CARFOCALvehicle research
Research CarsCompareRankingsArticles
  1. Home›
  2. Manufacturers›
  3. Acura›
  4. RDX›
  5. 2014›
  6. Complaints

2014 Acura RDX Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 202636 Critical Recalls
Daniel Wilson
2014 Acura RDX Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2014 Acura RDX has 250 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve exterior lighting and air bags.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

5.2/ 10

Based on 250 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

146 58.4%

AIR BAGS

40 16%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

12 4.8%

VISIBILITY/WIPER

10 4%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

7 2.8%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is EXTERIOR LIGHTING, accounting for 58.4% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 18 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

Subscribe to Recall Alerts

Get notified when a new recall or important ownership update lands for the 2014 Acura RDX.

Free alerts based on U.S. recall data. Unsubscribe anytime.

Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2014 Acura RDX

The 2014 Acura RDX has 250 owner complaints in this dataset. EXTERIOR LIGHTING is the most common complaint category, representing about 58% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2014 Acura RDX are EXTERIOR LIGHTING (146), AIR BAGS (40), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (12).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 64 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2014 Acura RDX?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2013 RDX complaints2015 RDX complaints2016 RDX complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 18 of 18 systems

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

146 Reports58% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

HEADLIGHT FLICKERING - WAS TOLD IT WAS BULB BUT HAVE FOUND COMPLAINTS ON THE BALLAST AND OTHER ACURA MODELS WITH PROBLEMS WITH HEADLIGHTS. ACURA IS MAKING OVER $300-500 PLUS PER SERVICE CALL AND CLAIMS THIS IS A NON EXTENDED WARRANTY PROBLEM. LIGHT FLICKERS WHILE PARKED, IN MOTION AT RANDOM TIMES.

1/6/2018

MY 2014 ACURA RDX RUNNING/LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ARE DANGEROUSLY DIM. I FIRST NOTICED THIS LAST YEAR AND CHANGED OUT THE HALOGEN BULBS. I DO NOT DO MUCH DRIVING AT NIGHT. IN THE PAST MONTH WITH THE TIME CHANGE, I CAN BARELY SEE AT NIGHT WHILE DRIVING. THE HALOGEN BULB HAS BEEN CHANGED OUT AGAIN, SO ITS NOT THE BULB. IT IS SOMETHING WITHIN THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY ITSELF - VERY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE AT NIGHT. AT TIMES I MUST TURN ON THE HIGH BEAMS WHEN DRIVING DOWN A DARK ROAD. THIS CANNOT BE FIXED WITHOUT PURCHASING NEW COMPLETE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES.

11/20/2019

144 more complaints are available in this category.

AIR BAGS

40 Reports16% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 ACURA RDX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED AN INTERIM NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V061000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER ONLY INDICATED THAT THE PARTS MAY BECOME AVAILABLE BY MID SUMMER 2016. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE DEALER WOULD BE SUPPLIED WITH THE PARTS AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

3/28/2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 ACURA RDX. WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE'S AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR AN IMPACT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS AWAITING DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V061000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.

3/29/2016

38 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

12 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

ACURA RDX TECH PURCHASED 30 DAYS AGO, UP-SHIFTED WHILE PARKING INTO A PARKING SPOT IN A PARKING GARAGE. THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY AND VIOLENTLY ACCELERATED WHEN PUSHING ON THE BRAKE BEFORE A COMPLETE STOP AND RAN INTO THE CHAIN LINKED FENCE. THE DRIVER GOT A SEAT BELT BURN ON THE LEFT UPPER CHEST AND SOFT TISSUE INJURY TO THE NECK. THE FRONT PART OF THE VEHICLE GOT SIGNIFICANT BODY DAMAGE. A COUPLE INCIDENCES OF THE CAR VIOLENTLY UPSHIFTED WHEN MOVING FROM A STOP WERE ALSO NOTED BEFORE THIS ACCIDENT HAPPENED. THE CAR WAS BOUGHT BRAND NEW A MONTH AGO. THIS IS THE EXACT SIMILAR INCIDENCE TO THE COMPLAINT # 10510220. ACURAZINE COMMUNITY FORUM HAS OTHER INCIDENCES SIMILAR TO MY ACCIDENT. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN. THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO THE ACURA DEALER FOR INVESTIGATION. *TT

8/28/2013

SECURITY SYSTEM ENGAGES ITSELF WHEN YOUR IN THE CAR WITH ALL SYSTEMS SHUT DOWN. ALSO ENGAGES ITSELF WHEN THE CAR IS ON AND IN GEAR. ALARM GOES OFF AND SECURITY LIGHT GOES ON AND CANT BE STOPPED BY KEY FOB OR TURNING THE CAR OFF. THEN TURNED THE CAR OFF AND THEN IT WOULD NOT START ALARM STILL SOUNDING THEN IT STARTED WHILE ALARM ON AND ALARM LIGHT ON AND DROVE A DISTANCE WITH ALARM SOUNDING THEN STOPED AND TURNED CAR OFG AND ALARM WENT OFF AND DID NOT RESTART ITSELF AGAIN. MY CONCERNS HAVE BEEN BROUGHT TO THE RALLYE ACURA DESLER IN ROSLYN NY WHERE CAR PURCHASED SINCE MARCH BUT NO RESPONSE. I AM CONCERNED THAT ALARM ENGAGES ITSELF WHEN I AM DRIVING AND MAY TURN THE CAR OFF. MUST BE A SHORT OR DEFECT IN THE SYSTEM. ALSO THE ALARM IS ABLE TO BE TURNED ON WHEN ALL WINDOWS ARE WIDE OPEN. THESE ARE NOT ONLY SAFTEY CONCERNS BUT SECURITY ISSUES AS WELL. THE CAR ALARM IN PROGRESS CAN BE DRIVEN OFF AND SEEMINGLY HALTED WHEN STOPPED.

5/21/2015

10 more complaints are available in this category.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

10 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I TOOK MY RELATIVELY NEW ACURA TO THE POHANKA ACURA DEALER IN CHANTILLY VIRGINIA WHERE THE CAR WAS PURCHASED TO HAVE THE PASSENGER - SIDE MIRROR FIXED. IT DOES NOT ROTATE TO THE RIGHT ENOUGH FOR ME TO SEE CARS TO MY RIGHT WELL ENOUGH. THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN ([XXX]) ADMITTED THAT IT WAS A DEFECT, BUT SAID THAT IT COULD NOT BE REPAIRED BECAUSE ALL THE ACURA RDX'S WERE MADE THAT WAY AND COULD NOT BE CHANGED. THIS DEFECT IS A DANGER TO MY DRIVING AND REALLY WARRANTS YOUR INVESTIGATION. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

2/8/2014

WHILE MOVING, DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR WAS MOVED TO SIDE WINDOW. THE SUN VISOR BROKE OUT OF IT'S OUT OF SOCKET; BLOCKED DRIVER VISION AND WAS DANGLING ON THE STEERING WHEEL.

7/8/2018

8 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

7 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

MY WIFE AND I PURCHASED A NEW 2014 ACURA RDX WITH NAVIGATION IN EARLY MARCH 2014. IN CONSIDER THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM AND THE BLUETOOTH INTERFACE 'UNSAFE AT ANY SPEED'. ACURA IN ITS INFINITE WISDOM DECIDED NOT TO OFFER A TOUCH SCREEN INTERFACE AND TO DISABLE MANUAL CONTROLS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. 1 - THIS PREVENTS A PASSENGER FROM ENTERING TRIP DESTINATION. 2 - DETAILS OF A LOCATION MUST BE ENTERED ONE CHARACTER AT A TIME. 3 - THIS CAN ONLY BE DONE BY VOICE COMMAND FROM THE DRIVER'S STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS. 4 - AFTER PRESSING THE TALK BUTTON TWICE AND SPEAKING A LETTER, THE SYSTEMS RESPONDS WITH THREE NUMBERED CHOICES THAT MUST BE SELECTED BY PRESSING THE TALK BUTTON TWICE AND SPEAKING THE NUMBER NEXT TO THE CORRECT LETTER. THIS MUST BE REPEATED FOR EVERY LETTER IN THE PLACE NAME, STREET NAME, STREET NUMBER AND CITY. IT IS SO DISTRACTING TO BE INFINITELY MORE DANGEROUS THAN A TOUCH INTERFACE. TO MAKE MATTERS WORSE, THE PRE-LOADED MAP IS INACCURATE. FOR INSTANCE, CALIFORNIA STATE HIGHWAY 1 IS NOT CATEGORIZED AS A MAJOR ROAD. SO DIRECTIONS FROM NORTHERN CALIFORNIA TO BIG SURE FOR EXAMPLE WILL BE 2.5 HOURS LONGER THAN THEY SHOULD BE BECAUSE THE SYSTEM WANTS TO TAKE THE DRIVER DOWN TO SAN LUIS OBISPO AND THEN BACK NORTH UP THE COAST ON US 101. NEITHER THE SALES DEPARTMENT, THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT, THE MAPPING COMPANY OR ACURA CLIENT RELATIONS SEEM TO BE REAL CONCERNED. THIS WAS A TOTAL WASTE OF APPROXIMATELY $3,000. WE MUST RELY ON A GARMIN IN THE CAR TO GET ACCURATE AND SAFE USAGE FOR NAVIGATION. WE HAVE A CASE NUMBER WITH ACURA CLIENT RELATIONS AND WE WILL PURSUE THIS UNTIL WE RECEIVE A FIX OR RECOMPENSE. I WORK IN THE TECH INDUSTRY IN USER TECHNICAL SUPPORT, SO THIS IS NOT A USER ISSUE. *TR

8/8/2014

WE HAVE TWO 2014 RDX'S. WIFE HIT A DEER WITH DAMAGE TO THE RIGHT FRONT LIGHT AND RIGHT FRONT QUARTER PANEL. SUPPOSE TO BE A 3700.00 REPAIR BUT WHEN BODY SHOP DROVE RDX INTO THEIR BUILDING IT CAUGHT FIRE AND NOW WE HAVE A TOTALED 40,000 RDX. EVERYBODY HAS SAID THEY CAN'T EVER REMEMBER A ACURA EVER CATCHING ON FIRE. IN TALKING WITH A ACURA MECHANIC HE MENTIONED SOMETHING ABOUT THEY HAD SOME ELECTRICAL ISSUES ON THESE VEHICLES BUT NOTHING WAS PROVEN. WE ARE WAITING ON THE RESULTS FROM THE ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS THAT THE INSURANCE PEOPLE HAVE HIRED TO TRY TO DETERMINE IF THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH IT'S MANUFACTURING OR SOMETHING ELSE THEY ARE ASKING IF ANY THING WAS LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE AND AS FAR AS WE KNOW IT WASN'T LEAKING SINCE WE KEPT DRIVING IT UNTIL WE TOOK IT TO THE BODY SHOP. MY PROBLEM IS I DON'T WANT TO PARK THE OTHER RDX IN MY GARAGE NOT KNOWING IF THE VEHICLE HAS A MANUFACTURING ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME TO DISCONNECT MY BATTERY CABLE IF I WAS WORRIED. I DON'T FINE THAT AS A SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM. THE OTHER PROBLEM WE HAVE IS THE CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN AND THEY PULL IT INTO THEIR SHOP WHERE THEY HAVE WORKED ON HONDA'S AND ACURA'S FOR A LOT OF YEARS AND THIS MODEL CATCHES ON FIRE. SOMETHING ISN'T RIGHT. MY WIFE TOOK SOME PICTURES ON HER PHONE OF HER RDX.

11/13/2015

5 more complaints are available in this category.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

7 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 ACURA RDX. THE STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WERE VERY DIM, MAKING IT HARD TO SEE WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GUNN ACURA (11911 INTERSTATE 10 W, SAN ANTONIO, TX 78230) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED AN UNKNOWN MANUFACTURER HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO CONTACT THE DEALER FOR ADDITIONAL REPAIR OPTIONS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 54,000.

10/22/2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 ACURA RDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE LOW BEAM HEAD LIGHTS WERE VERY DIM, REDUCING THE VISIBILITY FOR THE DRIVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER PRECISION ACURA OF PRINCETON LOCATED AT 3001 US-1, LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ 08648, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT BOTH THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES WERE FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

11/25/2020

5 more complaints are available in this category.

SUSPENSION

6 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

AT SLOW SPEEDS (< 30 MPH), WHEN THE VEHICLE HITS A UNEVEN ROAD SURFACE, A LOAD DRONE/CLUNK NOISE OCCURS FROM THE READ OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED AT THE DEALER AND HAD THE REAR STRUTS REPLACED. PROBLEM WAS RECTIFIED BUT NOW THE ISSUE IS SLOWLY RETURNING. THIS ISSUE IS BEING SHARED BY MANY AS DISCUSSED ON THE ACURA RDX FORUMS. *TR

3/28/2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 ACURA RDX. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE STRUT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

4/14/2016

4 more complaints are available in this category.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

3 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

ACURA RDX TECH PURCHASED 30 DAYS AGO, UP-SHIFTED WHILE PARKING INTO A PARKING SPOT IN A PARKING GARAGE. THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY AND VIOLENTLY ACCELERATED WHEN PUSHING ON THE BRAKE BEFORE A COMPLETE STOP AND RAN INTO THE CHAIN LINKED FENCE. THE DRIVER GOT A SEAT BELT BURN ON THE LEFT UPPER CHEST AND SOFT TISSUE INJURY TO THE NECK. THE FRONT PART OF THE VEHICLE GOT SIGNIFICANT BODY DAMAGE. A COUPLE INCIDENCES OF THE CAR VIOLENTLY UPSHIFTED WHEN MOVING FROM A STOP WERE ALSO NOTED BEFORE THIS ACCIDENT HAPPENED. THE CAR WAS BOUGHT BRAND NEW A MONTH AGO. THIS IS THE EXACT SIMILAR INCIDENCE TO THE COMPLAINT # 10510220. ACURAZINE COMMUNITY FORUM HAS OTHER INCIDENCES SIMILAR TO MY ACCIDENT. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN. THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO THE ACURA DEALER FOR INVESTIGATION. *TT

8/28/2013

RDX AWD UNDER ICY CONDITIONS CAN KILL TORQUE TO ALL 4 WHEELS. IN MY CASE AS SOON AS ALL TORQUE WAS LOST THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY STARTED SLIDING DOWN THE INCLINE. I WAS ABLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE IN A 180 DEG TURN AND SLIDE FORWARD DOWN THE HILL UNTIL TORQUE TO THE WHEELS WAS FINALLY RESTORED. THERE IS NO MENTION OF LOSS OF TORQUE IN ANY ACURA LITERATURE AVAILABLE TO ME AND ACURA REFUSED TO PROVIDE INFORMATION AFTER THE INCIDENT WAS REPORTED. I CONSIDER THIS A SERIOUS DESIGN FLAW. *TR

3/4/2014

1 more complaint is available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES

3 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE BRAKES DO NOT STOP THE VEHICLE CONSISTENTLY. THE STORY OF MY INCIDENT GOES AS FOLLOWS: I WAS DRIVING IN DRY CONDITIONS AS I APPROACHED A STOP LIGHT AND BEGAN TO APPLY THE BRAKES. ONCE THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP THE CAR THEN BEGAN TO SLIDE INTO A BUSY INTERSECTION. THE ONLY WAY I WAS ABLE TO STOP WAS BY PUTTING THE CAR IN PARK. LUCKILY THE OTHER DRIVERS WERE ABLE TO SEE SOMETHING WAS WRONG AND DID NOT PROCEED TO DRIVE THROUGH ME. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME TWICE! THE OTHER TIME I WAS DRIVING UNDER WET CONDITIONS AND THE CAR DID NOT EVEN COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. IT JUST CONTINUED TO SLIDE INTO THE INTERSECTION. I AM VERY CONCERNED FOR MY SAFETY AND LIFE! ACURA DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO ADMIT THAT THERE IS ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE AFTER INSPECTION AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO. THE DEALERSHIP HAS CONTINUED TO DISMISS MY CONCERNS. *TR

3/11/2014

THE FRONT BRAKES ON MY 2014 ACURA RDX WORE OUT AFTER ONLY 15,000 MILES. THIS IS TWO TO THREE TIMES FASTER THAN ANY PREVIOUS VEHICLE. THEY WORE OUT SO QUICKLY THAT THE BRAKES WORE ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE ROTOR CAUSING METAL TO RUB. *TR

11/26/2014

1 more complaint is available in this category.

STRUCTURE:BODY

3 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE EXTERIOR BLACK PLASTIC GARNISH PILLARS (BETWEEN THE WINDOWS) HAS SEVERELY DEFORMED FROM THE HEAT OF THE SUN. I HAVE REPLACED THEM TWICE, AS THEY HAVE DEFORMED AND WARPED SO MUCH THAT IT IS CAUSING FRICTION ON THE WINDOW OPERATION AND PREVENTS NORMAL WINDOW OPENING AND CLOSING. THE BLACK PLASTIC PART HAS A FLAT BLACK FINISH AND BECOMES EXTREMELY HOT FROM THE DIRECT SUNLIGHT OR REFLECTION OFF OTHER WINDOWS OF MY HOUSE OR OTHER CARS. THEY HAVE WARPED SO BADLY THAT I HAD TO REPLACED THEM TWICE. THE FIRST TIME AT THE DEALERS EXPENSE AND THE SECOND TIME AT MY EXPENSE. I HAVE NOTED THAT THE NEWER 2020 MODELS HAVE CHANGED THE PILLARS FROM A FLAT BLACK FINISH TO A HIGHLY REFLECTIVE SHINY BLACK FINISH, THAT WILL REFLECT THE LIGHT AND NOT BECOME AS HOT AS THE FLAT BLACK SOFT PLASTIC PILLARS THAT MY VEHICLE HAS. ACURA SHOULD RECALL THESE DEFECTIVE PARTS AND REPLACE THEM WITH A HARDER PLASTIC THAT WILL NOT WARP FROM THE HEAT OF THE SUN.

2/1/2020

REAR ROOF BODY PAINT IS PEELING NEAR THE TAIL GATE. REAR SUSPENSION IS CLUNKING WHEN DRIVING OVER MINOR ROAD IMPERFECTIONS.

10/30/2020

1 more complaint is available in this category.

POWER TRAIN

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

RDX AWD UNDER ICY CONDITIONS CAN KILL TORQUE TO ALL 4 WHEELS. IN MY CASE AS SOON AS ALL TORQUE WAS LOST THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY STARTED SLIDING DOWN THE INCLINE. I WAS ABLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE IN A 180 DEG TURN AND SLIDE FORWARD DOWN THE HILL UNTIL TORQUE TO THE WHEELS WAS FINALLY RESTORED. THERE IS NO MENTION OF LOSS OF TORQUE IN ANY ACURA LITERATURE AVAILABLE TO ME AND ACURA REFUSED TO PROVIDE INFORMATION AFTER THE INCIDENT WAS REPORTED. I CONSIDER THIS A SERIOUS DESIGN FLAW. *TR

3/4/2014

WHEN COLD THE TRANSMISSION APPEARS TO SLIP AND THEN HARD SHIFT FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR. CITY STREETS AND STARTING FROM A FULL STOP. THIS HAS HAPPENED FROM PURCHASE DATE IN DECEMBER 2014. THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED AGAIN TODAY 11/26/2018.

11/26/2018

STEERING

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE POWER STEERING JAMMED UP ABOUT 11 TIMES DURING A 1 MILE STRETCH OF ROAD - THE DRIVING CONDITIONS WERE PERFECTLY NORMAL - TRAFFIC AND I HAD TO RESTART THE VEHICLE 11 TIMES! THEN ON THE HIGHWAY IT AGAIN JAMMED UP AND I ALMOST GOT HIT BY A TRUCK SINCE I WAS TAKING AN EXIT. *TR

5/5/2014

the steering wheel sticks and got stuck while driving

4/11/2025

ENGINE

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WE HAVE TWO 2014 RDX'S. WIFE HIT A DEER WITH DAMAGE TO THE RIGHT FRONT LIGHT AND RIGHT FRONT QUARTER PANEL. SUPPOSE TO BE A 3700.00 REPAIR BUT WHEN BODY SHOP DROVE RDX INTO THEIR BUILDING IT CAUGHT FIRE AND NOW WE HAVE A TOTALED 40,000 RDX. EVERYBODY HAS SAID THEY CAN'T EVER REMEMBER A ACURA EVER CATCHING ON FIRE. IN TALKING WITH A ACURA MECHANIC HE MENTIONED SOMETHING ABOUT THEY HAD SOME ELECTRICAL ISSUES ON THESE VEHICLES BUT NOTHING WAS PROVEN. WE ARE WAITING ON THE RESULTS FROM THE ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS THAT THE INSURANCE PEOPLE HAVE HIRED TO TRY TO DETERMINE IF THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH IT'S MANUFACTURING OR SOMETHING ELSE THEY ARE ASKING IF ANY THING WAS LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE AND AS FAR AS WE KNOW IT WASN'T LEAKING SINCE WE KEPT DRIVING IT UNTIL WE TOOK IT TO THE BODY SHOP. MY PROBLEM IS I DON'T WANT TO PARK THE OTHER RDX IN MY GARAGE NOT KNOWING IF THE VEHICLE HAS A MANUFACTURING ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME TO DISCONNECT MY BATTERY CABLE IF I WAS WORRIED. I DON'T FINE THAT AS A SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM. THE OTHER PROBLEM WE HAVE IS THE CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN AND THEY PULL IT INTO THEIR SHOP WHERE THEY HAVE WORKED ON HONDA'S AND ACURA'S FOR A LOT OF YEARS AND THIS MODEL CATCHES ON FIRE. SOMETHING ISN'T RIGHT. MY WIFE TOOK SOME PICTURES ON HER PHONE OF HER RDX.

11/13/2015

The contact owns a 2014 Acura RDX. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that moments later the vehicle re-started independently and the operated normally. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated that the failure recurred; however, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence. During the failure, the contact stated that the "Charging System" warning light continued to flash off and on. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 98,000.

6/22/2023

SUSPENSION:REAR

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 ACURA RDX. THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING OVER DIVOTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR SHOCK ABSORBERS WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,253....UPDATED 04/26/16 *BF

2/9/2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 ACURA RDX. WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS ON UNEVEN PAVEMENT, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL CLUCKING NOISE EMERGING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ACURA OF LIMERICK (77 AUTOPARK BLVD, LIMERICK, PA 19468, (610) 495-5888) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION SHOCKS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 09313264. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD SPLIT THE COST OF THE REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

2/19/2019

SEAT BELTS

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHILE PARKED WITH THE ENGINE OFF AT THE GAS STATION MY CHILD ATTEMPTED TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. UPON RELEASING THE DRIVER SIDE BACK SEAT, THE SEAT BELT HAD MY CHILD ENTANGLED TRYING TO GET OUT OF THE CAR. THE SEAT BELT WAS UNBUCKLED/UNLATCHED YET IT SOMEHOW ENTRAPPED MY CHILD . I WAS UNABLE TO LOOSEN THE SEAT BELT AND IT CONTINUED TO RETRACT AND TIGHTEN ON MY CHILD. MY CHILD WAS ALSO UNABLE TO LOOSEN THE SEAT BELT WHICH WAS WRAPPED AROUND BACK AND STOMACH CAUSING PAIN AND DISCOMFORT. MY CHILD WAS UNABLE TO SIT OR STAND UPRIGHT AS I ATTEMPTED TO PULL THE SEAT BELT OVERHEAD OR BELOW STOMACH; CHILD WAS FORCED TO REMAIN IN A SQUAT-LIKE POSITION.I CONTINUED TO PULL AT THE TOP RE-TRACTOR IN THE HOPES OF IT "GIVING" AND LOOSENING BUT THE DEVICE FAILED TO "OVERRIDE." I IMMEDIATELY WENT TO THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT WHERE THEY TRIED, UNSUCCESSFULLY, TO LOOSE THE HARNESS THAT WAS CREATED BY THE SEAT BELT, NOR WERE THEY ABLE TO REMOVE THE CHILD. THE FINAL DECISION WAS MADE, BY THE CHIEF, TO CUT THE SEAT BELT IN ORDER TO RELEASE THE CHILD. I BELIEVE THAT THERE IS A DEVICE MALFUNCTION THAT IS A GRAVE SAFETY RISK OF STRANGULATION IF NOT PROPERLY REVIEWED AND REPLACED. I WAS EXPECTING THE BELT TO LOOSEN AFTER TUGGING AT IT AND THE FACT THAT TRAINED FIREFIGHTERS/PARAMEDICS COULDN'T PULL IT OUT IS QUITE ALARMING.

9/14/2018

I PARKED AND SHUT MY CAR OFF AT OUR LOCAL SHOPRITE PARKING LOT. I GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND MY SON WAS YELLING THAT HE COULDN'T GET OUT.THE SEATBELT HAD HIM TANGLED UP. I TOOK THE LATCH OFF AND TRIED TO LOOSEN THE SEAT BELT. HE TRIED PULLING THE SEAT BELT TO LOOSEN IT NOTHING. I TURNED THE CAR ON TO SEE IF IT WOULD LOOSEN THAT WAY NOTHING. I DROVE HOME. EVERYTHING WE ATTEMPTED THE SEAT BELT KEPT TIGHTENING. I TRIED PULLING IT OVER HIM UNDER HIM TOOK OFF HIS SHOES AND JEANS. REMEMBER IT WAS UNBUCKLED ALREADY. I GOT HOME AND TRIED TO UNSCREW THE BOLT THAT ATTACHED THE SEAT BELT TO THE CAR. UNFORTUNATELY, THE BIT WASN'T LONG ENOUGH. AT THIS POINT AN HOUR PASSED OF US TRYING EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO GET HIM OUT. HIS STOMACH STARTED HURTING HIM. I HAD TO CUT THE SEATBELT. I WAS GOING TO CALL THE POLICE BUT I'M VERY HANDY AND I KNEW AT THIS POINT I HAD TRIED EVERYTHING POSSIBLE PLUS MY SON WAS IN PAIN, THE SEATBELT WAS HURTING HIS STOMACH. I HOPE SHARING THIS STORY HELPS OTHER PARENTS AND IF THIS HAPPENS TO YOU PLEASE REPORT IT. EVEN IF YOU ARE HANDY AND KNOW NOTHING CAN BE DONE REPORTING IT HELPS, THIS WAY IT'S NOT ONLY YOUR WORD. I BELIEVE SOMETHING IS VERY WRONG WITH THIS SEATBELT DESIGN. ON ANOTHER NOTE, PEOPLE MIGHT THINK MY KID WAS JUMPING AROUND CREATING HAVOC BUT MY SON IS ACTUALLY VERY RESERVED AND QUIET.

5/30/2019

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

RDX AWD UNDER ICY CONDITIONS CAN KILL TORQUE TO ALL 4 WHEELS. IN MY CASE AS SOON AS ALL TORQUE WAS LOST THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY STARTED SLIDING DOWN THE INCLINE. I WAS ABLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE IN A 180 DEG TURN AND SLIDE FORWARD DOWN THE HILL UNTIL TORQUE TO THE WHEELS WAS FINALLY RESTORED. THERE IS NO MENTION OF LOSS OF TORQUE IN ANY ACURA LITERATURE AVAILABLE TO ME AND ACURA REFUSED TO PROVIDE INFORMATION AFTER THE INCIDENT WAS REPORTED. I CONSIDER THIS A SERIOUS DESIGN FLAW. *TR

3/4/2014

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

RDX AWD UNDER ICY CONDITIONS CAN KILL TORQUE TO ALL 4 WHEELS. IN MY CASE AS SOON AS ALL TORQUE WAS LOST THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY STARTED SLIDING DOWN THE INCLINE. I WAS ABLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE IN A 180 DEG TURN AND SLIDE FORWARD DOWN THE HILL UNTIL TORQUE TO THE WHEELS WAS FINALLY RESTORED. THERE IS NO MENTION OF LOSS OF TORQUE IN ANY ACURA LITERATURE AVAILABLE TO ME AND ACURA REFUSED TO PROVIDE INFORMATION AFTER THE INCIDENT WAS REPORTED. I CONSIDER THIS A SERIOUS DESIGN FLAW. *TR

3/4/2014

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

ACCORDING TO DEALER AND ACURA FACTORY REPRESENTATIVE, RDX HAS FLOATING BRAKE PADS INSIDE CALIPER CLIPS. THE BRAKE PADS MAKE A VERY LOUD METAL ON METAL SOUND AGAINST CALIPER CLIPS OVER BUMPS, POT HOLES AND LANE DIVIDERS. ACURA CLAIMS THIS IS A CHARACTERISTIC OF THE CAR. PHYSICS TELLS ME THAT METAL ON METAL WILL EVENTUALLY WEAR CAUSING BRAKE PAD FAILURE. DEALER IS CONCERNED AND FEELS EXPLANATION FROM ACURA IS UNSATISFACTORY. ACURA REPRESENTATIVE WILL WRITE A REPORT TO MANUFACTURER. ALL 2014 RDX MODELS HAVE SAME PROBLEM. DEALER CAN NOT SAY THAT THERE IS NOT A SAFETY PROBLEM. DEALER SAYS, "I DON'T THINK THERE IS A SAFETY PROBLEM". THERE NEEDS TO BE AN IMMEDIATE INVESTIGATION INTO THIS ISSUE, BECAUSE IT AFFECTS HUNDREDS OF RDX OWNERS. THE MANUFACTURER TO THIS POINT HAS HAD A VERY CAVALIER ATTITUDE THAT THE METAL ON METAL SITUATION JUST COMES WITH THE CAR. THE DEALER CONFIRMS,"THE NOISE ISSUE IS SUBSTANTIAL". THE DEALER HAS BENT OVER BACKWARDS TO ISOLATE THE ISSUE, BUT HAS NOT RECEIVED ANY BACK-UP OR HELP FROM THE ACURA. DEALER HAS USED RUBBERIZED PAINT AND NEW BRAKE PADS TO QUIET NOISE, BUT HAS TOLD ME THAT IT IS NOT A FIX. IT IS DONE FOR DIAGNOSES PURPOSES. AT THIS TIME THERE IS AN OPPORTUNITY BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO PREVENT INJURY OR DEATH BEFORE IT HAPPENS DOWN THE ROAD AS THE CAR AGES AND METAL WEARS. I STRONGLY FEEL THAT FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHOULD INTERVENE IMMEDIATELY TO CHECK THIS SITUATION OUT FOR ALL 2014 RDX OWNERS. THANK YOU

8/6/2014

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2014 Acura RDX?

The most reported complaint category for the 2014 Acura RDX is EXTERIOR LIGHTING, with 146 owner reports. That is about 58% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include EXTERIOR LIGHTING, AIR BAGS, UNKNOWN OR OTHER.

Are complaints about the 2014 Acura RDX a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 64 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2014 Acura RDX?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2014 Acura RDX severe?

64 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Acura RDX: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
250
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

We may earn a commission via links on this page.

In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

Start here

Buyer guideMaintenance guideRecall reportTuning guide

Get recall and ownership alerts for the 2014 Acura RDX

Get our free model-year alerts and ownership updates.

Sign Up

We may earn a commission if you buy parts through our links. Learn more.

Carfocal

Automotive Research

Real data on vehicle reliability, safety, and ownership costs.

  • Used Car Research
  • Reliability Rankings
  • Buying Guides

  • Data Sources & Methodology
  • Editorial Standards
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Legal Disclosures
  • Terms of Service

© 2026 Carfocal · All Rights Reserved