0174 (Rear/Front Bank Fuel System Too Lean), or... | |
| BTI&11292021903 Nov 2021 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for 2017 MDXs, RDXs, RLXs & TLXs with a client complaint of the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) on with the DTC P2652 (Rocker Arm Oil Pressure Switch B [Bank 1] Stuck On) & P3400 (Valve Pause System [VPS] Stuck... | |
| BTI&11292021909 Nov 2021 | Fuel System | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2016-2020 MDXs, RDXs & TLXs with a client complaint of the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) on with the DTC P030X (Cylinder Misfire Detected), P0171 & P0174 (Rear/Front Bank Fuel System Too Lean), or... | |
| BTI&11162021904 Nov 2021 | Fuel System | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2016-2020 MDXs, RDXs & TLXs with a client complaint of the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) on with the DTC P030X (Cylinder Misfire Detected), P0171 & P0174 (Rear/Front Bank Fuel System Too Lean), or... | |
| BTI&10302021902 Oct 2021 | Fuel System | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2016-2020 MDXs, RDXs & TLXs with a client complaint of the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) on with the DTC P030X (Cylinder Misfire Detected), P0171 & P0174 (Rear/Front Bank Fuel System Too Lean), or... | |
| BTI&10202021901 Oct 2021 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for 2017 MDXs, RDXs, RLXs & TLXs with a client complaint of the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) on with the DTC P2652 (Rocker Arm Oil Pressure Switch B [Bank 1] Stuck On) & P3400 (Valve Pause System [VPS] Stuck... | |
| BTI&10132021901 Oct 2021 | Fuel System | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2016-2020 MDXs, RDXs & TLXs with a client complaint of the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) on with the DTC P030X (Cylinder Misfire Detected), P0171 & P0174 (Rear/Front Bank Fuel System Too Lean), or... | |
| BTI&10132021903 Oct 2021 | Suspension | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2017-2021 ILXs, 2022 MDXs & 2017-2018 RDXs with a client complaint of front suspension/damper noise. Noise can be described as knock, clunk, rattle, thump or creak. | |
| BPaS10052021 Oct 2021 | Suspension | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2017-2021 ILXs, 2022 MDXs & 2017-2018 RDXs with a client complaint of front suspension/damper noise. Noise can be described as knock, clunk, rattle, thump or creak. | |
| BPaS09272021 Sep 2021 | Fuel System | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2016-2020 MDXs, RDXs & TLXs with a client complaint of the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) on with the DTC P030X (Cylinder Misfire Detected), P0171 & P0174 (Rear/Front Bank Fuel System Too Lean), or... | |
| BPaS09232021901 Sep 2021 | Back Over Prevention | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2016-2018 RDXs with a client complaint of the rear view camera loose or hanging. | |
| BPaS09232021902 Sep 2021 | Electrical System | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2016-2020 MDXs, RDXs & TLXs with a client complaint of the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) on with the DTC P030X (Cylinder Misfire Detected), P0171 & P0174 (Rear/Front Bank Fuel System Too Lean), or... | |
| BPaS09072021901 Sep 2021 | Suspension | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2017-2021 ILXs, 2022 MDXs & 2017-2018 RDXs with a client complaint of front suspension/damper noise. Noise can be described as knock, clunk, rattle, thump or creak. | |
| 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. | |
| BPaS08302021 Aug 2021 | Fuel System | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2016-2020 MDXs, RDXs & TLXs with a client complaint of the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) on with the DTC P030X (Cylinder Misfire Detected), P0171 & P0174 (Rear/Front Bank Fuel System Too Lean), or... | |
| BPaS08292021 Aug 2021 | Back Over Prevention | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2016-2018 RDXs with a client complaint of the rear view camera loose or hanging. | |
| BPaS08192021901 Aug 2021 | Suspension | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2017-2021 ILXs, 2022 MDXs & 2017-2018 RDXs with a client complaint of front suspension/damper noise. Noise can be described as knock, clunk, rattle, thump or creak. | |
| 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. | |
| BPaS08112021 Aug 2021 | Back Over Prevention | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2016-2018 RDXs with a client complaint of the rear view camera loose or hanging. | |
| 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. | |
| B20-038 Oct 2020 | Steering | Service Bulletin - While driving, the steering wheel rattles when you turn it. | |
| BPaS09282020906 Sep 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. | |
| B14-025 Sep 2020 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Service Bulletin - The timing belt area chirps after the engine warms up. | |
| 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 | 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. | |
| 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. | |
| 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. |
Showing 60 of 119 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.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 1 recall campaign 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 →