2021 Acura RDX problems
Owners have filed 167 complaints about the 2021 Acura RDX with NHTSA. Engine accounts for 13.8% of them, the clear leader, ahead of service brakes at 9%. A further 18.6% were filed without a specific system named.
Complaints167
Crashes8
Fires0
Injuries2
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Unknown or other 18.6% · 31
Engine 13.8% · 23
Service brakes 9.0% · 15
Power train 7.8% · 13
Air bags 6.6% · 11
Electrical system 6.0% · 10
Structure 6.0% · 10
Visibility/wiper 6.0% · 10
Severity
Of those complaints, 8 describe a crash and 2 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 8 model years of the Acura RDX in this data, 2021 draws comparatively few complaints; 2019 is the outlier year.
Filings are rising, 105 in the last three years against 59 in the three before. For a vehicle this age that usually points to a wear-related failure owners are hitting now.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 22,500 miles.
In owners' own words
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. Causing coolant to leak into cylinders 2 and 3. Engine
While accelerating off the entrance ramp onto the highway, The engine randomly slows down automaticallyâ¦the car reduced speed drastically without applying brakes and without cars around me or in front of me. Engine
during acceleration on highway to pass a vehicle the Acura RDX lost power and decelerated. Check engine light came on....engine lost power to accelerate/maintain highway speed almost causing an accident. Engine
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…