2021 Acura RDX Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary
The 2021 Acura RDX has 135 reported complaints.
- Top issues involve unknown or other and engine.
Reliability Score
Reliability Score
Based on 135 complaints
Most Frequent Issues
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
25 18.5%
ENGINE
18 13.3%
SERVICE BRAKES
13 9.6%
AIR BAGS
11 8.1%
POWER TRAIN
8 5.9%
Quick Insights
The top category is UNKNOWN OR OTHER, accounting for 18.5% of all complaints.
Owners have reported issues across 26 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.
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What owners keep reporting on the 2021 Acura RDX
The 2021 Acura RDX has 135 owner complaints in this dataset. UNKNOWN OR OTHER is the most common complaint category, representing about 19% of the reports shown here.
Most common complaint categories
The top complaint groups for the 2021 Acura RDX are UNKNOWN OR OTHER (25), ENGINE (18), SERVICE BRAKES (13).
Are these complaints a serious red flag?
Potentially. 56 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 2021 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.
Detailed Complaint Log
Showing 26 of 26 systems
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
25 Reports19% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
BOTH MYSELF AND HUSBAND HAVE HEARD KNOCK OR LOUD POP SOUND. ONE LOUD KNOCK OR TWO WITH SLIGHT LEVEL CHANGE SUCH AS ENTERING OR LEAVING DRIVEWAY. MANY OTHER ACURA RDX OWNERS HAVE REPORTED SAME ISSUE. APPEARS TO BE FLEXING OF PANORAMIC SUNROOF. MY VEHICLE IS ONE WEEK OLD (WAS COURTESY VEHICLE) 2021 ACURA RDX. IN SHOP NOW. MANY HAVE REPORTED SERVICE ISSUES WITH NO RESOLUTION THROUGH DEALERSHIP OR ACURA. SEVERAL OWNERS HAVE ADDED ISSUES WITH SUNROOF LEAKING AND EVEN BLOW OUT OF SUNROOF WINDOW.
3/9/2021
Brand new 2021 Acura RDX panoramic sunroof exploded less than 2 weeks after purchase. I was driving when all the sudden, out of nowhere, there was a loud pop/explosion sound. I immediately pulled over and inspected the but didn't find anything. Not one scratch or dent anywhere. It wasn't until I was getting back in the car, and heard the sound of glass slowly shattering, that I realized it was the sunroof. Nothing external hit the car to cause the explosion/shatter. I was the only car on the road when it happened...no cars in front of, behind or beside me. The road was smooth and I hadn't driven over any bumps. Thankfully, the sun shade closed so no one in the car was injured.
6/11/2021
ENGINE
18 Reports13% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
2021 RDX A-spec 7322 miles northbound Hwy 95 Nevada to Oregon, raining. Attempted to pass semi, car behind me also passing semi, sudden loss of power, almost hit from behind, risk of on-coming traffic, able to move to right behind semi. Feeble response to any attempt to accelerate, barely limping along, moved to right shoulder and then to pullout, blinking check engine light, no other warning indicators. Idled engine for several minutes, continued to run rough, would not rev, check engine light cycled off, then back on (blinking), then off over period of several minutes. Turned engine off, waited 10 min or so, restarted ok, finished rest of 600 mile journey scared to pass lawnmower. Life-threatening event for my wife and I, several moments of sheer panic. First time this has happened.
5/24/2021
I was driving in the rain, accelerated to pass a vehicle and the engine lost power. The check engine light came on and the car went into "limp" mode. The car would barely go 40 mph on a highway and the speed seemed to be continuing to decrease. Luckily I was able to pull over and shut the car off. Restarted, the problem appeared to go away. This is a very dangerous situation and I have read other people reporting similar incidents.
6/11/2021
SERVICE BRAKES
13 Reports10% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
Brakes are squeaking very bad
6/20/2022
All software systems failed, disabling the vehicle. Error messages included failure in braking, steering, and other vital systems. Acura roadside assistance determined that the car had to be towed to the nearest dealer. The dealer confirmed the issue was a "DTC P061B PCM internal malfunction" and performed a "PGM-FI software update to correct the issue." The vehicle was completely disabled, and we were 4 1/2 hours from the nearest dealership. There were no warnings or communications prior to the incident.
8/8/2022
AIR BAGS
11 Reports8% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
My wife, 78 years old, is petite. She weighs 75 lbs, height 4'10." The front passenger seat sensors don't register her as sitting in the seat with the result that the passenger air bag is not engaged (the dashboard light indicates the air bag is OFF). My vehicle, 2021 Acura RDX, passenger seat has 2 seat sensors while the MDX model has 4 seat sensors that would register her weight and the air bag system would be engaged. We have not had an accident. The MDX seat is not compatible with the RDX. Acura says that nothing can be done to rectify the problem. I consider this problem a safety defect.
3/13/2023
Approximately on 2/10/2024 shortly after i added my 2021 Acura to my auto policy my insurance co. GEICO notified me about the open recall. Nobody else has notified me on the open recall. I just purchased the vehicle on [XXX] from Autonation Acura In Torrance California. The recall notice Says "there is no remedy availableI" i purchased this beautiful CPO vehicle and I put $20,000 cash ( debit card) as a down payment and I had to pay additional costs for the extended 9 yr. warranty. I financed the rest. The vehicle price was $31.000 with 20.000 miles on it. The total costs $44.000. I haven't even made my first payment yet which is due february 20, 2024. My interest rate is high 8.99 is the rate and I have excellent credit. I've only put 20 miles or less on the car since I bought it. My auto Insurance Company now recommended that I do not drive it. My auto insurance could possibly go up in cost as well. I have not drove the car since I learned of the recall. I want my money back and I want to return the vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2/18/2024
POWER TRAIN
8 Reports6% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
Brand new 2021 RDX - bought 3 days ago, only 128 miles. Driving on highway and it suddenly loses power. Was able to get to shoulder, but unable to get enough power to exit the highway to find a safer place to park. Check engine light and several transmission warnings indicating I should see dealer immediately. As vehicle came close to a stop, it shuddered and clunked so badly it seemed like I ran something over, but nothing was there. Tried to shut vehicle down and restart, but constant error messages and would only lurch a little. Had to have vehicle towed to dealership, but of course they said they never heard of this happening before.
6/22/2021
Driving at night in rain on interstate 81N in southern Virginia. I pressed accelerator all the way to pass and the car downshifted and then lost power. The engine light was flashing. I did not have enough power to maintain adequate highway speed while in the midst of a passing maneuver. While car was decelerating (with foot on accel pedal with no apparent response) I activated hazard lights and made my way across traffic to the shoulder. 70mph speed limit. I dropped to 50mph or so rather quickly amid traffic that put me and the traffic around me in a dangerous situation. Once stopped on shoulder (again in a dangerous situation that I'd prefer to avoid), i turned ignition off for 10 seconds and then restarted car. Situation seems to have cleared up; no engine light flashing and full? power. It did not happen again when I pressed accelerator to floor to recreate situation. This vehicle has 3800 miles on it.
8/20/2021
VISIBILITY/WIPER
8 Reports6% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
Purchased my 2021 in November of 2020. Two weeks after, i was driving with adaptive cruise on at 65 mph on a freeway. 100 yds ahead i could see a diesel going slower than i, so i looked and saw no one coming at all, so i moved over to the passing lane. I got 5 feet into the lane and the car slammed on its brakes, on its own!!! Thank god no one was behind me or i might have died!! I reported this to Acura within 1 week, and then reported it to DOT the next week. I own one of the first 2021 s made, so i didnât see a lot of feedback. Now after a year and a half i get on the DOT website and see many complaints like mine. This has happens to me maybe once every 3 weeks. Why has the DOT done nothing about this??!!! Also the DOT says there are no recalls on my car but if you go to the Acura website it says my car is under recall for a driveshaft problem, of which i never received a notice. Why does the DOT exist??
4/4/2022
The rear glass shattered by itself wild parked. This is an ongoing issue. I know of a few people with the same vehicle as me, same year and all and they had to replace the rear glass a few times. Acura needs do a recall on the 2021 RDX. Thanks God it happened wild the vehicle was parked. If this would have happened on the highway it would have definitively cause some damages to other vehicles or even an accident.
2/26/2024
STRUCTURE:BODY
7 Reports5% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
BOTH MYSELF AND HUSBAND HAVE HEARD KNOCK OR LOUD POP SOUND. ONE LOUD KNOCK OR TWO WITH SLIGHT LEVEL CHANGE SUCH AS ENTERING OR LEAVING DRIVEWAY. MANY OTHER ACURA RDX OWNERS HAVE REPORTED SAME ISSUE. APPEARS TO BE FLEXING OF PANORAMIC SUNROOF. MY VEHICLE IS ONE WEEK OLD (WAS COURTESY VEHICLE) 2021 ACURA RDX. IN SHOP NOW. MANY HAVE REPORTED SERVICE ISSUES WITH NO RESOLUTION THROUGH DEALERSHIP OR ACURA. SEVERAL OWNERS HAVE ADDED ISSUES WITH SUNROOF LEAKING AND EVEN BLOW OUT OF SUNROOF WINDOW.
3/9/2021
On NOV 20th 2021 took the vehicle for Oil change, to Acura dealer. The service tech informed me the hood its not opening. The latch or cable its broken. The part its not in stock. I can't open the hood to check all necessary fluids, especially windshield washer fluid. I think its safety concern when I'm out of washer.
12/1/2021
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
6 Reports4% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
I own a 2021 Acura RDX that was purchased new in February 2021. In the 11,500 miles I have driven it, there have been zero problems until yesterday. However, yesterday, when driving on an Interstate highway at 70 mph, in the rain, while passing a semi truck, my Acura RDX suddenly went into limp mode and the check engine light began flashing. After pulling over to the berm, and driving in the limp mode to the next exit, I turned the engine off. When I turned the engine back on it functioned normally and the check engine light went out. The engine has functioned normally for the approximately 100 miles I have driven since that time. Since there is no problem now, I have not taken the vehicle to the dealer to be checked since I felt that they would find nothing. When looking up this problem I found that mine is not an isolated case, and this same thing has happened to other Acura RDX owners. For that reason I am reporting the problem. I have also written to Acura to tell them of the problem. This was a very scary situation to have the engine suddenly, and without warning, go into limp mode while on a busy Interstate highway. Fortunately, in this case I was able to safely get to the berm of the road, but that might not always be possible. I have no idea when this might happen again, which is also scary. It is also very strange that by turning the engine off and then back on the problem disappeared. If requested, I would be happy to have Acura look at my vehicle if it would help to find the root cause of this problem. Thank you for your review of this problem.
9/23/2021
One week ago 6-20-22, my car started to âchugâ and slow down as I was accelerating up a hill on a highway. It was almost as if my car was losing power. When this happened about 10 warnings signs came up on my dash. I drove it directly to the dealership. They replaced my oil saying the pressure was low. All was well for the day after 6-21 when driving it home from dealership. On 6-22 I went to merge onto a local highway from a stop sign with traffic coming at 55-65 mph. My car would not accelerate over 25 and I was unable to pull of. Thankfully I pulled off onto the next exit. I could have easily been rear ended and hurt. This issue since will go away if I shut off my car and turn it back on, but not every time. It is still chugging and losing power when I drive and all the errors on the dashboard are coming up randomly. I drive A LOT everyday for work and this problem is really scaring me knowing I or others could get hurt.
6/27/2022
SEATS
6 Reports4% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
My wife, 78 years old, is petite. She weighs 75 lbs, height 4'10." The front passenger seat sensors don't register her as sitting in the seat with the result that the passenger air bag is not engaged (the dashboard light indicates the air bag is OFF). My vehicle, 2021 Acura RDX, passenger seat has 2 seat sensors while the MDX model has 4 seat sensors that would register her weight and the air bag system would be engaged. We have not had an accident. The MDX seat is not compatible with the RDX. Acura says that nothing can be done to rectify the problem. I consider this problem a safety defect.
3/13/2023
Approximately on 2/10/2024 shortly after i added my 2021 Acura to my auto policy my insurance co. GEICO notified me about the open recall. Nobody else has notified me on the open recall. I just purchased the vehicle on [XXX] from Autonation Acura In Torrance California. The recall notice Says "there is no remedy availableI" i purchased this beautiful CPO vehicle and I put $20,000 cash ( debit card) as a down payment and I had to pay additional costs for the extended 9 yr. warranty. I financed the rest. The vehicle price was $31.000 with 20.000 miles on it. The total costs $44.000. I haven't even made my first payment yet which is due february 20, 2024. My interest rate is high 8.99 is the rate and I have excellent credit. I've only put 20 miles or less on the car since I bought it. My auto Insurance Company now recommended that I do not drive it. My auto insurance could possibly go up in cost as well. I have not drove the car since I learned of the recall. I want my money back and I want to return the vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2/18/2024
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
5 Reports4% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
On May 9th we were driving on the freeway at around 3 pm on a sunlit clear day. It was a straight section of road. Dry pavement and traffic moving reasonably well. The car in front of us was at least 100 yards in front of us and about the same for the vehicle behind I believe. We were going around 50 mph. The car slammed on the brakes so hard the seat belt restraints engaged as we flew forward, enough so that my wife and I were both sore the next day. Items on the back seat flew onto the floor. If there had been a car behind us we would have been rear ended and potentially a multi car pile up. We took the car to the dealership the next day. They had the car for the day and returned it saying everything is calibrated as it should be. I have called Acura and they set up a case number and a case manager and said they would call me. They have not called nor returned my repeated phone calls. I have asked for a supervisor to call and that has not happened either. Acuraâs case number is 12213602 and Simon is the case manager. His phone is 800 999 1009 x87723. The supervisorâs name is Terry. I donât have an extension number for her. We have grandkids that ride in car seats in the back seat. Thank god this didnât happen with one or both in the back seat with a car behind us. We have been driving cars with the braking feature on them for 10 years now (Ford and Infinity) and have never had anything like this happen. Weâve had the adaptive cruise pick up on something in the past and ease off the accelerator but never anything like this. The cruise was not engaged when this occurred. In googling this it sounds like we arenât the only ones having this issue.
6/8/2021
On 3 separate occasions my Collision mitigation braking system has malfunctioned. The first time I was driving at 55 with my cruise control set with no cars in front, behind or beside me when, without warning or reason, the orange brake light abruptly flashed on my front dash panel and my car abruptly stopped in a whiplash manner. The second occasion I was driving on the interstate at 65, on this particular interstate, the 64, it splits to the right to a separate interstate, the 264, and cars wait until the last minute to go 3 lanes of traffic over to get off. My car again without warning or reason flashed the orange brake sign on my front dash panel and my car abruptly stopped. Thankfully the cars rushing over did not hit me but there were honks and swerves and I could have been hit or caused an accident. The third incident occurred 8/25/21 with my son in the car while the feature was disabled, I was not close to the car in front of me, at least 2 car lengths as we were sitting in traffic and all trying to merge left, thankfully this time I was able to take control of the brake because I was going at a speed of ~5 but it scared my special needs son to the point of not being able to go back over that bridge.
8/26/2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
5 Reports4% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
When using my apple phone in the car I cannot answer, hang up, talk using the hands free option at certain times
9/17/2021
I have a 2021 RDX. Was on the interstate moving at about 70 MPH coming back from Missouri. Raining. Lots of semis creating huge following misty, hard to see rain. Decided to accelerate to pass a couple. Car nearly stalled and acted like it had lost a cylinder's worth of power. Turned on hazards, slowed, pulled over and lifted the hood hearing all kinds of unusual noises. Shut the car off and restarted. All was well. Turned all lane-keeping, etc. off including cruise. Drove the last 100 miles or so without incident. Called dealer and was told likely didn't pull a code. Don't worry and keep driving. Said to make sure front of car was clean. Duh!! I keep my ride spotless (unless driving in the rain). Called CA's Acura line. Absolutely no help. 2 different females had no idea what limp mode was. Read quite a bit since then finding out it could be the result of many things including problems that could damage the motor and/or tranny. WOW!!! Had never heard of "limp mode" before. Nice that no info on this possible problem was anywhere in any user manual. Car has performed flawlessly ever since. So far, I guess the rain had interfered with the "radar" system and confused the computer. I'm thinking about buying a 40 year old car that doesn't have any of the modern computers etc. Later found info regarding TSB 20-053 which explains the problem and proposed solution. 06-26-2022 06:52 PM
11/27/2022
SEAT BELTS
4 Reports3% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
The rear driver side seat belt has frayed repeatedly over the last 2 years. This puts my young child at risk of the seat belt failing in an accident. The seat belt has been replaced by the local Acura dealership 3 times, but the cause of the fray has not been identified. Fray #1 was first seen with a Nuna Rava child car seat installed in the forward facing configuration. The fray was in the upper section of the OE seat belt between the car pillar and where it exits the child car seat. It was replaced in March 2022. This was replaced on goodwill from Bob Lindsay Acura dealership. Fray #2 was noticed in the same location in the new (March 2022) seat belt and replaced in December 2022. This was replaced on goodwill from Bob Lindsay Acura dealership. Fray #3 was again noticed in the same place in the December 2022 seat belt and replaced in January 2023. This was replaced on goodwill from American Honda Motor Co., Inc. The original thought was the tension from the car seat was causing the fray in the seat belt; however, the dealership and Honda provided no reason or explaination for why the belt was fraying or possible remedy solution beyond directly replacing the seat belt. The child has since outgrown the Nuna Rava child seat in January 2023 and is now a Diono Monterey high-back booster seat. This Diono booster was installed at the same time as the January 2023 seat belt replacement. Fray #4 was seen in the January 2023 seat belt at the same general location as the previous frays on 8 June 2023.
6/8/2023
The contact owns a 2021 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while his son was in the car seat in the rear driver's side seat, he pulled the rear middle seat belt pretensioner and released it; however, the seat belt pretensioner retracted and tightened around his son's neck. The contact attempted to remove the seat belt, but the seat belt remained tightened. The contact stated that he used a utility knife to cut the seat belt. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.
8/17/2023
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
3 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
One week ago 6-20-22, my car started to âchugâ and slow down as I was accelerating up a hill on a highway. It was almost as if my car was losing power. When this happened about 10 warnings signs came up on my dash. I drove it directly to the dealership. They replaced my oil saying the pressure was low. All was well for the day after 6-21 when driving it home from dealership. On 6-22 I went to merge onto a local highway from a stop sign with traffic coming at 55-65 mph. My car would not accelerate over 25 and I was unable to pull of. Thankfully I pulled off onto the next exit. I could have easily been rear ended and hurt. This issue since will go away if I shut off my car and turn it back on, but not every time. It is still chugging and losing power when I drive and all the errors on the dashboard are coming up randomly. I drive A LOT everyday for work and this problem is really scaring me knowing I or others could get hurt.
6/27/2022
On 12/22/22, I was driving in a 2021 RDX SH-AWD with my pregnant wife and 2 year old son from Media PA to Pittsburgh PA . It was rainy and 35-40 degrees F the whole drive. Approximately 4 hours into the drive we stopped at a rest stop on the PA turnpike to get gas. While attempting to merge back onto the turnpike from the service road to the right of the turnpike, a truck was coming up behind me in the right hand lane of the turnpike. I was traveling approximately 40mph on the service road, so I went to accelerate to safely complete the merge in front of the truck. Near the end of my acceleration sequence (I estimate I had gotten to approx 65mph) my car went into âlimp modeâ. I felt an unexpected and immediate loss of power and my check engine light/âMILâ began flashing yellow. I was luckily able to barely avoid a collision with the truck that was approaching. After the light started flashing I was unable to turn the knob to switch drive modes (it was in snow mode at the time this all happened). I was unable to do anything but attempt to drive to safety with severe power loss. I was able to coast my car with minimal accelerator response to the next exit off the turnpike and into a motel parking lot. I shut down the car and then turned it back on. When I turned it back on, the MIL light was no longer flashing and I had normal power restored to the vehicle, but interestingly the auto stop/start feature no longer worked. I was able to drive the remainder of the way to Pittsburgh without any further loss in power, though I was anxious the entire drive considering the major malfunction I had just experienced while attempting a merge at highway speeds. The vehicle only had approx 10,500 miles on it at the time of the incident. The vehicle is currently at the dealership being diagnosed. A case has also been opened directly with Acura/Honda.
12/29/2022
SUSPENSION
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
THERE IS A HORRIBLE CLUNKING NOISE COMING FROM FRONT WHEN DRIVING OR TURNING (POSSIBLE PASSENGER SIDE). IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT YOUR SPEED IS. IT SOUNDS LIKE IT MAY BE THE SUSPENSION OR STRUTS AND IT'S SO BAD THAT IT SOUNDS LIKE MY FRONT END IS FALLING APART. WITH ONLY 2400 MILES IT HAS GOTTEN WORSE AND WORSE. DROPPED IT OFF AT THE DEALERS THIS MORNING AND SERVICE TECH DROVE IT AROUND BUILDING TO COME BACK AND SAY HOW BAD IT SOUNDED. HE SAYS HE HASN'T EVER HEARD THIS NOISE. ALSO, THE REAR, WHEN BREAKING AND ACCELERATING HAS A POPPING NOISE DURING TAKE OFF AND STOPPING. BOTH NOISES ARE GETTING MUCH WORSE TO THE POINT MY HUSBAND SAID THAT I COULD NOT DRIVE IT OUT OF CONCERN FOR SAFETY UNTIL THIS ISSUE IS FIXED. SEEMS CRAZY THAT YOU WOULD ALREADY EXPERIENCE ISSUES LIKE THIS IN A BRAND NEW $50K CAR.
12/14/2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 ACURA RDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, SHE HEARD A CLUNKING AND RATTLING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL WELL AREA. DURING ACCELERATION AND STOPPING, THE CONTACT HEARD A POPPING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR WHEELS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JENKINS ACURA (2025 SW COLLEGE ROAD, OCALA, FL 34471, (352) 414-4588). THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ROTORS WERE MAKING THE SOUND AND NEEDED TO BE ADJUSTED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A CALLBACK AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE BALL JOINTS AND ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, ALONG WITH THE AXLE AND WHEEL BEARINGS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200.*DT THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER REPLACED RF ROCKER ARM AND RF BALL JOINT ELIMINATING THE PROBLEM. *TR
12/16/2020
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2021 Acura RDX. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary in the driveway, he noticed that the rear windshield had shattered. Upon inspection, the contact stated he did not see any near objects that would have caused the windshield to shatter. The contact read online of other vehicle owners experiencing the same failure due to the cold weather. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 5,539.
12/22/2021
The contact's wife owns a 2021 Acura RDX. The contact stated that there was a crack on the rear windshield. There was no impact to the rear windshield that could have caused the crack. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed that the rear windshield needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
2/15/2022
STEERING
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
All software systems failed, disabling the vehicle. Error messages included failure in braking, steering, and other vital systems. Acura roadside assistance determined that the car had to be towed to the nearest dealer. The dealer confirmed the issue was a "DTC P061B PCM internal malfunction" and performed a "PGM-FI software update to correct the issue." The vehicle was completely disabled, and we were 4 1/2 hours from the nearest dealership. There were no warnings or communications prior to the incident.
8/8/2022
At start up, my car displayed 4 errors: Lane Keeping Assist System, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation System, and Electric Power Steering. As a result, my car could not steer and had to get it towed to the dealership.
6/17/2025
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC:ROTOR
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 ACURA RDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, SHE HEARD A CLUNKING AND RATTLING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL WELL AREA. DURING ACCELERATION AND STOPPING, THE CONTACT HEARD A POPPING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR WHEELS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JENKINS ACURA (2025 SW COLLEGE ROAD, OCALA, FL 34471, (352) 414-4588). THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ROTORS WERE MAKING THE SOUND AND NEEDED TO BE ADJUSTED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A CALLBACK AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE BALL JOINTS AND ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, ALONG WITH THE AXLE AND WHEEL BEARINGS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200.*DT THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER REPLACED RF ROCKER ARM AND RF BALL JOINT ELIMINATING THE PROBLEM. *TR
12/16/2020
WHEELS
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE. JUST BEFORE LEAVING THE HOUSE IT WAS INFLATED TO 35 PSI. AFTER GETTING ON INTERSTATE I RECEIVED A LOW TIRE PRESSURE INDICATION. INITIALLY IT SHOWED 17 PSI. I SLOWED DOWN AND BY THE TIME I GOT TO THE NEXT EXIT IT WENT DOWN TO 0. I PULLED UNTIL A PARKING LOT AND THE TIRE HAD SHREDDED OFF THE RIM. THERE WERE NO HOLES OR NAILS IN THE TIRE TREAD BUT APPEARS TO HAVE BLOWOUT HOLES IN THE SIDEWALL. THE TIRES ARE CONTINENTAL CROSSCONTACT.
3/13/2021
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
Purchased my 2021 in November of 2020. Two weeks after, i was driving with adaptive cruise on at 65 mph on a freeway. 100 yds ahead i could see a diesel going slower than i, so i looked and saw no one coming at all, so i moved over to the passing lane. I got 5 feet into the lane and the car slammed on its brakes, on its own!!! Thank god no one was behind me or i might have died!! I reported this to Acura within 1 week, and then reported it to DOT the next week. I own one of the first 2021 s made, so i didnât see a lot of feedback. Now after a year and a half i get on the DOT website and see many complaints like mine. This has happens to me maybe once every 3 weeks. Why has the DOT done nothing about this??!!! Also the DOT says there are no recalls on my car but if you go to the Acura website it says my car is under recall for a driveshaft problem, of which i never received a notice. Why does the DOT exist??
4/4/2022
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned? Car automatically applied brakes on several occasions, despite no obstacles in front of the car. Incident 1: While driving through an 3-way intersection, the car slammed on the brakes automatically. There was a van in the opposite lane waiting to turn left. There was 2-3 feet of space so there was no risk of collision, but the car slammed on the brakes causing me to come to a sudden stop in the middle of the intersection. Incident 2: I was changing lanes to go past a stopped car in the left lane (It was waiting to make a left turn) The car automatically applied brakes, even though I would not have hit the car. Cars behind me had to slam on their brakes to avoid rear-ending my stopped car. Incident 3: While driving on a freeway at 65 mph with light traffic and no cars in front for at least 1000 ft the car flashed the automatic brake warning. It did not actually apply the brakes, but could have caused an accident considering the speed. Incident 4: While driving on a 2-lane road with cars parked on the sides of the road, the car displayed an automatic brake warning despite no collision being imminent. Incident 5: While driving down a suburban street with no trees or obstacles in sight, the automatic brake warning flashed. How was safety put at risk? Sudden stopping in a road, highway, or intersection could cause an accident. I am concerned for my safety, because if the car stops unexpectedly in the middle of the road, other cars may hit me. This is the same system used in some Hondas, so a recall of Honda vehicles may need to be extended to Acura vehicles. Has the problem been confirmed by dealer? Yes. The service advisor told me that his car has the same problem, but that it is normal and there is nothing they can do about it. Were there any warnings? Usually happens when there is a radar reflective object above or off to the side of the path of travel. The BRAKE warning appears when automatic braking is applied.
8/28/2022
VISIBILITY
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The contact owns a 2021 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while attempting to open the trunk, the rear window glass shattered. No warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the shattered glass was not covered under warranty and suggested that a local glass specialist be contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
12/11/2024
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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The contact owns a 2021 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the front headlights and instrument panel lights started blinking off and on. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the body control module had malfunctioned due to water intrusion from the moon roof seals. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 30,000.
4/7/2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM
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The contact owns a 2021 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the front headlights and instrument panel lights started blinking off and on. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the body control module had malfunctioned due to water intrusion from the moon roof seals. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 30,000.
4/7/2025
STRUCTURE
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The contact owns a 2021 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the front headlights and instrument panel lights started blinking off and on. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the body control module had malfunctioned due to water intrusion from the moon roof seals. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 30,000.
4/7/2025
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
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At start up, my car displayed 4 errors: Lane Keeping Assist System, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation System, and Electric Power Steering. As a result, my car could not steer and had to get it towed to the dealership.
6/17/2025
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
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At start up, my car displayed 4 errors: Lane Keeping Assist System, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation System, and Electric Power Steering. As a result, my car could not steer and had to get it towed to the dealership.
6/17/2025
Data and Methodology
Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.
What are the most common owner complaints for the 2021 Acura RDX?
Are complaints about the 2021 Acura RDX a serious warning sign?
How should buyers use complaint data for the 2021 Acura RDX?
Are complaints about the 2021 Acura RDX severe?
Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.
Acura RDX: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?
Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.
- Complaint entries
- 135
- Top-topic view
- 5 grouped topics shown
- Primary source
- NHTSA ODI owner complaint records
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