Owners have reported 3 crashes and 5 injuries to NHTSA for the 2019 Acura RDX. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints116
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners report that the 2019 Acura RDX frequently experiences spontaneous shattering of the rear window, often occurring without any external impact while the vehicle is parked or in motion. Complaints consistently describe a loud noise, similar to a gunshot, followed by the glass breaking, which can be distracting and potentially dangerous if it happens while driving. Some owners note that this issue has occurred multiple times, with incidents reported across various conditions, including cold weather and rain. Additionally, a separate issue involves the head-up display (HUD) surface warping and cracking due to sun exposure, which affects visibility. These issues are noted to occur at various times, with no specific mileage range mentioned, and they may present safety concerns due to potential driver distraction and visibility impairment.
Owner complaints74
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Owners of the 2019 Acura RDX frequently report issues with the rear windshield spontaneously shattering without any apparent impact or prior damage. Complaints consistently describe the glass breaking while the vehicle is parked, sometimes after closing a door, and occasionally while driving, with a loud noise often likened to a gunshot. These incidents occur at various times and locations, sometimes repeating for the same vehicle, and are noted to happen across different mileage ranges. Safety implications include potential hazards from glass falling into the vehicle and the risk of driver distraction from the sudden noise. Buyers should be aware of these reports, as they indicate a recurring issue with the rear glass that may require attention.
Owner complaints45
ENGINE
Owners of the 2019 Acura RDX frequently report sudden loss of engine power, often described as the vehicle entering "limp mode," where speed is drastically reduced to about 20-30 mph. Common symptoms include the illumination of the check engine light and, in some cases, various warning lights related to electronic safety systems. These issues often occur during acceleration or while driving in rainy conditions, with some reports noting occurrences around 20,000 to 116,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as many owners describe dangerous situations where the vehicle unexpectedly decelerates on highways or while passing, posing a risk of rear-end collisions. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these reports, especially if the vehicle has not undergone recent engine diagnostics or repairs.
Owner complaints34
POWER TRAIN
Owners report frequent issues with the 2019 Acura RDX's power train, particularly involving sudden loss of power and the vehicle entering limp mode, often accompanied by a flashing check engine light. These incidents are commonly noted during acceleration, especially in wet conditions, and typically resolve temporarily after restarting the vehicle. Complaints often occur around 18,000 to 60,000 miles, with several owners mentioning a service bulletin related to the intercooler as a potential fix. Safety implications are significant, as the sudden deceleration and loss of power occur on highways and busy roads, posing risks of collisions. Additionally, a few reports mention fluid leaks and transmission issues, including metal shavings found in the transmission oil, which contribute to high repair costs.
Owner complaints30
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2019 Acura RDX frequently report issues with the vehicle's electrical system, particularly involving sudden loss of power and stalling. Complaints describe scenarios where the vehicle unexpectedly enters "limp mode," fails to accelerate, or completely stalls, often accompanied by multiple warning lights on the dashboard, sometimes referred to as a "Christmas tree" effect. These issues typically occur during acceleration or while driving at highway speeds, posing significant safety risks due to loss of control. Another common issue involves the infotainment system, where the display screen may go blank, affecting visibility of critical safety features like the backup camera. These problems are reported across a range of mileages, with some owners experiencing failures shortly after purchase, while others report issues at higher mileages, such as 63,220 miles. Buyers considering a used 2019 Acura RDX should be aware of these potential electrical system failures and their associated safety implications.
Owner complaints22
STRUCTURE
Owners of the 2019 Acura RDX frequently report incidents of the rear windshield shattering spontaneously, often while the vehicle is parked and without any apparent external impact. Complaints commonly describe the glass breaking suddenly, sometimes with a loud noise, and shattering into small fragments, posing a risk of injury from flying glass. These incidents are noted to occur in various weather conditions, with some owners mentioning cold temperatures or the use of the rear defroster. The reports do not specify a consistent mileage range for these occurrences. The spontaneous shattering of the rear windshield can create visibility issues and potential safety hazards, especially if it happens while driving. Additionally, one complaint mentions a similar issue with the panoramic moonroof shattering. Potential buyers should be aware of these reported issues, as they could impact safety and repair costs.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports
Owner complaints16
VISIBILITY
Owners of the 2019 Acura RDX frequently report that the rear windshield or tailgate glass shatters unexpectedly, often without any apparent impact. This issue typically occurs when the vehicle is parked, and the door is opened or closed, but it can also happen while driving. Complaints often reference Technical Service Bulletin 22-014, although many vehicles with this issue are not covered by it. The failure is reported across a wide mileage range, from approximately 24,000 to 126,000 miles. No crashes or injuries are reported in connection with the shattering glass, but the issue may pose a safety risk due to the sudden nature of the failure and potential for glass debris.
Owner complaints13
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Owners of the 2019 Acura RDX frequently report issues related to unexpected deceleration and loss of power, often described as the vehicle entering "limp mode" during acceleration. Common symptoms include the check engine light flashing, the vehicle failing to accelerate despite pressing the gas pedal, and the car stalling or decelerating unexpectedly, particularly when attempting to merge or pass on highways. These issues are sometimes noted in wet conditions, but not exclusively, with some reports occurring as early as 500 miles. Additionally, some owners experience unintended acceleration where the vehicle moves forward unexpectedly, even when the brake hold feature is engaged. Safety implications are significant, with several owners mentioning near-miss accidents due to sudden loss of power and unexpected vehicle behavior.
Owner complaints12
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Owners of the 2019 Acura RDX frequently report issues related to the fuel pump, with symptoms including vehicle stalling and sudden loss of power while driving at highway speeds. Several complaints highlight that the engine shuts down unexpectedly, posing significant safety risks, particularly when vehicles stall in traffic or on highways. Some owners mention receiving recall notifications related to the fuel pump, but they express frustration over the unavailability of replacement parts, which has persisted for over a year in some cases. These issues often arise regardless of mileage, as reports include both new and previously serviced vehicles. Buyers should be aware of potential safety hazards due to fuel pump failures, which can lead to dangerous driving situations.
Owner complaints12
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners report two primary issues with the 2019 Acura RDX's service brakes. First, multiple complaints highlight a persistent squeaking noise from the brakes, often described as loud and occurring consistently when stopping or applying pressure. This issue has been noted since purchase and persists despite multiple dealer visits, with no permanent fix provided by Acura. Second, some owners describe problems with the brake hold feature, where the brakes release unexpectedly when the engine auto start-stop system reactivates, potentially causing the vehicle to move forward unintentionally. These issues are reported across various mileage ranges, with some owners expressing safety concerns, particularly regarding the unexpected vehicle movement.
