Owners have reported 5 crashes and 3 injuries to NHTSA for the 2018 Acura RDX. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints17
FUEL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2018 Acura RDX frequently report issues related to a recall on the fuel system, specifically noting that the parts for the recall repair are unavailable. Complaints often describe symptoms such as the vehicle sputtering, difficulty starting, jerking, stalling, and unexpected acceleration. These issues are sometimes accompanied by warning lights on the dashboard, including check engine and emissions warnings. Some reports indicate these problems occur at higher mileages, such as around 85,000 and 140,000 miles. While no crashes, fires, or loss of control are reported, the intermittent nature of these symptoms could impact vehicle reliability.
Owner complaints10
POWER TRAIN
Owners of the 2018 Acura RDX frequently report transmission issues, particularly related to the torque converter, with symptoms including harsh shifting, delayed engagement, and unexpected slipping into neutral. These problems often manifest after a warranty repair for the torque converter, with some owners noting worsening conditions post-repair. Complaints typically arise around the 30,000 to 50,000-mile range, with some reports of the "Check Engine" light and transmission warning indicators illuminating. Safety concerns are highlighted, as several owners describe sudden loss of propulsion and hesitation during critical driving maneuvers, posing risks during merging or intersection crossings. One incident resulted in an injury when a vehicle rolled unexpectedly while parked.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints10
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Owners of the 2018 Acura RDX frequently report issues related to the fuel propulsion system, specifically involving the fuel pump. Common symptoms include acceleration hesitation, jerking, and engine stalling, which can worsen over time. Many complaints highlight difficulties in obtaining replacement parts for a recall related to the fuel pump impeller, with some owners experiencing delays of several months. These issues often arise when attempting to accelerate or merge into traffic, posing potential safety risks. The problems have been ongoing for some owners for over a year, indicating a persistent issue that may affect vehicle reliability and safety.
Owner complaints6
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2018 Acura RDX frequently report issues with the vehicle's electrical system, particularly involving the security alarm and starting system. Complaints often describe the security alarm activating randomly without cause, attributed by some to a faulty Body Control Module, with repair costs exceeding $1,000. Additionally, multiple owners note intermittent starting failures, with dashboard lights flickering and the keyless start button clicking, linked to a faulty control unit. These issues typically occur without a clear mileage pattern but can leave drivers stranded, posing potential safety risks. Other reported problems include unreliable adaptive cruise control and rodent damage to wiring, though these are less commonly mentioned.
Owner complaints5
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Owners of the 2018 Acura RDX frequently report issues with unintended acceleration and hesitation during driving. Multiple complaints describe the vehicle lurching forward or backward when shifting gears or lightly pressing the accelerator, with some instances occurring during low-speed maneuvers like parking or at traffic lights. While some owners mention that the problem is not consistently replicable by dealers, others note that it happens routinely. There are reports of near-miss incidents, such as a vehicle accelerating unexpectedly into a curb, but no injuries or significant damage have been documented. These issues are noted from the early stages of ownership, with one owner experiencing problems within a month of leasing the vehicle.
Owner complaints3
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners report issues with the 2018 Acura RDX's service brakes, specifically involving unintended acceleration when the brake pedal is pressed. This symptom is mentioned in multiple complaints, with some owners experiencing it on more than one occasion. Another issue described is non-functional brake lights, attributed to a missing relay power, which was resolved by using a relay from another vehicle. No specific mileage ranges are mentioned, and while no accidents are reported, the unintended acceleration presents a potential safety risk. These issues are important for used car buyers to consider when evaluating this model.
Owner complaints3
ENGINE
Owners of the 2018 Acura RDX frequently report issues related to the torque converter, particularly experiencing a loss of power and hesitation during acceleration. These symptoms often occur when accelerating or switching lanes, with some owners noting that the vehicle may also lunge forward unexpectedly after hesitating. Complaints indicate that these issues can arise around 34,700 miles, though specific mileage may vary. Safety implications are noted, as the hesitation and power loss can affect vehicle control, especially in traffic situations. Potential buyers should be aware that repairs may be complicated by parts availability and service limitations, especially for vehicles with branded titles.
Owner complaints3
STRUCTURE
Owners of the 2018 Acura RDX report several structural issues. One complaint describes an incident where the vehicle rolled backward after the engine was turned off, resulting in a crash and injury. Another owner reports rodent damage to the fuel line and transmission area, suggesting potential issues with engine housing sealing. Additionally, there is a report of a sunroof shattering unexpectedly while driving, causing minor injuries from glass. These issues occur at various points within the first year of ownership and present potential safety risks, including the possibility of crashes and injuries.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints2
SEATS
Owners of the 2018 Acura RDX report issues related to seatback failures and strong fumes from the artificial leather. In one case, a seatback failure during a high-speed rear-end collision resulted in a crash, causing the seat to shift and the occupant to slip under the seatbelt, leading to multiple injuries. Another owner reports feeling sick due to strong fumes from the artificial leather, with symptoms including dizziness severe enough to impair driving. These issues indicate potential safety concerns, particularly in the event of a collision or for individuals sensitive to interior materials.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints2
STEERING
Owners of the 2018 Acura RDX report issues related to the steering system, with one complaint involving a crash. The automatic braking system is mentioned in a crash scenario where it allegedly slowed the vehicle, preventing evasive action, leading to a rollover. Another owner describes persistent noises from the steering column, specifically near the driver airbag, starting within the first 2,000 miles and becoming more pronounced over time. The noise is noted when the steering wheel is turned 180 degrees and is likened to a twisting or rubbing sound, raising concerns about potential airbag deployment. These issues are reported in vehicles with as few as 7,800 miles and in others with over 20,000 miles. Safety implications include the possibility of unintended airbag deployment and steering-related noise that could indicate underlying mechanical issues.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
