2025 Acura RDX Report

Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.

Updated May 30, 2026Daniel Wilson3 Critical Recalls
2025 Acura RDX Report

Overall Score

Our Verdict
Proceed with caution

Key Takeaways

  • The primary ownership concern is a critical failure mode involving the loss of power steering assist, frequently reported early in the vehicle's life.
  • This steering issue is linked to all three manufacturer recalls, suggesting a pervasive problem.
  • Owners report secondary issues like unintended braking and ADAS malfunctions alongside steering problems.
  • Despite a 5-star overall safety rating, the steering failures pose a significant risk to vehicle control.
Overview

2025 Acura RDX

The 2025 Acura RDX offers a premium compact SUV experience, but used shoppers must be aware of significant reliability concerns. While it boasts a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and respectable 23 MPG combined fuel economy, a recurring problem with the electric power steering system is a major red flag. This issue, linked to all three recalls, can manifest as a sudden loss of assist, often accompanied by unintended braking or ADAS malfunctions, creating hazardous driving conditions. These failures are frequently reported very early in the vehicle's life, indicating a potential systemic flaw.

Critical Failure Risk

Sudden loss of power steering assist, often occurring without warning during driving maneuvers. This is a critical safety concern linked to multiple recalls and a high percentage of owner complaints. It can be accompanied by unintended braking or ADAS system malfunctions.

Early detection can help you avoid a $1,500-$3,000 repair.

Open Maintenance Analysis →

Reliability

Practicality

The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption.

Buyer Fit

Who This Car Is For

Best for

Buyers prioritizing safety ratings and a premium interior feel.

+2 more buyer-fit notes in the full report

Avoid if

Buyers seeking a completely trouble-free ownership experience.

+2 more buyer-fit warnings in the full report

2025 Acura RDX Reliability Analysis

Explore comprehensive reliability data including official safety recalls, consumer complaints, and common mechanical failures for the 2025 Acura RDX.

Specs

Vehicle Specs

Fuel Type
Premium
Transmission
Automatic (S10)
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Body Style
Suv
EPA Combined MPG
23

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Most Common Issues

1. Steering

Most reported

Usage: 21 reports

2. Braking System

Usage: 12 reports

See all common issues in the maintenance guide

First Service Interval

- Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation and Inspection - Brake System Inspection - Inspect Electric Power Steering (EPS) System

Est. shop cost: $100 - $200

7,500 mi

Unlock the full maintenance guide for every scheduled service interval and cost forecast.

Full pre-purchase inspection checklist
Complete maintenance schedule (4 service intervals)
Repair forecasts with mileage and cost context
Full buyer-fit guidance and who should avoid it
Full specs and trim-level context
3 recall campaign details & remedy notes
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FAQ

FAQ

Is the 2025 Acura RDX reliable?

The CarFocal Reliability Score for the 2025 Acura RDX is 5.9/10. Reliability score is 5.9/10. NHTSA recalls: 3. Owner complaints: 58.

How practical is the 2025 Acura RDX for daily use?

Practicality score is 5.0/10. The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption. EPA combined economy is 23 MPG.

What is the overall score for the 2025 Acura RDX?

The CarFocal Overall Score for the 2025 Acura RDX is 6.9/10. Overall score is 6.9/10 (Good). Confidence 85%. Maintenance 8.3/10. Practicality 5.0/10.

What does it cost to own and maintain a 2025 Acura RDX?

Based on Carfocal's data, First listed service: - Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation and Inspection - Brake System Inspection - Inspect Electric Power Steering (EPS) System at 7,500 miles. Estimated first-year maintenance: $400 - $700. Repair prediction highlight: Electric Power Steering (EPS) System (typical at 25,000 miles, estimated cost Min: $1,500 • Max: $3,000).

What engine is in the 2025 Acura RDX?

Engine specs list 4 • 2.0.

What transmission does the 2025 Acura RDX use?

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2025 Acura RDX, transmission is Automatic (S10). The paired drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive.

Does the 2025 RDX require Premium gas?

Manufacturer fuel recommendation: Premium.

What is the combined EPA MPG for the 2025 Acura RDX?

EPA combined estimate is 23 MPG.

What driver assistance and safety features are available on the 2025 Acura RDX?

17 standard driver assistance features. Key features include Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control.

What body style is the 2025 Acura RDX?

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2025 Acura RDX, body style is suv.

What drivetrain does the 2025 Acura RDX use?

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2025 Acura RDX, drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive. Transmission is Automatic (S10).

What are the NHTSA safety ratings for the 2025 Acura RDX?

NHTSA ratings: Overall 5/5 • Frontal 4/5 • Side 5/5 • Rollover 4/5.

What are the most common steering problems on the 2025 Acura RDX?

Top complaint category: steering (21 reports, 36.2% of complaints).

Are there open safety recalls on the 2025 Acura RDX?

This model year has 3 official safety campaigns listed.

Should buyers consider alternatives to the 2025 Acura RDX?

Alternatives listed in this guide: 2025 Lexus NX and 2025 BMW X3.